Paddlers and anglers have direct access to the Illinois River right from their campsites at Kayak Morris, a privately run campground in Morris, Illinois where water access is the main draw. Sites sit along the shoreline, and campers can launch kayaks from their own spot without hauling gear to a separate put-in. Tugboats and barges pass through regularly, which means sightlines from the water are active and industrial rather than remote. The river also sees a confluence nearby, which creates a floating zone worth exploring.
The campground rents kayaks and tents, so arriving without gear is workable. Fishing is a legitimate reason to visit. One camper reported catching over 50 stripers in a single outing, crediting the river convergence. As Taylor L. puts it, "not much to do here except camp and kayak," which is an accurate summary of the experience. Wading is permitted; swimming is not. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and firewood is available for purchase, though gathering small sticks on-site is allowed and reportedly sufficient for a campfire.
Bathrooms are port-a-potties located at the entrance, four units for the whole campground. Sites near check-in can get noisy from car traffic and slamming doors, so requesting a site farther from the entrance is worth considering. The campground maintains one central trash area. Cell service is available. Reservations are accepted, which matters on holiday weekends when capacity fills quickly.
Gebhard Woods State Park Campground sits about a mile to the west and provides a more traditional state park setup for campers who want a different configuration. Kayak Morris suits paddlers, anglers, and campers who want riverside access without much infrastructure beyond the basics.
Description
Located only 1 hour from Chicago! Our private Campground is PERFECT for the BEGINNER camper! Camp with your vehicle just steps from your tent. WE are right on the water! All sites are Fully wooded Sandy Beach camping.
Forget Something? Downtown Morris is just steps away, or Walmart/Jewel(5min). Need a shower? No problem! Morris Community Swimming pool (1mile away) features a shower/locker room facility and swimming pool. KayakMorris Outdoor Learning Campground is a new concept in recreational fun for all. KayakMorris' Campground was created out of a need to connect a variety of people and groups to recreational land and outdoor experiential learning programs and features GLAMPING!
We are combining easy access to kayaking, biking, canoeing, fishing, geocaching and hiking all in one great place! We make it FUN! We are even just steps away from historic downtown Morris, which features antique shops, novelty stores and great restaurants. We feature full sand beaches on the Illinois River and we are adjacent to the historic I & M canal and towpath featuring fishing, hiking, biking and geocaching.
Our Campground is specifically for families, youth and those with the utmost respect for the Great Outdoors! We cater to those that seek to escape to the wilderness and spend relaxing time with their friends and family. We pride ourselves in limiting camping privileges to families, youth and those that are truly outdoor enthusiasts.
All camping is online reservation only(unless you have camped with us before). You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKayak Morris is located in Illinois near Morris
Coordinates
41.35546794763707 N
88.41591162171878 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
Drive Time
- 50 min from Chicago, IL
- 50 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 7 min from Bloomington, IL
- 1 hr 24 min from Rockford, IL






















