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.

Best Camping Sites Near Alton, Illinois (68)

    1. St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA

    13 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 931-5160

    "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

    24 Reviews
    Brussels, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 786-3323

    $10 - $20 / night

    "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."

    3. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Collinsville, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 931-0270

    "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. Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 777-0777

    $65 / night

    "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."

    5. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    26 Reviews
    St. Charles, MO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 387-5253

    $35 - $60 / night

    "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."

    6. Sundermeier RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Earth City, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 940-0111

    $56 - $61 / night

    "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."

    7. MGM Campground

    2 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 797-2820

    "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

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 332-7700

    "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

    1 Review
    Hartford, IL
    7 miles

    "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

    11 Reviews
    Carlinville, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 854-8020

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Alton, IL

438 Reviews of 68 Alton Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    Resort quality campground

    Very nice park. This is a big busy campground they have plenty of staff to handle the rush. Level concrete sites with FHU will definitely stay here again

  • M
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Carlyle lake

    Great for Boating and Open Camping in Illinois

    The main draw here is the water itself. With great opportunities for fishing and boating, it's an ideal destination for anglers and families with small boats. The nearby Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area provides convenient camping and shoreline access, making it easy to turn your visit into a weekend trip.

    level devil

  • S
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Dam West Campground

    Beautiful campground at a minimum $

    This campground is heavenly and peaceful. Lots of migrant waterfowl. Pelicans, egrets, blue herons….

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Fun Little Getaway

    Pere Marquette Campground is a little gym, just past Grafton, Missouri. It is located in the Great River Road, and within 10 minutes to restaurants and bars. There is a Lodge located next door which also serves a wonderful breakfast.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful

    Cuivre River State Park Campground delivers a lovely, rustic camping experience framed by woods, wildlife, and water. With a variety of site types and decent amenities, it’s ideal for families or solo campers seeking tranquility. Just be selective about your site—some offer better privacy and facilities than others.

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Purina Farms

    PWD National Specialty

    Stayed the week for the PWD National Specialty trials. Convenient, clean, and solid FHUs.

    "Please note that RV reservations are only accepted for those entered(or those who have dogs/cats entered) in an event that has contracted space, which includes the overnight camping lots."

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Peaceful and quiet

    Another really nice COE campground. With our pass for seniors, we only paid $10 for electric. The sites were a little closer together than normal COE’s but still plenty of room. Water spicket’s were placed throughout the park but not at each site. There was a lake with a swim beach and two playgrounds. Sites were very level. Nice and shady. Close to town. Well maintained showers.

  • Natasha T.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Very clean place with reasonable prices. price

    They were so accommodating. Even on the phone I didnt feel like a burden

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Hamel IL 578

    Good for a truck stop, busy and loud

    Easy reservation system online. $60 is a bit pricey for one night. Electricity and water at each spot which are concrete slabs. Typical super busy truck stop with bright lights and lots of action but safe and convenient.


Guide to Alton

Camping near Alton, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cuivre River State Park Campground. Campers rave about the "beautiful prairie view and lots of great trails" available, making it a perfect spot for nature walks.
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Coles Creek Recreation Area for fishing and boating. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is a prime fishing and boating lake," highlighting its appeal for water activities.
  • Visiting Historic Sites: If you’re near St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, you can easily access downtown St. Louis attractions. A reviewer noted, "The campsite is 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis," making it a convenient base for exploring.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. One review stated, "The sites themselves are very clean and well kept."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is new and large," which is great for families needing space.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of staff at places like Okaw Valley Kampground. One guest said, "The place is very well taken care of," thanks to the attentive management.

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Cuivre River State Park Campground, recommend making reservations in advance, especially during busy seasons. A camper noted, "I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot."
  • Ticks: Be cautious of ticks at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. One unhappy camper reported, "I have never experienced a tick infestation like I did at this park."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Casino Queen RV Park, may have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "No staff on site, book via camplife," so be prepared for a more self-service experience.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. A reviewer said, "The playground was good for the kiddos," making it a hit for families.
  • Activities for Kids: Choose spots that offer activities, such as Okaw Valley Kampground, which has a pool and a playground. One parent noted, "Kids liked the slides in the playground."
  • Quiet Areas: For a peaceful experience, consider campgrounds like Coles Creek Recreation Area. A camper shared, "Such a peaceful atmosphere," perfect for families looking to relax.

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites, such as Double J Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Well maintained and level spots," which is crucial for RV stability.
  • Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups, like Casino Queen RV Park. One camper appreciated, "Asphalt level pads with FHU," making it convenient for RV travelers.
  • Proximity to Attractions: Stay at campgrounds close to attractions, such as St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA. A visitor noted, "Great place to stay if you’re going to St. Louis," which is a bonus for RVers wanting to explore the city.

Camping near Alton, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Alton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Alton, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 68 campgrounds and RV parks near Alton, IL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

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 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Alton, IL.