Best Tent Camping near Alton, IL

Tent campers near Alton, Illinois have access to several established campgrounds within an hour's drive, including Klondike Park in Augusta, Missouri and Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood, Missouri. These locations offer a mix of walk-in tent sites and drive-in camping areas with varying levels of amenities. McCully Heritage Project in Kampsville, Illinois provides tent camping with hiking trails and water access approximately 30 miles north of Alton, while Waverly Lake City Park offers more primitive tent camping options.

Most tent sites in the region feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites at Klondike Park require campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their campsite, offering more seclusion than drive-in options. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with some campgrounds limiting services during winter months. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park closes its main bathhouse from November through March, leaving only vault toilets available. Water access points are scattered throughout most campgrounds, but primitive sites may require campers to bring their own water supply.

The tent camping experience near Alton provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring natural areas. Klondike Park features walk-in tent locations situated around a former quarry turned lake, offering scenic views and access to hiking trails. The park connects to the Katy Trail, making it popular with cyclists seeking tent camping options. Tent sites at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park are set among wooded areas that provide shade and a sense of seclusion despite being relatively close to St. Louis. According to one visitor, "Some sites are more private and shaded than others. Sites like #19 and 20 were more secluded, offered more trees and privacy." Tent campers should note that raccoon activity has been reported at several campgrounds, particularly at Babler State Park.

Best Tent Sites Near Alton, Illinois (10)

    1. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    Edwardsville, IL
    13 miles

    $15 - $16 / night

    2. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 458-3813

    "We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A."

    "Nice state park close to St Louis. Good, if short, trails. The campground is used a lot by RV and campers, not so much by tenters. Lots of campsites had electric."

    3. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    43 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings."

    "A few drive up sites and lots of hike in spots around a quarry turned lake. Beautiful and clean setting. We stayed in site 24. There were picnic tables and a fire pit at our site."

    4. McCully Heritage Project

    5 Reviews
    Kampsville, IL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 653-4687

    $20 - $100 / night

    "Super inexpensive for the space that you get. Free firewood. We have only stayed at the largest site as it has good fishing and a place for us to launch our paddleboards and kayaks."

    "Great for tent camping and hiking."

    6. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    "Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it. Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped."

    "The campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park."

    7. Waverly Lake City Park

    3 Reviews
    Woodson, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 435-4611

    "There are portable toilets that are kept clean. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit."

    8. William R. Logan Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Silex, MO
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 441-4554

    "Plenty of tent spots with tree cover and fire pits. Lighting bugs came out at night."

    10. Indian Camp Creek Park

    Be the first to review!
    Foristell, MO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Alton, IL

328 Reviews of 10 Alton Campgrounds


  • Jessica B.
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    Our 1st Trip In Our Camper!

    We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park Wildwood, MO

    💰 $12-$21/night

    🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022

    Site 48 ⚡️💧

    🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)

    ➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access, Gated Overnight with access code

    ➖Small/Close Sites, No Water in Off Season, Only Vault Toilets - No Showers in Off Season

    📶 AT&T Service 4 out of 5

    🚮 Dump Station located behind bathhouse. NO WATER during off season!

    🚻AMENITIES •Playground •Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails •Wood & Ice •Interpretive Programs •Visitor Center •Special Use Area •Laundry, Flush Toilets & Showers ON SEASON ONLY!

    🏕SITES Reservable 12 Months-FCFS in off season 72 Reservable 8 Accessible sites Basic - Electric Concrete Back In Lantern Hook, Picnic Table & Fire Ring

    ⏰ HOURS/DATES April - October 7:am - 9:pm Nov - March 7:am - 6:pm

    🔺Park Office 8:30am - 4:pm M-F

    🔺Visitor Center April - Oct 9:am - 4:30pm W - Sun Nov - March 9:am - 4:pm - Sat-Sun Dec - Feb CLOSED

  • k
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Klondike Park

    Klondlike county

    Really nice place when you get into the woods. There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings. I usually bring my own firewood because i believe in the leave no trace rule. I would definitly come back to this site

  • R
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Cherokee Lakes Campground

    Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

    I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Beaver Dam State Park Campground

    Saw no Beaver

    Beaver Dam State Park, Il

    We did an overnighter here. We arrived in time to get a hike in before dinner meal.

    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. Staff may be limited due to Corona , so the trail maintenance may have suffered, it is overgrown in several areas. The overlook to the marsh is pretty cool. I found no mileage for the trails , there may be a purchasable map with more information or of course a trail App. The lake is picturesque and busy. Lotsa fisher people here. The trail goes all the way around the lake with several fishing spots. Theres a boat ramp near the parking area and several docks to use across the lake. A nice feature is located next to the boat ramp, a fish cleaning pavilion complete with pull down hoses.

    The campground had an interesting set up. The sites in the loops are gravel and you have room but not a lot of privacy. I was in site 26 and you have to back between the two other sites into this one. Not difficult in my van but it could get interesting with a camper. I don’t think you would have the room to pull in and circle out. Electric at these sites , no water. There were hydrants spaces throughout for your water needs. The fire “rings” were interesting, with a flat “platform” to set your coals/fire on. Nice campground, I felt like somewhat of an outsider here, the occupants were possibly locals who obviously use the entire 14 day stay limit. Otherwise nice, basic, water activity centered campground. I did not see any swimming areas.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Location Great for Travel

    McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dam East Recreation Area

    GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

    East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

  • Hannah W.
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground and warm showers

    The campsites and grounds are well-maintained. However, the campsites did not have designated gravel tent pads. Given that we had to set up in/right after a rain, our tarp was sitting in grass and mud. I never knew how much I appreciated a designated gravel tent pad until then. Having never camped here, we had reserved site 25 and had the whole loop to ourselves (it was a Monday night, though). Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope. After walking the loop, I noticed that sites 26 and 29, offered more room and were better maintained. We probably could’ve changed sites had we not arrived so late and in the rain.

    Firewood is available for $5. We saw a nice playground at the entrance. There were plenty of showers (water was nice and hot!) and flush toilets in the bathhouse. The bathhouse could use some TLC, but the warm water made up for it. There are laundry facilities, though we didn’t use them.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area

    Nice little campground close to down town St Louis (when the leaves are down I bet you can see the Arch). Campsites are nice and flat with the standard picnic tables and fire rings. 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. Nice lake for fishing and boating.

  • Maria E.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Immersed in Nature

    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! No electricity but water was conveniently located right across from our site to do dishes and whatnot. Staking the tent wasn’t difficult at all. Our site was fairly spacious and a not super close to others which we liked. The sites by the vault toilet looked closer together so I could see that being a cool spot for multiple families or friend groups. Don’t leave anything out at night or raccoons will scavenge, we accidentally left our trash bag hanging (ugh!) but that was our fault. We stayed only one night passing through on a road trip but would stay again if we end up in the area.


Guide to Alton

Tent campsites near Alton, Illinois sit along the Mississippi River valley where the terrain transitions from forested bluffs to riverside flatlands. The region typically sees mild spring and fall camping seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and high humidity. Camping opportunities cluster both north and west of Alton, with sites ranging from $10-23 per night depending on amenities and location.

What to do

Fishing access: At McCully Heritage Project in Kampsville, campers can enjoy fishing at the pond with convenient bridge access. "A friend discovered this gem a while back and we now frequent it. Super inexpensive for the space that you get. Free firewood. We have only stayed at the largest site as it has good fishing and a place for us to launch our paddleboards and kayaks," writes Eric.

Biking the Katy Trail: Tent camping areas near St. Charles County Klondike Park provide direct access to the Katy Trail. "I have bike-packed along the Katy and this is an excellent spot for an overnight(s) stay. It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail. You may have to walk up the hill - challenge made :-)," notes Mike L. The trail connects multiple camping areas for multi-day cycling trips.

Wine country exploration: Several campgrounds place you near Missouri wine country. "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94," explains Marty C. about St. Charles County Klondike Park. Most wineries open 11am-5pm daily with tastings ranging from $5-15.

What campers like

Affordable pricing: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low costs at tent sites near Alton. "Super inexpensive for the space that you get. Free firewood," mentions Eric about McCully Heritage Project, where camping runs just $10 per night. Other campsites maintain similar affordability with most basic sites under $15.

Varied terrain: William R. Logan Conservation Area offers campers diverse landscapes within one property. "Plenty of tent spots with tree cover and fire pits. Lighting bugs came out at night," reports Kelly C. The conservation area includes multiple lakes, wooded areas, and open fields for camping.

Privacy options: Many campgrounds offer a mix of secluded and social sites. "There is a lollipop loop with some really primitive and obviously rarely used campsites in the woods behind the main camp area," notes Annie C. about William R. Logan Conservation Area. Most tent-only areas provide more seclusion than mixed-use campgrounds.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking. At Waverly Lake City Park, "There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit," advises John H. Check individual campground websites as reservation windows range from same-day to 6 months in advance.

Wildlife encounters: Multiple campers report active wildlife, particularly after dark. "Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night, as we had to learn the hard way the morning after our first night. Oh, and the mosquitoes are BRUTAL. Come prepared," warns Darren D. about Waverly Lake City Park. Similar reports come from other campgrounds.

Water availability varies: Not all campsites provide drinking water. "As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean," notes John H. about Waverly Lake. Campers should bring their own water supply or confirm availability before arrival.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some camping areas include play equipment for children. At McCully Heritage Project, "We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment," shares Leo S. The play areas provide entertainment options between hiking and water activities.

Short trail options: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park offers family-friendly hiking. "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," explains Scott M. Trail maps showing distance and difficulty are available at park offices.

Safety considerations: Parents note the campgrounds feel secure. "This is truly a hidden gem. Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe," remarks Lahree C. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. Rangers patrol most established campgrounds regularly.

Tips from RVers

Site selection guidance: At Klondike Park, RVers should be strategic about site selection. "Second time camping here. Much better spot this time, since I could pull right up to the spot, site 26. Last time we were in spot 22. 22 is a long ways from the bathroom and parking lot," advises Sam B. Site maps with distances to facilities are available online.

Length restrictions: RV campers should verify size limitations before booking. "Not all sites are long enough for large RVs and the roads in some loops prevent you from turning around. The camp hosts we encountered are very helpful and have a list of site lengths and can tell you which ones are appropriate for large RVs," notes Nancy W. Most tent-focused campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs under 25 feet better than larger rigs.

Seasonal facility changes: Winter camping means reduced amenities. "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip," shares Archie S. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. Call ahead to confirm winterized facility status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Alton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Alton, IL is Countryside Escape with a 1-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Alton, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Alton, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.