Map showing campground location near Chester, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

With 33 sites and electric hookups available, Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground sits atop bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Ellis Grove. The campground operates on a reservation system with rates from $8-18 per night, accommodating both tent campers and RVs through drive-in and walk-in access.

The elevated location provides expansive river views from multiple vantage points. Campers can access both 30 and 50 amp electric hookups, though sites lack individual water and sewer connections. A central water spigot serves the mid-campground area, and a dump station handles waste disposal needs. The campground includes several concrete-pad sites designed for handicapped accessibility, offering level parking surfaces.

Vault toilets serve the campground, though cleanliness varies according to visitor reports. The facility lacks shower buildings, despite some conflicting information in older reviews. Fall visitors particularly note the vibrant foliage colors visible from the elevated camping positions. A historic cemetery borders the campground grounds, and earthwork remnants from the original 1700s French fort remain visible throughout the park.

Barbara P. notes "Large level sites with electric" and confirms "Water available mid campground and at dump station." For additional camping options in the region, consider camping spots around Chester. Book ahead during peak fall foliage season when river views draw the most visitors.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Camping The Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 Road Trip Segment: St Louis, MO to Oklahoma City, OK

St. Louis to Oklahoma City: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsFort Kaskaskia State Park Campground is located in Illinois near Chester

Public Campground

Coordinates

37.96860059 N
89.91026928 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 6/10/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/4/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 6/10/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/4/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

+16188593741

Drive Time

52 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
1 hr 3 min from St. Louis, MO
1 hr 52 min from Paducah, KY
2 hrs 8 min from Springfield, IL

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the large, level sites with reliable electric hookups and peaceful wooded setting overlooking the Mississippi River. Many mentioned the historic location and scenic views, though facilities are basic with only vault toilets available.

David D.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 6, 2025

Awesome campground!

The views over the Mississippi River are calandar-worthy! Very scenic from up atop the bluffs. A very old and historic cemetery is next to the campground. There is electric hookups 30 and 50 amp. No water/sewer but does have a dump station. Vault toilets.

Site18

Month of VisitOctober

Big R.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 9, 2025

Sweet off season spot!

Off season privacy and electric. Nicely wooded too!

Month of VisitMarch

Gonzo A.

Traveler

Reviewed Jan. 3, 2025

Beautiful Views

Stayed here last fall and really loved the fall colors and views this park has to offer. I can't say the facilities were great - there were only vault toilets and no showers that I saw. Relatively small loop for RVs. Sites weren't exactly great. I ended up landing one of the paved sites, which had lots of space and I believe may have been handicapped. The park wasn't busy and I was able to stay a few extra days. Suggest checking it out in the fall when the leaves are changing as it was absolutely gorgeous.

Site22

Month of VisitOctober

Helena and Kyle R.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 6, 2020

Great, clean, gorgeous in October

Mid week stay. Great pads for our little tear drop, easy access. Pit toilets could have been cleaner, but fine. Quiet. Clean. Nice view of the Mississippi. Didn’t find showers mentioned in another review.

Barbara P.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 4, 2020

Beautiful State Park

Large level sites with electric. Water available mid campground and at dump station. Good antenna service , 2 bars T Mobile 2 large handicapped sites with concrete pads

Joel R.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 11, 2019

Great views of the Mississippi

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site is located on the remains of historic Fort Kaskaskia, constructed by the French in the 1700s to defend the town of Kaskaskia. Founded in 1703, the town was a central commercial center. The fort was periodically occupied by French or U.S. troops until 1807.

The remnants of Fort Kaskaskia include long earthworks forming a rough square. A footpath leads to the Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, located at the bottom of the bluff.

Near the pavilion, which was recently rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire, you can get sweeping view of the Mississippi river below. The overlook area includes picnic shelters with tables and grills.

The campground includes tent-camping and RV sites, 32 are electric sites. There is a bathroom and shower building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and camping options are available at Fort Kaskaskia Campground?

Fort Kaskaskia Campground offers spacious, level sites with electrical hookups. Water is available at a central location in the middle of the campground and at the dump station. The campground features a small loop designed for RVs with some paved sites available. Facilities include vault toilets but no shower buildings. There are two large handicapped-accessible sites with concrete pads. The wooded setting provides nice shade and privacy, especially during off-season periods. While amenities are basic, the campground offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River and surrounding landscape.

Is there a map available for Fort Kaskaskia Campground?

Official campground maps for Fort Kaskaskia Campground can be obtained at the park entrance or by contacting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The campground has a relatively simple layout with a single loop containing electric sites. For planning purposes, visitors should know the campground offers both wooded sites and sites with river views. For the most current map and site information, contact the park office directly or check the Illinois DNR website before your visit.

What historical attractions can I visit at Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site?

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site preserves the remains of the historic Fort Kaskaskia, originally constructed by the French in the 1700s to defend the town of Kaskaskia. The site features the fort ruins which were periodically occupied by French and U.S. troops until 1807. Visitors can explore the historic grounds where Kaskaskia, founded in 1703, once stood as a central commercial center. The park offers interpretive information about this significant period in Illinois history. The location provides excellent views of the Mississippi River, connecting visitors to the waterway that made this settlement strategically important. This combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes it an educational and scenic destination.

Keep Exploring