Morrison-Rockwood State Park and nearby campgrounds provide glamping close to Fulton, Illinois during all seasons. Located along the Mississippi River and its backwaters, the area offers diverse camping options on flat to gently rolling terrain. Most campgrounds sit between 580-650 feet elevation, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and moderate humidity levels due to proximity to waterways.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Explore the Mississippi River backwaters through Rock Creek County Marina and Campground, which offers canoe and kayak rentals. A visitor noted, "Nice educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore. Showers are open until October 14 this year."
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at multiple locations including the small lake at Morrison-Rockwood State Park where visitors can catch various species. "There is a small lake for fishing and paddling, and a restaurant in the park (ended up being vital since I forgot to pack coffee)," reports one camper.
Environmental education: Visit Rock Creek's Eco Tourism Center for naturalist programs and wildlife viewing. "CG is spread out along bottomland river forest and includes camping cabins, tent and RV sites, RR/showers, playground, dump and water stations, Eco Tourism store/grill, paddling rentals, Blue Heron Cruises, nature center," according to a regular visitor.
Hiking and biking: Access the Hennepin Canal trails from Geneseo Campground where visitors can enjoy 72 miles of biking trails and numerous walking paths. A visitor mentioned, "Right on the Hennepin Canal. RV, tent, Cabins, and Yurt camping. The couple that run this campsite are so sweet! Pedal bikes for kids (and grown ups)."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many visitors appreciate the secluded nature of camping areas like those at Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park. "Primitive. Campground host, wood available in park, playground, showers, fishing, golfing, historical village, bike/hike/horse trails, park gates close after hours," notes one review.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the excellent maintenance of bathrooms and shower houses. "A lovely campground with the CLEANEST bathrooms and showerhouse! I'm not squeamish and have been camping for years so my expectations for campground bathroom cleanliness is well calibrated but these bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean!"
Proximity to water: Many sites offer direct access to rivers, lakes or backwaters. "CG offers: RR/showers, seasonal host, firewood, play area. Sites have tables, fire rings, hard pads. Little shade until trees grow. Park offers swim pool, golf, concessions, shelters, hike/bike/horse trails," says a visitor about Woodside Campground.
Campground amenities: Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and electrical hookups, with many offering full hookups. "Nice, newer campground with solar power! Campground offers host, nicely maintained heated showers and restrooms, play area, firewood, available on site, RV pads are hard surface, have fire rings, water, electric, tables."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Geneseo Campground runs from April through October, while others remain open year-round but with reduced services in winter. "Stayed one night. It is a nice place, easy to find canal for walking. Bathrooms were OK."
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), advance reservations are strongly recommended for glamping accommodations near Fulton, Illinois. Most parks allow reservations up to six months in advance.
Site variations: Many campgrounds feature a mix of sunny and shaded sites, with varying levels of privacy. At White Pines Forest State Park Campground, "We took a chance. We wanted to camp last minute and it was the only place taking reservations. We would definitely come back." However, another notes, "Many of the campsites are sloped and some are sloped A LOT. This isn't obvious from the booking page."
Flooding potential: Due to proximity to the Mississippi River, some campgrounds may experience seasonal flooding. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Prophetstown State Park Campground, "Plenty of sites for both tents and campers, playgrounds, shower rooms that are very clean compared to others we have been to. Walking distance from stores, and easy access to the water."
Kid-friendly trails: White Pines Forest State Park provides confidence-building hiking experiences for young children. "We've gone camping here the last two Memorial Day weekends with our three kids currently aged 8, 6, and 3. The hikes are all very doable, there is a playground, ice cream at the lodge and a few wide open spaces for frisbee or playing catch."
Educational opportunities: Families appreciate the learning experiences available at Prophetstown State Park Campground. "An unusual historic state park... The park has replicas of both the indian village and the white settlement of white settlements. There are excellent bike paths and wonderful explanation of the geology of the park."
Rental activities: Many campgrounds offer equipment rentals including paddleboats, canoes, and bicycles. "Great place for the family. This campground has an assortment of primitive and electrical sites. They also have cabins and canoe/kayak rental, a visitor shop with food/drink and a mini museum of the local wildlife."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When glamping in an RV near Fulton, Illinois, check site dimensions and access carefully. "Sites were more like a rainbow then flat but more then enough space to back up. Plenty of shade very friendly."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer are available at several campgrounds, but confirm before booking. "Our site was spacious but some are open and too close together. Good for one night unless you have your own boat."
Loop considerations: Some campgrounds have distinct loops with different characteristics. "We camped the last weekend in April and we loved it. The pad was uneven but we got our pup leveled out. We couldn't hike as much due to some hunting still going on but we made due."
Seasonal preparation: RVers should note that water hookups may be turned off during colder months. "We were in site #5 FHU. Easy and friendly check in. Nice lake in park. It was still off season so pool etc was not open. Easy on/off interstate."
