Best Campgrounds near Alton, IL
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.
