Local campground Kayak Morris has been named one of the 10Best: Urban Campgrounds by USA Today.
In a profile last week, USA Today interviewed Jennifer Schwartz of GoCampingAmerica.com to ask for 10 spots that are a short drive of a big city and where visitors can still enjoy a unique camping experience.
“They can get in the city and do some fun things, but can still go out and spend the night in an environment that is more relaxing,” Schwartz told the paper.
The profile is part of USA Today’s “10 Great Places” features with trusted travel and lifestyle advice, encouraging families to embark on unique vacation experiences. Kayak Morris was touted for its educational kayaking and ideal location along the Illinois River, Mazon River and I&M Canal. The 5-year-old facility was also praised for its “Glamp Out” events & glamorous camping nights that include a potluck dinner, outdoor movie, breakfast with Starbucks coffee and private kayak tours.
“Kayak Morris prides itself on being a campground for people to come together and learn about the outdoor world we live in,” said Janee Matteson, a lifelong outdoor sportswoman and outdoor enthusiast who founded the camp in 2009. “We are incredibly grateful that we made the USA Today’s 10Best: Urban Campgrounds.”
Kayak Morris is an environmental, education-based outfitter that offers primitive beach camping along beautiful underdeveloped river shores. The campground is designed and limited to families, youth and those with respect for the great outdoors and caters to those that seek to escape to the wilderness.
Since opening as a kayaking center, Matteson has purchased adjacent land on the Illinois River, allowing for expansion to become a campground, with a goal to teach others about the importance of preservation and reunite families by connecting them with the outdoors.
Open 7 days a week and less than an hour drive from Chicago, Kayak Morris is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. For those without gear, rental equipment is available. Additionally, Kayak Morris offers programing on kayaking, camping and other outdoor disciplines to teach about the outdoors, wildlife and plant life, conversation, management and preservation.
About Kayak Morris
Less than 1 hour from Chicago! Unique Rentals, Eco Tours, Lessons and Beach camping on the sandy wooded shores of the Illinois river, Mazon river and the Illinois & Michigan canal. We love beginners & Families and can design a trip for your scout group, church group or corporate event. We offer monthly group Glampouts(glamorous campouts) that feature a potluck, hiking, biking, guided kayak tours and a movie on our outdoor movie screen!