As one of the prettiest state parks near Chicago, Starved Rock is always high on outdoor lovers’ lists to explore and return to. Now, there is another reason to plan a camping trip weekend: Camp Aramoni, the former 19th-century brickyard turned Illinois’ first and premier luxury camping destination, has announced its 2023 season with a series of all-new exciting additions to their campground offerings to bring guests a luxury experience that redefines camping.
After launching their first full season in 2022, the women-owned and family-operated campground made a massive splash as one of the most charming accommodations near the iconic Starved Rock State Park. Spanning 96 acres of lush forest and wildlife terrain alongside the Vermilion River, the property offers stays in 11 luxurious safari-style tents, outfitted with upscale amenities including hardwood floors, private ensuite bathrooms, mini-fridges, king-sized beds, and more along with air conditioning and heat.
At the campground’s refined rustic gathering space The Barn, Executive Chef Carson Barger (Tangled Roots, Social Kitchen) brings seasonal chef-driven menus highlighting regional ingredients and fare, and The Burlington, a restored 1971 Airstream RV, sits outside as a converted mobile coffee and cocktail bar. Now for the 2023 season, which launches on April 13, 2023, Camp Aramoni is pleased to announce it will be elevating the acclaimed experience even further with the announcement of their second-annual celebrity chef dinner series, expansion of their manicured hiking trails, elevated chef-driven picnic offerings and live music by the campfire every weekend.
Celebrity Guest Chef Series
Camp Aramoni is thrilled to announce the lineup for their 2023 guest chef series, featuring all-star Chicago-area talents such as award-winning live fire cooking chef John Manion (El Che, Babygold Barbecue) and more to be announced soon. Each chef will take over the Camp Aramoni kitchen with a featured recipe for the weekly menu, showcased during a one-night-only demo and a guest meet-and-greet. While the event was previously only open to those staying at the campground, this year the team will be offering a limited amount of seats to the public! Tickets will be available through their website and will be announced on social media when live.
New Hiking and Picnic Options
For those who want to disconnect and commune with nature, Camp Aramoni’s expanded trail system is the perfect way to adventure without leaving the campground. With all-new manicured pathways on the property, guests can wander alongside the rushing Vermilion River or take winding strolls and bike rides through the woods throughout the property. Animals abound in the area, so be sure to keep an eye out for local fauna including hawks, eagles, deer, blue herons, turkeys and much more.
Meanwhile, the new picnic offerings at Camp Amori are the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely outdoor meal with an extra touch of elegance. Curated by Camp Aramoni’s Executive Chef Carson Barger, guests can enjoy new items such as tea sandwiches, seasonal pasta salads, elevated charcuterie boards, and more featuring produce from their on-site gardens. Picnics can be ordered in advance with the concierge to be set up by staff at one of seven private picnic areas, offering settings like a picturesque moment alongside the river or in a beautiful forest clearing. For a total Little Mermaid moment, guests can also picnic near the campground’s private lake and finish off the day with a romantic canoe ride.
Live Music by the Campfire
In 2023, Camp Armoni is excited to share that music lovers looking for an evening escape will be now able to enjoy stylings from beloved local artists during the weekend. Set in front of the campground’s communal gathering space The Barn, campground guests will be able to grab a refreshment from the restored 1971 Airstream turned mobile cocktail bar before grabbing a seat or laying out on the grass to relax to genres like folk, Americana and country.
Featured Image: Wade Hall/Camp Aramoni