Starved Rock State Park
Utica, IL
Eighteen sandstone canyons along the Illinois River, with seasonal waterfalls in spring and frozen falls in winter. Start at the visitor center; parking fills on weekends by mid morning.
Starved Rock State Park is a state park on the Illinois River near Utica and Oglesby in Illinois, less than 160 kilometres (100 miles) southwest of Chicago. Across about 2,630 acres (around 1,060 hectares), wooded bluffs and canyons line the river. According to Enjoy Illinois, seasonal waterfalls, overlooks and rugged canyons are the park's trademark.
The name comes from a legend: after a conflict, members of the Illinois are said to have fled onto the rock and starved there. In 1890 Ferdinand Walther bought the land and built a vacation resort; in 1911 the State of Illinois acquired it. There are about 21 kilometres of hiking trails, the historic Starved Rock Lodge and a visitor center with a café; canoeing, boat tours, trolley rides and, in winter, cross-country skiing are on offer. Campers find 133 sites with electricity, and reservations are required.
A trail improvement project has been under way since winter 2025 and runs through summer 2027. According to the Illinois DNR, LaSalle, Tonti, Pontiac, Basswood and Lonetree Canyons were among the areas most recently closed, while the lodge, campground and visitor center stayed open (as of October 2026). During hunting periods in November and December the campground is temporarily closed. Please check current closures with the Illinois DNR before you go.
- Nearest town
- Utica, IL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.3196, -88.9937
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Starved Rock CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Starved Rock State Park
- Starved Rock Youth Group CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Starved Rock State Park
- Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State ParkCampsite2 mi from Starved Rock State Park
- Pleasant Creek CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Starved Rock State Park
- Illini State Park CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Starved Rock State Park
- Tony's CabinCampsite19 mi from Starved Rock State ParkWi-Fi
All campsites in Illinois · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Starved Rock State Park?
Starved Rock State Park is in Utica, IL, at GPS 41.3196, -88.9937. It is about 8 mi from Ottawa.
Can you camp near Starved Rock State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Starved Rock Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Starved Rock State Park?
Starved Rock State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Starved Rock canyons and Lincoln’s Springfield and Sandstone canyons, towpaths and lead-mining brick – by camper from the Illinois & Michigan Canal via Starved Rock and the Rock River to Galena.
What is there to see near Starved Rock State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Matthiessen State Park (2 mi), Gemini Giant (44 mi), Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (74 mi) and Field Museum (81 mi).
When is the best time to visit Starved Rock State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)