Located in the heart of Illinois, Morrison-Rockwood State Park offers a perfect retreat for horse campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning across lush woodlands and featuring the serene Lake Carlton, the park presents a wide variety of recreational activities, making it a must-visit for families, hikers, and equestrians alike.
As visitors enter the park, they are greeted by a striking sign shaped like the state of Illinois, crafted from angle iron by a local blacksmith. From this welcoming landmark, the park offers countless opportunities to immerse oneself in nature, whether it's a relaxing day of picnicking by the lake, hiking scenic trails, or embarking on a horseback riding adventure.
Camping Among the Trees
For those looking to spend more than just a day, Morrison-Rockwood State Park provides 92 campsites nestled within heavily wooded areas. These campsites are equipped with all the amenities campers need for a comfortable stay, including electricity, a grill, and picnic tables. Out of these 92 sites, 59 are available for reservation through the Reserve America website, ensuring that visitors can plan their trip ahead of time.
The campground also offers a shower building with flush toilets for added convenience, while a trailer dump station is strategically placed nearby for easy access. Whether you’re staying in a tent or a trailer, Morrison-Rockwood’s camping facilities ensure a pleasant and comfortable outdoor experience.
Equestrian Adventures Await
For horse campers, Morrison-Rockwood State Park stands out as a prime destination in Illinois. The park boasts a 14-mile equestrian trail that winds through the beautiful landscape, providing scenic views of the surrounding woods. This trail is ideal for riders looking to experience the natural beauty of the area on horseback, offering a peaceful and immersive journey through the park's diverse flora.
Equestrians also benefit from the park’s horse watering well and an overnight campsite with shelter, making it easy to camp with horses. This combination of amenities and trails ensures that both horse and rider can enjoy a comfortable and exciting stay at Morrison-Rockwood.
Scenic Trails and Natural Beauty
In addition to the equestrian trail, Morrison-Rockwood State Park is home to a 3.5-mile nature trail that offers hikers stunning views of Lake Carlton as it winds through the park’s wooded areas. This trail is especially popular in the spring when vibrant wildflowers are in bloom, transforming the landscape into a colorful paradise for nature lovers.
Lake Carlton, a stream-fed reservoir, is another gem of the park, known for its abundant birdlife and peaceful surroundings. Visitors can often spot ducks and geese along the shores, while anglers will appreciate the excellent fishing opportunities the lake provides.
Perfect for Family Outings
With its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and wide range of activities, Morrison-Rockwood State Park is a favorite spot for family outings. The Lakeview picnic area is ideal for gatherings, while the lake itself offers a tranquil setting for birdwatching or simply relaxing in nature.
Directions:
Morrison Rockwood State Park can be reached from Chicago by taking the East-West Tollway (I-88) west to IL Rte 78. Go north on Rte. 78 thru Morrison and follow the signs. On IL Rte. 78 follow the signs to Damen Road. Take it to Crosby Road about 2 miles. Turn left on Crosby Road, again following the signs, to the park entrance in about 1.5 miles.
Facilities and Amenities at Morrison-Rockwood State Park
- Equestrian trails
- Electric hookups
- Grill
- Picnic tables
- Shower building
- Flush toilets
- Dump station
- Watering well
- Picnic area
- Pavilion
Notes:
- While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park’s facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
- At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
- Pets must be kept on leashes at all times
- Contact Details: 815-772-4708 and 217-782-6302
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Morrison-Rockwood State Park - Morrison Rockwood Equestrian Trail Loop
Morrison-Rockwood State Park requires reservations for overnight accommodations. For more information, please visit their page on Top Horse Trails - Morrison-Rockwood State Park.