Tent campsites near Mount Morris, Illinois sit within the Rock River valley, an area characterized by sandstone bluffs and ravines carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer camping temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and cooling to 55-65°F overnight. The area's unique geology creates several elevated camping locations with significant elevation changes along trails connecting campgrounds to nearby waterways.
What to do
Kayaking the Rock River: Castle Rock State Park offers excellent paddle access with varying difficulty levels. "I LOVED this experience. We did an overnight canoe trip through White Pelican rental which I highly recommend! It was a couple hour paddle, plus we made a pit stop at the castle rock overlook," shares a camper at Castle Rock State Park Campground.
Hiking forested trails: Explore marked paths through hardwood forests with significant elevation changes. "There are over 640 acres of meadow, forest, and stocked pond. I'm not sure if it's still there, but there used to be a challenging obstacle course up a steep hill, over a wood wall with stations in the woods," notes a visitor to Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center.
Stargazing in open meadows: Several campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "Stars ✨ look amazing at night. Mosquitoes were not bad at all. Just some bugs but all they do is annoy you," reports a camper at Castle Rock State Park Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: "There are eight primitive campsites here, and they're spread out at least 50 yards apart. That's right, at least 50 yards. You can't see the campsite next to you, and they all have a picnic table and a fire ring," notes a camper at MacQueen Forest Preserve.
River access for fishing: The Rock River provides multiple fishing opportunities. "Great fishing, especially along the spillway. There is a little beach next to the dam," mentions a visitor to Lock and Dam 13.
Affordable primitive camping: Most tent camping options in the area are budget-friendly. "The primitive camping is only $4... There is water, but it is not, I repeat is not, potable," explains a MacQueen Forest Preserve camper about their experience.
What you should know
Train noise at some campgrounds: "If you cannot sleep to the sound of trains at night, this is not the campground for you. I don't mind them at all, and rather enjoy the sound, but there were probably three of them that went by in the middle of the night rather close to the campground," warns a visitor to MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Limited potable water access: "There is no potable drinking water anywhere at any of these locks up and down the Hennepin Canal apart from at the Visitors Center, so ensure you bring your own water or a filtration system," notes a camper at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground.
River currents vary seasonally: "When we were there the river was placid and we had no trouble paddling back when our stay was over. The conditions on the river depends largely on the dam 3 miles up river in Oregon," explains a Castle Rock State Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Consider accessibility needs: "You do have to walk into all of them, but they do have one wagon and a dolly you can use to tote things in. It's an easy walk, on a crushed gravel road and mowed trail, and they do have one space near the parking lot that's handicap accessible," explains a visitor to MacQueen Forest Preserve.
Pack extra water: With limited potable water at most sites, families should bring additional supplies. "There's vault toilets and the one I used wasn't terrible, but it is primitive. There's even a light switch inside with a functioning light!" notes a MacQueen Forest Preserve camper.
Explore educational options: "From an historical perspective, you will find all sorts of rich Native American history up and down the Rock River, which in its original native tongue was called Sinnissippi, which is Sauk for 'Rocky Waters,'" explains a visitor to Franklin Creek State Natural Area Equestrian Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent campgrounds near Mount Morris have few or no RV-specific amenities. "No hook-ups, just grass with a fire pit and table. Water available a couple of places along the canal. No reservations. We only saw two other campers, so lots of spaces," reports an RVer at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground.
Consider seasonal access: "The grassy sites were a bit unexpected. We saw tire marks showing that people drove into the grass to set up camp. Some of the sites were completely separate from anyone else by the camp road," explains a camper at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground about potential accessibility challenges.
Look for multi-use trails: "The Hennepin Canal Trail goes right through camp. On a previous visit I rode my bike along the crushed gravel trail. With a few connecting roads, I traveled from a Chicago suburb to the Mississippi River," shares a visitor to Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground.
