Camping in Starved Rock State Park

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

97% (24 reviews)

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

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Stories from the community

Tom

3 days ago

Tent

4 nights at East Woods on the IL River

This was our 13th time at Katie's property, and we loved it even more!

Weekend Trip to Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

Beautiful property! me and my friends had a lot of fun, the only thing I would recommend is if you’re getting a tent, to make sure it’s in the shade or under trees other wise your tent will get HOT and the ac won’t do much during the day. Also there are a lot of spiders so make sure to bring insect killer spray.

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

Although I did not stay at Bumpy's Hollow (something came up) the staff were extremely attentive, and easy to communicate with. The staff told me exactly what to expect from the experience. They gave me my refund back when I would not have with such short notice. I have know doubt I would have enjoyed myself.

Weekend Trip to Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

My husband and almost 3 year old son had a blast at Rabbit Run! The 20 foot yurt had a bed, inflatable futon, cute inflatable orange chair, two end tables, and a chest with more blankets. Sam was amazing and gave us a fan and some portable battery packs because it was a hot, 90 degree day. The site is tucked into the forest and we drove past it multiple times because it's so hidden! There's a massive hammock, table with chairs, and a fire pit. We were able to cook breakfast in the morning. It unfortunately rained most of the night after 7pm, which Sam warned us about. But we stayed warm and dry in the yurt and the sound of the rain was enchanting and helped us sleep. The Learning Center was a short walk away. There was a bathroom with a shower, some toys for our kiddo, and a fridge for our food. They have pizza nights most Saturdays, but not on 4th of July weekend. We went on the farm tour in the morning and our son got to play with goats, sheep, and dogs and see chicks and chickens. Seeing him so happy was easily my favorite part of the trip! The campsite is 40 minutes away from Starved Rock, but we didn't go because it would have been so crowded on the holiday. Next time! Thank you for such a wonderful getaway, only 2 hours away from Chicago! We needed it.

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

Heidi was a wonderful host! The site was private, clean, easy to find and even came with firewood. Would definitely recommend.

Nadir

6 days ago

1 night at Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

The best experience I ever had while camping. The place was so beautiful and the people are so welcoming.

1 night at Welcome to our Magical Woods

Had a great time. Heidi and tiller are great hosts!!!

Cristiane

1 week ago

2 nights at Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

The whole experience was amazing! Sam has so much knowledge and gives us hope that when most farmers follow this model, our food supply will be healthier, sustainable and long-lasting. We can grow together as a better community and the new generations will thrive even more. I'm coming back soon and will continue to support in any way I can. 😀

2 nights at Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

We had a great time on the farm! Our kids loved playing with the animals, spent hours on the playground, and cooled off on a hot day by wading in the nearby creek. And we all enjoyed Sam’s informative and entertaining sunset tour around the property. As an added treat, we were there on a day when U-pick blueberries were open - some of the best we have had! The tent was plenty big for 2 adults/2 kids, and had everything we needed for an easy and comfortable stay.

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

I absolutely loved the site. Super easy to navigate to. secluded from the othesites so you’re not on top of eachother. Site is well shaded and the toilet is 187 steps from the site. The self serve firewood was also a huge plus! We plan on coming back in the fall!

1 night at Welcome to our Magical Woods

The place we stayed at was great and we had a ton of fun!! Heidi is such a sweet, kind host, she was a ton of help with getting our stuff back to camp! There’s an option for free camp games and she provides water, eggs, and other goodies. Overall great place and a great host with cute doggies!

Marlem

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

Second time there and I loved it once again. The growth of this place is beautiful to witness. Very nice set up and hospitality!

Weekend Trip to Horseshoe Bend

Great spot with many amenities and a friendly, responsive host. I can’t wait to visit again!

Weekend Trip to East Woods on the IL River

We had another great stay. The campsite was very relaxing. It was nice to be able to cool off at a small beach in the Illinois River on the property. We will definitely be staying here again!

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

Heidi is a great host! We stayed for just one night so that we could be close to Mathieson State Park. Our campground was comfortable and well-appointed. We stopped by her farm to visit her horses, goats, chickens, and other pets.

Weekend Trip to Welcome to our Magical Woods

We had a great weekend. The kids absolutely loved all the animals, the host was friendly and very helpful and the campsite was very spacious and maintained.

Weekend Trip to Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

Very private area with nice walking trails. They give you a tour of the land where you get a chance to see how they run the farmstead. Great people work there and they are very informative and hospitable. Sam is quick with response time through the app, so we were never sitting wondering what was going on. Had a lovely little escape from the city.

Carol

1 week ago

1 night at Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

I had fun. Sam was really informative would recommend taking a tour.

2 nights at Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

Sam was kind enough to let us camp in a different tent than what we had reserved due to the extreme heat. All the sites were beautiful and had different views of forests or gardens. Sam let us feed the goats which the kids loved! The only bummer was the zipper of our yurt was busted and we were nervous about animals or bugs getting in. We were able to work with it though! Sam is a great host on a beautiful piece of land. This was our second trip there and we would love to return again!

1 night at East Woods on the IL River

We had a great time camping by the Illinois river. In addition to the 20+ acres of land all to yourself, there are three spots that most will be find best suited to pitch up their shelter. Two are situated by the rainbow pond with one having a great overlook of the pond, with the third set up in a wonderful spot next to the river with tons of tree cover and no brush. Katie did a great job showing us around the property and giving a brief history of the place. When we stayed, there was a heat advisory issued, which was not an issue at the river spot. The coolness of the water was carried by the wind, combined with the shade made it quite comfortable even with the heat. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone who is interested in staying here. There is plenty of space for any type of tent, hammock, or even staying inside your vehicle, although you might have a tough time driving through with a smaller car.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Starved Rock State Park

97%

(24)

Starved Rock Campground

128 sites · RVs, Tents In Starved Rock State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Starved Rock State Park

99%

(535)

Horseshoe Bend

15 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Roanoke, IL

Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. We offer a very unique experience that you will not find any public campground. I many ways we have a "private state park". Nice trails for hiking or biking. There is even a small "race track" in the bottom bowl near the creek. There are several direct access points to the creel for fishing or wading. We have miles of marked trails that are easy for everyone. Horseshoe Bend Main is a larger campground with four dispersed sites which a very spread out. This site has (3) 30 amp outlets for RV's. Porta potties are also provided. The Horseshoe Bend Creekside sites are designated spots that are on the West Panther creek bank. There are porta potties, but no electric or water.

99%

(98)

Glamping+Goats+Gardens 175Acre Farm

9 sites · Lodging175 acres · Tiskilwa, IL

🐐 Hungry World Farm: Glamping, Camping & Animal Encounters on a Working Regenerative Farm Looking for something more meaningful than just a campground? Welcome to Hungry World Farm—175 acres of forests, pastures, gardens, creeks, and animals where every visit connects people with the land, food, and each other. Just two hours west of Chicago, 45 minutes north of Peoria, and 35 minutes from Starved Rock State Park, our nonprofit educational farm offers a totally different overnight experience—one rooted in regeneration, organic farming, community, and joy. What Makes Hungry World Farm Different? You don’t just sleep under the stars—you wake up to the sound of goats bleating, chickens scratching, and the scent of dew on rich, healthy soil. Our 16 new glamping tents and campsites (cabin and apartments too) are nestled across rolling pastures and forests, offering sweeping views and proximity to daily farm life. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a family adventure, you'll be immersed in: 🐐 Baby Goat Snuggling & Animal Encounters 🌱 Working Regenerative Farm Experiences 🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza Nights on select Saturdays 🌳 Trails, Playgrounds, and Stargazing Opportunities Lodging Options: 🛖 Glamping Tents – Furnished with queen beds and solar electric, some deep in forest on ridges, some near playground/flat lawn for families w/small children. Some remote, others next to each other or families vacationing together. ⛺ Rustic Campsites – Private, peaceful, and surrounded by nature 🏡 Cabin, Apartments – So your friends that need AC/shower can have those comforts Other Experiences: 🐄 Guided Farm Tours of gardens, animals, and pastures 🛠️ Volunteer Days and Hands-On Learning Projects 📚 Seasonal Workshops in gardening, composting, and more 🥬 Farmstand Access (in-season) with eggs, produce, and preserves Perfect For: 2 or more families/friends, Nature lovers and first-time campers, Eco-friendly wedding parties. On-Site Amenities: - Fire pits at every site, with wood and other camping needs available for purchase- Portapotties and a public restroom located on the farm (not officially part of the campground but accessible)

88%

(151)

Kayak Starved Rock Campground

41 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Ottawa, IL

Waterfront Primitive Camping we allow primitive tent camping(whole campground), tear drop campers & pop up campers(sites 60 and up) and campervans(whole campground) 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 Check-in time Mon-Thurs 3:00 pm-5:30PM Friday-Sun 3:00PM-7:30PM Check-out time is 3:00 pm. 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. 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, drones or 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

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.

92%

(82)

Bear Bottom Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Millbrook, IL

Welcome to Bear Bottom Ranch! Our entrance is marked by 2 cross crossed American flags. 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. If you looking for a private camping experience, this place is for you. We usually have a couple horses on the property and I have 3 unleashed dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. We will be at the top of the property. We hope you’ll enjoy our place!

99%

(109)

Angel Creek

21 sites · Tents18 acres · Sheridan, IL

Angel Creek is a carefully manicured, 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, hiking trail, and overall experience at Angel Creek.

Welcome to our Magical Woods

9 sites · Tents16 acres · Marseilles, IL

Peaceful and enchanting. Very rustic and private. we are in the best part of the Illinois wilderness. Our woods transport you a world away, yet you are just a short walk from your vehicle and a short drive to Starved Rock, numerous parks, lakes, hiking, fishing and boating sites, stores, and restaurants. We have 4 well spaced campsites complete with fire pit, picnic table and a couple of chairs ready for you at your campsite. Rent 1 or rent them all! Just bring your tent or your hammock! Your initial firewood . lighter, trash and recycling cans, and firestarters are brought to your site before you arrive. Our "camp host" Tiller the big lovable doggo will patrol to scatter any trash pandas that might happen by. We keep track of him using GPS, so we know if He is hanging with you around the campfire. When his collar lights up and plays a tune, it's time for him to come home! Please send him on his way - thank you. We are LBGTQ+ and Very Family Friendly. Everyone is welcome here. Message us when you are 30 minutes out, so we can you our tractor to help bring your things to your site. Same at check out. Just let us know 30 mins before you are ready to go and we will help you pack out! Sorry you will not be able to drive your vehicle to your site. This keeps the woods quiet for all of our guests. Each site is just a few hundred feet from the parking area. The magical woods is located along the bridle trails behind our horse farm. Sorry, we do not offer trail rides as we have show horses. However you are welcome to arrange a visit to meet the animals when you arrive. We have horses, a miniature horse, a mule, miniature sheep and a very sweet goat named Hairy. There are about 50 chickens wandering the yard all day and we have 3 dogs and 3 cats that are always around. They are used to other dogs. At night we have a lovely lullaby of owls, night birds, insects and frogs. Sometimes you can even hear sounds from the Illinois River and railway a miles away. Barges, trains (not many) tug boats, and the interesting sounds that come with them. Listen carefully, can you tell them apart?

97%

(311)

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.

100%

(30)

Paradise Quarry

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Sugar Grove, IL

Welcome to our beautiful property! This is a very special place, located an hour from Chicago and only minutes from the west suburbs, you will be transported to another time! This has to be the best “swimming/ fishing hole” in Chicagoland and you can have it all to yourself. The property features 20 acres of woods, prairie and an 8 acre lake!!! The lake is crystal clear because it’s so deep (reportedly 125 ft) and is sandy on the bottom. We created a massive beach area with many camping spots to choose from. The kids will love exploring the trails on foot and on bike. Everyone will love lounging under the umbrellas on the comfy chaise lounges and enjoying the views. You won’t want to leave, but if you need to restock, there a gas station 1/4 mile away and full service grocery store and restaurant under a mile away. We even get pizza delivered! There’s a nice driveway of gravel that leads to a nice open field for RV campers. Tent campers can continue to the beach and set up in style. The property was once an active quarry and was then basically abandoned for 40-50 years. Nature took over over, Trees matured, the stocked lake grew some massive fish. A few years ago we started camping out there and just loved it. We’ve worked hard to make it amazing and we want to share it with you.

95%

(97)

Millbrook Trail Rides

1 site · Tent50 acres · Newark, IL

We are a horse farm that offers trail riding to the public. We have 50 acres of wooded land with a creek running through it. We have plenty of space and we are happy to provide you with a fun camping experience! Our campsite is private and convenient. Please be warned that a loud train goes through at night!

98%

(21)

Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers

10 sites · Tents5 acres · Big Rock, IL

Local Farm. Close enough to socialize. Far enough away to matter. Next door to “‘More Polish Pottery” in Big Rock IL. Near Dekalb, Sandwich, Plano, Hinkley, Big Rock, Aurora, and Sugar Grove. Many sites, bars, shops, and places to eat. Touching Big Rock forest preserve. Features egg stand. Private setting. Fire pit. Multiple spots to choose from. Great views. Pet friendly. Local showers and pool at local Plano YMCA. May see farm animals up close and personal. Please leave them at site. 11 min or less to Raging Waves Water Park. It’s right down the road! An hour commute or less to Chicago. Open May 1 through Sept 30 (extended due to nice weather so if you can book it. You can stay.) The end of the season this year will be September 30th. And then we will be closed for the winter until May first. Unless otherwise specified. Usually closed for the winter months. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center up the road. Goat Yoga and Wholly Bean close by. Local forest preserve has toilets or bring your own porti-john. Bring your horses. Set up a temp spot. We have the space. And there is riding at the forest preserve right around the corner. Camp with your HORSES! We have a swing set and small child play sets. A trampoline. A tire swing. Y’all are more than welcome to use it. Just be respectful and make sure your children do not harm our land, animals, or gardens. 💕🙏

96%

(14)

Avalon Unity Garden

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Tampico, IL

This garden is intended to help people connect to Mother Earth. There is room for yoga or meditation with the plants. You can sleep in a tent, or your vehicle. It has a walkable spiral, an 18’ Mother Earth sculpture, an earth lodge for ceremonies and a hexagon swing area. It’s located in a very small farm community. We are about a mile from the Hennepin canal where you can walk, fish or canoe.

Camping in 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.

97%

24 ratings · 10 reviews

Mixed feelings

· November 2018

Starved Rock Campground

Crowded!

Mike D.

6 years on Hipcamp

July 2018

Starved Rock Campground

Definitely come to Starved Rock for the hiking. Dog friendly trails as long as they’re on leash. We came off season, around October, so we didn’t get the big crowds or see any raccoons. Facilities were pretty clean too! Highly recommend camping off season!

Michael E.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2018

Starved Rock Campground

Beautiful canyons

Bill M.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2018

Starved Rock Campground

Prepare for a lot of people. Popular site but great for those looking to get away in the Midwest.

Alena C.

7 years on Hipcamp

December 2016

Starved Rock Campground

Starved Rock is a lot of fun if you go in the off-season or early in the morning. I went in late October thinking no one would be out and found it was physically difficult to walk on the Starved Rock paths because there were so many people - you had to turn sideways! The campgrounds were even full and parking was overflow as people parked on the streets leading into the area. I suggest going in the morning in the winter as it's gorgeous. Wear yaktraks or similarly tractioned footing as the walkways can be very slippery. The waterfalls are beautiful when frozen!

Hatie P.

8 years on Hipcamp

November 2016

Starved Rock Campground

Should you hike at Starved Rock? Heck yeah, it's gorgeous. Should you try to find a place to camp there? Not if you want to sleep. I've tried camping at the campgrounds within the park twice now (probably closer to seven times if you count the times I looked and the sites were all booked.) I absolutely love this park, but the campgrounds flood, the raccoons have formed a food-jacking motorcycle gang, and the other campers don't understand "quiet time." Go for the waterfalls and the trails, but stay at one of the private campgrounds nearby.

Alexandra V.

8 years on Hipcamp

July 2016

Starved Rock Campground

Stayed here back in 2006. The campsites are typical for state parks, close. I didn't keep which site we were at. Modern bathrooms & showers. The hiking is fantastic! There's a beautiful visitor center also. We stayed 3 nights & explored the area.

Cynthia K.

9 years on Hipcamp

September 2015

Starved Rock Campground

There are three state parks right around here and this is a fun destination. The raccoons at this campground are very aggressive. As night falls, they come up from the canyons near the campground. Five of them trotted right past us.

Heather S.

9 years on Hipcamp

August 2015

Starved Rock Campground

Love Starved Rock for hiking, but not camping. Hickory Hollow is 2 miles away and we always prefer to stay there. Family owned, nice grounds, and away from the crowds. Day hike at starved rock, but stay at any other camping resort outside of the park.

Elva D.

9 years on Hipcamp

July 2015

Starved Rock Campground

Starved Rock is a great place to hike but the campground is nearly always crowded and loud... not to mention expensive. Great place for a family get-together, since the bathrooms/showers are relatively decent, but look elsewhere for peaceful camping.