Starved Rock State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions
- Camping
- YesAlso lodge or inn rooms
- Official site
- dnr.illinois.gov(815) 667-4726
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 2
Partial closure Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks Hunting Season 2026 & 27Starved Rock State Park hiking trails are open!! Closure signs will be posted at locations outside of the main park (see listings and dates below).… (more)
Starved Rock State Park hiking trails are open!! Closure signs will be posted at locations outside of the main park (see listings and dates below). Shotgun Season and Disabled Outdoor Opportunities Hunt (Deer) • November 20-22, and December 3-6 • CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (except for hunters): • Starved Rock Campground, Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Hennepin Canyon Parking Lot, Matthiessen State Park, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve, Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, and Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve. Muzzleloader Season (Deer) • December 11-13 • CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (except for hunters): • Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Hennepin Canyon Parking Lot, Matthiessen State Park, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve, Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, and Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve. December 31-January 3, & January 15-17, 2027 CWD Firearm (Deer) • December 31-January 3, & January 15-17, 2027 • CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (except for hunters): • Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Matthiessen Nature Preserve, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve, Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, and Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Construction Starved Rock Trail Improvement ProjectThroughout 2026, some Starved Rock State Park trails could be closed or have limited access to accommodate construction for a major trail improvement… (more)
Throughout 2026, some Starved Rock State Park trails could be closed or have limited access to accommodate construction for a major trail improvement project at the park. The Starved Rock Lodge, park campground, and visitor center will remain open and maintain normal operating hours. Project updates, including current trail availability and other information, can be found online. Visitors are encouraged to review this information before visiting the park.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
In LaSalle County, about 6 miles east of LaSalle, Starved Rock State Park covers about 3,246 acres.
Its trail network totals roughly 13 miles, according to the park. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers lodge rooms.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trails | Daily | 7 a.m. – sunset | — |
| Visitor center | Daily | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — |
| Daily | Closed | Nov 1 – Mar 31 | |
| Campground | Starved Rock Campground: Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily. | ||
Official wording
Starved Rock Park trails: 7 a.m. until sunset
Starved Rock Visitor Center: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Closed on federal holidays November through March
Starved Rock Campground: Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily.
Starved Rock Lodge: For operating hours and other information, visit www.starvedrocklodge.com
Starved Rock Visitor Center: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Closed on federal holidays November through March
Starved Rock Campground: Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Free: 'The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land.' Camping, cabins and shelters are fee-based.
Statewide fee rule from Illinois's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Camping
- Not required
- Booking system
- ExploreMoreIL (IDNR camping, cabins, group camps and shelters)
Walk-ins are first come, first served at the campground.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Not allowed in or on: guided hikes or programs.
Dogs are permitted in the park as long as they are leashed; their owners clean up after them, dispose of waste properly, and ensure they have enough water while hiking. Do not allow your dog to drink from canyon waterfalls, creeks, or the Illinois River. Dogs are not permitted on guided hikes or programs.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starved Rock State Park Campground | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping Reservations and Information
Reserve Your Campsite
Starved Rock State Park Campground
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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 recreation.exploremoreil.com.
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Cancellations must be made online only at recreation.exploremoreil.com. 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.
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Availability can be checked online at recreation.exploremoreil.com 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 6 months in advance.
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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.
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The West Loop is open all year round, but the East Loop closes the weekend before Thanksgiving through April 1st.
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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.
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Please view the Starved Rock Campground brochure for the campground map, rules and regulations, and pricing.
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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.
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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.
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The following are not accepted for the youth group area: family reunions, adult organizations, and groups outside of the youth group designation.
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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
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The campground gates are open from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
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Starved Rock's campground has 133 Class-A Premium campsites. Electric hook-up only.
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30 amp or 50 amp sites (see brochure above). 30 amp sites also contain 20 amp/110-volt outlets (2 prongs).
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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.
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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.
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Water hydrants can be found throughout the campground for use.
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Porta potties are located throughout the campground, as well as two separate shower houses with flush toilets.
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The dump station and trash containers can be found upon entering and exiting the campground.
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The campground also contains a playground area and shelter.
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Firewood can be purchased at the campground as well as at local gas stations in Utica, IL.
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Alcohol is ALWAYS prohibited in the campground.
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Quiet time in the campground is 10 p.m.
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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.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
Camping
Trails
Hiking Information and Trail Suggestions
The park's main draw is its stunning bluffs and canyons, accessible via 13 miles of clearly marked trails. These trails are open year-round from 7 a.m. to sunset. Visitors seeking waterfalls should check the weather forecast for Utica, Illinois, prior to their visit to the park. Waterfalls are rain dependent and occur in the canyons. Canyons typically dry out by the end of June depending on rainfall in the area.
Hikers should be extremely cautious and remain on designated paths marked in Brown, Green, or Red and follow the brown directional signs.
Trail maps are available at all access points, intersections, and parking areas, accompanied by brown directional signs indicating various features like the canyons.
Read more from the park
In case of an accident or emergency, please CALL 911. Red QR codes are placed near every trail map at intersections and parking lots throughout the park with information on your location to report to 911 dispatch.
Dogs are permitted in the park as long as they are leashed; their owners clean up after them, dispose of waste properly, and ensure they have enough water while hiking. Do not allow your dog to drink from canyon waterfalls, creeks, or the Illinois River. Dogs are not permitted on guided hikes or programs.
Please review the Starved Rock Trail Project 2026 Updates
The average person hikes 1 mile every 30-45 minutes. Please take into consideration the number of major staircases located at the park. There are no ADA-compliant trails (accessible by car or wheelchair) into the park's canyons or overlooks due to the topography.
- Starved Rock .6 miles Roundtrip
- French Canyon .8 miles Roundtrip
- Wildcat Canyon: 2 miles Roundtrip
- LaSalle and Tonti Canyon is inaccessible from July 20 through October during the next portion of the trail improvement. (update posted 7/23/2026)
- Aurora Canyon and St. Louis Canyon: 3 miles Roundtrip
Starved Rock State Park visitors can now take a guided hike on the park’s most popular trails using this new smartphone app. Download the Prairie State Hike App for just 99 cents.
Boating and paddling
Kayaking and Canoeing
Guests are encouraged to bring their own kayaks and canoes to experience the Illinois River at Starved Rock State Park. The optimal location for launching your boat is at the Lone Point Shelter area, situated along Route 71 on the eastern side of the park, where the Illinois River widens. Kayak and canoe rental is not available at the park.
Fishing
Fishing and Boating
Boats may be launched from the west end of the park. 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, canyon creeks, or from any park shoreline.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Park or camp store
Camping
- Tent camping
Lodging
- Lodge or inn rooms
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
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Parking - The visitor center parking lot is asphalt with accessible parking spaces and a distance of approximately 50' to the sidewalk. There is a 1/8-mile distance to the visitor center using the concrete sidewalks. The visitor center/park office has a wheelchair ramp, and the front door has a sliding sensor.
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Restrooms - There are accessible flush toilets and water fountains in the visitor center and lodge. There are accessible vault toilets in the campground and Lone Point Shelter boat ramp access (located on Rt. 71 between Starved Rock and Ottawa).
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Visitor Center - There are no braille or tactile displays. Headphones and closed captioning are not available for audio/visual displays.
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Picnicking - The Middle Shelter in the Boat Ramp Area is accessible with a concrete sidewalk leading to it from the parking area.
Read more from the park
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Trails - There is a wheelchair-accessible path leading up to the visitor center and about 1/8 mile past until the trail turns to gravel and dirt. Guided hikes are usually .6 miles to 2 miles roundtrip and involve at least one or more staircases and surfaces such as wood, concrete, gravel, and dirt/sand. The only trail system in the park that does not have steps is the Illinois Canyon on the east side of the park along route 71; however, it does involve a creek crossing.
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Boating - The Starved Rock Boat Ramp Area has accessible vault toilets with concrete sidewalks to them.
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Camping - The campground has seven accessible campsites with wheelchair accessible picnic tables and grills. There are concrete sidewalks from the campsites to the vault toilet building. There are accessible flush toilets and showers in the campground. Please call the park office to make a reservation (815) 667-4726.
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Lodge - The parking lot is asphalt with accessible parking spaces in the front circle, which lead to the concrete wheelchair ramp at the entrance. There is push-button access on the door to the lodge. The overnight parking area has three accessible parking spaces.
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Overlooks - All overlooks have between 50 and 150 steps.
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Service animals are welcome in the park, but there are no outdoor water fountains.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- P.O. Box 509
Utica, IL 61373 - Nearest town
- LaSalle — about 6 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 41.3090, -88.9890
- Phone
- (815) 667-4726
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Illinois State Parks (IDNR state parks and recreation areas) — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- IDNR All Parks list (AEM content-fragment list JSON) + each unit's landing page for official title, coordinates, address, phone
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Bench and trashcan Starved Rock.jpg — CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication), Visviva
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology