79 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Morris, Illinois ranges from riverfront tent sites and full-hookup RV parks to primitive sites along the I&M Canal State Trail. Kayak Morris stands out with riverfront tent sites and kayak rentals, making it popular for water activities. Illini State Park, located near Marseilles, provides both Whitetail and Great Falls campgrounds with tent and RV sites as well as cabins. Love's RV Hookup offers dedicated RV spaces with full hookups for travelers along Interstate 80, while McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove provides primitive tent sites with boat and hiking access along the I&M Canal State Trail.
Road conditions and seasonal weather significantly impact camping experiences in the area. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though flooding can occur during heavy rain periods, particularly at low-lying sites. "Morning breakfast after the glampout night provided by the staff, good food and quiet environment," noted one visitor to Kayak Morris, highlighting the additional amenities some sites offer. McKinley Woods campers should be prepared for potential flooding, as one review mentioned waking up to "three inches of water everywhere" after heavy rainfall. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water and toilet facilities, though amenities vary considerably between locations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with better coverage closer to Morris and major highways.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive feedback from visitors to the area. The Illinois River and its tributaries create numerous opportunities for fishing, with one camper reporting catching "over 50 striper" during their stay at Kayak Morris. Several reviews mention the calm waters ideal for kayaking, particularly at the river convergence areas. Sites at Kayak Morris allow campers to "launch right from our campsite," making water access convenient. For cyclists, the I&M Canal Trail provides excellent connectivity between campgrounds, with McKinley Woods and Channahon State Park offering direct trail access. Tent campers seeking seclusion can find walk-in sites at McKinley Woods and Gebhard Woods State Park, though these areas tend to fill quickly on summer weekends. RV travelers have multiple options with full hookups, particularly at the more developed campgrounds and travel centers along Interstate 80.
"Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."
"Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."
from $12 - $55 / night
Check Availability"You get to see tugboats and barges go up and down the Illinois river right from your campsite."
"Small and hidden right on the Illinois River. Received a free night of camping with a whole day of kayaking which is absolutely recommended."
from $29 / night
Check Availability"Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
"Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Located just due east on the outskirts of little known Morris, Illinois just off I80, this little roadside stand isn’t the largest Love’s I’ve ever seen, but it sure does pack a punch. "
"Rating as a truck stop/overnight and not campground rating We pulled in around 10pm, easily backed in with no obstacles, hook ups were all easy and convienent and we were on I80 again before 7
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from $37 / night
Check Availability"The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked"
"or Illini) native American Indian tribe, who were one of the most prolific and important native American Indian tribes to have settled in the Mississippi River valley, of which large sections of Illinois"
"It’s pretty close to Chicago so it works for weekend getaways. We stayed in the wooded loop. It’s rustic without electric/water hookups. The other loop looked more set up for rvs. "
from $10 - $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"This location has been taken over by new management and they are absolutely the greatest! We will continue to go there for as long as we live in this area."
"It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town. Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp."
ScoutNice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
ScoutWhat a find! Beautiful CG. So green; so quiet. Very nicely organized with children placed near the very appealing playground and volleyball facilities, campers with pets near the wonderful dog park. The WiFi is very functional. There is a laundry facility in the camper services building. There’s a lovely community fire pit with the most pleasant rocky fountain. The sites are spacious and offer a nice mix of sun/shade. Best of all, the grounds are spotless. No wait, the best part is how nice the staff is. Or maybe it’s how lush the foliage looks. I don’t know. Go check it out yourself and see if you can decide.
LegendAs the name suggests, Creekside Campground borders a tributary of the Vermillion River, which is really just a creek in these parts, and it sits as the lowest point of all the campgrounds here at Pleasant Creek. This campground is not for those driving an RV or hauling a 5th wheel - Creekside is really just for primitive tent campers, who enjoy being connected to nature with only the most basic of comforts. The vibe here at Creekside is definitely communal, offering up less privacy than most primitive campsites I have ever been to. After entering Pleasant Creek, you’ll pass the Office, Camp Store and Arcade on the left, where you’ll also notice a small basketball court on the right, passing by the primary community bathhouses, you’ll immediately veer to the left where you’ll cross the lone bridge where you’ll turn hard right and downwards along the ravine to arrive at the Creekside Campground. Down here and along the Vermillion River there are 32 primitive campsites available numbered #101– 106 and #108– 128 on the lower edge, with a small number of sites raised slightly above, but still downhill from the Highlands with sites numbered #130– 134. Apart from a water spigot and a single porta-potty, there are no other amenities here. As Creekside is carved from the curve of the property that follows the Vermillion River along with the thick tree line, which creates a completely separate feel from the rest of Pleasant Creek, preserving a uniquely festive community vibe. The sites here have full visibility between each other, so if privacy and space are of concern, I would suggest one of the other 2 campgrounds earmarked for tent campers.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, the very great father and son duo of Dan& Dan, will work tirelessly to ensure that your experience here at this campground is nothing short of amazing, so if you need anything, just ask either of them; (2) While the Vermillion River is merely a creek in these parts, if you head due west, and search a little, you’ll find a couple decent natural launches where you can access the wider river OR you can access a great kayak launch site either at the lower dells in Starved Rock SP or by contacting Starved Rock Kayak Company (who have their own, very amazing riverfront primitive campsite, BTW and that you can search up here on TheDyrt), who will let you launch from either one of their sites on either side of the Illinois River; and (3) While there’s not a whole lot of restaurants in this area, if you do want to get out to try some of the local fare, I would recommend you check out nearby Utica, where I would recommend either Lodi Tap House or Año del Gallo, which is a nice stand-alone Mexican joint serving up some decent fare along with Margaritas.
Happy Camping!
TravelerDid not stay because was planning on staying in my car in the lot but the gate says it closes at sunset, not sure if that's true as there is tent camping.
LegendThis is not a campground but if you need an overnight quick stop this was great! Rating as a truck stop/overnight and not campground rating
We pulled in around 10pm, easily backed in with no obstacles, hook ups were all easy and convienent and we were on I80 again before 7
You check in online once your there and process was great
It is a travel stop so there are bright lights and truck noise - but we were tired and had no issues sleeping through night!
The staff were very kind, bathrooms inside were clean
RangerWe added a day to our Starved Rock itinerary and couldn't get into Starved Rock State Park Campground that night, so quickly booked this from the road. Got into the Highlands, which was packed and super close quarters. Not what we love, but several sites looked like extended families/friends had booked together and they were having a blast, especially the kids. Looked like they had some activities available and we saw several kids with fishing poles heading somewhere fun. We didn't explore the rest of the grounds; perhaps other sections afforded more privacy. I thought it was a bit pricey for the amenities (one shower house very far away) and hemmed-in feel, but it served our purpose for one night.
RangerWe loved site 89 at Starved Rock State Campground, in the wooded area of the east loop. Felt enveloped by nature among the trees and birds. Nice privacy, with neighbors at a distance through the trees. The pit toilets weren’t far and were well-kept. The only disappointment was the shower house. The shower itself was excellent—hot and powerful—but one men's and one women's shower for more than 70 sites isn't sufficient, and those facilities felt neglected.
The location of this campground is perfect if you’re there to explore the canyons, as it’s an easy drive to so many trailheads. We hiked up to Starved Rock and also down into seven canyons over the four days there: Illinois, Ottawa, Kalkaskia, Council Bluffs, St Louis, French, and Wildcat. We enjoyed a riverboat cruise down the Illinois River among bluffs of sandstone. We had lunch in Ottawa one day and Utica another; both cool towns. We also loved our time just relaxing at the site in such a beautiful setting.
ScoutAway from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply
LegendThe first thing that struck us about Woodhaven Lakes was that it didn't feel like a campground at all - it felt like a small town built entirely around family camping. Spread across nearly 1,800 acres of woodlands, lakes and prairie in north-central Illinois, this membership campground somehow manages to offer seven lakes, swimming pools, sandy beaches (yes, even though you are in the middle of a land-locked state), miles of trails, playgrounds, mini golf, restaurants, a well-stocked camp store, spotless bathhouses and more family activities than we could possibly fit into one trip without losing its relaxed, welcoming feel. My favorite memory was watching families gather along the beach as the kids bounced between building sandcastles, splashing in the water and making brand-new friends before racing back to camp for dinner. Some places are measured in acres; this one is measured in smiles, laughs and conversations. From what we saw, the waterfront campsites in Zones 1-5, 7, 10-11, 16, 21, 23 and 24 offer the nicest combination of peaceful lake views and convenient access to many of the campground's amenities. We would absolutely recommend Woodhaven Lakes for families looking to create lasting memories because of its incredible variety of activities, beautifully maintained facilities and endless opportunities to simply enjoy being together outdoors.
Camping near Morris, Illinois centers around the Illinois River system and the I&M Canal corridor. Sites range from primitive tent camping to full-service RV parks, with elevations averaging 500-550 feet above sea level. Spring flooding can impact low-lying areas, particularly along the Des Plaines River convergence, while summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity.
Kayaking the calm waters: The Illinois River offers excellent paddling opportunities at Kayak Morris, where campers report the river is "so calm its awesome." One visitor mentioned they "had my first experience of a lit up kayak tour for fireworks," showcasing special events available to paddlers.
Hiking nearby state parks: While camping at Starved Rock Campground, visitors can access numerous canyons and waterfalls within a 10-minute drive. "We loved seeing all of the waterfalls and checking out the lodge and restaurant. There were amazing views and plenty of trails to keep us busy," noted one camper.
Cycling the I&M Canal Trail: The extensive trail system connects several campgrounds in the region. From McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, cyclists can access miles of flat terrain. One visitor explained: "The main draw to this place is the tow path. I highly recommend bringing a bike to enjoy the trail. The trail is also part of the Grand Illinois Trail network."
Fishing success: Anglers consistently praise the fishing at Kayak Morris, where one camper reported "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!"
Affordable waterfront sites: Budget-conscious campers appreciate Illini State Park, where one visitor found "very relaxed and clean campground that isn't busy and has really cheap rates for off-season camping. $18 a night for walk-in and we got a 50amp spot right in front of the Illinois river."
Wildlife viewing: The convergence of river systems creates excellent wildlife habitat. At Whitetail Campground, one camper enjoyed "the beginning of fall, which lots of color on the ground, the cicadas singing their last, and squads of migrating geese bedding down for the night."
Facility maintenance varies: Bathroom and shower conditions can be inconsistent across campgrounds. At Great Falls Campground, one camper noted "The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don't shut off."
Seasonal flooding risks: Low-lying sites may flood during heavy rain, particularly at McKinley Woods where one camper reported waking to "three inches of water everywhere" after a downpour, with water "reached the side walk" by departure time.
Reservation systems differ: Some parks require advance booking while others operate first-come-first-served. At Illini State Park, a camper was confused when "the guy told us we had to do a pull up basis. But there were slots reserved for other people."
Playground locations: When selecting a campsite, note proximity to play areas. At Great Falls Campground, one family mentioned: "Beautiful spot, but it was directly across from a playground, which I failed to read about when booking. If you have kids, this is perfect for you."
Jellystone Park activities: For structured family entertainment, Jellystone Park Millbrook offers daily programming. A visitor noted: "Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day."
Halloween camping: Several area campgrounds offer special Halloween events. At Jellystone Park, the October weekends feature "plenty of spooky things to do" according to one camper, who added "This is an activity packed weekend which is amazing. Good for kids of all ages including the adults."
Electrical hookup access: At Illini State Park, one RVer shared: "Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade." However, some sites require planning as "the hookups were actually on the site next door...my 25 foot power cord was insufficient to reach."
Overnight highway stops: For travelers along I-80, Love's RV Hookup offers convenient facilities. The location provides "10 back-in RV slots" with "7 individual shower stalls" and "all of the typical hook-ups (water, 30/50 amp electric and sewage) along with WiFi," according to a recent visitor.
Dump station awareness: When camping at state parks, check dump station conditions. One camper at Illini was disappointed: "OMG what a disaster. It's a relic from decades ago. Uneven and puddles of 'water' all over the dump area. Really happy to track that into my coach and truck, not."
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of camping are available in Morris, Illinois?
Morris and its surrounding area offer diverse camping experiences. For tent camping and a more traditional outdoor experience, Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park provides wooded sites with plenty of trees for hammock camping and clean facilities. For those seeking unique camping experiences, McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove offers walk-in camping with ADA-accessible sites. The region also supports primitive camping at Gebhard Woods State Park with hike-in sites for a more rustic experience. For families, nearby Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Millbrook provides amenity-rich camping with activities. The variety ensures options for every camping preference from basic to more comfortable accommodations.
Are there RV facilities or rentals available in Morris, Illinois?
Morris offers several RV-friendly options. Glenwood RV Resort, located just minutes from I-80 and near the Illinois River, provides dedicated RV facilities with proper hookups. For travelers needing convenient overnight parking, Walmart — Joliet Supercenter offers a spacious lot that accommodates RVs. Tiki RV Park is another roadside option for RV travelers in the area. For those seeking RV rentals, you'll need to check with local rental companies as most campgrounds don't offer on-site RV rentals. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort near Joliet is another option with full facilities for larger RVs. Most RV parks in the area are easily accessible from major highways, making Morris a convenient stop for RV travelers.
What campgrounds are available near Morris, IL?
Morris, IL offers several nearby camping options. Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859 provides convenient roadside accommodations right in Morris for travelers on I-80. Just a short drive away, Channahon State Park Campground offers a more natural setting with sites along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. Other nearby options include Kayak Morris for water enthusiasts, Gebhard Woods State Park Campground for hikers seeking a more rustic experience, and Illini State Park with its Great Falls Campground and Whitetail Campground areas about 20 minutes from Morris. The region provides diverse camping experiences within a 30-minute drive radius of the city.
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