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The best camping near Starved Rock State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Starved Rock adventure.

97% (24 reviews)
97% (24 reviews)

Gushing waterfalls, ice sculptures, white-tailed deer and soaring eagles offer year-round excitement  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Starved Rock State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Starved Rock State Park

97%
(235)

East Woods on the IL River

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents25 acres ¡ Ottawa, IL
This 25 acre parcel was once owned by a sand mining company. There are mounds and valleys all along the Illinois River. We purchased the property in 1987, and cut in the road. The city of Ottawa recently annexed the property into the Ottawa city limits. It's like owning our own wild park.
from 
$40
 / night
99%
(235)

Horseshoe Bend

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents120 acres ¡ Roanoke, IL
Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. Nice trails for hiking or biking. There is even a small "race track" in the bottom bowl near the creek.
from 
$20
 / night
90%
(90)

Kayak Starved Rock Campground

32 sites ¡ RVs, Tents42 acres ¡ Ottawa, IL
we allow primitive tent camping, tear drop campers, pop up campers. we are right on the illinois river across from Starved Rock State Park. Towering views of St. Peters sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and sandy islands. We are primitive. no water no electric. Just beautiful riverside camping with ultra clean pimped out porta potties that have wipes, underarm spray deodorant, air freshener and hand sanitizer. Please note kayak rentals or guided kayak tours are not included but may be purchased onsite or from our website kayak starved rock campground KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the KSRC office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. WE DO NOT ALLOW GUESTS! ANYONE ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE REGISTERED AHEAD OF TIME AS A CAMPER AND PAID FOR! All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 NO GENERATORS!!!!! NO MUSIC IS TO BE PLAYED THROUGH SPEAKERS AT ANY TIME QUIET HOURS ARE FROM 10PM TO 7AM THAT MEANS NO NOISE WHATSOEVER. Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again. IF YOUR CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PARKING PASS IT WILL BE TOWED AT YOUR EXPENSE! Check-in is at 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 3:00 pm. Footwear must be worn at all times in the camping area. The speed limit is 10mph in the campground. We have Jumbo wood bundles for sale($8) at the front office. You may not use any wood(>3”diameter) found within the campground for your campfire. Swimming is prohibited from any beach in the campground. You may wade up to your thighs however, ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES we do allow well behaved leashed dogs at this campground(please be advised that Eagles can harm small dogs. we are not responsible if your dog inflicts harm/and or injures Glass containers/bottles of any sort are prohibited in the campground. Garbage must be bagged and placed into the Dumpster within the Campground upon leaving. If any garbage is left at your site you will be charged a $50 cleaning fee. No fires permitted except in fire rings. Absolutely no firearms or fireworks! IF FOUND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. No ATVs, dirt bikes, motorized scooters (battery or gas) WE are not responsible for damage or theft of your personal belongings. Please leave all valuables at home. WE DO ALLOW WELL BEHAVED LEASHED DOGS AT THIS LOCATION ONLY 2 DOGS MAX PER CAMPSITE
from 
$39
 / night
98%
(156)

Welcome to our Magical Woods

9 sites ¡ RVs, Tents16 acres ¡ IL
Peaceful & enchanting. Very rustic and private. 
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(13)

Angel Creek

15 sites ¡ Tents18 acres ¡ Sheridan, IL
Angel Creek is a stunningly forested primitive campground that provides an array of tent camping spaces suitable for couples, family gatherings, and everything in between. Owned and managed by the Garcia family, campers will undoubtedly recognize and appreciate the meticulous hard work and attention to detail dedicated to each site, trail, and overall experience at Angel Creek.
from 
$40
 / night
98%
(60)

Rancho Comienzo

3 sites ¡ Tents57 acres ¡ Sheridan, IL
Rancho Del Comienzo is located at the intersection of Somonauk Creek and the Fox River. 150+ years ago, it was a commonly used Native American encampment. Now it is the site of Rancho Del Comienzo Hay and Horses. We ask that if you find an arrowhead that you respect the land and leave it where it lays. Somonauk Creek is a known spawning ground of musky and other Illinois river fish. There is access to both the Fox River and Somonauk Creek for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and other water-activities! We have two unique camping sites that are level and allow campfires. We look forward to hosting you!
from 
$45
 / night
98%
(26)

Bear Bottom Ranch

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents32 acres ¡ Millbrook, IL
Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Come and enjoy our 32 acres of wooded property where a creek runs through. We have gorgeous oak trees and walnut trees all throughout the property. Ifare looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have two unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property, keeping to ourselves. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(5)

2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue

1 site ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Princeton, IL
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Located at 2nd Hand Ranch & Rescue, this tiny house in the timber was built to share the beauty of nature with folks that want to camp.... but not really camp. This 12x12 house is off grid with a cute outhouse nestled in the timber behind the wildlife rescue. Relax and unplug for the weekend and know 100% of the fee goes to the animal rescue. We bring your supplies up via Gator as you hike the trail up. PLEASE NOTE: NO RUNNING WATER/SHOWERS
from 
$125
 / night

Lake Thunderbird Camping

1 site ¡ RV2 acres ¡ Putnam, IL
A beautiful wooded lot approximately 2 acres in size with plenty of open space, large in ground fire pit, and spacious flat driveway for larger vehicles. Adjacent to dedicated open space and park within walking distance with such amenities as frisbee golf, putting greens, and a playground. Around the corner from clubhouse with pool and lake views.
from 
$40
 / night

The best camping near Starved Rock State Park guide

Overview

About

Melting snow and spring rains create dazzling seasonal waterfalls in a dozen-plus canyons. Steep sandstone walls carved by ancient glacier meltdowns create striking topography that’s unusual for Illinois. Hiking trails provide easy access to the most-scenic St. Louis, Wildcat and French Canyons.

While the spring brings cascading water, winter creates its own beauty in this park. The water repeatedly freezes and melts, creating ever-changing ice sculptures. Cross-country skiing is permitted in winter, and ice climbing is allowed if conditions permit.

Staying in the park can be as rustic or glamorous as you like. The on-site lodge and conference center offers log cabins with original knotty pine paneling. Also available are updated hotel rooms, an indoor pool, and a sauna.

The sprawling campground has 133 premium sites with electricity. Campsites include grill pits, and open grassy areas are conducive to tents. If you’re not up for cooking, the lodge has a restaurant and lounge.

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