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Starved Rock State Park Utica, Ill. Rating:
(two campfires out of five) Date: June 2005
Description: Starved Rock is an extremely popular place for weekenders from the Chicago area. It is known for its scenic array of canyons and waterfalls along the Illinois River. The campground is in an upland area about a mile south of the visitor center and hiking trails. Recreation: There are day-hiking opportunities in the park and in nearby Matthiessen State Park. There are canoeing possibilities also. There was a nice array of bird species around the campground and at Matthiessen. Birds included dickcissel, wild turkey, rose-breasted grosbeak, wood thrush and eastern wood-pewee. Privacy: So-so. I was fortunate to be in the wooded area on one of the two camping loops. There was some separation between sites, but I could hear all of my neighbors' conversations. There are many sites that are in a wide open grassy field. Alcohol: prohibited Reservations: Yes. The reservation system uses the U.S. Postal Service. Firewood: Available for purchase in park in season and at nearby businesses. Rants: I would not camp here on a summer weekend, but it was pleasant enough on a weeknight. Even though this place is mentioned in publications like Outside Magazine, this is not wilderness camping at all. There is a lot of RV traffic (all sites have electricity), and it is fairly expensive ($25). The surrounding area is scenic, but this is a day trip not an overnight.
Camp Chicago
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