Best Campgrounds near Morrison, IL

Camping near Morrison, Illinois, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

• Hiking: Enjoy the scenic trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. With over 13 miles of trails, you can hike through canyons and see stunning waterfalls. One visitor mentioned, “I spent hours hiking the more than 13 miles of trails, which offer access to beautiful waterfalls.”

• Fishing: Head to Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area for some fishing fun. The lake is known for its bluegill, walleye, and perch. A camper shared, “We had breakfast at Shabbona Cafe in town, and we received a great portion and oh so good as well.”

• Exploring Caves: Visit Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground for a unique experience. The caves offer adventurous hikes and stunning geological formations. One reviewer said, “The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. At Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, one visitor noted, “The bathrooms were quite clean. Water was a little hard to get, depending on the site.”
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment at campgrounds like Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, “It was incredibly quiet. No alcohol was allowed on the grounds but it didn’t seem like it would be enforced unless there was a campsite causing issues.”
• Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. At Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, a visitor said, “The host was very nice and attentive, she warned us about severe weather coming our way.”

What you should know

• No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Lowden State Park Campground, have strict no alcohol policies. A camper noted, “For someone who prefers a more primitive camping style, it's a bit jarring to have no privacy between sites that are packed in tight together.”
• Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like White Pines Forest State Park Campground may have limited amenities. One reviewer mentioned, “The campground is absolutely jammed with camp sites- it's ridiculous.”
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings, especially at Shady Creek. A camper shared, “This is our second stay at this campground. The camp host was very courteous.”

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Rock Island Quad Cities KOA that offer amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. One family said, “The staff were great!”
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. At Starved Rock Campground, one visitor noted, “Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for.”
• Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A camper at Illinois Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, “We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites before booking. A visitor at Chief Keokuk Campground said, “The sites are spread out enough that you don't feel like you are on top of other campers.”
• Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA, offer electric hookups. One RV traveler noted, “Campsite was clean and accommodating with fire pit, picnic table, lights, Wi-Fi, and power plug.”
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds near roads or train tracks may have noise. A camper at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River mentioned, “Train tracks are right next to the sites. It would wake us up in the middle of the night.”

Camping near Morrison, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it’s a great spot to enjoy the great outdoors!