Amanda W.

ottawa, IL

Joined July 2018

I love hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, backpacking. Anything that involves the outdoors. Raising my two boys to be the same. Fine art is my passion and I get my inspiration from nature. ๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ›ถ โ›บ๏ธ๐ŸŒณ๐ŸŽจ

amazing beach

itโ€™s so nice to have a great beachfront in the Midwest. There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots.

Beautiful lake

If you like fishing this is where you should camp. the lake is huge and beautiful, some of the best fishing in the area. They have boats to rent and a bait shop for everything you will need.

Good Hiking nearby

This campground is fun because it is the only one in the area with a pool. A creek runs through it so you have to check for flooding. Close to all the state parks.

Fun spot for the kids

The camping is not the best but the lake is amazing! Campsites are really cramped, no privacy at all. The lake has huge inflatables and a trampoline so itโ€™s unique and fun. They do have a very poor mini golf course but the kids still enjoyed it. They are always hosting movie nights and fun events. This place is all about the kids so it makes the overcrowded camping worth it.

Nice Campground

This campground is nice, but not our favorite. Itโ€™s really expensive. Most sites have no privacy at all. the kids loved going to the playground and they do have an arcade but other that that thereโ€™s not much to do. A little creek runs through the campground and you can walk along that. They sell firewood and the bathrooms are really nice. The staff is also very nice and live on site so are there to help whenever you need. RV and tent sites. fire pit and picnic table provided. Close to the state parks where they have tons of amazing hiking. Overall good campground just a little expensive.

Beachfront camping.

We loved this campsite! We stayed when there were not many people there so we had plenty of space but could see it getting crowded when itโ€™s full. We brought our own kayaks and launched right from our campsite which was amazing but they rent kayaks for pretty cheap If you donโ€™t have your own. there is a confluence across the river which is great to float on. The only bathrooms (port-a-potties) are at the entrance. They sell firewood but also let you pick up sticks in the area that are small- we didnโ€™t need to buy firewood after gathering our own. Picnic table and firepit provided. Overall a great campground that the whole family loved.

River front park

The campsites are small but secluded. The park is right along the river so itโ€™s great for launching your boat or kayaking. No hiking. Sites are almost always available and decent prices, but not a whole lot to do.

Amazing hiking

Starved rock has so much to offer. trails that lead to caves, waterfalls, lakes and beautiful scenery all around. great for kids too. I have a two and 10 year old and they both do great on all the trails. the campground is pretty but a typical Midwest campground. Some spots are more secluded than others. Some are wooded others are open. Clean bathrooms, RV and tent camping. Firepits. close to the park so you can get up and hike!