Cabin camping is an amazing way to experience Eureka, while still enjoying a little rustic luxury. The Dyrt can help you find the best cabin camping destinations for your next trip. Each cabin offers quick access to one or more of Eureka's most popular destinations.
Hunting Closures this fall: November 18-21 & December 1-5
Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois River bluff in La Salle County is one of Illinois' most beautiful destinations. Camping near Starved rock features 18 canyons w/ vertical walls of moss-covered stone formed by glacial meltwater that slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs. More than 13 miles of trails allow access to waterfalls, fed season runoff or natural springs, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks. Lush vegetation supports abundant wildlife, while oak, cedar and pine grow on drier, sandy bluff tops. Camping near Starved Rock offers recreational opportunities abound, from hiking to camping to fishing, boating and hunting. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. The Starved Rock Visitor Center is open year-round, and the 1930s-era stone and log Starved Rock Lodge offers luxury lodging, cabin rooms, and fine dining. Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is a dream destination for a midwest nature getaway.
$25 - $35 / night
On the picturesque Upper Peoria Lake on the Illinois River, MillPoint RV Park offers 80 shaded full hookup sites on well-maintained gravel roads. Many of our sites are spacious pull-thrus designed for the biggest of big rigs. We also offer a cluster of cabin rentals, a designated tenting area, and several primitive camping areas for those who want to get as close as possible to nature. Nature literally surrounds us, including the Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve that directly adjoins the campground. There are acres of beauty for hiking, fishing, and boating – including access to the river and beach at Funks Run, along with a private spring-fed lake that is just waiting for you to cast your line to hook a potential trophy catch! Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available from March through November. The park is conveniently accessible to the nightlife, dining and casinos of Peoria and the surrounding area.
$18 - $100 / night
Pleasant Creek Campground is nestled in a wooded setting along a tributary of the Vermillion River, surrounded by rolling hills and mature trees. We are located 5 miles from the entrance of Starved Rock State Park in the gateway town of Oglesby, Illinois. Pleasant Creek Campground is quietly tucked away in the heart of the Illinois Valley and just minutes from unique shops, historical sites, recreational activities, and amazing dining! Campground Amenities: Spring-fed, stocked fishing pond Well supplied general store Creekside campsites On-site Trailers for rent New bathhouse and showers Basketball, Volleyball, and Tetherball Variety of sites available for RVs and tents Water & Electric available at most sites Game Room with ping pong, arcade games & more Dump Station on site and pump outs available Playground and an array of outdoor games Minutes from Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park
There are 17 Class AA campsites, 277 Class A campsites, 9 Class B/S campsites and 5 Class C campsites at Clinton Lake, with most adaptable to either tents, trailers or motor homes. The campground is open year-round with the exception of the full week prior to first firearm deer season. No entry is allowed in the Mascoutin area during that time, for a special firearm deer hunt. Showers and potable water are available from mid-April to November (weather depending). Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Reservations can be made online at the Reserve America website. Camping loops H, I, J and K are alcohol-free. Camp Quest Group Camp, located off Route 54 at Birkbeck, is an area for adults or youth groups and has room for 75. It provides a secluded wooded setting and has a large shelter with electricity, three RV pads with electrical hookups, toilets, tables, grills and water. No shower facilities are present at the group camp area. Portions of the Class AA, A and B/S and the group camp are handicapped accessible.
$10 - $30 / night
Situated on the immaculate waters of the Sankoty Aquifer, Sankoty Lakes is home to some of the cleanest, clearest water on earth. This wilderness retreat offers outdoor recreation, education and relaxation experiences like no other, including relaxed farm-to-table dining and unique Midwestern fly fishing experiences.
From camping at our beautiful RV resort, well-appointed cabins, and private glamping tents to our unique beachfront, beautiful trout stream and stunning lakeside views, we invite you to stay, play, and explore the great outdoors amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Central Illinois River Valley.
$59 - $89 / night
Kishauwau Cabins offers getaway cabins for short term rentals all year round. Our beautifully constructed cabins offer a blend of country charm equipped with modern conveniences. It's strictly cabin rentals here, no tent set ups or RV's.
Cell reception on our property is spotty & there is no way to know until you get here. We offer free guest wifi in our office to use for something quick (ie. check e-mail or look for things to do in the area but we do not allow people to sit in our office all day on the internet). We also do not allow kids to sit in here on it. We understand that some people need it for work or school and that's fine.
Our property is host to 17 cabins in varying sizes. Spacious and well equipped, these Illinois cabins are spread throughout 65 acres of beautiful wooded landscape on a bluff above the Vermilion River. Catering to large family reunions or a quiet, romantic getaway for 2, we are one of Illinois’ premier cabin rental destinations. Whether you’re putting together a family reunion, needing a family vacation cabin or just a romantic weekend getaway for two, Kishauwau Cabins has what you are looking for.
Each cabin rental comes equipped with basic pots, pans, cooking utensils, and dishes in the kitchen, a covered porch (most with porch swings), a personal outdoor fire pit, an indoor wood stove or gas fireplace (for wintertime use only; contact us for details), and much more.
Cabins in Illinois That Allow Dogs
What would a vacation be without everyone’s favorite family member? We welcome your dog with our four dog-friendly cabins on property.
We simply ask you read our pet policies listed under each dog friendly cabin in the “Cabins” tab or contact us prior to your trip.
Each dog will add an additional $20 plus tax per night to your reservation. Simply list 1 or 2 dogs in the pet field when booking on-line and the system will add the fee for you. I do ask that you notify me in e-mail that you have read and are fine with the policies as we are firm with those.
$129 - $499 / night
Scout
Met up with family to fit in one last night of tent camping for the year. They didn’t really take reservations and the pricing shifted on us (quoted $75 for 6 adults 4 kids over email, then $10 per person when we actually showed up) so that was a bit weird but I’m not too concerned bc it was still a great deal. This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldnt tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn’t quite line up with what we saw there. You’d come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that’s about it. It was just what we were looking for. Some people looked like they were going to try to fish but the water in the fishing area was low which makes me wonder if it gets really buggy in the summer. We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw—maybe 1/3 of other sites had RVs. Some seemed to be permanent so not sure if that is common? Views of the river were great, kindling was plentiful, and it was SO QUIET and peaceful at night! I usually don’t sleep the first night of camping because my brain has to tune in to the new noises but we got some good rest even with temps dipping down to 45. Would love to come back in the summer for longer.
Traveler
Stayed in the east loop, overlooking the ravine, had a small trail behind our site that was all wooded. Decent pines and brush separating sites on both sides. Didn't feel like the sites were on top of each other. Not too far from refill station, farther from toilets which is nice to reduce flies and bugs. We'll definitely stay here again.
Didn't bother with $9 bundle of firewood from the vending machine. Jacks had a wagon load of firewood for $20 cash, much better deal and it lasted for 3 nights.
Keep in mind the grounds are fully separated from the state park, you'll need to drive 8 to 10min to get to the hiking trails. Biking out of the campgrounds also didn't seem close enough with young kids.
Scout
Nice grassy sites, very vlean redtrooms.
TravelerVery friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for. Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!
Traveler
One of our favorite camping trips so far!
We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on.
Sites were somewhat open but there were tons of trees and grass behind each spot so it didn’t feel so exposed. We loved the option for fishing and swimming in a nearby watering hole.
We heard the toilets and shower house were brought a portable toilet since we have small kids who might not make it to the outhouse so we never used the campground toilet/facilities.
Definitely our vibe of being more secluded and on the water.
ScoutWe stayed in the east loop which is heavily wooded compared to the west loop. Site 99 has no grass but is very large - ended up camping behind the RV on a little point that overlooks a ravine. Very neat, rustic feel. Heavy tree canopy means no Starlink. Verizon and AT&T both had only 1 bar. TV was nearly impossible to hold a signal. From our site closest bathrooms were a short walk but are port-a-pots. Shower house is likely a drive away especially if you have women and children in your party. All of the Starved Rock State Park trails and sites to see are a drive away, not part of the campground. For me the most annoying thing we encountered… there must be a small airport nearby because there was nearly constant small planes buzzing around thought out the day. Would stay here again, but not a favorite.
Guide
Love to swim in the pool, play in the bags tournaments, enjoy the fundraiser in July for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, mini golf, basketball and theme weekends. My favorite is the chili cook off and Halloween weekends are a blast!!
ScoutThe place is nice and very quiet on weekdays. My only complaint is Rick who runs the place. I have not had good experiences with him. He really seems unhappy in his job. I heard him tell a good friend of mine while I was standing just feet away "... I hate managing the place".
ScoutWe had a fantastic time here. We came during Fourth of July and never felt like it was overly crowded. Sites were spacious but wasn’t much privacy, which didn’t bother us because it allowed for our kids to play with the other kids easily. Our site was adjacent to numerous paths that easily led to the beach, playground, the rocky path for fishing, and a secluded swimming hole. We couldn’t have asked for a better location for our family and our interests. We did not use the toilets or showers, although it looked like they were in working order as others were using then. We had a cloudless night and the stars were spectacular.
GuidePeaceful campground, well maintained, beautiful views of the Upper Peoria Lake/Illinois River. We enjoyed a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling. Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird.
ScoutI recently had the pleasure of visiting Starved Rock State Park, nestled on the Illinois River bluff in La Salle County, and it truly is one of Illinois' most breathtaking destinations. The park's unique geological formations, lush landscapes, and abundant recreational activities make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Scenic Beauty and Trails The park is renowned for its 18 canyons, with their vertical walls of moss-covered stone, formed by glacial meltwater. These canyons slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs, creating a stunning backdrop for exploration. I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks. The trails vary in difficulty, making them accessible for both casual walkers and avid hikers. My entire team of Student Life Saviour is planning to visit the part at: https://studentlifesaviour.com as they also loves outing.
Legend
Within LaSalle County or for that matter, the whole of north central Illinois, I don’t know of any other privately run, multi-campground locations like Pleasant Creek that offers a total of 6 separate, yet interconnected set of campgrounds, each with their own name, distinct culture, elevation (yes, I just said elevation in a state that is relatively flat, more on this later), price range, # and type of accommodations, amenities as well as access to them. This review highlights the Highlands Campground, but if you want to learn about Pleasant Creek more broadly, just keep reading further down.
While not in Scotland, this campground does sit highest of all the potential spots you could pick here at any one of the campgrounds you'll find here at Pleasant Creek. Unlike many of the other options, the Highlands are really just for RVs and 5th Wheelers, so if you are a tent camper, you will want to look at some of the other campgrounds like Outback, Creekside or Glades. If you do have an oversized or rather large RV / 5th Wheeler to contend with and are concerned about making the incline up to the Highlands, you might want to look at some of the other easier to access options. That said, after entering Pleasant Creek, you’ll pass the Office, Camp Store and Arcade on the left, where you’ll also notice a small (single hoop) basketball court on the right, passing by the primary community bathhouses, you’ll veer to the left where you’ll cross the lone bridge where you’ll proceed straight and upwards to arrive at the Highlands Campground.
Up here on this plateau overlooking the expanse of the entirety of Pleasant Creek multi-campground campus, there are 55 premium and deluxe RV slots available numbered #201– 228 and #253– 258 on the exterior of the single loop, and #229–#244 on the interior upper loop with #246– 252 on the interior lower loop, all with the traditional hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage). You’ll discover the lone playground that exists here at Pleasant Creek is in the center of the loop sitting atop this elevated ledge, while there is a temporary makeshift his / her bathroom but no shower facilities (you'll have to head down from whence you came to the valley where you'll find this amenity). Both the altitude up here along with the thick treeline creates a completely separate feel from the rest of Pleasant Creek, preserving a unique community vibe.
The biggest tip I could give you about staying at any of the campgrounds here at Pleasant Creek is that no matter which campground you select, you will be located just 5 miles from two of the best state parks that Illinois has to offer: Starved Rock SP and Matthiessen SP. Whether you are seeking a primitive tent camping experience in a deeply wooded forest or the perfect highly elevated RV outpost, like you will discover up here in the Highlands Campground, with all of the amenities (and more) that you are usually afforded or you are simply looking for deluxe cabin, porch chair swinging accommodations with all the creature comforts of home, Pleasant Creek has an option for you that will have you loving the best of the outdoors here in north central Illinois.
On the outskirts of the Illinois River Valley amongst thick, verdant forests of old Oaks, tall Pines and even weeping Willows, you’ll discover a tributary of the Vermillion River that carves through the Pleasant Creek campus, which is beset by rolling hills one moment and open grass prairie meadows the next, completely surrounded by some of the richest farmland in the country with endless rows of glistening golden sweet corn. And within just a short drive from Pleasant Creek, you’ll be able to access the best of 5+ miles of easy-to-moderate trail hiking at Matthiessen SP or the 13+ miles of easy-to-difficult trails and 18 canyons of Starved Rock SP. Want to kayak or canoe? Then you’ll have easy access to the mighty Illinois River. Horseback riding? Sure, in just about any direction, you’ll be able to rent a noble steed to take you through pristine grassy pastures. Archery? Tick! Really, there’s just about everything here for you to enjoy out here in nature in the middle of the Midwest. During the winter months, there’s even ice fishing, tobogganing and snow mobile trails to enjoy.
No matter what unique campground setting you find yourself in here at Pleasant Creek, there’s a bounty of amenities and options to enjoy: from newly renovated his / hers community bathroom and shower facilities, catch & release pond, camp store with a wide selection of dry goods, camping supplies and sundries, kid’s playground, elevated gazebo, water spigots, recreation room with community deck featuring chairs, tables & umbrellas, basketball court, volleyball court, wading pond, designated dump site, BBQ grills, covered pavilions and scattered picnic tables. One of the most noticeable improvements to Pleasant Creek is that they have recently upgraded the winding main entrance gravel road as well as widened a number of the road pathways reaching each of the individual campgrounds.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you find yourself in need of anything, the amazing father and son duo of Dan & Dan, are at your 'beck & call' and will work tirelessly to ensure that your experience here at any one of the campgrounds you are staying at is nothing short of amazing, so if you need anything, just ask either of them; (2) While there isn’t much to access along the Vermillion River in these parts, heading due west, you’ll find a couple of decent natural launches where you can access the wider river OR you can access a great kayak launch site either at the lower dells in Starved Rock SP or by contacting Starved Rock Kayak Company (who have their own, very amazing riverfront primitive campsite, BTW), who will let you launch from either one of their sites on either side of the Illinois River; (3) While there’s not a whole lot of restaurants in this area (which would be a great idea for Pleasant Creek to install its own eatery), if you do want to get out to try some of the local fare, you’re either going to have to hightail it to nearby Tonica, where I would recommend Ace & Eights or Garzanelli’s Super Club in Oglesby and if you don’t mind a slightly further afield drive, head on over to Captain’s Cove for some great seafood with a brilliant view of the Illinois River; (4) For the cyclists out there, you’ll be stoked to find miles and miles to bike along the I&M Canal that parallels the Illinois River; and (5) Rappelers will enjoy bouncing off the cliffs and sharp jutting limestone crevices that are present in both Matthiessen and Starved Rock SPs.
Happy Camping!
ScoutIf you want to meet new folks, stay here. Our fire ring was 10 feet from the table in the site next to us. We stayed in site 305, which was not all that level for a tent, but one of the most level in the Glades area. Our first assigned site 109, was full of dog poop. Bathrooms are old, not much space to help kids in toilet or shower area. We spent $60 on firewood for two nights burning from 5-9 pm. Only positive was that it is close to state parks.
TravelerGreat little spot. 5min from Starved Rock and Matheson park. Quite and cozi with all the amenities you could ask for.well, keep coming back for our kidless weekends. Highly recommend camping during the week.
Scout$45 for primitive camping is BONKERS. Plus you can only have one tent per site or else they charge you ANOTHER $45 - even if it’s two small tents - combined smaller than a large family tent. They will not tell you this they will just charge your card. Firewood does not burn, just smokes, bring your own.
TravelerGreat little camp grond.
Wife and I had a wonderful time to ourselves.
We be back many more times.
ScoutDishonest management, no one ever in office to talk to before checkout (office hours start after checkout); when we found an employee to talk to she told us slightly late checkout was fine! A week later she charged our credit card for an additional night for TWO sites. I will not even tell you what they said when I called after receiving no response to emails except one excerpt from their policy. Suffice it to say they are dishonest and if they tell you something is fine, don't believe them! Suspend the card you paid on.
ScoutBeautiful views. Great sites. Excellent communication from the manager. We got a pull-through site in the middle. We brought our two dogs and they loved this place. Our kids did too. No there's no playground, but our 7 and 8 year old girls loved this place. No there's no pool. It was very quiet and peaceful. Every day the manager and his crew were working on maintaining the grounds. The only complaint - there's no sign on the bathroom/shower house! Please put up a sign! (It's right next to the office, but you cannot tell it's a bath house because it looks just like the cabins next to it. There's no signs to tell you where the dumpster is either. Ask Don - he's very friendly and accommodating. Oh, the water. Like the other reviewers stated, the water is not for drinking. Bring cases of bottled water. But the water is fine for showering or other things. Even with water filters, it is still brown. I'm guessing that is because of the river. Good luck finding a site with no shade. There's mature trees everywhere! Also, it was very quiet and peaceful. The showers and bathrooms are amazing! Very clean. We'll be back!
Traveler
I came to this campground because of a local event where I knew I was going to be gone a decent amount of time, but also have some down time. This place was perfect for my needs. I got a full hookup site, easy access, extremely quiet. Great views at the opposite side of the campground from where I was. Looks like lots of "permanent" sites mixed with regular turnover. Also looked like a lot of sites were occupied by people working in "traveling" industries, where this place was their temporary home. I would come back again for a similar situation, but the playground is very minimal, so I wouldn't come back with my kid.
TravelerVery open place. Great spots to fish, and everything here is shaded.
Legend
Whether you consider yourself a tent camper or an RV nomad, if you want to discover Kishauwau Cabins, you’ll have to give up both of these traditional outdoor camping experiences in favor of heading indoors to explore the best of what nature has to offer in this area. Perfectly perched far away from traffic, noise and the routine drudgery of day-to-day life, Kishauwau is situated far back in a thick-forested pristine patch of land that places you very near two of the best state parks that the Land ‘O Lincoln has to offer – Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks – with each positioned kitty-cornered from one another and only 3-4 miles away from where you will be laying your head hear in one of Kishauwau's pristine log cabins.
Apart from getting a really sweet discount of 40% if you are Dyrt Pro, what I love most about Kishauwau is the extremely personal hospitality that you will experience here, where the wife (Terisa) & husband duo that run this rustic, premium log-cabin scattered campus, promote a very strong vibe of 'Ohana,' Hawaiian for 'family,' which I have to admit, sounds a little weird when describing this very distinct Midwestern vibe, but it's true. If there's anything that you will coming here it's 'family.' From the moment you enter this serene, wide-open natural playground, you will feel at home. You will feel surrounded by good folks that want you to enjoy the community that they have painstakingly created here. There’s a special vibe here that makes one immediately feel relaxed and a million miles away from that last worry or deadline that you so eagerly left your 9-to-5 work mindset to escape to and put some distance between.
Amenities for the cabins vary depending upon what size and level of deluxe accommodations you might be interested in and can include the following: full kitchen w/ pots, pans, cooking utensils, silverware, glassware and dishware, flat-screen TV w/ DVD player, fire ring, picnic table, brand new Weber BBQ charcoal grills (or in a few exceptions, gas grills), bed linens, heating and A/C as well as, my personal favorite, a mighty sized great front porch complete with either swinging bench or patio chairs (or in some cases both). Of course, the greatest amenity you’ll discover here at Kishauwau is the wide-open expanse of the place, as well as the amazing quality nature experience that awaits you just outside your front door.
And whether you’ve come packing everything you need for your stay or decided to come spur of the moment and didn’t bring a single thing, Kishauwau has you covered with what is, quite possibly, the most and best well-stocked camp store and adjoining gift shop I have ever seen for a place that is such a modest size campground. From a lending library full of reading books, music CDs or an endless array of DVDs to puzzles, board games and many other distractions to borrow throughout your stay, this place is very well accommodated should you need any distraction other than what the amazing nature provides that you are surrounded by. One of my favorite touches here? Even if the camp store isn't being attended by Terisa or her husband, there's an honor envelope where you can just take what you'd like and leave your money in the pouch that is provided. Now, if trust isn't core to being family, I don't know what it is.
Insider's tips? Here's a few: (1) First and foremost, the owner and manager of this property, Terisa King, is one of the most passionate, friendly and accommodating owners I have ever met in all of my outdoor camping adventures - so rest assured, should you decide to stay here at Kishauwau Cabins, you will have a top-rate experience, well, because with Terisa looking after your every want and desire, an amazing experience here, trust me, is pretty much guaranteed!; (2) Once you get tired of staring into the fridge or your Cordova roto-molded cooler and don't want to think about what that next meal is going to be and want to try out some local fare, then I highly recommend the following options: Starved Rock Lodge main dining room where you enjoy some fairly traditional continental cuisine, wherein I recommend the fried Walleye, fried pork chops or blackened catfish, and while this legendary lodge offers up just OK fried chicken, if that's what you have your heart set on, then don't compromise and drive another 20 minutes away to Rip's in Ladd, where trust me, you'll have the best fried chicken of your entire life; (3) Should you come either with your own canoe or kayak or simply want to rent one, no worries, there's tons of opportunities for you to get on the water, which is really isolated in these parts to the Illinois River, of which my good friends over at Kayak Starved Rock Campground have you covered - at either one of their properties on either side of the Illinois River; (4) If you come towing your bicycles and want some great trails to hit, then look no further than the I&M Canal trek, which has more than 20 miles of really great scenic bike trails for you to hit; (5) Whether its days spent hiking, biking, running or kayaking, when you get to that point where you'd just like to find a hole in the wall and throw down some ice cold tall boys, then you could head over to nearby Utica where you would have a handful of options from a very nice outdoor biergarten at Lodi Tap Room, August Hill Winery for some very mediocre Illinois produced wine or Canal Port for some great shots and decent cocktails; and (6) Last, but not least, unlike many other properties, Kishauwau Cabins offers up unique packages like Cabins Campfire Cookin', S'mores & More and Stargazing packages that come with unique amenities, discounts and experiences - check out their website for more details.
Happy Camping!
LegendWhile I find it hard to believe that Starved Rock SP was voted the #1 attraction in the state (I mean, come on, there’s Wrigley Field, there’s the Bean, there’s Jon Hancock tower, there’s Galena and so many other amazing attractions to choose from after all!), I will admit that this outdoor natural amusement park is one incredible destination. Located in north central Illinois, just a few miles south of Utica and 3 or so miles east of Oglesby, what makes Starved Rock SP more like a 'needle in a hay stack' is that those coming from out of town (er, dare I say Chicago), it's quite an EZ place to find and get to, unlike most natural wonders, which would have you spending hours driving down winding roads in the middle of nowhere – with this campground, just take I90 south to 80 E and BOOM! You’re here.
PLEASE NOTE: Rather than just 1 campground here at Starved Rock State Park, there are actually 3 individual campgrounds to choose from – Starved Rock State Park West Loop, Starved Rock State Park East Loop and Starved Rock State Park Youth Group Area – each with their own configuration, # and type of sites, overall vibe and amenities. For the purposes of this review, I will focus my comments on Starved Rock State Park – West Loop Campground. Upon entry, you’ll check-in at the Ranger Station, where you’ll confirm your reservation and be given directions to the specific campground and site that you have booked. For this West Loop Campground, which is comprised of sites #1– 54, plus 4 campground host sites, after passing the Ranger’s Office, you will immediately hang a left, before reaching the Camp Store mind you, and from here, you will drive a simple football field-shaped, completely wide open and barren loop that is intersected with two individual lanes, intersecting the loop into 3 distinct areas: upper, middle and lower, with restroom facilities in the two upper loops and a children’s playground in the third and lower loop, before completing the loop and returning to the Ranger Station. Sites are numbered from low to high with numbers ascending in alternating fashion on either left or right side of the road beginning right after passing the community shower/ restroom facilities, where you will note that there is fresh water opposite of this facility. Exterior sites in the loop are more preferred as they offer up a nice tree line and some additional privacy, versus those on the interior of the loop. Upon exiting Starved Rock SP – West Loop Campground you will pass by the 3-4 campground hosts, all in their RV/ trailers and exiting the campground campus itself, just as you pass the Ranger Station, you will find the dump station.
For a very detailed map, complete with what amenities and even which sites have full, partial or no shade, please check this out: https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/parks/camp/documents/starved-rock-state-park-campground.pdf
If you time your visit carefully, towards the latter part of Spring or early Summer, you’ll be greeted by fresh, seasonal waterfalls that make for quite the refresher after a good couple of hours of hiking this fantastic spot that offers fishing, dining, boating, picnicking and no shortage of extraordinary views of Illinois’ finest natural outcrop. Apart from quick and EZ access to the mighty Illinois River, I also love the 13+ miles of hiking trails that form snake-like patterns throughout, across and over the nearly 20 or so canyons that make up this SP.
The best map of hiking trails at Starved Rock SP can be found here: https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Starved-Rock-Trail-Map.pdf
Whether you are looking at Starved Rock SP East Loop or West Loop Campgrounds, combined, there’s some 133 Class-A Premium campsites complete with electricity as well as showers and bathroom facilities, while most of which are outdated and in need of a fresh coat of paint, they are generally fairly clean. Wherever you end up parking your RV or pitching your tent you’ll be able to access all of those activities like rappelling, hiking and kayaking that brought you to Starved Rock SP in the first place. All of these sites have standard 20 amp electric plug-ins, plus there’s also the option for a 30 amp electric car or camper hookup with just a few spots offering up 50 amp electric for the big rig RVs. On campus, there’s both a campground store as well as Jack’s which is just off Route 71, where both offer up wood for sale 24/7 as well as ice, batteries, chips, sodas, marshmallows, rain gear and various other sundries. Additionally, there’s 8 covered shelters here and are also offered on a first-come, first-served basis with some offering wood-burning chimneys, perfect in the fall or winter and great for roasting s’mores or just curling up next to your honey.
Insider’s tips: (1) IMHO the best campsites in Starved Rock SP– West Loop Campground are those that fall against the treeline on the exterior of the loop, with sites #20, #22, #23, #24, #27, #43, #45 and #46 offering up the most privacy; (2) For those bringing their kayak, canoe or boat with them, you’re really going to enjoy the Illinois River as there’s no shortage of places to explore and while we attempted to land on Leopold Island, it was completely soaked, so we ventured onto Plum Island and had a very nice picnic on the beachhead there; and (3) The two nearest towns near Starved Rock State Park are Utica or Oglesby, wherein I would recommend a visit to either long-time favorite Garzanelli’s Supper Club, which has a pretty amazing Midwestern take on Italian food or Lodi Tap Room for some pretty amazing glorified bar food, otherwise, if you don’t want to drive anywhere, just stay put and enjoy the fare at Starved Rock Lodge; (4) Looking for a place to ‘whet your whistle’? Then head on over to Aces & Eights in Tonica for a cool biker bar with some decent Americana fare and cheap tall boys OR head into Utica to check out Obscurity Brewing Bier Garten for some unusual draft brews or August Hill Winery for some fairly mediocre wine from Illinois; (5) If hiking is your thing, and being here at Starved Rock (and don’t forget nearby Mathiessen SP), then you’ll want to take full advantage of all the great hiking trails, of which I highly recommend for a shorter hike, checking out the loop around Lover’s Leap, which is the most popular, but for those wanting a slightly longer and more challenging hike, look at either Wildcat Canyon or Lasalle Canyon; and (6) Finish off your entire camping experience by visiting Two Girls and a Cupcake for some sweet, albeit overpriced, desserts and treats.
Happy Camping!
GuideNice place, used to be a KOA, and they still take care of it like one. Everything in the campground is within walking distance. They have a dishwashing sink and garbage cans every 30-50 feet. Convenient. Bathrooms and showers are super clean. Recommend for sure.
ScoutThis is a private owned campground not a KOA. Stayed there last fall. Owners are doing a lot of upgrades. Restroom/Shower rooms where spotless!!! If in the area a must stay for a night or a week!
TravelerThe shower houses are amazing! This campground is very well maintained and right on the Illinois river. The view of Peoria at night is beautiful
ScoutCamped for a weekend trip. We had 3 sites and made one a home base. Grounds were full due to unseasonably warm weather but everyone was pleasant and respectful
TravelerA beautiful hilly area, surrounded by large trees, with a small stream. If you want to camp this is a great place. Glamping - no. Most of the sites are grass, with some gravel. Only one full hookup. Getting to the dump station from the camp sites is incredibly difficult. WiFi is pay as you go - and not very good. Cell service is limited (one/two bars) at best. Restrooms (mostly portapotty style) are few and far between. One central shower/restroom was clean and warm (October visit)
Cabin camping near Eureka, Illinois offers a serene escape into nature, with various options that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Eureka, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Eureka, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 97 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Eureka, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 cabin camping locations near Eureka, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
