Glamping options near Belleville, Illinois include both luxury accommodations and primitive sites within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, creating diverse camping environments from riverside locations to forested hills. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing, while summer brings hot, humid conditions often exceeding 90°F, with peak camping season running April through October.
What to do
Hiking trails at varied difficulty levels: Pere Marquette State Park offers challenging hikes with elevation changes uncommon in the Midwest. "Great hikes! Very strenuous in some locations, but well worth the effort for the views!" notes Hannah S. The park features trails leading to river overlooks and historic CCC-built structures.
Kayaking and lake activities: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides equipment rentals for water recreation. "We love going here and watching the sunsets. This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," reports Lindsey C. The park maintains a 4-mile paved trail circling the lake for walking or cycling.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the region, particularly at Horseshoe Lake State Park during migration seasons. "This is a great place when the geese are migrating thru, I really hope to be back here some day!" shares Kent B. The park's ecosystem supports diverse wildlife including deer, bald eagles, and various waterfowl species.
What campers like
Budget-friendly tent camping: Horseshoe Lake State Park offers inexpensive primitive camping options close to urban amenities. "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," says Helge Vandel J. The self-service payment system allows campers to select available sites upon arrival.
Well-maintained facilities: Scott AFB FamCamp provides clean, updated facilities for military visitors. "We've stayed at this campground a few times. It is nice, quiet and small. We've enjoyed our stays every time we've been there. A nice perk is that they have upgraded the bathroom from stainless steel toilets," notes David H. The campground offers both water and electrical hookups.
Privacy between campsites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at local campgrounds. "The campground is relatively small but has great sites to camp. Very private and clean. 5 ⭐ in my opinion simply because of the overnight price and privacy," reports WanderlustDu0 about their Horseshoe Lake experience. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables with varying levels of shade.
What you should know
Seasonal flood risks: Several area campgrounds experience periodic closures due to flooding. "It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded. But the City of St Peters did a great job getting this place back to usable with new sod, a new bathhouse, and some general sprucing up," observes Annie C. about 370 Lakeside Park.
Train noise at some locations: St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA sits near active train tracks. "This was such a nice and serene setting. Close to the city and local attractions, yet surrounded by nature none the less. The family atmosphere at this campground brings a smile to your face and the amenities are clean and in order. We loved it. It will be even better when they invent silent trains," mentions Todd P.
Limited shade at newer facilities: Some recently developed campgrounds lack mature tree cover. "Beautiful area next to a man-made lake. Concrete pads with full hookups, as well as dirt pads with full hookups," notes Ernest G. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, while Suzie S. adds: "Definitely our favorite place in the area. The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area offers multiple play areas for children. "There are three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball and a pool during summer months. Lots of families with kids, bike rides and plenty of other lake and outdoor activities in the area," shares Brooke C. The campground provides both basic and electric/water sites suitable for families.
Swimming options: Several parks feature pools or designated swimming areas. "We LOVE Hazlet! We have a popup camper and camp here often. The shower houses are clean and air conditioned, there's a nice camp store that serves breakfast and basic lunches, and there is a nice large zero entry pool for a $5 fee on weekends," explains Aimee T. about Illini Campground.
Kid-friendly glamping: Alternative accommodations appeal to families new to outdoor recreation. "There is a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more. You can bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or stay in a cabin. Most of the sites are in the shade and are fairly level," Crystal H. notes about St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, which offers glamping options for Belleville visitors seeking comfort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA accommodates big rigs but requires careful entrance navigation. "A run down KOA. Sites are mostly level. Nice staff. Appears cabins are going through some refurbishing efforts. In the middle of a commercial area. 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," advises James P.
Park accessibility considerations: Campgrounds near Belleville vary in their proximity to major roads and highways. "This was a nice and serene setting. Close to the city and local attractions, yet surrounded by nature none the less. The family atmosphere at this campground brings a smile to your face and the amenities are clean and in order," reports Todd P. about St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, making it practical for travelers with larger vehicles.
Full hookup availability: RVers seeking complete services should check specific site offerings. "Good clean power. Clean bathrooms and pool looked like it was taken care of. Tent spots have Charcoal grills, table and benches, and a nice metal cover to sit under if it rains," notes Peter H. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, which provides water, electric, and sewer connections at designated sites.
