The Starved Rock Family Park Campground in La Salle, Illinois, is set to use solar power by September. This project, approved by the La Salle City Council, marks a step in the campground’s commitment to environmental stewardship and cost reduction for its visitors.The campground is on track to meet its completion target by September.
Mark Voss, owner of the campground, spearheaded this initiative to combat rising costs of power. “This will help keep costs down for all RVers and all the tent people and everything. Our goal is to try and bring those bills down for them,” Voss said.
The solar farm, set to occupy a half-acre plot, represents a $300,000 investment in the project. According to an article published by Shaw Local News Network, a federal grant will cover 40% of the project’s cost.
The solar field aims to supply energy to approximately half of the 107 campsites, with no additional expansion plans anticipated for the future. To bring this vision, Voss partnered with Legacy Solar LLC.
Voss emphasized the project’s alignment with campers’ environmental values, stating, “We’re trying to keep it nice and safe. You know, a lot of campers want that big green camping … and our footprint will be a lot less.”
“We have a good 300 to 400 people out there every weekend. Our goal is to keep a campground that is good for the environment and really honoring God. And keep it as a place for families to feel refreshed and restored,” Voss explained.
According to its website, Starved Rock Family Campground, opened in 2022, boasts a variety of on-site attractions to enhance the outdoor experience. Guests can enjoy walking paths, a picnic pavilion, a playground, indoor and outdoor games, an outdoor pool, and a planned dog park, offering a range of activities for families and pets.
Starved Rock Family Campground is also equipped to accommodate various camping preferences. Most RV sites feature water, electric, and sewer hookups, while a few sites offer only water and electric, with a dump station available for guest use.
For those seeking a more rustic experience, the campground provides several primitive tent camping sites. Additionally, the shower house, located near the tent area, includes men’s and women’s bathrooms with three stalls and showers each, though it is closed from November 1 to April 1.
Connectivity and convenience are also priorities at the campground. An internet café is available at the main building, which houses the office and camp store, ensuring guests can stay connected during their stay.
The campground’s pet-friendly policy is another highlight. It allows up to three dogs per site, with future plans to build a dog park.
For more information about Starved Rock Family Park Campground, visit starvedrockfamilycampground.com.
