Moraine View State Recreation Area
Address: 27374 Moraine View Park Rd, LeRoy IL 61752
Phone: 309-724-8032
Time from Chicago: 2 hours, 30 minutes (138 miles)
Website: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R3/Moraine.htm
Camping at Moraine View State Recreation Area
For recreation in eastern central Illinois, one of your best options is Moraine View State Recreation Area, located just east of Bloomington. The 137 Class A trailer campsites are close to Dawson Lake, a 158-acre manmade lake that attracts fishers and boaters. There are another 32 primitive class D sites on the Tall Timber backpack trail.
Frequently stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, walleye, yellow perch and more, Dawson Lake attracts plenty of visitors and boasts a handicapped-accessible fishing pier. Swimming is even available on weekends on a small beach section without lifeguards.
Boaters are permitted to use sailboats or motorcrafts that run at 10 horsepower or less. A concession stand offers boat rentals.
The hiking trail is only 1.5 miles, so don’t expect a challenging nature walk. Moraine View also opens 13 of its acres to pheasant hunting in the fall.
The campground is split into six sections. The E and F sites are the closest to Dawson Lake. Check out a map of the campground here. Reservations can be made for 108 of the sites at Reserve America.
Moraine View State Recreation Area is at least a two and a half hour drive from the heart of Chicago, but if you’re after relaxation and quiet, it might be a good spot to spend a night or two away from the craziness of the city.
Images: Creative Commons users robglinka, samdogs
Paul
Why can I not find the price per rental on the boats anywhere online why would I drive 80 miles with out knowing a price?