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.
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.
Drink in the beauty of 18 epic canyons that were formed by ancient glacial meltwater and stream erosion when you crash at Starved Rock Campground. The unique canyons slice through forested sandstone bluffs, creating unique scenic views all around. There is also no shortage of adventures and explorations to be had here, with plenty of nature trails Read more...
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There is no entrance fee to hike at Starved Rock State Park. However, if you plan to park your vehicle at the park, there may be a parking fee during peak times, such as weekends and holidays. The parking fee is typically around $5 per vehicle for non-residents and $1 for Illinois residents. Enjoy your hike at Starved Rock State Park!
The number of days you need at Starved Rock State Park depends on your interests and how much time you want to spend exploring the park. For a satisfying visit, plan for at least one full day, which will give you enough time to hike a few trails, take in the beautiful waterfalls, and enjoy the scenic views of the Illinois River. If you want to explore more trails and immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty, consider spending two to three days. This will also give you time to visit the nearby Matthiessen State Park, which offers additional hiking opportunities and unique geological features. To fully enjoy Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding area, consider staying at campgrounds or cabins available in and around the park.
Yes, you can camp at Starved Rock State Park by staying at one of the designated camping areas. The park offers a campground with over 120 tent and RV campsites. You can also stay at the Starved Rock Lodge, which provides hotel rooms, cabins, and a variety of amenities. It is important to note that camping is only allowed in designated areas and not throughout the park. To learn more about camping options at Starved Rock, visit Hipcamp.
Starved Rock State Park
Gushing waterfalls, ice sculptures, white-tailed deer and soaring eagles offer year-round excitement
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
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.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Starved Rock State Park
Drink in the beauty of 18 epic canyons that were formed by ancient glacial meltwater and stream erosion when you crash at Starved Rock Campground. The unique canyons slice through forested sandstone bluffs, creating unique scenic views all around. There is also no shortage of adventures and explorations to be had here, with plenty of nature trails Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hike at Starved Rock State Park?
There is no entrance fee to hike at Starved Rock State Park. However, if you plan to park your vehicle at the park, there may be a parking fee during peak times, such as weekends and holidays. The parking fee is typically around $5 per vehicle for non-residents and $1 for Illinois residents. Enjoy your hike at Starved Rock State Park!
How many days do you need at Starved Rock State Park?
The number of days you need at Starved Rock State Park depends on your interests and how much time you want to spend exploring the park. For a satisfying visit, plan for at least one full day, which will give you enough time to hike a few trails, take in the beautiful waterfalls, and enjoy the scenic views of the Illinois River. If you want to explore more trails and immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty, consider spending two to three days. This will also give you time to visit the nearby Matthiessen State Park, which offers additional hiking opportunities and unique geological features. To fully enjoy Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding area, consider staying at campgrounds or cabins available in and around the park.
Can you camp at Starved Rock State Park?
Yes, you can camp at Starved Rock State Park by staying at one of the designated camping areas. The park offers a campground with over 120 tent and RV campsites. You can also stay at the Starved Rock Lodge, which provides hotel rooms, cabins, and a variety of amenities. It is important to note that camping is only allowed in designated areas and not throughout the park. To learn more about camping options at Starved Rock, visit Hipcamp.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —