Moraine View State Recreational Area occupies 1,687 acres of central Illinois prairie landscape near the town of Le Roy. The park sits on the shore of a 158-acre artificial lake constructed in 1975. Winter temperatures typically range from 15-30°F, while summer months average 65-85°F with moderate humidity. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to electric hookups for RVs, with varying levels of lake access.
What to do
Fishing and kayaking: Moraine View offers a stocked lake with multiple fishing access points. "Nice lake for fishing and kayaking. Excellent restaurant on site also," notes Kelly M. about Moraine View State Recreational Area.
Hiking trails: The park features multiple interconnected trail systems suitable for hikers of varying abilities. "Has sections of niceness hiking and kayaking," reports Sara C. Tall Timber area offers more secluded paths through wooded sections.
Swimming: The park maintains a designated swimming beach, though access may be seasonal. "The swimming beach is apparently only open on the weekends but there are plenty of places to get in the water so it wasn't a big deal," explains Brandi M.
Boating: While horse campgrounds near Le Roy, Illinois are limited, water recreation is abundant. Comlara County Park offers boat rentals, though they fill quickly. "All boats were rented out by 9am on a Saturday," cautions Melissa B.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Several campgrounds offer sites directly on lake shores. "We got a beautiful spot right on the lake," shares Jennifer M. about Moraine View State Recreational Area. "I was on site P16 which offers a lake view."
Diverse camping options: The region offers varied site types from open fields to wooded seclusion. "Site 14 is very spacious like it could be used as a group site. It also had a fire ring with grill and a separate grill," explains Scott N. about Comlara County Park.
Fall season views: Autumn brings vibrant colors to the region. "We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds," notes Jennifer M.
River camping: For those seeking alternatives to traditional equestrian camping near Le Roy, riverside sites offer a different experience. "Near the back you can camp right alongside the river," explains Kate M. about Deer Creek Campground.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campers report water issues at certain campgrounds. Julie notes about Moraine View, "Lake has had a lot of algae over the last couple years."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Comfort stations range from well-maintained to basic. "Bathrooms seemed dirty even for campground bathrooms & 1 stall was broken, leaving 3 showers & 2 flush toilets for the whole campground," reports Sarah M.
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts offer different levels of seclusion. "RV sites fairly close together with not many/any trees for privacy. Tent sites a bit more spread apart," explains Kathie M. about Comlara County Park.
Additional fees: Some parks charge for activities beyond camping. "The kicker is the $20.00 fee per boat/kayak to get on the lake plus the fee for the swimming area was a bit much for us," cautions Marcie J.
Limited equestrian facilities: While there are horse trails near Le Roy, Illinois, overnight horse camping options are restricted. Most parks permit day use of equestrian trails but lack dedicated corrals or overnight accommodations for horses.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow," mentions Sage C. about Comlara Park.
Beach considerations: Swimming areas may have limited hours or additional costs. "Swim beach is not right in campground but nearby. $3 entry for beach," notes Sarah M.
Quiet atmosphere: Deer Creek Campground provides a more subdued setting. "Large, quiet campsites that are not too crowded," says Kate M., adding it's a "relaxing place to stay!"
Primitive camping options: For families seeking more seclusion, Moraine View offers walk-in sites. "We walked in to do camping and we only had spots available at Tall Timber. It's primitive along with nice trail," shares Alice L.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring additional equipment. "Site 28 unlevel. Requires several lifts. Site is very large however. Does have nice shade," reports Kathie M. about Comlara Park.
Electric hookups only: Most campgrounds in the area offer limited hookups. "Only electric hook ups," notes Debbie B. about Moraine View.
Reservation timing: Waterfront RV sites are popular and book quickly. "The RV campground is on the water, book far enough in advance for a waterfront site," advises Sarah M.
Roads and access: Recent improvements have enhanced access at some parks. "They have recently paved the roads which was nice," mentions Brandi M. about Moraine View State Recreational Area.
