Starved Rock Family Campground

Our RV GPS took us off I-39 for a nice country drive to the campground (CG). Google Maps wanted to bring us in off I-80, which also works as the CG just off I-80. The CG check in time is 2:00 PM. We called and they said it would be fine to come in a half hour earlier. Upon arrival, we checked in at their office that has a nice sized store that sells sundry, gifts, and camping stuff. Check-in was fast and we were off to pull through site L-1 with FHUs in the far side of this large CG. The pull through was plenty long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel and F450. The utilities were centered on the pad so that was nice as I was able to dump both black tanks with a 10’ hose. There’s a shower house on this side of the CG as there are also tent sites in this area. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi and we got between 2 and 3 bars on Verizon. When we checked in, we just got a map and no rules or information sheet. Their rules etc. are on their website. There was a well maintained picnic table and an old fashioned rock fire pit, which was kind of cool. The pool is up front by the office/club house. And the large playground along with a dumpster is at the entrance to the back CG area. Up front by the office, there’s a small fenced dog area that we didn’t use and another dumpster as you head out of the CG. They also have Wifi in that area, but not throughout the CG, which was fine with us for our overnight stay. As we were in the back of the CG, we did not notice highway noise. The shower house in our area also had laundry consisting of two washers and two dryers. You can rent golf carts here along with selling wood and ice. The sites are nicely spaced for a private CG, but we would not call them spacious. Loves and a Dollar General are nearby. You can also buy sundries in the campground's store and gift shop. We enjoyed our short overnighter.

Generally, the closer to an interstate highway, from a camping perspective at least, the worse you get, right? I mean, how can you possibly relax and forget the busy world that you are trying to escape with all of the noise and swooshing by of traffic, especially on a major interstate highway?  Seemingly though, here at family-owned and operated Starved Rock Family Campground, they’ve got absolutely no problems divorcing you from the other-worldly distractions and non-stop buzzing of 4-lane traffic once you enter this perimeter, where nature seems to be just waiting to swallow you up. Hats off to Mark & Ashley Voss who are simply lovely down-home good folks intent on welcoming everyone to their lovely roadside campground. 

Located here in the heart of north central Illinois, where you can very easily get lost in the golden hue of sweet corn or the dizzying amounts of drilled bean fields, there’s a special quiet that exists for those searching for it.  Where the noise of commerce grinds to a halt by the deafening sound of cicadas who eagerly sing you an orchestra of mesmerizing choruses that when combined with the incessant chirping of crickets, makes for one heck of a sunset serenade, especially under the ancient Oaks and weeping Willows that his area is known for. 

As for this campground, in particular, what I appreciated most is the very clear line they have conjured up between those toting RVs or 5th wheels versus those of my tribe who would prefer to sleep underneath the starry Midwestern skies with little else than a tent encampment and unobstructed views of a dark moonlit sky that shines starry illustrations of Orion, the big and little dipper, Centaurus and southern cross. 

Upon entry, you’ll discover about a half dozen sites for deluxe RV hook-ups – and by deluxe, here that means concrete pad + water/ sewer/ electric hook-ups – before meeting the main office and camp store, where you’ll check in.  Just after the office, you’ll spot a decent in-ground community pool where residents and staff alike hang out when the sun hangs high and the humidity has a way of slowing everything down here. From the main office, if you veered to the right, you’d have your choice of 3 or so perpendicular lanes that have been organized for the RVers in mind (rows A, B, C and D) with another 3 rows that run parallel to the office (rows E, F, G and H), all of which offer a mix of premium and standard RV sites that are a combination of pull-through and back-in with a combo of water, sewer and electric hook-ups. Between rows D& E, you’ve got a proper dump station and over near row G and H, you’ve got two distinct restroom facilities. On the outskirts on the western edge you’ll find the most pristine part of this campground, which I was delighted to learn that this is where the primitive campsites are located. Over in these parts, your view won’t even be tainted by having to witness RVs and all of their hook-ups.  In this enclave, you’ll be bunking next to all sorts of animals and insects that will chirp you to sleep at night (and wake you early in the dawn!), which running alongside this stretch are some pretty beautiful rows of corn. There’s also a pavilion over on this side along with a kid’s playground and, perhaps most importantly, there’s both a restroom and shower facility that is in pretty good condition – just remind yourself that you’ve signed up for primitive camping afterall. Additionally, you’ll discover a number of short walking paths, that are perfect for walking the kids or dogs, but if you want more of a hike, you’ll have to go further afield. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Whether you’re toting a tent or driving an RV, Starved Rock Family Campground is more of a stop-over than it is a destination, unless that is, everything near Starved Rock (which is still a good 20 minute drive away) is all filled up and you are simply looking to anchor yourself somewhere for the night); (2) If you are towing a kayak or canoe like I am most of the time, I would strongly encourage you to head on over towards the actual Starved Rock where you can take your watercraft for a dip in the Illinois River for some really great currents; (3) When you get tired of trying to conjure up that next meal either from the depths of your on-board mini-fridge or Cordova cooler, and perhaps want to venture back into civilization to try some local fare, than I would highly recommend you head just a bit due south of here to try out Cajun Connection – while it’s not fancy, they do know how to fry up a good alligator tail and serve up some decent (for Cajun in Illinois that is) Jamabalaya; and (4) If you’ve ever wanted to try the best fried chicken in the world, you should be made aware that just about 10 minutes west of here, you’ll find Rip’s Chicken in Ladd, which is simply outstanding (but remember to bring cash, because this place is stuck in the 1970’s and doesn’t take credit or debit, but they sure have some nice Hamm’s on draft!).

Happy Camping!