Tent and RV camping options near Morton, Illinois provide access to both wooded and open lakeside sites across central Illinois. Most campgrounds remain open seasonally from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations. Several campgrounds offer direct water access to the Illinois River and Upper Peoria Lake for fishing and boating opportunities.
What to do
Hiking trails with wildlife viewing: Jubilee College State Park features several maintained multi-use trails through prairie and forest areas. "There is a really old cemetery at the college if you just want to creep yourself out at night," notes one visitor to Jubilee College State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for anglers. At Millpoint Park, one camper reports: "We caught some bluegill, buffalo, and large mouth bass" while another mentions you can "simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter" of the small lakes on property.
Water recreation: Comlara County Park provides multiple water activities on Evergreen Lake. "There are a few playgrounds for the kids to stay busy as well as small marked trails to follow," according to one visitor, though be aware some activities require additional fees as "the kicker is the $20.00 fee per boat/kayak to get on the lake."
Stargazing: Rural campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing away from city lights. One camper at Jubilee College State Park remarks that it's "far enough away from town that you get clear, star night skies" while another states "the viewing of stars is incredible."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds near Morton provide generous camping areas. At Millpoint Park, sites are "incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks" and include "standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings."
Waterfront views: Several campgrounds offer prime water views. One camper at Carl Spindler Campground appreciates that "sites that are close to the river have a great view of the skyline at night" with another noting "the view of Peoria at night is beautiful."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses matter to campers. A visitor to Carl Spindler Campground reports "the shower houses are amazing! This campground is very well maintained and right on the Illinois river." Another camper at Kamp Komfort mentions their "VERY nice shower house and restroom" along with "laundry machines which is especially nice for a large family."
Level concrete pads: For RV travelers, properly constructed sites are important. Love's RV Stop features "sites are concrete and level" and offers "super convenient, great facility" according to one reviewer, making it suitable for overnight highway travelers.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the area operate with limited schedules. Jubilee College State Park runs from "May 1 to December 31" while Chillicothe RV and Rec Area operates "Apr 15 - Oct 15." One winter camper at Jubilee College State Park notes, "Especially like winter truck camping here. The pit toilets are always available in the winter, and I usually have the park to myself."
Water quality issues: Several campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. At Millpoint Park, "water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in," advises one camper, who recommends "bringing a decent amount of bottled water with you."
Highway noise: Campgrounds near interstates experience traffic sounds. At Kamp Komfort, campers note it's "quiet, depending on where you are in the campground because of being sort of close to the highway, but the trees seem to block the noise pretty well regardless."
Dump station wait times: During peak periods at some campgrounds, dumping facilities can become congested. Campers should plan accordingly and consider timing, especially during busy holiday weekends when facilities experience heaviest use.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kamp Komfort provides designated play areas for children. "Smallish campground and good areas for kids to ride bikes and play. Nice Little swingset," reports one visitor, while another mentions they "have some playground equipment for the kids as well as a big open space for playing and running."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for summer visits. Chillicothe RV and Rec Area offers "the lake nearby for swimming or fishing" according to one visitor, while other parks may charge additional fees for beach access.
Wildlife encounters: Families should be prepared for native wildlife. One camper at Jubilee College reported "at about midnight there were at least 3 bobcats snarling and growling near our tents and then they circled our tents, sniffing them," indicating the need for appropriate food storage and awareness.
Bug protection: Summer visitors should pack insect repellent. A Millpoint Park camper advises "bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay."
Tips from RVers
Water filtration: RV parks near Morton, Illinois often have mineral-heavy water systems. "Don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty," warns one camper at Millpoint Park, while another confirms the water "has a lot of iron so does smell/taste weird."
Site selection: Love's RV Stop provides convenient overnight access with consistent quality. "Super convenient, great facility. Sites are concrete and level. If you're getting off the highway for an overnight stay these Loves are perfect," reports one camper, though they note "this is a truck stop" environment rather than a nature destination.
Check-in procedures: RV parks vary in their registration systems. At Love's RV Stop, the "convenient app-managed reservation system is seamless" though some campers report technical difficulties, noting "you block traffic because now there's RV's and Semis backed up behind you while trying to figure this all out."
Power cord length: Carl Spindler Campground requires longer electrical cords in some areas. One camper advises "I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs... the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites."