Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Great primitive camping, but sites are really close. We were fine because we didn’t have anyone on one side and let our tent go partly on the next site. I would avoid all of the 20’s campsites for that reason in the future, but would love to come back. Great location for kayaking and hiking. No water or electric, so a little pricey for a spot with an outhouse within walking distance, but excellent put in and take out spot for kayaking. I would not stay here if you are not kayaking though. Quiet and not really busy, which is nice in my opinion, but really just staying near a place to launch kayaks.

We booked the two-hour guided kayak tour for Saturday July 1st at 11:00 am. We were instructed to be there 30 minutes early and we were. Another couple also did the same. There were others who had apparently booked the same tour at the same time, but they hadn't arrived by 10:55 am, so our guide told us we would be leaving on time and not waiting for the slackers (because one group had called to say they were lost and would be 20 minutes late) to be fair to those of us who followed instructions and directions. So, it was just us and another couple with our guide Rich, which made for a more fun and smaller tour as well as easier to hear him and keep up. Rich was funny and friendly as he guided us up and down the IL River to see some cool sandstone bluffs. He also managed to take a few good photos of us with our phone. There are plenty of outhouses next to the check-in location to use before or after the tour. Wear water shoes. Bring sunscreen, water, and a snack if needed too.