Starved Rock State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. While there are no specific grilling areas within the park, visitors are allowed to grill within the picnic area by utilizing grills in place or bringing their own. Open fires are not allowed outside of the campground area.
Picnic Areas and Grilling Facilities
The park has several picnic areas, with tables, drinking water, and restroom facilities. Eight shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Grills and picnic tables are located at most shelters from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Here’s a table outlining the picnic areas and grilling facilities at Starved Rock State Park:
| Picnic Area | Grills | Picnic Tables | Shelter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starved Rock Visitor Center | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starved Rock Lodge | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Matthiessen State Park | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starved Rock State Park Campground | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Group Gatherings and Permits
For those planning to visit in large groups, it’s important to note that any group of 20 or more persons who use Department facilities such as trails, shelters, group hikes, and tour groups (schools, youth groups, families, travel or outdoor tours, etc.) must have advance written permission from the Site Superintendent or Site Manager. Activity Permits and Release of Liability Waivers must be submitted to [email protected] at least 3 weeks prior to the visit for the site and state approval.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
Visitors can enjoy the park’s 13 miles of trails, which offer amazing, seasonal waterfalls, especially active in the spring and after heavy rains. The Illinois River offers fishing, boating, extraordinary views, and great places to relax.
Park Hours and Fees
Starved Rock State Park is open daily from 7am to sunset, and the Visitor Center is open daily from 9am to 4pm, except on Federal and State holidays from November through February.
There is no entrance fee for Starved Rock State Park. However, there are fees for certain activities such as camping and kayak rentals.
Camping
For camping, 133 Class-A Premium Camp Sites are available, all come complete with electricity. The bath house has showers and flush toilets. Most camping slots are outfitted with standard 20-amp plugins, plus a 30-amp camper hookup. A limited number have 50-amp hookups for big travel trailers. Camping reservations can be made online or by calling the park office at (815) 667-4726.
Kayaking
Kayak rentals at Starved Rock State Park are operated by a private concessionaire, Kayak Starved Rock. Kayaking typically begins in May and lasts through September. Please call 630-567-4653 or email [email protected] to book your kayak rental today!.
In conclusion, Starved Rock State Park offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including grilling within the picnic area. While there are no specific grilling areas, visitors are allowed to grill within the picnic area by utilizing grills in place or bringing their own. It’s important to note that large groups must have advance written permission and follow certain guidelines. The park is open daily from 7am to sunset, and the Visitor Center is open daily from 9am to 4pm, except on Federal and State holidays from November through February.
References:
– Yelp Search for BBQ at Starved Rock State Park
– TripAdvisor Reviews of Starved Rock State Park
– Starved Rock Lodge Website
– Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Starved Rock State Park Picnic Information
– Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Starved Rock State Park Activity Information