Camping & Outdoor Blog
Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
The legendary heart of Joshua Tree National Park.
Introduce
Starved Rock State Park, located in Oglesby, Illinois, is a natural wonderland renowned for its stunning canyons, cascading waterfalls, and diverse hiking trails. This park offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Illinois landscape and experience a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
Natural Environment:
Starved Rock State Park is characterized by its dramatic sandstone canyons, formed by glacial meltwater over thousands of years. The park encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including:
- Canyons: Deep canyons with towering cliffs and lush vegetation create a dramatic and picturesque landscape.
- Waterfalls: Seasonal waterfalls cascade through the canyons, adding to the beauty and charm of the park.
- Forests: Woodlands of oak, hickory, and other trees provide a habitat for diverse wildlife and offer scenic trails for hiking and exploration.
- Illinois River: The Illinois River borders the park, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying scenic views.
Services and Amenities:
Starved Rock State Park offers a range of services and amenities to enhance the visitor experience:
- Visitor Center: The park's visitor center provides information about the park, maps, and educational exhibits.
- Hiking Trails: A vast network of hiking trails caters to all skill levels, from easy walks along the river to challenging climbs through the canyons.
- Lodge and Cabins: The historic Starved Rock Lodge offers comfortable accommodations, dining options, and a variety of amenities for visitors.
- Campground: A campground within the park provides various camping options, from tent sites to RV-accessible sites with amenities.
- Picnic Areas: Designated picnic areas provide a serene setting for enjoying meals and gatherings amidst nature.
Activities and Attractions:
Starved Rock State Park offers a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy:
- Hiking: Explore the extensive trail system, offering opportunities for day hikes, challenging climbs, and scenic walks through canyons and forests.
- Waterfall Viewing: Discover the park's hidden waterfalls, cascading through the canyons and creating stunning natural displays.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including deer, birds, and other animals that call the park home.
- Boating and Fishing: Enjoy boating and fishing on the Illinois River, providing opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the landscapes, canyons, and waterfalls through photography, preserving memories of your visit.
- Educational Programs: Participate in ranger-led programs and guided tours to learn more about the park's natural and cultural history.
Promotional Information:
Escape to the natural wonders of Starved Rock State Park and experience the beauty of the Illinois landscape. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this park offers something for everyone. Plan your visit today and create lasting memories in this remarkable natural playground.
Additional Details:
Starved Rock State Park is a popular destination throughout the year, offering different experiences depending on the season. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and waterfall viewing, while summer offers opportunities for boating and fishing. The park's proximity to Chicago and other Midwest cities makes it an easily accessible and unforgettable destination for residents and visitors alike.
Gallery
Service options
Onsite services
Highlights
Picnics
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Activities
Hiking
Amenities
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
Parking
Free parking lot
Pets
Dogs allowed
kaoru mizutani tanaka
Jan 12
This was our first time visiting in winter, and we highly recommend it. There are maps displayed in various spots and trail markers on the trees, so it’s easy to navigate without getting lost. At the LaSalle Canyon, we were able to see a frozen waterfall, which are truly masterpiece created by nature. Additionally, the staff at the visitor center were very kind. You can also purchase a beautiful calendar of Starved Rock at the bookstore.
Nate
Dec 05
Beautiful place to visit in the winter. I hiked the length of the park and enjoyed every minute of it. Some of the infrastructure could use some TLC. I found board walks and stairs definitely showing a little worse for the wear, but still easy to navigate. I also found some trails were closed and looks like they have been a while. Unfortunate to see. Still a great park well worth the drive for me.
Yordenis Darnell
Sep 27
As someone who truly enjoys being surrounded by natural beauty, Starved Rock State Park was an absolute delight. The park's scenery is simply breathtaking. The canyons, with their towering sandstone walls and cascading waterfalls, are awe-inspiring. The hiking trails offered a wonderful way to experience the park's diverse landscapes. While the park can get crowded, especially on weekends, it's easy to escape the hustle and bustle and find moments of quiet solitude. I would definitely recommend Starved Rock to anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world. It's a truly special place that leaves a lasting impression.
Ramanathan Sabapathy
Oct 16
A quick getaway from your daily grind. Easy trail walk/hike., pets allowed., scenic views of Illinois river and canyons. Nice spot for BBQ and picnic. Neatly maintained restrooms. Visitor center with lot of history about the region and American Indian Culture. Quick grabs, Souvenirs, Ice creams. Good to visit Spring to Autumn.
Dave Cameron
Oct 17
Wow - unexpected given this is surrounded by relatively flat farmland and associated towns for many miles in all directions. A visitor center on the history is a good place to start - takes only 15 minutes. Then much of the rest is trails - overlooking the river, in canyons, or just through rolling terrain in the woods. I'd recommend doing the 80-stair climb to Starved Rock. Then if you handle that fine, you can do a loop where you follow the signs on trails to Wildcat Canyon where you can go down the steps into the canyon - then take the river trail back - which both runs along the river at river level and on bluffs many feet above it with overlooks. We did this "loop" and it took us 2.5 hours for just shy of 3 miles with stops to enjoy, take in the views, and take pictures. But, there are quite a few different options.