Guide to Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Even though it’s only an hour and a half away from Chicago, Starved Rock State Park in Illinois feels like a world away. Between the Illinois River, caverns, and other outdoor adventures, it’s a great way to get away from city life or just commune with nature no matter from where you’re visiting.
Starved Rock State Park has enough to see to merit a full RV vacation, but it’s also a perfect stopover on a longer RV road trip. It’s often called the top attraction in Illinois. And, because Illinois has a lot of them, it’s a great compliment. While its name is derived from rather gruesome Native American folklore, today Starved Rock State Park is a jewel in the Midwest and a must-stop for a good, old-fashioned road trip.
There are more than 13 miles of hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park. They vary in length and difficulty, and you’ll see a variety of plant and wildlife on each trail. That makes it easy to pick one or two for a nice day trip or stay inside the park and plan to do all of them.
Many of the trails intersect, which allows you to “choose-your-own-adventure” when you’re hiking. There are seven recommended trail combinations to check out while you’re in the park:
The Illinois River makes for beautiful boating and kayaking. There are even paddle boats available to take out. A nearby dam creates undercurrents so it’s not safe to get near, but otherwise, renting a kayak (or bringing your own) is a great idea in Starved Rock State Park.
Because the water in the river and canyons isn’t safe to swim in, kayaking and boating are the best ways to enjoy it. If you don’t want to go it alone, there are guided tours you can take that will make sure you see all of the cliffs and waterfalls accessible by kayak.
The Midwest is known for being quite a fishing haven, and Starved Rock is no exception. From a boat, kayak, or even a paddle boat – if you’re feeling it – you can fish the area’s waters. Bring your own gear to make sure you’re able to take advantage of the water.
There are a wide variety of fish you can catch, including:
Again, it’s important to avoid the dam, as undercurrents can be dangerous.
There’s plenty of wildlife to enjoy in the Starved Rock State Park area, but one big draw comes every winter: bald eagles. Because the dam keeps water churning year-round, bald eagles are drawn to the area for the easy fishing.
Bald eagles can be found particularly easily during winter months, sometimes in large numbers. If you’re a birder, or just enjoy taking in nature, seeing bald eagles at Starved Rock is a great way to spend part of your RV vacation.
One of the main draws to Starved Rock State Park are the canyons. There is a total of 18 that have been carved over thousands of years and now make for beautiful hiking areas. These canyon formations are actually quite rare in Illinois.
Along most canyons you can also find waterfalls, as springs and creeks are still flowing through the area. The canyons run for about four miles in the park and each have unique aspects, so it’s worth checking out all of them.
The Starved Rock State Park Campground boasts 129 campsites with electricity. The spots don’t have water, but there are water hydrants available throughout the park to refill your tanks if necessary. You’ll also find a dumping station for when you’re ready to pull out. The bath house offers hot showers and flush toilets.
The park is laid out with lots of grassy areas and paved areas that are perfect for finding a nice flat spot for your rental RV. Because you should never pack in your own firewood, Starved Rock offers 24-hour firewood vending, so you can get your campfire going and cook up something good. Reservations are encouraged, but not necessary—but showing up somewhere and not having a space to park is always a bummer, so try to plan ahead.
This resort in nearby Marseilles is affordable and a nice place to stop and enjoy a home-away-from-home while you visit Starved Rock during the day. Glenwood RV Resort offers a wide variety of spots and amenities. Some lots have sewers while others make use of a dump site. Private TV, internet, and even telephone hookups are all available. There are also lots of places for kids to enjoy, like volleyball and basketball courts.
Less than two hours from Chicago, the LaSalle / Peru KOA is a lovely place to enjoy a few nights. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) have a great reputation as RV parks, and you sit right between Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. The pool is open most of the summer, and Wi-Fi and cable TV hookups are also both available.
Pleasant Creek Campground is just five miles outside of Starved Rock, tucked away near the Vermillion River. It’s a lovely campground that still feels like you’re in the middle of the woods and a great alternative if you’re not staying in Starved Rock. A fishing pond, general store, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities all await you.
Troll Hollow is less a campground and more a second home to many travelers. It’s a place where many enjoy setting up their RV semi-permanently to come back and enjoy whenever they want. It’s a community-based atmosphere that still welcomes others to come-and-go and enjoy themselves. Stop by and enjoy the area for a few days; who knows, you may end up a part-time resident yourself.
Part of the joy of an RV is the kitchen and cooking out over a fire pit. But, if you find yourself in need of a good, hot meal or a cup of coffee that doesn’t come from a packet, both Starved Rock and the nearby town of Utica can help you fill that need. Enjoy the Lodge inside the park, or if you feel the need to get out of nature for a while, check out some of the local dining options in town.
In and around Utica, you’ll find dozens of restaurants worth dining at. There are many bar and grille-type restaurants that serve up burgers and steaks, plus fish restaurants near the Illinois River. For travelers who are 21 and older, you’ll find a beer taphouse and several bar-style restaurants as well. Family-friendly pizza is around, and don’t forget to pick up a croissant, bagel, or donut good from one of the bakeries in town.
You won’t have any trouble finding good food in and around Starved Rock State Park. Even if you’re just passing through for a night or two, Utica is a nice town to stop by and enjoy for a while. If nothing else, the views near the town are quaint and beautiful—right on the banks of the Illinois River.