While we often laud the city sights, it’s also true that Illinois is filled with gorgeous natural wonders, from stunning waterfalls to arduous hiking trails, and everything in between.
If you need a break from the social scene of rooftop bars or the crowds sure to come during this summer’s lineup of music festivals (from Lollapalooza to Sueños to Rudio and ARC) there’s one state park that’s made the top 5 best camping sites in the Midwest.
So, whether you choose to enjoy a staycation at a cozy cabin or test your limits on 13 miles of trails, there’s something for everyone at what’s now been dubbed one of the top scenic camping locations in all of the Midwest!
According to new stats from The Dyrt, an app designed to assist travelers with camping and booking information, our little Starved Rock State Park is making waves with summer-ready road-trippers.
Located along the Illinois River in LaSalle County, Starved Rock State Park has attracted visitors for ages thanks to its incredible canyons, bluffs, and natural wonders!
Along with its waterfalls that freeze over in winter and offer cascading marvels in summer, Starved Rock State Park is home to 13 miles of hiking trails, 18 different canyons, and an abundance of natural landscapes which makes it one of the most amazing natural spectacles in the Midwest.
While immersive new cabins offer a unique way of experiencing the park it is also one of the best places to camp in the Midwest if you feel like breaking away from the urban noise to go back to basics. It’s highly recommended to reserve a spot at the campgrounds in advance.
As for campground details, nightly prices run from $25-$35 with over 133 sites to choose from. RV sites are available along with 24/7 accessible firewood. The pet-friendly campground also has a Campground Store open Friday and Saturday from noon-8 pm.
As for the other high-scorers, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota came in as the #1 camping destination in the Midwest, with Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan followed at #2, and Sandy Springs Campground in Ohio leading at #3. Our gem of a campground at Starved Rock State Park landed a humble and much-earned #4 title, making it one of the top 5 best campgrounds in the Midwest!
Check out the full list here!