Camping options near Morton, Illinois, center around the Illinois River and nearby lakes with most sites offering water access and mixed terrain features. Most campgrounds are less than a 30-minute drive from Morton. Summer temperatures reach highs of 86°F with frequent humidity, while spring and fall bring more moderate conditions but occasional rain. Winter camping requires preparation as temperatures drop into the 20s.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Millpoint Park, you can cast directly from your site or access one of two small lakes. "We did tent camping and the setup was perfect. Huge lot. Fire pit and electric. The small fishing pond, the swimming hole and the clubhouse were great to mix in to keep the youngsters entertained," notes a visitor at Condits Ranch.
Water activities: The Illinois River and connected lakes provide boating access at many sites. "The campground sits along the Illinois River: many campsites face it. It's secluded and quiet. Campsites are spacious and well-distanced. There is much to do on site. The campground is situated between a nature preserve with nice walking paths and a beach. There is also an old barge to explore," explains a reviewer at Millpoint Park.
Nature trails: Many campgrounds connect to walking paths with wildlife viewing. "The nice aspects of this park were the location to downtown Peoria, the pretty view of the skyline and the access to water if you want to kayak, fish, or swim. We enjoyed the short nature trail that leaves directly from the area. The trail starts off as a boardwalk over an interesting marsh area and then transitions to a primitive trail eventually leading you to the lake shoreline," shares a visitor describing Carl Spindler Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Most campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. "Large sites on Illinois River. FHU. They do sell firewood, pickup your trash, and have two showers available," notes a camper at Millpoint Park. Another adds, "The sites were huge. Right by jones pond, but the fishing was not the best right by our site."
Waterfront views: Many sites feature direct waterfront access. "This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River," explains a visitor at Carl Spindler Campground.
Country music performances: Kentuckiana Campground hosts regular events. "Spaces are tight. Most are pull-though but there isn't a lot of room between campers so don't expect much privacy. Grounds are very well kept and they have two nice ponds stocked with fish. Because of COVID, the opry house wasn't open," mentions a reviewer at Kentuckiana Campground.
What you should know
Water quality issues: Several campgrounds report iron-heavy water. "Water has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird," notes a reviewer about Millpoint Park. Another camper adds: "The water here is very rusty. And don't forget your RV water filter!"
Limited shade at newer sites: Newer glamping close to Morton, Illinois often lacks mature trees. "Since the grounds are newly setup, the trees are newly planted, so no shade yet. I imagine this will be a place we're more likely to stay at during early spring or fall, because of the lack of shade. It can get pretty windy being right on the lake, with no trees," explains a camper at Sankoty Lakes.
Varying amenity levels: Facilities range from basic to comprehensive. "This is basic campground—flush toilets/showers and 3 cabins available but no other amenities unless you include water/electric hookups. I couldn't tell where the primitive tent sites were bc the map online doesn't quite line up with what we saw there. You'd come here to relax around the fire, play some outdoor games, maybe do a little walking, and that's about it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas. "Great place for kids. Decent little parks. Huge slide in the holler. Spots are kind of cramped and close together, one of our favorite places though!" shares a visitor to Kentuckiana Campground.
Beach access fees: Some locations charge for swimming. "2 dollar beach entry 10-7 pm, 8 dollar for camping and 20 with electricity after check in," notes a camper at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Family-friendly loops: Some campgrounds designate specific areas for families. "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on. Sites were somewhat open but there were tons of trees and grass behind each spot so it didn't feel so exposed."
Tips from RVers
Check water hookups seasonally: Water systems shut down during cold months. "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water option we're the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled. Not a big deal but something to be prepared for," shares a visitor to Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Gate access considerations: Some luxury glamping near Morton requires special entrance procedures. "The RV area is only accessible by driving around the side of the complex and through a neighborhood, and then you have to wait for someone to come open the gate," notes a visitor at Sankoty Lakes.
Electrical hookup extensions: Some sites require longer cords. "While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I've never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away—so we got lucky," shares a camper at Carl Spindler Campground.
