Kayak Starved Rock Campground

I have to admit, in all of my camping exploits across 30+ states, this place is one of my favorites. If you are a kayaker and primitive tent camper, then CONGRATS!, you’ve just found Valhalla on earth! As my post from more than two years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

Highlights: (1) Closely located to I178 - and incredibly convenient if you are heading north / south off I39 or east / west from I80, this outpost is so easy to access, convenient and a major positive; (2) Sites are spacious, incredibly level, for the most part, well-shaded rendering a vibe that feels like a camping oasis in the middle of corn country ... oh, and it sits RIGHT ON the Illinois River, so if you're a kayaker like I am, you really can't get better than this; (3) Wonderful Midwestern hospitality with owner / operators that are kind, intuitive and welcome the opportunity to help at any chance they can; (4) Incredibly manicured grounds and well-taken care of facilities - we saw clear rake marks on our patch of land, despite the weekend prior being a Memorial Day 'party weekend'; (5) Very well maintained and impeccably cleaned restrooms & showers; and (6) Nearby town of Utica has some fantastic restaurants, gastropubs (yes, here, in the middle of nowhere), ice cream shops, cup cake bakeries and even a local wine tasting room!

Lowlights: (1) Closely located to I178 so noise can be a negative if you layup here during a busy season like the summer; (2) There’s not much in the way of shops and restaurants here on the property, so if you want anything of substance, either bring it with you or you’ll have to head back to Utica for a bite to eat, or even further afield to LaSalle-Peru to get it; and (3) While we absolutely loved it, some of our fellow camping neighbors complained about the noise and visual of passing by large barges that float up and down the Illinois River, but for us, that was like complaining about the mosquitos here in north central Illinois during July (dude, just bring repellant and you'll be fine).

Happy Camping!

We had an enjoyable weekend here relaxing and getting away from the city. We booked site 152 right from the website. The previsit instructions and tips were very helpful. We arrived and were greeted by a very friendly camp host and checkin went very smoothly. We found our site which was close to the Porta potties. The Porta potties were shockingly clean! The potties also have motion sensor lights in them for at night visits. They also have wipes, spray underarm deodorant, hand sanitizer and automatic air freshener. The potties smelled like bleach and it looked like they spray the inside down. Our campsite was wonderful and was on a point on the river that has a 180 degree view of the river. There is a picnic table and fire pit at the site and although the site was narrow the site was pretty deep so we could’ve put up multiple tents easily. We enjoyed cooking onsite with our Coleman stove but there is also a grill grate that folds over the fire pit as well. We took advantage of that for some steaks. Yum. One of the best attributes of this campground is its natural beauty. It’s right on the river and most all of the campsites are either river front or river view. We also of course took time out to hike at Starved Rock State Park. It’s a short 10minute drive away. The campground is actually situated directly across the river from starved rock. If you forget anything it’s also a short drive to either Ottawa or Utica for staples. All in all we enjoyed our visit and next time we visit we will definitely try out their kayak rentals.

There are places on this planet that leave an indelible mark on one's memory. Places where the beauty of Mother Nature manifests itself so vividly, and harmoniously, that it almost feels like a personal gift. One such place, an oasis of tranquility and beauty nestled in the Illinois wilderness, is the Kayak Starved Rock Campground. When you arrive at the campground, the first thing that greets you is the warm, genuine hospitality of the staff. Their dedication to providing an unmatched camping experience is palpable from the very first moment. They are knowledgeable about the area, always ready to help with a smile, and seem genuinely invested in making sure every visitor has an unforgettable time. The campground itself is a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. The campsites are impeccably clean and well-maintained, spacious enough for both privacy and a sense of community. Whether you're setting up a two-person tent or a pop up or tear drop, you'll find a site that accommodates your needs perfectly.One of the most endearing features of Kayak Starved Rock Campground is its integration with the natural environment. Each campsite is thoughtfully designed to minimize the impact on the environment, ensuring the preservation of the natural splendor of the region for generations to come. Trees and green spaces are abundant, offering pleasant shade during the day and a spectacular view of the starry sky at night. The activities on offer are another significant part of what makes the Kayak Starved Rock Campground stand out. The campground, being on the Illinois river, provides fantastic opportunities for kayaking. The calm, clear water is suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers. There's something deeply therapeutic about paddling along the tranquil water, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature. Moreover, Starved Rock State Park, with its numerous trails, waterfalls, and stunning views, offers the perfect setting for hiking, bird-watching, and nature photography. Even a leisurely walk through the park is a treat, with every trail offering new and exciting discoveries. The wildlife is diverse and plentiful, and the colors of the landscape shift beautifully with each season, making it a worthwhile visit any time of the year. The campground also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, making every visit unique. From guided nature walks to storytelling around the campfire, there's always something to make your stay at Kayak Starved Rock Campground even more special. Another point worth mentioning is the convenience of the campground. Provisions are never far away, with the campground store well-stocked with camping essentials, snacks, firewood, and bottled water. In conclusion, Kayak Starved Rock Campground is an outstanding camping destination, where the awe-inspiring power of nature is combined with top-notch facilities and exceptional service. It offers an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, a place where one can reconnect with nature and find a sense of peace and tranquility. Whether you are an avid outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking a serene escape, Kayak Starved Rock Campground is an experience not to be missed. It's not just a campground; it's a testament to the beauty of the natural world and the joy of outdoor exploration. It's no wonder why so many people, myself included, leave with the promise of returning.

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!