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Map showing campground location near Ste. Genevieve, Illinois
Camper submitted image from Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and DamView 9 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Ste. Genevieve, Illinois

Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers along the Kaskaskia River in southern Illinois, this established campground runs about 15 sites, all with 50-amp electric hookups, concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Sites are split into two clusters: roughly 10 near the lock and dam itself, and about 5 further down the road near the trailhead and old boat ramp. The sites further back tend to be better shaded and sit closer to the restroom facilities. Camping is first come, first serve.

One practical note worth flagging: navigation apps have been known to place this campground incorrectly. Campers should use the address from the Corps of Engineers website rather than relying solely on third-party mapping. The road access is straightforward once you have the right directions, and the campground accommodates RVs with a dump station and seasonal water fill. Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground sits a few miles southeast for campers looking to combine nearby options on the same trip.

Fishing is accessible from the recreation area, which includes a large pavilion. No swimming is allowed. A short, flat, paved trail runs from the trailhead area to an overlook at the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers, accessible by foot, bicycle, or wheelchair. Boat ramps are available on site. Matthew H. notes the sites "back up to river with great view, and boat ramps." Sites near the lock and dam can get loud from operational activity in the early morning hours. This campground works best for RV campers and anglers who want direct river access at a low nightly cost.

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Map & DirectionsKaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam is located in Illinois near Ste. Genevieve

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

37.98282682029588 N
89.94600820047798 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 14 users
    Last on 8/6/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 14 users
    Last on 8/6/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 2, 2023

Kaskaskia river project

Ran by the U.S. army core of engineers. About 15 sites all have 50 amp hook up. Water fill available during season and dump station. $20 a night with shower house and vault toilets. Back up to river with great view, and boat ramps. First come, first serve.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam by Matthew H., January 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam by Matthew H., January 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam by Matthew H., January 2, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Basic amenities, not bad for a local getaway.

USE THE ADDRESS ON THE WEBSITE, NOT FROM THIS APP

This campsite is actually about 25 miles or so south from what the app is showing on here, use the website listed above to get the correct address. All RV sites with electric, about 10 near the lock & dam and 5 further down the road near the trail head/old boat ramp. The camp sites further back are better shaded and near restrooms. First come first serve, as far as I could tell. Not much to do besides camp & fish, no swimming allowed. The boat dock near the trail head was closed & dried up. The trail is very short, flat, & paved, leads to a nice overlook of the confluence. I camped closer to the lock & dam, it was decent. The activity at the lock & dam was loud during early morning. No shade on one side but fire ring, electric, & picnic table provided. Paid $20. I will go back & try to snag a better site for a weekend & explore the visitor center.

Site9
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam by MoonieStealthSUV T., September 26, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2020

Unable to find this location

There is no signage for this location , the only slight indication is a boat ramp sign that leads to a area by the river , there is a pavilion and it appears you can fish , but no camping location anywhere

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

Nice fishing spot

This place is really good for fishing. Good catfish and crappie bass sauger etc.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

Hidden gem

This is a very clean campground with electric only hook-up. It had nice big concrete pads, a large picnic table and large fire pit/grill at each site. Water was available close to the restrooms and is accessible to fill campers. Parking area at each site could accommodate two vehicles. The capsites were located next to the Kaskaskia River. There is a recreation area with a large pavilion and fishing is accessible from here. By the camping area there is a hiking trail through the woods that ends at the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. This trail is paved for walking, bicycles and wheelchairs. There is also a boat ramp close to campsites.

Site9
Month of VisitMay
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kaskaskia River Campground located?

The Kaskaskia River Campground is located along the Kaskaskia River in Illinois, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It's important to note that the actual location is approximately 25 miles south of where some map applications might show it. For accurate directions, visitors should use the official website address rather than third-party navigation apps to avoid confusion. The campground is situated near the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly known as the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam).

What amenities are available at Kaskaskia River Campground?

Kaskaskia River Campground offers electric-only hookups with 50-amp service at all sites. The campground features spacious concrete pads, large picnic tables, and fire pit/grills at each site. Water fill stations are available near the restrooms for campers to fill their tanks. Facilities include a shower house and vault toilets. Each site has enough parking space to accommodate two vehicles. The campground also provides a dump station for RVs. The grounds are well-maintained and clean, creating a pleasant camping environment.

Can you camp near Kaskaskia Lock and Dam?

Yes, camping is available near the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam. There are approximately 15 campsites in the area, with about 10 sites located near the lock and dam itself and 5 additional sites further down the road near the river. These are first-come, first-served sites that cost $20 per night. The sites back up to the river, offering great views for campers who enjoy waterfront settings.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Kaskaskia River Project?

The Kaskaskia River Project offers excellent fishing opportunities, with visitors reporting good catches of catfish, crappie, bass, and sauger. The location features boat ramps for easy river access. Campsites along the river provide scenic views perfect for wildlife watching and relaxation. There's also a pavilion area for gatherings or picnics. The lock and dam itself can be an interesting attraction to observe. The natural setting creates opportunities for photography, bird watching, and enjoying the outdoors along the riverside.

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