M
Mikayla E.
Traveler
TravelerSt. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Quiet and very clean
This campground is very well taken care of. The kids had plenty of things to do to stay busy and entertained outside.
Camping near Alton, IL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds and RV parks surrounding Alton, Illinois provide access to diverse camping experiences along the Mississippi River corridor and nearby lakes. Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers year-round accommodations for tent and RV camping in Grafton, while St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA provides cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups with electric and water connections. The region includes multiple established camping areas with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to full-service RV parks with 50-amp electrical service and sewer hookups.
Seasonal availability varies across the region, with several campgrounds operating only during warmer months. Pere Marquette State Park remains open year-round, while Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground operates from May 1 to September 30. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months. Most developed sites provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities. The area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with spring often bringing higher precipitation. Access to most campgrounds involves paved roads suitable for standard vehicles. One camper noted about Horseshoe Lake: "Very primitive camping. Toilets only, but the campsites are spaced comfortably apart. The grounds are well maintained."
Riverside and lakefront sites represent popular camping destinations in the region, with wildlife viewing opportunities at several locations. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping on Walker Island for $8 per day, providing a more secluded experience. Wildlife enthusiasts may appreciate locations like Horseshoe Lake during migration seasons. A visitor mentioned: "This is a great place when the geese are migrating through." Several campgrounds provide amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and central gathering areas. Most RV parks in the region accommodate larger rigs with pull-through sites. Casino Queen RV Park in East St. Louis and Cahokia RV Parque offer developed sites with full hookups and proximity to metropolitan attractions. The industrial setting around some campgrounds near Granite City creates occasional noise from nearby facilities and transportation corridors.
Best Campgrounds near Alton (89)
1. St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA
"Conveniently located just outside of St Louis. We camped here for a trip to the city for St Louis cardinals game and zoo. My kids loved the jumping pillow at the park."
"It's not in the prettiest location, very industrial and the train tracks run close. First night one came through blowing its horns around 5am."
2. Pere Marquette State Park Campground
"Great little campground just outside of Grafton, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there."
"Campgrounds close to Pere Marquette Lodge. Is located just north of Grafton that has many food and drink and antique shops. Campground is on the Illinois River with the Mississippi River nearby."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability3. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"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."
4. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
"I've been to 370 Lakeside Park many times to walk around the huge lake and to hear concerts in the summer, but I had never camped there. Still haven't. I'll explain."
"All hookups were conveniently located. Shower house and restrooms were clean and well maintained/cleaned every day. Had a lakefront site but didn’t get to fish this time."
from $35 - $60 / night
Check Availability5. Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park
"Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70."
"Close to the arch, that’s why we chose this place to stay overnight."
from $65 / night
Check Availability6. Sundermeier RV Park
"We were able to park next to our 5th wheel with enough room to not feel crowded while using the picnic bench. Also the site was level. We stayed for a week to enjoy St. Louis, St."
"To hot and tired to walk around but there is aa park and access to a walking trail that looks nice. It is on path of airport it seems but plane noise does not bother us. It was not to bad."
from $56 - $61 / night
Check Availability7. MGM Campground
"Nice little lake(catch and release I believe). Surrounded by nature, lots of grass and trees, great for dog owners. Spacious spots."
8. Cahokia RV Parque
"It's a centrally located campground in the Metro St. Louis area. It's close to interstates and it's a short drive across the river to Missouri attractions."
"I compared the park to two others near St. Louis on the Illinois side and found this one to be the most pleasant. Most of the sites are sunny, but some have shade."
9. Town and Country Lakes
"It’s a beautiful place with good people but could definitely use some updating on the playground, signage, and drive."
10. Beaver Dam State Park Campground
"The trail map is very basic and not totally accurate. The trails are poorly marked but with basic knowledge of your compass points you can figure them out."
"There is a nice walking trail path that goes around the exterior of the lake. The lake has boat access and some good fishing spots. There is also a restaurant and store on the lake."
Drive Time
- 30 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 15 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 53 min from Decatur, IL
- 2 hrs 1 min from Jefferson City, MO
Recent Camping Photos near Alton, IL
89 Photos of 89 Alton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Horseshoe Lake State Park CampgroundF
Pere Marquette State Park Campground
St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Beaver Dam State Park Campground
Rustic Acres Jellystone
Lazy Days RV Park & Campground
Cherokee Lakes CampgroundR
Dr. Edmond Babler State Park
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Tomahawk Campground
McCully Heritage ProjectE
Country Bend CampgroundK
Recent Reviews near Alton, IL
470 Reviews of 89 Alton Campgrounds
Jeff S.
ScoutCuivre River State Park Campground
Nice place for an overnight
Secluded state park but a little hard to get to when pulling a 34 foot fifth wheel. Lots of ups and downs on the road. Love the fact that you are absolutely in the hills of Troy MO with nothing else around you. We stayed during the week the end of August and there were hardly anyone else here. Very quiet. No road noise whatsoever. You felt very much in the woods.
Maddie E.ScoutSt. Louis NE-Granite City KOA
Its fine 🤷🏼♀️
Its fine. Nothing snazzy. Its in more of an industrial area so its kind of loud with the trains going by and whatnot. Mostly an RV site. 9 tent sites (first come first serve on spot) and a handful of cabins.
Patrick L.
GuideHorseshoe Lake State Park Campground
Today 8/8/2026 camping area is closed for construction.
Camping area is closed until further notice. Construction
MickandKarla W.
LegendSt. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Our Recommended Campground for Visiting the St. Louis Area
This campground was easy to find, as both our GPS and the campground signs led us right to the city park and campground entrance. Check-in begins at 2:00 p.m., but we called ahead and were graciously allowed to arrive an hour early. We checked in and proceeded to back-in Site 426 with full hookups. As the last site in the campground, the curve in the road made for an exceptionally easy back-in. The concrete pad easily accommodated our 40-foot toy hauler and F-450, with utilities conveniently located near the center of the site and no issues connecting two sewer hoses. Water pressure was adequate, and the 50-amp electric performed flawlessly. The campground's four loops have mostly younger trees, so satellite reception should not be a problem in most sites. Although we brought our Starlink, we used our T-Mobile Home Internet instead, averaging 217 Mbps download and 21.5 Mbps upload. The campground information sheet mentioned Wi-Fi, but we never saw a network to join and didn't inquire further since our internet worked well. We received three bars on Verizon and two bars on T-Mobile. The campground has a nice fenced dog park that's large enough to actually throw a ball, plus a paved walking and biking trail that circles the lake. The office also sells ice and firewood, and the dump station is located behind the office. Many sites offer lake views, and the RV sites are generally well spaced. We noticed Loop 100 has all concrete pads, the first two rows of Loop 200 are concrete with the remaining sites primarily gravel except for some end sites, Loop 300 is reserved for primitive camping and tents, and Loop 400 has a mix of concrete and gravel sites. The center rows of the RV loops are pull-throughs. One thing to be aware of is that the campground has begun charging short-term campers for electricity. We weren't informed about it during check-in, although our traveling companions were shown how to monitor their usage online. The information sheet we received only referenced weekly and monthly electric charges. Even with hot weather and occasionally running three air conditioners during our three-day stay, our electric charge was only about $14. We departed without stopping at the office and received a checkout email about an hour after the noon checkout time. The St. Louis area is our home base, and in our opinion, this is the best RV park in the area and the one we most often recommend to our RV friends.
Kalo O.TravelerKlondike Park
Outdoor Family Fun
My family and I really enjoyed being at Klondike Park Camping. I can't really find anything I didn't like about this place. The camp sites were clean and well maintained, there are bathrooms not to far to get to and a camp kitchen where you can do dishes and cook if needed. I love the off grid feeling of being in the outdoors but when you have children it is nice knowing you have these luxurious not far from your camp site. I also love how easy it is to navigate around Klondike. I never got lost once I figured out the layout. My family and I can't wait until our next adventure at Klondike and we stayed at site 25 if anyone is wondering about the perfect site to camp.
Matthew M.TravelerScott AFB FamCamp
No frills
BL, the camp could use a Camp Host or Mayor. Stayed 1 night. We used the bathhouse and walked the grounds- so did a lot of other people; especially in the morning up to lunch. Quiet camp -Aircraft noise held off until 08:00 (bonus). Men’s shower side had great water pressure and temp- water fixtures were dated, dirty and temperamental (2 shower heads-1 working) also, cozy up to your multi-legged friends (spider webs and bugs were in competition for our shower space), Laundry is $1.50/wash&dry. I’ve stayed at a good many FamCamps: Lake Martin Rec -AL Uchee Creek-GA Destin Army Inf CTR-FL Robins AFB FamCamp-GA Round Pond -NY Kings Creek-VA Ellsworth AFB-SD Blue Angel Rec-FL Anniston Army Depot-AL Sigsbee-FL That’s my starter list! So, I’d like to see this one level up. It’s in a good area (we come through every couple years) and I think it could get a few more interested in it, if it were managed just a little bit better.
Tammy S.GuideSt. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Great price for what you get!
Full hook up. Lovely lake. Great paved path. Sites are level. Landscaping is amazing. My only issue is no shade trees. Where else are you getting full hook up with all of these activities for this price?
Andrew S.GuideDr. Edmond Babler State Park
Great location, no privacy.
The location to St. Louis is great, and the utility hookups for RV were convenient, but there was ZERO privacy at the sites and hiking trail were extremely limited. Great coverage for Verizon and Starlink.
Guide to Alton
Camping sites near Alton, Illinois are situated along a corridor where the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers converge, creating diverse bottomland ecosystems. The region experiences four distinct seasons with spring wildflower blooms in April and May, while fall brings vibrant foliage from late September through early November. Winter camping options remain limited primarily to Pere Marquette State Park with temperatures typically ranging from 20-40°F December through February.
What to do
Hiking at Pere Marquette State Park: The park offers challenging trails with significant elevation changes unusual for Illinois. "Pere Marquette has many options for your stay... The hiking is worth the effort. The views from the bluffs are gorgeous," notes Shawn M., who recommends the bluff trails for panoramic river views.
Cycling on Katy Trail: Sundermeier RV Park provides direct access to this popular trail system. "You can literally be parked right at the Katy Trail. Through the gate at the rear of the campground, and you can bike for miles. Easy ride in to St. Charles a wonderful historic river town on the Missouri River," writes Cheryl K.
Paddling at St. Peters' Lakeside Park: Water activities close to urban amenities make this a popular choice. "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city. We love going here and watching the sunsets," says Lindsey C. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, which rents kayaks and paddleboats on-site.
Birdwatching during migration seasons: Horseshoe Lake State Park offers prime viewing opportunities during spring and fall migrations. Visitors can observe diverse waterfowl using the Mississippi Flyway. "This is a great place when the geese are migrating thru," mentions Kent B.
What campers like
Budget-friendly primitive camping: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers very affordable sites with basic amenities. "Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas... Good fishing, trails and memories waiting to be made. 8$ a night," explains Travis. Another camper noted, "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
Privacy between sites: Spacious site layouts at certain campgrounds provide more solitude than others. "Very primitive camping. The campsites are spaced comfortably apart. The grounds are well maintained," reports Wendy about Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The confluence of major rivers creates habitats for diverse animal species. "We visited in the summer busy season... There are great hiking trails and the scenic drive to the park by the Mississippi and Illinois rivers is worth the trip alone," shares Michael M. about Pere Marquette State Park Campground.
Year-round availability: Pere Marquette State Park Campground operates throughout winter, unlike most area campgrounds. "The lodge has a restaurant and giant chess board!" mentions Leah H., highlighting indoor amenities during colder months.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Industrial areas and transportation corridors create sound issues at some campgrounds. "We stayed in a tent spot... It's not in the prettiest location, very industrial and the train tracks run close. First night one came through blowing its horns around 5am," writes Peter H. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Flight paths and train traffic: Casino Queen RV Park sits beneath air traffic patterns and near railway lines. "There are trains every 15-30 minutes all day long. Casino has a metro stop that takes you into St Louis over the river," explains Josh F., though he adds, "There is train noise but we couldn't hear it with the air conditioners running."
Urban industrial settings: Some campgrounds near Granite City exist in manufacturing zones. "When you first pull down the road you'll be worried you're going to end up in the train yard, but the campground is hidden and actually really quiet and secluded," notes Jessica N. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Reservation requirements vary: Some parks require advance planning while others offer self-registration. "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," explains Travis about Horseshoe Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Cahokia RV Parque offers family-friendly facilities close to city attractions. "We had a great experience in the 4 nights we spent here. The grounds, pool, laundry, and bathrooms were all in excellent repair and clean. The park was quiet, but very family friendly," writes Lee T.
Park convenience for St. Louis attractions: Location matters when planning city excursions. "We camped here for a trip to the city for St Louis cardinals game and zoo. My kids loved the jumping pillow at the park. Minimal playground but they still enjoyed it," says Sarah S. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Biking opportunities: Rental options make family activities accessible without bringing equipment. "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes. There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles)," mentions Mats about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Meal conveniences: On-site food options simplify family camping logistics. "Do NOT miss the BBQ place in the parking lot... fantastic food and a 10% discount for park customers," recommends Lee T. about Cahokia RV Parque.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Utilities placement can require extra equipment. "Utilities are set up weird on all sites - Water and electric are at the very rear of the site by the sewer, so you will need a decent sized hose to reach if your water intake is in the front of your camper," warns Josh F. about Casino Queen RV Park.
Electrical safety concerns: Some parks have infrastructure issues. "The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!" reports Susan L. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Security considerations: Gated facilities provide additional safety in urban settings. "You need a code to get in the gate, so you must register in advance... Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful," notes Greg S. about Casino Queen RV Park.
Road access challenges: Some parks require careful navigation. "A little sketchy getting off east bound ramp then having to cross three lanes of traffic to make a left hand turn at the first light. Entrance to campground is tight, swing wide," cautions James P. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Alton, IL?
What camping is available near Alton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Alton, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Alton, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Alton, IL?
Which is the most popular campground near Alton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alton, IL is St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA with a 3.5-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alton, IL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Alton, IL.
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