#1 Starved Rock Kayaking Near Chicago since 2010

Starved Rock Kayaking Near Chicago

Rarely too low or too high to run

Dam controlled

Our Waterway never gets too shallow to run

Currently running Normal schedule Rentals & Tours

Beginner & Dog & Family Friendly Kayak

No Current No Shuttle No worries 2-4 ft water depth

Flatwater Kayaking & Riverside Camping

Book online Now

We Are Now OPENing soon For the Season

April Hours

SAT/SUN 10AM-6PM Last kayaks out at 3:30PM

Beginner Kayak Rentals

Kayaks have maps and the attendant directs you

Starting May 2nd Guided Kayak Tours Saturdays/Sundays/Holidays

SAME DAY ONLINE BOOKING

for Kayak Rentals, Guided Ka

Red off-road vehicle with a rooftop tent parked in a scenic riverside camping area near Starved Rock, ideal for family and pet-friendly outdoor adventures.

Kayaking near CHICAGO since 2010

Offering High Quality

Kayaking Rentals | Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tours | Waterfront Camping

Group of kayakers on the water in red kayaks, enjoying a guided tour near sandstone cliffs at Starved Rock State Park, showcasing family-friendly outdoor adventure.

“Starved Rock is an amazing area with so many cool places to explore”

-Stan F.

Starved Rock in Illinois is a spectacular gem. Boasting 18 canyons carved into 100 foot towering Sandstone bluffs there are endless opportunities for discovery. If you haven’t yet checked this place out go soon you won’t be disappointed!

Signature of Kayak Starved Rock, representing a kayak rental and guided tour service near Starved Rock State Park, Illinois.

Our Guides will make you smile

Come see why people & pups love our
guided kayak tours

Kayak Starved Rock Campground

Reconnect with Family & Friends

Full Strength Prescription Nature is the perfect remedy to melt away daily stress. Come Reunite with friends and family and let a wave of calm reveal a better you.

  • Single & Tandem Kayaks

  • Dog Friendly Kayaking & Camping

  • Waterfront Camping

    right across from Starved Rock

Two smiling individuals in a red kayak, one wearing a sun hat and holding a small dog, enjoying a guided kayak tour in the scenic waterways near Starved Rock State Park, Illinois.
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Stress Relief

Guided Kayak Tours

Kayak Rentals

Riverside Camping

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Kayak Rental and tour Service for Kayaking and Camping near Chicago

Kayak Rental Service

Explore unforgettable kayak rental and kayak tour services near Chicago with our premium Starved Rock kayaking experiences. We offer high-quality single Perception Carolina 12ft & 14ft touring kayaks and Perception Cove 145T tandem kayaks, ideal for beginners, families, and experienced paddlers alike. Our location makes us a top choice for kayak rentals in Chicago, IL, and guided kayak tours in Chicago, IL, just minutes from Starved Rock State Park.

Guided Kayak Tours at Starved Rock State Park

Discover the beauty of kayaking Starved Rock State Park with our professionally guided Starved Rock kayak tours, available every Saturday, Sunday, and on holidays. These guided tours include safety instruction and on-water guidance, allowing you to enjoy kayaking on the Illinois River while exploring scenic sandstone bluffs and hidden waterways. Our knowledgeable guides ensure a relaxed and memorable kayaking Starved Rock experience for all skill levels.

Flexible Kayak Rentals Near Chicago

For independent paddlers, we provide kayak rentals in Chicago available seven days a week from May through Labor Day, with extended weekend availability in April, September, and October. Whether you’re planning a short paddle or a full day on the water, our kayak rentals Chicago location offers easy access to calm, flatwater paddling along the Illinois River near Starved Rock State Park.

Starved Rock Camping & Waterfront Camping, Illinois

After a day of Starved Rock kayaking, unwind with Starved Rock camping at our scenic riverside location. We offer waterfront camping in Illinois, including tent camping, pop-up camping, and teardrop camping options. This setup is perfect for kayak camping in Illinois, allowing you to combine paddling and camping in one seamless outdoor adventure.

Seamless Kayaking and Camping at Starved Rock

Campers are welcome to bring their own kayaks or rent them on-site, making camping at Starved Rock ideal for those looking to enjoy both land and water activities. Our kayak-friendly campground allows easy transitions from paddling on the river to relaxing under the stars. All paddlers are required to wear a PFD (life jacket) for safety.

Day Trips & Kayaks for Rent Near Me

Not planning to camp? We offer convenient day access for kayaks for rent near me, including canoe and kayak launches with a simple access fee. Located just a short drive from Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock Visitors Center, and near Matthiessen State Park, our site is ideal for day trips focused on kayaking the Illinois River and nearby outdoor exploration.

Whether you’re looking for camping, kayak rental service, Starved Rock kayak tours, or kayak rentals near Chicago, our Starved Rock kayaking near Chicago location is always ready to welcome you.

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kayaking Chicago

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Where is Starved Rock kayaking located near Chicago?

Starved Rock kayaking is located on the Illinois River, directly across from Starved Rock State Park and about a 90-minute drive from Chicago, making it ideal for day trips and weekend getaways.

2. Are kayak rentals at Starved Rock beginner and family-friendly?

Yes, our canoe and kayak rental service is beginner, family, and dog-friendly. The river is dam-controlled with flatwater conditions, no strong current, and shallow depths ideal for first-time paddlers.

3. Do you offer guided kayak tours at Starved Rock State Park?

Yes, we offer guided Starved Rock kayak tours on weekends and holidays. Tours include safety instruction, on-water guidance, and scenic paddling along sandstone bluffs and natural waterways.

4. Can I go kayaking and camping at Starved Rock in the same trip?

Absolutely. We offer waterfront camping in Illinois right across from Starved Rock State Park, allowing visitors to combine kayaking, canoeing, and camping at one convenient location.

5. What types of kayaks are available for rent near Chicago?

We provide high-quality single and tandem kayaks suitable for adults, families, and paddling with dogs. All kayak rentals include paddles, life jackets, and on-site assistance.

A Unique Way to Experience Starved Rock

Guests Love Our Guided Kayak Tours!

Kayak tour participants enjoying scenic paddling near sandstone bluffs at Starved Rock State Park, Illinois, showcasing outdoor adventure and family-friendly experiences.

Super fun tour ran by Rich and Bailey! The scenery was gorgeous and the water was beautiful. Rich’s jokes were the best part of the trip tho! LOL Thank you for a great experience at Starved Rock State Park!! We’ll be back!

Laurie B.

Waterfront camping at Starved Rock State Park, featuring kayaks and canoes for rent, showcasing outdoor adventure and family-friendly experiences in Illinois.

This was the GREATEST FUN!!! Our guide “Turtle Rick” made this tandem kayak tour so memorable!! We want to come again next weekend!!! Turtle Rick showed us so much wildlife & quizzed us on all this IL History — an absolute BLAST!!! Thank you, Turtle Rick!

Mayda C.

Guided tandem kayak tour at Starved Rock State Park with scenic views, highlighting local wildlife and family-friendly adventure.

My family of 5 did a guided tandem kayak tour and we all loved it (kids ages 12,10 and 8) – all left knowing more about Illinois across starved rock state park, the local wildlife and gained some great kayaking know-how. Thank you to our awesome guides (Turtle Rick and Steve) who were friendly and supportive!

Nora B.

Young man with a beard and stylish haircut, wearing a maroon v-neck shirt, standing outdoors with a soft-focus background of greenery, reflecting a relaxed and contemplative mood.

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.

Sammy H.

Woman smiling outdoors with sunlight behind, enjoying a joyful moment, reflecting the family-friendly atmosphere of kayaking adventures at Starved Rock State Park.

We had the best time kayaking today with Rich and Dave from Starved Rock State Park! 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 

Emily B.

Smiling woman wearing a yellow hat, holding a brown dog, in a scenic outdoor setting, reflecting a joyful moment in nature.

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!

Jordan B.