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Established Camping

Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from October 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025.

Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground, near Granite City, Illinois, is a solid choice for those seeking a peaceful escape close to St. Louis. With its spacious sites and a self-service pay system, it’s easy to settle in and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you.

This campground is known for its privacy and cleanliness, making it a favorite among visitors looking for a quiet retreat. Many campers have praised the well-maintained grounds and the convenience of having water spigots nearby. As one happy camper noted, “The campground is set back by itself for nice privacy from the rest of the park.”

While you won’t find showers or electric hookups here, the simplicity of the experience is part of its charm. The area is perfect for tent camping, RVs, or even glamping, and you can enjoy fishing and bird watching along the lake. The friendly staff is always around to help, ensuring a pleasant stay.

If you’re up for a little adventure, the nearby trails offer great opportunities for exploration. Just keep in mind that this spot is all about enjoying the outdoors without the frills. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned pro, Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground has a lot to offer for a laid-back getaway.

Description

State Park

Horseshoe Lake State Park is located off Highway 111 in the southwestern part of Illinois in Madison County. With easy access from the Metro East for visitors from throughout the region, the park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities on 2,960 acres.

Horseshoe Lake State Park accommodates 26 tent or trailer campsites. A sanitary dump station, pit toilets, and hydrants are conveniently located. The campground is open from May 1 - Sept 30. Campers can stay a maximum of 7 days in a 30-day period. We do not take reservations for camping. Although, group camping reservations are accepted through the ExploreMoreIL™ website.

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Location

Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Address

3321 Highway 111
Granite City, IL 62040

Coordinates

38.69958459 N
90.06624175 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2024

Nice spot and great value

Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$.

Site17
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2022

Great private camping

The campground is relatively small but has great sites to camp. Very private and clean. 5 ⭐ in my opinion simply because of the overnight price and privacy. Not much to do if you have kids. If you're looking for quite camping trip this is a great park to camp.

Site18
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 21, 2022

Horseshoe Lake - 5 Star

Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved. Self service pay system makes it simple, easy, and fast. Camping can be reserved but no need. Just pick your spot go to the office building, and fill out the form, pay and slide in envelope and drop in box. Staff/ Security is super friendly and helpful with directing throughout the park. Also not nosy and mind their own unless you are just being that guy. Clean and well kept up with spots, water Spickets never far from your camp also nice cast iron fire pits. Good fishing, trails and memories waiting to be made.

8$ a night

SiteCamp Site 26- next to bathrooms
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2021

Great site 8 dollars a day!

Had a great experience . It was my first time. Rangers were helpful and friendly. Came back a second time . Great for first time campers good rates and amenities

Sitecamp site
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground by Felion , June 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground by Felion , June 22, 2021
Reviewed May. 15, 2021

Primitive but beautiful

Very primitive camping. Toilets only, but the campsites are spaced comfortably apart. The grounds are well maintained.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2020

No Camping

There is a homemade sign that says no camping. I wish we would have known that before we got here. As far as I could tell the website said it’s open.

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

It’s ok

There is no electric or running water. The lake is ok but no swimming, boating and fishing only.

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2018

Lovely location

Peaceful tent camping on Walkers Island at $8 per day.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2016

Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area

Nice little campground close to down town St Louis (when the leaves are down I bet you can see the Arch). Campsites are nice and flat with the standard picnic tables and fire rings. No showers, but decent toilets. The nice thing is the campground is staffed by rangers in the day, and at night they sometimes take a security swing through the campground. Nice lake for fishing and boating.

  • Review photo of Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground by Annie C., September 29, 2016
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground by Annie C., September 29, 2016
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground by Annie C., September 29, 2016
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2016

Wildlife

This is a great place when the geese are migrating thru, I really hope to be back here some day!

  • Review photo of Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground by Kent B., August 17, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is fair, and T-Mobile is unknown.