TOP BEST Starved Rock Camping near Chicago, IL

The primitive riverside camping is available along the Illinois River in Morris and Starved Rock. They currently feature tent camping, pop-up camping, teardrop camping at their Starved Rock location. The purpose is to give customers that primitive sense of belonging while camping. Their riverside camping is situated along the Illinois River and features sweeping views of Starved Rock State Park and a beautiful sandy beachfront at the Morris location. If you’re going to Shawnee National forest to kayak you should also explore some of the other areas of the forest. Stop by at the Garden of the Gods to enjoy the scenic views and hike on those stunning trails or camp at night with your posse.
However, people tend to overlook the magnificent campgrounds and sweeping views of the grassy plains right outside the city. The Big  Fish 103and 108 were specially designed to accommodate the Pro Fish pedal drive for hands-free propulsion. starved rock camping 3 Waters’ cathedral trimaran hull design provides stability for fishing or pedaling with friends and family. The incredibly stable, bow-to-stern tapered, swallowtail inflatable stand-up paddleboard is designed specifically for anglers.

For those who enjoy traditional camping, there are spacious tent campsites available. These sites provide a rustic experience surrounded by nature, allowing campers to truly immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the area. Set up your tent under the starry night sky and wake up to the sounds of birds chirping in the morning. Kayaking Chicago offers a unique and thrilling experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Kayaking in Chicago offers a unique and exciting way to explore the city’s stunning waterfront, get active, and connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to the sport, there are endless opportunities for adventure on the water. Not only does kayaking provide numerous physical health benefits by engaging your muscles and improving cardiovascular fitness, but it also has significant mental health advantages. The serenity of gliding along the calm waters can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Kayaking on the serene waters of the Illinois River provides a luring choice to the busy city kayaking experience. In addition to camping, there are many other outdoor activities to enjoy in Illinois.

There will be a guided Kayak tour for 2 hours on Saturdays around 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm. The memorial and labor are not left out between 10 am – 6 pm, seven days a week. Families and groups can make reservations online to enjoy the holidays or weekends. As soon as you arrive at Starved Rock, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The towering canyons and lush forests provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Pets should not be left alone in cabins or RVs for more than two hours at a time within the park. Floating under bridges adorned with twinkling lights adds an element of magic as you paddle through serene waters surrounded by urban beauty. With each stroke, you become part explorer and part adventurer, uncovering hidden corners and secret coves that are often overlooked during daylight hours.
These compartments are often waterproof, keeping your gear dry even in wet conditions. Lastly, fishing kayaks come with anchor systems, which allow anglers to stay in one spot, making it easier to fish in areas with strong currents or high winds. How to Fish from a Kayak Fishing from a kayak is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the water while also reeling in some fish. Kayaks offer a unique fishing experience as they allow anglers to reach remote fishing spots that are difficult to access with larger boats. If you are new to fishing from a kayak, here are some tips to help you get started.

If kayaking thrills and relaxes you, then come prepared as the clear & calm waters  of the Hennepin Canal will need muscle power. Look for kayak rentals in Illinois offering guided tour packages that don’t burn a hole in your pocket. Kishwaukee River is one the most suited river for kayakers and canoers because of the calm waters and its small size. Iconic as an Illinois kayaking spot, Lake Shelbyville’s 250 miles shoreline can be explored all day long on a weekend trip into this Midwestern wilderness. Also, if you’re in the mood, cast the pole in the calm waters and if luck is in your favor, you might catch a northern pike, bullhead, yellow perch, or any other species found there. For a more immersive Cache River kayaking experience, you can hire local guides who will give you a detailed tour of the wetlands and river systems.
The scenery of the Kankakee River along with the surrounding forests is a beautiful sight and is ideal for visitors to the area to experience. Kankakee River State Park is a large state park with a wide range of activities to enjoy. From waterfalls in spring to snowshoeing in winter, Starved Rock is an ideal state park for all visitors. Around a 1hr 30minute drive from Chicago, you will find Starved Rock State Park, one of the top-rated state parks in Illinois and home to beautiful scenery, forests, and waterfalls. There are 3 miles of shoreline to enjoy with a relaxing beachy atmosphere to be found throughout.

Snuggled along the tranquil Illinois River, Starved Rock is a natural paradise that calls out to both nature enthusiasts and adventure hunters. Its fascinating landscapes and peaceful waterways make it a prime place for camping and exterior expedition. A stunningly beautiful scenic drive along Lake Michigan takes you to Warren Dunes State Park, which sits right on the shoreline so you can enjoy the lake. Within the 2,000-acre park, you can find miles of mountain biking, rolling sand dunes, and thick forests. With the feel of sand and water between your toes, this short trip from Chicago makes it feel like you’ve traveled all the way to the ocean. The farm sets up canvas tents for you and your friends or family, each with a wood stove and cooking utensils to prepare food fresh from the farm.
Whether you prefer roughing it in a tent or enjoying the convenience of an RV, this campground has got you covered. We have 3 locations that offer rentals and tours of Kayaks on the Illinois River. Once you have found a reliable provider, it’s time to choose your kayak. There are various types available, such as sit-on-top kayaks or traditional closed-cockpit options. Consider factors like stability, maneuverability, and comfort when making your decision.
Another Forest Preserves of Cook County gem for camping close to the city is Camp Bullfrog Lake in the Palos Preserves system (and yes–you can actually hear bullfrogs here). With Bullfrog Lake at your front door, you can enjoy ice fishing in the winter and kayaking and canoeing in the summer. Whether you’re an experienced  hiker or just looking for a peaceful winter walk, Illinois has plenty of beautiful hiking trails to explore. From frozen waterfalls to snow-covered forests, these five destinations are some of the best places to hike in the winter in Illinois. So bundle up, grab your boots, and hit the trails for a winter adventure you won’t soon forget.

They have high-end perception Cove 145T tandem kayaks that hold up to three people if the 3rd person is 70lbs or less. They also have Perception Carolina single kayaks in 12 foot or 14-foot length as well. The Mississippi Palisades is a great location for outdoor adventure; 2,500 acres are available for exploration. The campground contains 241 sites, some with access to showers and electricity.