Starved Rock Chicago, IL 2024

Don’t be afraid to visit in the winter – the freezing creates amazing icefall sculptures in the canyons. This program is designed for scout groups seeking a professional provider with expert kayak instructors. Scouts have fun together and build teamwork while working towards their Kayaking merit badge. The Boy Scout Camping Merit Badge is a badge that scouts can earn to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in camping skills. You can improve your balance and coordination by doing exercises such as yoga, balance board exercises, or even standing on one foot.
The park is situated along Lake Geneva and so offers beautiful sandy beaches along with wooded campgrounds, forest hiking trails, and more. Less than an hour outside the city in Palatine, Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Camp Reinberg is perfect for a quick weekend escape or one-night camping experience. Located in the 2,000-acre Deer Grove kayaking near me Forest Preserve, you’ll have access to an estimated 15.5 miles of trails for biking, trail running, cross-country skiing or horseback riding. There are 13 campsites, six RV sites, and several heated cabins are available year-round (and don’t forget Cook County residents get a discount) so you can experience nature no matter the season.

For a longer hike, try the 7.2-mile McHenry Dam Trail, which takes you around the park’s beautiful lake. At Kayak Starved Rock Campground, we offer a wide range of outdoor activities to suit every interest and skill level. Grab a paddle and embark on a kayaking excursion along the tranquil waters of the Illinois River, where you can spot wildlife, explore hidden coves, and soak in the serenity of nature. Our experienced staff are on hand to provide guidance and assistance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Escape the hustle and  bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Starved Rock Camping. Nestled along the tranquil Illinois River, Kayak Starved Rock Campground offers an unparalleled outdoor experience for adventurers of all ages.
Snowmobiling is not allowed anywhere at Starved Rock, but is allowed at the I & M Canal one mile to the north in Utica. The trails are open all year, but hikers are urged to exercise extreme caution and to stay on official trails. To keep you oriented, trail maps are located at all trail access points, intersections and points of interest. There are colored posts along the trails, corresponding to colors on the maps, and letter symbols on the trail brochure to further assist you. Finally, yellow dots on trees or posts indicate that you are moving away from the lodge or visitor center, and white dots mean you are returning.

Kayak Starved Rock Campground is located right on the kayaking Illinois River in Ottawa, IL directly across from starved rock state park and offers sweeping views of Starved Rock State Park. Kayak rentals are available at many outdoor recreation centers, marinas, and other water-based activity providers. They come in different types, including sit-in kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, tandem kayaks, and more. Choosing the right kayak for your needs is crucial to enjoying your kayaking experience. Aside from the scenic beauty and flourishing wildlife, people enjoy the way the park is laid out with open grassy areas that are conducive to pitching a tent. Most camping slots are outfitted with standard 20-amp plugins, plus a 30-amp camper hookup.
Beautiful view of the river and 5 minute drive from Starved Rock park. One of the main reasons why everyone should try kayaking in Chicago at least once is the sheer beauty of the city’s river system. As you glide along the calm waters, you’ll be surrounded by architectural wonders and iconic landmarks that make up Chicago’s skyline. From towering skyscrapers to historic bridges, every paddle stroke will reveal a different angle and give you a unique appreciation for this urban jungle turned water wonderland. Offering high quality kayaks for rent near Chicago, guided kayak tours and primitive camping at locations in Morris and Starved Rock.
Here are the best campgrounds near Chicago for seasonal and year-round tent sites, RV and trailer-accessible sites, cabins and recreational activities. At the grand launch, everyone is required from their location to wear a PFD . If you are not a camper or a kayak renter and want to enjoy the day kayaking from their site, there is a $10 launch fee. Kayak Starved Rock Campground has announced the launch of its glamping service in the Starved Rock State Area near Chicago, Ill.

The Illinois River is a scenic waterway that meanders through the heart of Illinois. The river offers a peaceful and serene setting, with miles of unspoiled wilderness on either side. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of birds, fish, and other animals as they paddle down the river. Located in Morris, Illinois, Kayak Morris is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a unique and exciting way to experience nature.
The peacefulness of nature combined with the soothing sounds of rushing water make it easy to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This park boasts access to three natural lakes, plus seven smaller ones connected by the Fox River into a beautiful chain. Needless to say, it’s a paradise for boaters, water skiers and fishers. There’s also six miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails to discover before you bed down at one of the 151 campsites.

The lake is stocked with large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, walleye, muskie and more—you can also take a boat out on the water if you like. A total of 150 campsites offer a place to rest after a sunsoaked day, each with electricity, a picnic table, fire rings and vehicle access. Situated just over two hours from Chicago by car, this expansive state forest north of Milwaukee is named for the large depressions in the land formed by melting glaciers thousands of years ago.
The trails here are mostly flat and easy to navigate, making it a great option for families with children or beginner hikers. In addition to kayaking and canoeing, Kayak Morris also has some of the best camping in Illinois and offers primitive tent camping right on the Illinois River. The company also offers team-building exercises and corporate outings for businesses looking to get away from the office and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. The Starved Rock area is renowned for its unrivaled natural beauty. With lush forests, towering bluffs, and diverse wildlife, this region offers an unparalleled backdrop for outdoor activities.
The ultra-high-back seat allows anglers to sit with knees bent, taking pressure off the lower back. Whether lake, inshore, or offshore fishing, the SS127 is ready.Check out a Bonafide Kayak in person. Extra-wide and stable fishing kayaks allow an angler to stand and fish. If you are a fly-fishermen, or if you enjoy sight-casting to fish in the shallows, stand-up capability might be very important to you in choosing a fishing kayak.

Whether you prefer standard outdoor tents camping, the comfort of pop-up camping, or the coziness of tear-drop camping, our Starved Rock area has something to match every camper's needs. With 9 connecting lakes within the park and three rivers bordering the park, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to lake scenery and activities. If you love to camp, you will find many different campsites within the park that can provide a great experience for camping enthusiasts. The park is also popular for camping, with many different campsites available. Enjoying the campgrounds is also a great way to enjoy the nature of the park.