Charlie K.August 30, 2024
Site 21 - KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND
Good location on the Illinois River
We enjoyed our stay at Kayak Starved Rock but felt that it could have used a bit of trimming up. The porta potties were clean, but in some cases had vegetation, including poison ivy, around the outside. Otherwise it was free of debris and clean. As for kayaking, though it was on the Illinois River, the designated kayak area was quite limited in an alcove surrounded by water lilies. Those wanting to venture further (using the company’s kayaks) would be discouraged. The location was good, just across the river from Starved Rock State Park and a very interesting visitors center down river for the adjacent dam and locks. And it should be noted that this stretch of the Illinois River was quite active with barges so those kayaking should take care.
CampSite 43 -Kayak Starved Rock Cam
It's a good camp site. I wish the grass was not so grown out, other than that it was good for one night. If you like privacy maybe not so much.
Pedro R.recommendsAugust 17, 2024
Site 24 - KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND
What a pleasant site to ser up camp. The proximity to the Illinois River is priceless.
The grounds are well groomed and clean. The staff at check-in/out were friendly and professional. The campsite is located close enough to the city if Ottawa and Utica so if forgot anything or don’t wish to cook, the stores and restaurants are within minutes.
Starved Rick State Park is also within striking distance and allows for a nice break from the campground.
Dana S.recommendsAugust 11, 2024
CampSite 47 -Kayak Starved Rock Cam
Cool and clean, just not private.
A cool spot on the river! We moved to #44 for a bit more privacy between sites. There's a lot of close neighbors with little/no brush in between but 43-45 were pretty secluded (together). Downside was its right off a road, plus side it's not busy at night. Occasional car, motorcycle riding through but nothing distracting. Train can be heard but its not close by. I live by tracks so its also not a distraction for me, but may be for light sleepers.
That said, there were some really loud sites, staying up until 2:30AM with kids actually screaming at the top of their lungs. Wish I'd known earlier about the campsite phone number to make a compaint to. Of course there's usually some jerks who stay up late and gives 0 sh!ts about other people nearby wherever you camp. But if you're expecting the campsites "strict no noise during quiet hours" to be strictly enforced, bring earplugs just in case. They did warn one of the campsites the next day and they were quiet the following night so that was very helpful!
Toilets are portapotties which is the same as a vault toilets in state parks, just... portable so take those negative comments with a grain of salt. These are super clean though. Air fresheners in timers, wipes and hand sanitizer are offered in each one, spare TP, and fairy lights on top for easy navigating at night.
It was a very cool spot and I'm glad we got to stay. We'll be back for sure!
Q H.doesn't recommendAugust 9, 2024
CampSite 52 -Kayak Starved Rock Cam
Seems like this place has a lot of potential but there was poison ivy throughout the overgrown campsite including a large vine going up a tree. The campsites are really close to each other. They also have a lot of rules that made us feel like we were being watched for bad behavior like absolutely no music from speakers or leaving in your car between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. yet none of the rules were being followed by nearby campers. Also, we were potentially going to go kayaking but when we found out we're not allowed to kayak across the river near Starved Rock we decided against it. Kind of false advertising given the name of the campsite. Not bad for the price and location but not really my first choice if I go back.
Alejandro A.recommendsAugust 8, 2024
Site 89 - KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND
Amazing camping place close to the river. We stayed on 3 camping sites as we got a big group of friends and family together. Totally recommended.