Kayak Starved Rock Campground

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Shaded pitches (added by manager 27 Jan 2023)

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Shaded pitches (added by manager 27 jan 2023)
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Tent and picnic table (added by manager 13 feb 2023)
Tent and picnic table (added by manager 13 feb 2023)
Group of guests (added by manager 27 jan 2023)

  • Wild camping on the Illinois River, 10 minutes’ drive from Oglesby
  • Senachwine Lake 45 minutes’ drive; Chicago one and a half hours
  • Fire ring and picnic table for each site; kayak tours and rentals
Halfway between the Illinois cities of Ottawa (10 minutes’ drive) and Peru (20 minutes), a wooded spot on the banks of the Illinois River is the enchanting location for Kayak Starved Rock Campground. If you and your family are ready for some back-to-basics camping, this is an excellent spot. Amenities here are on the spartan side, with an immaculately maintained portable toilet (with motion-sensor lights, plus simple toiletries such as spray deodorant, wipes and hand sanitiser) and not much else. There is no running water (nor any potable water, so be sure to arrive fully stocked up with drinks), and if you want a shower, you’ll have to use the public swimming pool in nearby Oglesby (10 minutes). Making up for that spartan setup, however, is a spectacular view of the river and the forested hills of Starved Rock State Park beyond. And if that’s not enough to swing it, how do kayak rentals (single or tandem) and guided kayak tours of the river sound (available at Kayak Starved Rock Campground for an extra fee)? Pretty sweet, right? Those who want to take things a little easier can chill with a spot of angling, or rent a pontoon boat from the nearby Starved Rock Marina (15 minutes’ walk). Each site comes with a fire ring with grill (for the chance to brush up on your campfire cooking skills) and a picnic table; in addition, the campground welcomes well-behaved dogs (on leashes), so you can explore the river and the surrounding hiking trails with your faithful canine buddy by your side.

Site type

Tent sites 5
Travel trailer sites 5
Open now

Tourist board rating

Please note
  • This park has no on-site shower facilities.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro) and/or any of the following: Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, any Mastiff or Tosa.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, Apr 26 to

Reviews

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Features

Portable toilet

Dogs allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house

Cycle hire

Evening entertainment

Fishing

Fitness centre

Indoor swimming pool

Kids' club

On-site restaurant/cafe

Outdoor swimming pool

Playground

Recreation room/arcade

TV room

Takeout

Tennis

Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available

Car parking by site/unit

Composting toilet

Disabled facilities

Dog park

Drying room

Free wifi

Grocery store

Ice pack freezing

Internet access

Laundromat

Parent & baby washroom

Payphone

Pick-up from public transport

Portable toilet

Pub toilets

Restrooms

Shower available

Washing-up area

Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly

Motorcycle friendly

Scouts welcome

Single-sex groups welcome

Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed

Barbecue provided

Campfires allowed

Commercial vehicles allowed

Dogs allowed

Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Hikers’ paradise

Spectacular scenery

Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities

Dump station

Electric car charging point(s)

No drinkable water point

No running water

Propane/gas cylinders available

Recycling available

Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby

Convenience store nearby

Dog walk nearby

Nearby farmers' market

Type

Tiny (1-10 sites)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby

Fishing nearby

Golf nearby

Outdoor pool nearby

Restaurant nearby

Watersports nearby

Location

Kayak Starved Rock Campground

1170 North 27th Road

Ottawa

Illinois

USA

61350

Directions

Timezone

America/Chicago CDT (GMT-05:00)

GPS

41.32316°N
-88.94006°W

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Keen hikers make a beeline for Starved Rock State Park (five minutes’ drive), with its network of forested trails leading to pretty waterfalls, dramatic canyons and spectacular views. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, squirrels and other wildlife. Trail maps are available from the visitor center. The wetlands around Senachwine Lake (45 minutes) are home to the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, where you may spot several species of ducks, plus white pelicans and American coots. There’s plenty more to do besides birdwatching here, including fishing, hiking and picnicking. Among the world-class institutions that make up the Museum Campus in Chicago (one and a half hours) are the Field Museum of Natural History, the vast Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. Millennium Park, on the shore of Lake Michigan, is home to a vast ice-skating circuit and the bean-shaped Cloud Gate sculpture.
  • Does Kayak Starved Rock Campground have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Kayak Starved Rock Campground dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Kayak Starved Rock Campground? Keen hikers make a beeline for Starved Rock State Park (five minutes’ drive), with its network of forested trails leading to pretty waterfalls, dramatic canyons and spectacular views. Keep your eyes peeled … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Kayak Starved Rock Campground?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  3 p.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Kayak Starved Rock Campground? From $53.25 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.