The best camping near Starved Rock State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Starved Rock State Park adventure.

97% (24 reviews)
97% (24 reviews)

Gushing waterfalls, ice sculptures, white-tailed deer and soaring eagles offer year-round excitement  

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Community favorites near Starved Rock State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Starved Rock State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Starved Rock State Park

99%
(56)

Heated Tents & Cabin: Farm Animals

3 sites · Lodging175 acres · Tiskilwa, IL
Hungry World Farm is a nonprofit 175 acre farm that inspires and educates people on the benefits of regenerative agriculture. Our farm is located in Central Illinois about 2 hours west of Chicago along I-80, 45 minutes north of Peoria, and 35 minutes from Starved Rock State Park. The beautiful topography includes bluffs, valley, Plow Creek, 100 acres of forest, and over 50 acres of pasture, market garden, crops, barns, playground, nature preserve, animals, playground, commercial kitchen, outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, and a produce packing center. Uniquely, for many years the farm was an Intentional Community and has 10+ Airbnb rentals with additional building, glamping tents, RV and camping sites. Our market garden and livestock operations provide delicious and nutrient dense food to thousands of people every year. So many of our guests just need an escape, from traffic, from electronics, from the things that keep their families from being together. We provide a uniquely, peaceful and unforgettable experience, where they can walk through the woods, pet the animals, dig their hands in the soil, and gaze at the stars. Here are some things we offer: 1. Wood Fired Pizza Nights, Friday nights from 5 - 8pm with some live music 2. Breakfasts on the Farm, Saturday 8:30 - 10am 3. Peaceful Overnight Stays for up to 35 guests in a variety of lodging including Cabin, Apartments, Retreat Center, RV spots, Glamping & Camping Available. These can be booked via the Hungry World Farm Website directly for special requests, as well as Airbnb, and Hipcamp. 4. Tours of the Farm Garden, Homestead Animals, Farmstead Livestock, with special focus on Regenerative Farming & forest and prairie Conservation 5. Volunteer Opportunities - to garden, build, raise animals, conserve pastures and forests, and build trails. 6. Workshops - Gardening, Homesteading, And Regenerative Agriculture Workshops including IVCC extension classes. 7. Groups of visitors holding Reunions, Youth events, Groups, special retreats, and wedding parties are welcome! 8. People can also buy farm produce at the Peoria Riverfront Market, May - September, and may be able to purchase value added products at the farm. Discover the farm - an unforgettable escape for you, your family, church group, or wedding party. Reconnect with nature. Gaze at the stars. Fall in love. Restore your soul. Our Cabin, Rooms, & Apartment are now on AirBnB and Hipcamp (with more to come.)
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$67
 / night
100%
(19)

Paradise Quarry

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Sugar Grove, IL
Welcome to our beautiful property! This is a very special place, located an hour from Chicago and only minutes from the west suburbs, you will be transported to another time! This has to be the best “swimming/ fishing hole” in Chicagoland and you can have it all to yourself. The property features 20 acres of woods, prairie and an 8 acre lake!!! The lake is crystal clear because it’s so deep (reportedly 125 ft) and is sandy on the bottom. We created a massive beach area with many camping spots to choose from. The kids will love exploring the trails on foot and on bike. Everyone will love lounging under the umbrellas on the comfy chaise lounges and enjoying the views. You won’t want to leave, but if you need to restock, there a gas station 1/4 mile away and full service grocery store and restaurant under a mile away. We even get pizza delivered! There’s a nice driveway of gravel that leads to a nice open field for RV campers. Tent campers can continue to the beach and set up in style. The property was once an active quarry and was then basically abandoned for 40-50 years. Nature took over over, Trees matured, the stocked lake grew some massive fish. A few years ago we started camping out there and just loved it. We’ve worked hard to make it amazing and we want to share it with you.
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$115.50
 / night
95%
(10)

Daisy’s Farms On Notalotta Acers

10 sites · Tents5 acres · Big Rock, IL
Local Farm. Close enough to socialize. Far enough away to matter. Next door to “‘More Polish Pottery” in Big Rock IL. Near Dekalb, Sandwich, Plano, Hinkley, Big Rock, Aurora, and Sugar Grove. Many sites, bars, shops, and places to eat. Touching Big Rock forest preserve. Features egg stand. Private setting. Fire pit. Multiple spots to choose from. Great views. Pet friendly. Local showers and pool at local Plano YMCA. May see farm animals up close and personal. Please leave them at site. 11 min or less to Raging Waves Water Park. It’s right down the road! An hour commute or less to Chicago. Open May 1 through Sept 30 (extended due to nice weather so if you can book it. You can stay.) The end of the season this year will be September 30th. And then we will be closed for the winter until May first. Unless otherwise specified. Usually closed for the winter months. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center up the road. Goat Yoga and Wholly Bean close by. Local forest preserve has toilets or bring your own porti-john. Bring your horses. Set up a temp spot. We have the space. And there is riding at the forest preserve right around the corner. Camp with your HORSES! We have a swing set and small child play sets. A trampoline. A tire swing. Y’all are more than welcome to use it. Just be respectful and make sure your children do not harm our land, animals, or gardens. 💕🙏
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$31.50
 / night

The best camping near Starved Rock State Park guide

Overview

About

Melting snow and spring rains create dazzling seasonal waterfalls in a dozen-plus canyons. Steep sandstone walls carved by ancient glacier meltdowns create striking topography that’s unusual for Illinois. Hiking trails provide easy access to the most-scenic St. Louis, Wildcat and French Canyons.

While the spring brings cascading water, winter creates its own beauty in this park. The water repeatedly freezes and melts, creating ever-changing ice sculptures. Cross-country skiing is permitted in winter, and ice climbing is allowed if conditions permit.

Staying in the park can be as rustic or glamorous as you like. The on-site lodge and conference center offers log cabins with original knotty pine paneling. Also available are updated hotel rooms, an indoor pool, and a sauna.

The sprawling campground has 133 premium sites with electricity. Campsites include grill pits, and open grassy areas are conducive to tents. If you’re not up for cooking, the lodge has a restaurant and lounge.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no entrance fee to hike at Starved Rock State Park. However, if you plan to park your vehicle at the park, there may be a parking fee during peak times, such as weekends and holidays. The parking fee is typically around $5 per vehicle for non-residents and $1 for Illinois residents. Enjoy your hike at Starved Rock State Park!

The number of days you need at Starved Rock State Park depends on your interests and how much time you want to spend exploring the park. For a satisfying visit, plan for at least one full day, which will give you enough time to hike a few trails, take in the beautiful waterfalls, and enjoy the scenic views of the Illinois River. If you want to explore more trails and immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty, consider spending two to three days. This will also give you time to visit the nearby Matthiessen State Park, which offers additional hiking opportunities and unique geological features. To fully enjoy Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding area, consider staying at campgrounds or cabins available in and around the park.

Yes, you can camp at Starved Rock State Park by staying at one of the designated camping areas. The park offers a campground with over 120 tent and RV campsites. You can also stay at the Starved Rock Lodge, which provides hotel rooms, cabins, and a variety of amenities. It is important to note that camping is only allowed in designated areas and not throughout the park. To learn more about camping options at Starved Rock, visit Hipcamp.

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