Camping near Alton, Illinois includes sites along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, with elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making late spring and early fall ideal for outdoor recreation. Local campgrounds often feature terrain that alternates between wooded bluffs and riverside flatlands with clay-heavy soil that can become muddy after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers some of the most extensive trail systems in the region. "Pere Marquette has great hiking for Illinois. The campground has 88 sites total... There are great hiking trails and the scenic drive to the park by the Mississippi and Illinois rivers is worth the trip alone," notes Michael M. The park's terrain provides elevation changes uncommon for the region.
Fishing opportunities: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground provides access to productive fishing areas. "Nice lake for fishing and boating," mentions Annie C. The lake is known for crappie, bass and catfish, with fishing permitted year-round. No swimming is allowed in the lake, as Chrissy W. points out: "The lake is ok but no swimming, boating and fishing only."
Water recreation: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers various water activities. "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes," states Mats. Equipment rentals are available during park hours from April through October, with kayak rentals starting at $10 per hour.
What campers like
Affordable pricing: Horseshoe Lake State Park is consistently praised for its value. "Great spot and great value. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," says Helge Vandel J. The park maintains these budget-friendly rates year-round, making it accessible for weekend getaways.
Spacious campsites: Eldon Hazlet State Park receives high marks for its generous site layouts. "Sites are pretty level, are gravel, wooded, and spacious. There are several 'loops' of sites that extend out and have water views," explains Aimee T. The park offers both reservable sections and extensive first-come, first-serve areas.
Wildlife viewing: Cuivre River State Park Campground provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!" shares Maria E. The park's diverse ecosystem supports numerous species throughout the seasons.
What you should know
Urban proximity considerations: St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA offers glamping experiences near Alton with some urban infrastructure noticeable. "Close to train tracks and highway, but didn't notice with AC on in the camper," mentions Craig F. The proximity to transportation routes makes it convenient for exploring but brings occasional noise.
Seasonal limitations: At some campgrounds, amenities vary by season. "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," explains Annie C. about Horseshoe Lake. Bathhouse facilities at many area campgrounds close during winter months.
Weather considerations: When glamping near Alton, be prepared for rapid weather changes. "There was some rough springtime weather expected one day. A park ranger went around to every site and notified every camper of where the shelters were and gave out a flyer about the specific weather forecast!" reports Mats about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. Spring and early summer bring potential for severe storms.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "The park has a lot to offer. The trails are not too long but can be challenging for small kids or folks that are not used to hiking," notes Scott M. The park provides a balance of developed facilities and natural experiences.
Pool facilities: Eldon Hazlet State Park provides swimming options during summer months. "There is a nice large zero entry pool for a $5 fee on weekends," shares Aimee T. The pool operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with reduced hours during weekdays and expanded weekend availability.
Recreation equipment rentals: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers activities beyond standard camping. "They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes," explains Joseph F. Bike rentals start at $7 per hour with helmets provided.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. At Eldon Hazlet, "Some sites are spacious, others are pretty cramped. The loop that we stayed on was close to the water with views of Carlyle Lake," advises Allen S. Bring leveling blocks as many sites throughout the region have slight inclines.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds experience seasonal water problems. "Only complaint that I have was the potable water supply... It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids," mentions Allen S. about Eldon Hazlet State Park. Consider bringing additional drinking water during spring visits.
Site selection strategy: Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers varying site quality. "Most of the sites were fairly level, but I didn't see any pull through sites," notes Joel R. RVers should call ahead for site recommendations based on their specific vehicle length and setup requirements, especially for units over 35 feet.
