Kayaking the Rock River Trail to Crow Valley Campground

Well Friends it was a great trip kayaking down the Rock River with friends. We started the day out at Lawrence park in Sterling on the Rock River, a small island just west of the lower dam in Sterling IL. Lawrence Park is a great place to fish from and also has a boat launch area on the North side of the Island. We launched from here and went to Crow Valley Campground about 8 miles down river with the current of about 4 mph. Took about 3.5 hours just floating not much paddling. There were some spots that got shallow and rocky and a couple of the kayakers got stuck and had to walk a bit. If you know the Rock you can go along the sides to get by. We went along the south side of the river. It was a beautiful day of about 80 degrees with a soft wind.  As we kayaked down we saw several Eagles, Pelicans, Blue Herons and other Ducks and birds. There was a stretch of water as you come around the ben where you point south that the wind picked up and made the water look like rapids for a short distance, pretty cool. If you plan on taking this trip to Crow Valley you will have to contact the owners of the park and get permission to come a shore and there may be a fee as this is a private campground with tent camping. www.Crowvalleycampground.com  The next Campground is Prophetstown State Park also directly on the Rock River a few miles down also with tent camping and Rv sites. In town you will find some of the best Pop Corn around and some good food and other things are available, about 1 mile away or so. the trip was very relaxing and enjoyable as it was a relaxed paddle down stream nothing to strenuous. really a great trip for a family and kids as you float and steer.lol. be sure and bring your camera and binoculars as you will most likely see the beautiful majestic Eagles as they are making a come back along the Rock River. there are a few houses along the way so bring plenty of water and sun screen as some of us got quite a burn. Be sure to always look on You tube on my Youtube channel for video of all my trips and events. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzCKZqvJ2QUFumOCsq3eMfw 
You can also go to www.Davesoutdoorworld.com to check out outdoor gear, kayak rentals and more and join us for kayaking and biking events here in the area.
Until next time get Outdoors and enjoy life... God Bless...

Daves Outdoor World

Daves Outdoor World

Daves Outdoor World

Well Friends, so far the weather has been crazy since we got here from Texas. First the rain, then the cold and then very windy. Very hard to kayak or bike in that stuff. Looking forward to the warm weather. Been kayaking a couple times on the Hennepin Canal and I always seem to forget how peaceful the Canal is. Love kayaking the Hennepin. Been out on the Bike trails and nothing really has been done since they paved the Sterling Trails last year. The Rock River Trail is still actively engaged in getting signs out along the trail. Soon you can purchase a membership online through paypal for memberships. Still looking forward to getting over to Crystal Lake RvCampground and seeing how the progress has developed.  Tent camping will be available there. www.Crystallake1.com  Events coming up are the River Chase June 27 and 28... Tampico Days 27 and 28 looking forward to seeing you out there, always a lot of fun.have not heard anything from Dixon as of late after the new elections. Still looking to get docking in place along the River Front. The New Hotel in Rock Falls is still in the early stages and moving slowly. Well as I get out into the communities I will be reporting and sharing pictures and video from the trail....