About SRFC

A Vision to Serve Families

Starved Rock Family Campground is a family owned and operated campground, recently established in 2022 by Mark and Ashley Voss. The property was formerly known as Hickory Hollow Campground, and it was one of the most popular campgrounds in the Illinois Valley area. While it was still in operation, the Voss family lived nearby and always enjoyed the smell of campfires and the beauty of nature while walking around the property.

When the former owners decided to retire, they closed the campground and sold the property to a local sand mining company. While it was part of the sand mine, the property was primarily used for storage of equipment. The property quickly became overgrown and was stripped of many of the important features that made it a campground (fire rings, picnic tables, and much of the electrical infrastructure). However, when the sand mine closed and decided to sell the property, the Voss family did not hesitate to move forward with their vision to purchase and restore the campground.

While the restoration project is a massive undertaking, Mark and Ashley believe that God has made it all possible and will continue to provide as they faithfully follow His leading.  They have felt particularly called and encouraged by this scripture: “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.  Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.  Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes” (Isaiah 58:11-12).  The prayer is that all who come to spend time at Starved Rock Family Campground would leave feeling refreshed, restored, and more connected to their family and to God.