Description

Highlights (i.e. best things to do, memorable moments, etc.)
The ultimate experience at Starved Rock is heading off into the woods for a hike. Visitors are overcome with all the beauty of the river, cliffs and bluffs. When thinking of the land in Illinois, spectacular natural formations do not usually come to mind since most of the land is very flat. Several animals live in the Illinois forest and we saw various animals including deer and wild rabbits.

Our camping experience was quite unique. Our campsite was in the middle of the woods! Other campers were nearby, but the wooded surrounding was very private and we could not see the other families camping. Two adults, two kids and a dog spent the night huddling around the fire cooking hotdogs and making smores before snuggling into a tent for some sleep in the fresh air.

We were startled when we awoke at 2:00 a.m. to a raccoon hunting through our garbage for a piece of chocolate leftover from the smores. After he picked through ours, we could hear him rummaging through all the other campsites as well. When we woke up the next morning we found our garbage bag had slashes from his sharp claws across the bottom.

Quick tips/suggestions
Do: Bring plenty of sun block and insect repellant. The mosquitoes in the Illinois woods can get very aggressive in the summer.
Don't: Forget hiking shoes and socks. You will definitely want to go for at least one hike to see the amazing scenery. Even if you think you will only go for a short hike, you will probably be overtaken by the beauty and keep on going.
Don't: Worry about bringing firewood. You can buy 15 logs for $5 just up the road from the campground.
Do: Try to see Starved Rock in the Spring. The waterfalls are usually in season between late March and early June.
Don't: Forget a table cloth. The picnic tables at the wooded campsites can be a bit dirty from past campers and exposure to the elements.
Do: Bring along the family dog if you have one. Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds and hiking trails as long as they are cleaned up after and always kept on a leash which can be up to 10 feet long.
Do: Bring plenty of water!

Best Way to get around
Getting There: Starved Rock State park is less than a two hour drive from Chicago. Traffic was pretty steady with minor construction that day and many troopers were out to enforce the speed limit on Highway 80. The park is about 10 minutes off the highway, though depending on traffic it may take awhile. You have to drive through a typical small American country town.
Getting Around: You may want to drive up to the Visitor's Center, but the best way to get around is to hike, bike or walk. You can not take your bike on the trails, but you can ride it up the road from the campground to the Visitor's Center.