Before we begin, let me share 3 things with you: (1) I love camping, preferably primitive camping where I get to pitch my tent, leaving the comforts of modern civilization behind in the hopes of returning to a more primordial existence where, I believe, one can commune best with nature; (2) There is no more sublime activity than being on the water and paddling with both hard toil and earned sweat to discover nature at its most pristine, and along the way, hopefully witness some amazing wildlife; and (3) I am from the area of Starved Rock, a place that not only symbolizes the resilience I have learned through both patience and perseverance, but because I know these parts, I can lend you my thoughts on how best to both discover and enjoy this most amazing outcrop of what natural bliss can be found here on the banks of the Illinois River Valley along with unparalleled Midwestern charm that awaits you.
With this prelude, when I first came across Kayak – Starved Rock – Campground, I thought to myself, without even having ever visited the place before … this must surely be one of the most amazing places on earth for me to encounter nature, right? To be clear, I would be able to pitch my tent, stare up at the starry night, listen to the shrieks of wildlife in the full moon illuminated dark sky only to wake early in the morn to fire up my pot of coffee as I planned with my mates the watery sojourns we would have on the mighty Illinois River all while staring up at the sheer cliffs of the startling façade of Starved Rock. So, I asked myself the question, “Am I in heaven already?” No, however, I don’t think I could have found a spot so perfect for me and my outdoor adventures than Kayak Starved Rock Campground.
While there are plenty of campgrounds on the southern side of the Illinois River, they face nothing that marshals the majestic views of being on the opposite side of this same major river tributary and looking southernly where you will truly appreciate the grand view of Starved Rock, complete with its arresting, sheer cliff, where you can only imagine how the legend of the Pontiac tribe shaped the stories that then formed the legacy of hardship, heartbreak and downfall that can be found here in the campfire stories that persist to this day.
Simply put, there is no other campground that I know of within the vicinity of Starved Rock SP that ostensibly sits on the water’s edge offering both a southernly view of absolute natural beauty ... nothing but riverfront primitive campsites to choose from ... all within the nearby quaint community of Utica that feels so welcoming and hospitable as this. As for the campground itself, Kayak Starved Rock offers up about 50 primitive campsites that are 100% marked exclusively for tent camping (sorry RVers and 5th Wheelers, but you’ll have to go back to the concrete paved lots for your slightly compromised outing in nature).
And while you don’t have to come packing a kayak or canoe, where this same campground would be more than happy to rent you one of their own, you do need to come here braced for absorbing an absolute primitive style of camping. You will not have electricity, A/C, heat or even running water that you can drink. On the contrary, you will have flat land right on the banks of the Illinois River where you can set up your tent for the night (or many) and are offered up a fire ring and pull-down BBQ grill. Apart from the absolute beautiful riverfront vista, these are your only amenities.
Insider’s tips? Let me share my best:(1) If you have never sojourned to Starved Rock SP, you’re in for a real treat. With more than 13 miles of trails and nearly 20 canyons to trek through, there’s no shortage of absolute amazing hiking that awaits you. Add to this the fact that just kitty-corned from Starved Rock SP is lesser-known Matthiessen SP, this adds another 5+ miles of additional trails through some pretty amazing carved valleys and dells; (2) As you no doubt have arrived to Kayak Starved Rock Campground expecting some pretty amazing kayaking adventures, do make sure you shore up at Plum Island, where you can anchor and explore this small island– in fact, bring a blanket and picnic basket and make a day of it; (3) After living primitive for a while, you may want to take it easy for a meal (or two) and if so, you’re in luck, as the very nearby town of Utica has plenty of great options, including Lodi Tap Room, although just nearby and due north of Kayak Starved Rock Campground is a phenomenal little gem called Captain’s Cove, which offers up some fairly amazing seafood all with a beautiful view of the Illinois River; (4) Providing you bring your own kayak, while you can avoid paying the rental fee, you will still be charged a $10 launch fee; (5) Recently, having listened to some of the other reviews here and feedback from other campers, KSRC spread out their campsites offering up more space per individual campsite, which was a definite improvement and IMHO, I would highly recommend those campsites that sit right in front of the river with those being on the east side closer to the water; and (6) If you are on the search for the absolute best fried chicken in the world, while slightly further afield in Ladd due west on Route 80 from where you are at, you have to visit this chicken shack for the best deep friend foul you will ever have.
Happy Camping!
