Hikers' Photo Gallery

Camping @ the Rock (pdf)

Things to Do

Starved Rock State Park has 18 canyons and 13 miles of hiking trails. The Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin you trip. Boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, and winter sports can all add to your Starved Rock experience. Canoes can be rented at the Riverfront (west of the Visitor Center). Starved Rock Lodge is located within the Park and is open to the public year 'round.

Fishing

Boats may be launched from the west end of the park. Also, paddlewheel boat rides are available. Boats are not allowed within 600 feet of the dam, as strong currents and powerful undertows can be dangerous. Catfish, bullhead, white bass, sauger, walleye, carp and crappie may be caught in the Illinois River. Under no circumstances should you attempt to wade or swim in the river, canyons or from any park shoreline.

Need bait? Applebee's Bait Shop, just off I-80 at the corner of Routes 6 & 178 is open 7 days a week.
Hour: M-F from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday, the shop opens early at 4:30 a.m.

Camping

Starved Rock Campground is located just a few miles south, just of Route 71. There are 133 Class A-Premium campsites, 100 of them reservable, complete with electricity, showers and flush toilets, a separate youth group camping area and a children's playground. Permits may be obtained from the park office or at the permit booth in the campground area. Seven campsites are accessible for people with disabilities. Alcohol is prohibited in the campground. NEW - There is a new camp store open in the campground this year. The store will sell fire wood, ice, soda, and other camping supplies.

Horseback Riding & Equestrian Camping

There are equestrian trails and an equestrian campground along Illinois Route 178. Horse rentals are available through Starved Rock Stables on Route 71, a half-mile west of Illinois Route 178 and at Cedar Creek Ranch, just 10 miles east on Route 71.

Winter Sports

Cross-country skiing can be enjoyed in the picnic area and at nearby Matthiessen State Park. Cross-country ski rentals are available at Matthiessen Dells Area on weekends December through March. Snowmobiling is not allowed anywhere at Starved Rock, but is allowed at the I & M Canal one mile to the north in Utica.

Hiking

Exploring the majestic bluffs and canyons is the park's primary attraction, and there are 13 miles of well-marked trails to help you enjoy them.

The trails are open all year, but hikers are urged to exercise extreme caution and to stay on official trails. To keep you oriented, trail maps are located at all trail access points, intersections and points of interest. There are colored posts along the trails, corresponding to colors on the maps, and letter symbols on the trail brochure to further assist you. Finally, yellow dots on trees or posts indicate that you are moving away from the Lodge or Visitor Center, and white dots mean you are returning.

Due to the park's fragile ecosystem, camping is prohibited in unauthorized areas and all rock climbing, rappelling or scrambling off trails is prohibited. Biking is not allowed on the hiking trails. For your own safety, you must be off the trails by dark. Alcohol is prohibited on all trails. Please note that there are no washrooms or drinking water areas on the trails.

Picnicking

Developed picnic areas are available to the day visitor, with tables, drinking water and restroom facilities. Eight shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Alcohol is prohibited January 1 through May 31 in the picnic area. Alcohol is always prohibited on the trails.