Starved Rock

Camping Reservations and Information 

Reserve Your Campsite

Starved Rock State Park Campground

• RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED and can be placed 6 months to 4 days prior to the date of your planned arrival. Reservations can only be made online at ExploreMoreIL™.

• Cancellations must be made online only at ExploreMoreIL or by calling 866-716-6550. Please do not call the park office to cancel your reservation. The reservation fee will not be transferred or refunded. YOUTH GROUP and HANDICAP CAMPING RESERVATIONS CAN NOT BE MADE ONLINE.

• Availability can be checked online at ExploreMoreIL by the visitor or camper. If the online website does not allow a reservation it is because the campground is full.  Reservations cannot be made online within 2 days prior to the actual date. This is when the walk-in period for sites begins.  Walk-ins are first come, first served at the campground.   Reservations cannot be made more than 108 days in advance.  

• The Starved Rock Campground fills quickly every year, and it is highly recommended to place your reservations 6 months before the date of your campout. Weekends May through October fill first! Reservations cannot be made over the phone.

• The West Loop is open all year round, but the East Loop closes the weekend before Thanksgiving through April 1st.  

• There is a maximum of 1 family (2 parents and their minor children) or 4 adults per site with 2 tents or 1 RV and 1 tent. Non-negotiable. If you have others wishing to camp outside of your immediate family or the 4-person maximum (not family) they will need to reserve a separate campsite online.

• Please view the Starved Rock Campground brochure for the campground map, rules and regulations, and pricing.

• Handicap Accessible Campsites and Youth Group Camping (only) reservations or cancellations must contact the Park Office, M-F only between the times of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to make a camping reservation. 815-667-4726.

• The Youth Group Camping area is only reservable for approved youth groups (youth 18 years of age and younger with adult chaperones) such as scout packs and church youth group organizations.

• The following are not accepted for the youth group area: family reunions, adult organizations, and groups outside of the youth group designation.

• Please view the Starved Rock State Park Campground brochure for further youth group information including pricing, min/max campers per site, and location of the youth group area.

Answers to Common Campground Questions

• The campground gates are open from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

• Starved Rock's campground has 133 Class-A Premium campsites. Electric hook-up only.

• 30 amp or 50 amp sites (see brochure above). 30 amp sites also contain 20 amp/110-volt outlets (2 prongs).

• Handicap sites come equipped with a cement pad. for RV or camper, area for tent (allowed up to 2 tents total), picnic table, fire pit with grill grate on top, an electric hook-up.  All other campsites have a gravel pad.  

• Campers are allowed up to 2 vehicles at their campsite. All extra vehicles will have to park in the small lot at the entrance of the campground.

• Water hydrants can be found throughout the campground for use.

• Porta potties are located throughout the campground, as well as two separate shower houses with flush toilets.

• The dump station and trash containers can be found upon entering and exiting the campground.

• The campground also contains a playground area and shelter.

• Firewood can be purchased at the campground as well as at local gas stations in Utica, IL.

• Alcohol is ALWAYS prohibited in the campground.

• Quiet time in the campground is 10 p.m.

• There is a camp store in the campground that operates seasonally (usually May 1-Oct. 31) that sells firewood, ice, soda, and other camping supplies. Hours for the store are: Mondays-Fridays from 3-7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. -6 p.m. Operated by the Starved Rock Lodge (not the IDNR/State Park) 815-667-4211.