KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND

Mary Kay Prizwan

2023-11

Great 1/2 day kayak trip! Good rental equipment, good customer service and great location on the Illinois River.Beautiful area with egrets, pelicans, turtles and lots of other wild life. We did the 1/2 rental no guide - many bays and coves to explore. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

Robert Jenkins

2024-04

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Justin Brown

2023-11

It was a nice experience.. the staff was very accommodating and though we had a couple of issues they were taken care of with respect and concern. If you are looking for a primitive site -- this will work. As mentioned by others the 'sites' are close together -- fortunately we were only 1 of two groups there. I really enjoyed the access to the Kayak experience and my dog and I made the most of it... though I don't think she enjoyed it as much as I did.

dave rapps

2023-09

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Laurie Box-Schmitt

2023-10

We were part of Rich and Dave's Sunday 11 A.M. kayaking group. It was our very first time kayaking so we were a bit scared & reluctant to go but Rich immediately explained details to us, got us going early so we'd feel comfortable sitting in the kayak and brought humor to the experience. He kept everyone engaged along the tour and made us laugh, even Connor (inside joke). Thanks so much to both of these guys for keeping us safe and showing us a good time!

Tamika Thompson

2023-07

Had a great time! This was my first time kayaking. I appreciate the brief overview showing and teaching us how to paddle. Our guides were Rich and Dave and they were great! They guides through the river while providing some interesting info about starved rock state park and the Illinois river. They were helpful with assisting me navigate my paddle/kayak as a first timer; turning left/right, turning around, etc. I got the hand of it about 30 minutes in and felt like a pro. It’s definitely a solid arm workout as well. The place was easy to find via my gps. The instructions that were emailed were precise which helped me get there with no issues. The port-a-potties were good - not as gross as other ones I’ve experienced. I plan on coming back a few times this summer for another kayak tour since I had such a great time. Highly recommend!Nearby activities: Wineries and sushi spots

Kimberly Dycus

2024-04

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Elaine Stone

2024-03

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Emily Christmas

2023-06

We had the best time kayaking today with Rich and Dave! It was our first time kayaking and I was incredibly nervous. Rich provided excellent instructions and both made me feel super comfortable and encouraged me that I could do it. I did tip out if the kayak twice, but the upside is that both instructors were able to help me get back in and finish out the kayak trip. Dave was really kind and helped me get over the embarrassment I felt after flipping. He stayed with me until I was comfortable enough to catch up with the group. I can’t begin to thank him enough for his kindness. I can’t wait to get back on the water and I HIGHLY recommend you request Rich and Dave. You won’t be disappointed! Thank you both so much ☺️

Penny Collins

2024-03

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David Fagan

2023-10

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Matthew Downs

2023-08

This place has a great deal of potential! For a very primitive camping experience, it is absolutely amazing. The staff was outstanding! Very friendly and helpful! The shoreline could have used upkeep the grounds could stand to be given the once over with a DR feild mower. But you will not find a more picturesque camp site around!. Will will return!Nearby activities: The kayaking was amazing!

Nora Bondi

2023-08

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Mayda&ChipSki

2023-09

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Pedro Fanelli

2023-06

Kayak Starved Rock Campground is quite a gem tucked away in nature's bounty. The serene environment coupled with the sound of flowing water is indeed therapeutic. The kayak routes are safe, well-maintained, and ideal for beginners and pros alike. The campground is clean, and the staff are friendly and very helpful. Can't wait to visit again!

Alex Kirkeeng

2023-05

They were flexible with the chaos was our group planning, made accommodations to fit our weird schedule, and were welcoming and helpful with questions. Chill environment, fairly pretty spot. Kayaking was also fun, had a great time with my pup in a tandem. My dog actually got away for a second in the river, but the staff were helpful towards me getting him back.Really appreciated the time. One possible downside is that the plots are fairly close together, but we enjoyed being alongside everybody. Would camp again.

Christian

2023-05

I took my two little ones last year for a memorial day camping trip, it was their first and we all knew it had to become a yearly tradition! Clean campgrounds with everything you'll need to be comfortable, awesome helpful staff, on a historic river, right across from the most beautiful sites and trails our state has, if you have little ones then a weekend here is just what you need to appreciate and learn about our states great history and reconnect with nature!Nearby activities: Nearly endlessWalkability: Best walk you can take with so many options

Stephanie Gorham

2023-10

Went kayaking with Turtle Rick today and was great! Was raining and cool but the 2 hour trip was still worth it. We are beginner kayakers and was easy and fun!Nearby activities: Kayaking was amazing!

Sammie Hildreth

2023-05

My friend and I booked the rentals for a half day. You go down by the sand rocks, with lots of beautiful views and wildlife. I would suggest a half day so that you half enough time to weave in and out of the islands to see all the wildlife and views. This also makes for a leisure trip instead of a race. Staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and light hearted. Would 100% rent for them again.

Rolando Flores

2024-04

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Jordan York

2023-08

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Brooks Walker

2023-06

We loved camping right on the Illinois River. We loved launching out kayaks right from our campsite and the mature trees were lovely. Very few mosquitos until dark, whereas hiking near by there were a lot of mosquitos. There are limitations, however, that you need to be aware of. There really is NO WATER at all, not a single pump. Portapotties were mostly clean. No electricity, but that's all stated clearly. The views and kayaking made up for all that.

Sarah Comm

2023-05

Me and my partner decided to come camp for 3 days labor day weekend. When we arrived to our site, we weren't thrilled with the campsite location as our neighbors were extremely noisy and rude. We went and talked to Traci at the front and she was SO beyond helpful. She was able to move us to a spot by the water (score!) the first night. She told us the other two nights were fully sold out so unfortunately we would have to go back to our original spot after the first night. We were out in town when we got a phone call from Traci on the second day and she said she got a cancellation and that we would be able to get a better spot by the river for the remaining two nights of our stay. We were thrilled! We were so impressed that she remembered our request and thought of us once she received that cancellation. We ended up having a wonderful time and a great stay. Kayaking was pretty awesome too! Thank you Traci :)

Frank Vignocchi

2023-05

We had a wonderful time on our tandem kayak tour. Booking was simple and finding the launch was easy. Rich was our guide, not only was he enthusiastic and entertaining but he made us feel safe. Highly recommended!

Jack Cunningham

2023-06

We’re from out of state and just wanted to find a cool place to camp for a night and paddleboard. The woman who answered the phone was very passive aggressive with my honest questions about campsite availability and if we could paddle board with our own equipment there. She treated me like I was an irritation, not a customer. I was perfectly fine if we weren’t able to paddleboard there, because we would have still camped. Won’t be booking here.

Kyle McCabe

2023-05

Great location and amenities. Right across the river from Starved Rock. Fire pits had pivoting grill grates, port o potties were super clean, had motion lights, wet wipes, sanitizer, etc. Wood bundles available for sale.Alcohol is allowed but it's not a party campground. Quiet hours start at 10p. Great for families. Not extremely private as most of the campsites were pretty close to one another. Still a solid campground for those looking to be in the area.

Kayaking Tab Silva

2023-09

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Angie Moreland

2023-05

We went kayaking for our first time ever. We had a blast! Guides are awesome, they kept it fun and safe. Abby was especially helpful and encouraging 😊 The scenery is beautiful and it’s kind of cool you go through a few different ‘challenges’ like lily pads, or submerged trees but nothing dangerous or scary for first timers. Equipment is in good shape. I think we might have found a new hobby, thanks guys!!!

Jessica H

2023-08

Called to see if we could check in early and were told absolutely.....we get there to check in early and are told we have to pay an early check in fee that was not mentioned at all on the phone....not impressed. Small campgrounds and very close to your camp neighbors. Kayaking experience was positive.

Deanna Smith

2023-05

I am not a person to ever give reviews but I do need to give credit where credit is due. Today we had a 2 hour kayak tour and it was beyond my expectations I know I can have fun on my own with my family but Turtle Rick 🐢 made today's experience so much more (the man definitely lives up to his name) and was full of fun facts about Illinois , so thank you for that. I also have to give a shout out to Steve who literally pulled those who were struggling to maneuver their kayaks. You guys were awesome ! Thank you so much !