Campgrounds and RV parks near Granville, IL

Hiking dominates the area. Starved Rock State Park features miles of trails along the Illinois River, with sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls drawing the heaviest traffic. Matthiessen State Park adds deeper dells, year-round waterfalls, and 9 miles of multi-use mountain bike and horseback trails, plus 5 miles of foot trails through the Dells. Cyclists and paddlers use the Hennepin Canal towpath, a long flat route past historic locks and aqueducts. Visitors can canoe, hike, bike, or ride horseback along the canal, and 91 miles of the trail open for snowmobiling once ground frost and snow depth thresholds are met. Fishing along the canal yields bluegill, crappie, and bass. Kayak operators run trips on the Illinois River near Starved Rock.

Camping seasons vary by site. At Starved Rock State Park, the West Loop is open year-round, while the East Loop and Youth Group Campground are closed from mid-November through early April. The Matthiessen equestrian campground is strictly seasonal: the horseback riders' camping and multi-use trails are open from May 1, weather permitting, through the second weekend of November. Horseback riders should note that trails are closed to horseback riding at least 24 hours after rainfall. Along the canal, equestrian use is allowed between April 15 and October 31, while primitive tent camping at the locks operates year-round. The Starved Rock Campground fills quickly, and the Illinois DNR recommends booking 6 months ahead, with weekends from May through October the first to sell out. Spring brings active waterfalls and muddy trails, summer brings heat and humidity, and fall is the busiest weekend season for the canyons. Winter visitors should check for trail closures after ice events.

Expect a mix of developed and rustic. The Starved Rock campground is a grassy area shaded by oaks with adequate space but limited privacy between sites. Facilities are standard, with clean restrooms, drinking water, a dump station at the entrance, and electric hookups suitable for most RVs on the West Loop. The Matthiessen equestrian area has 14 first-come sites with a picnic table and grill at each; electricity and tie lines are not provided, so campers should bring generators. Hennepin Canal Class C sites are walk-in only, with no vehicle access at locks 6, 11, 17, 21, 22, 23, and 26 and bridges 14 and 23. The only drinking water on the entire canal is at the visitor center, so bring plenty of water and insect repellent.