Camping in the Brussels, Illinois area centers around Pere Marquette State Park, which serves as the primary developed campground in the region. Located along the Illinois River near its confluence with the Mississippi, this state park offers electric hookups for RVs and designated tent sites in a wooded setting. The park features 88 campsites with most providing 30 or 50 amp electrical connections, while a smaller section is reserved for tent-only camping without electricity. Several nearby options across the Mississippi River in Missouri include St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park and Cuivre River State Park Campground, both offering additional RV, tent, and cabin accommodations.
Access to camping areas requires navigating the Great River Road that follows the Mississippi River corridor. Pere Marquette State Park remains open year-round with most amenities available regardless of season, though summer weekends typically see higher occupancy rates. Water connections are shared between sites, with campers advised to bring extra hose length as water sources may be positioned some distance from individual campsites. The campground provides a dump station for RVs, showers, and restroom facilities that are generally well-maintained. "We spent a couple nights here at an electric site near the playground. We really enjoyed the hiking and views. The facilities were fine, consistent with IL state parks," noted one camper from The Dyrt.
Many visitors highlight Pere Marquette's spacious sites as a key advantage compared to more crowded campgrounds. The camping area features mature trees providing partial shade throughout the grounds. Several reviewers mentioned the excellent hiking opportunities with trails leading to scenic overlooks of the Illinois River valley. Proximity to Grafton allows campers to enjoy local attractions including wineries, restaurants, and antique shops. A camping fee of $20 per night applies to sites with electricity, while tent-only sites without hookups cost $8 per night. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "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."
$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."
$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."
$15 - $42 / night
"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."
"It’s close to our house and there’s always something new to do each time. The bathrooms are well maintained and the campsites are fairly large and provide lots of shade."
$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."
$15 - $35 / night
"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. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."
"Great for taking long walks or bike rides, although very steep hills. Close to St Louis, so you can do some urban exploring."
$40 / night
"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."
$25 / night
"Lakeside is down the road to fill up. No shade and smaller sights great access to the rivers. Site 17 accommodate a 38ft fifth wheel will just hang over the back a little to fit."
$35 / night
"They have really awesome trails to ride. I would recommend to anyone wanting a place to play on their toys. It’s 20 a day to ride. 35 for water and electric."
"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
RangerI love this campground for its wooded and more rugged feel. It is beautiful in early spring when the dogwood trees are in bloom. It has a nice lake for kayaks and paddle boards. Campaigns are great with nice amenities.
RangerWe have stayed at this campground so many times and love it. Cell service is excellent enabling me to work from my rv. It is close to anything you would need, but secluded enough and surrounded by huge trees and hiking trails. I have also rented a pavillion for a party.
ScoutPower / water at sites, single dump site available, at far end of runway, trees around all sites. Has a bathroom / shower / laundry bld. Nice for short visits. Annoying for more than a week.
TravelerSecluded campsites. Even though they are close together, the dense trees isolate them visually from each other. We did have a neighbor with loud dogs that were very annoying
ScoutWe spent a week at this location. It has a great level slab to park your camper. They also have a wonderful fenced in area for horses as well as a fenced in area where you park your camper. Let your dogs run free!
Sarah and Justin were very attentive hosts. They live on the property but are not so close that you know they are there. They also raise chickens and sell their fresh eggs! If you need a secure place for your dogs or horses, this spot is perfect!
ScoutThis campground is nice for March, when it's a little cool. But there is no shade, so mid-summer would be hot! Level sites, full hookups, pretty nice.
GuideAs the pictures on the Dyrt show, it’s a large area of white gravel. It’s clean, has very wide spaces for rv’s which are very level and has water and electricity. The Dyrt definitely doesn’t have the location correct, it’s about 4-5 miles north of 70 and your drive through some narrow winding roads to get here. Overall quiet though I heard some loud truck at night.
GuidePlenty of space between spots. Not a lot of flat spots, though. Off-season pit toilet was available. Campground has shower house in-season. Nice and quiet. There was no host but a ranger came around.
LegendVery well maintained. Everything looks new, works well, is clean and organized. Nicest thing is the park is quiet. No road noise which is wonderful. Winter stop for me so I have only seen the shower house from the outside but I would expect it to also be well maintained.
Pere Marquette State Park serves as the camping hub in the Brussels area, offering access to both the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,040 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s and winter dropping to the 30s. Most camping areas require navigating the Brussels Ferry across the Illinois River unless approaching from the north via Route 100.
Hiking trails with river views: At Pere Marquette State Park, the trail system offers varying difficulty levels with scenic overlooks. "Pere Marquette has many options for your stay... Outside, the hiking is worth the effort. The views from the bluffs are gorgeous," notes Shawn M., who recommends the cabins for those seeking more privacy than the campground.
Kayaking on nearby lakes: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, located about 40 miles from Brussels, provides water recreation options. "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," according to Lindsey C., who frequently visits from St. Louis.
Bird watching for eagles: Winter months bring bald eagles to the confluence of the rivers. "In winter there are a lot of eagles feeding in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers which meet at the park. The Lewis & Clark expedition started nearby," explains Joel R. from Pere Marquette State Park, who also recommends trying the Sunday fried chicken dinner at the lodge.
Explore historic towns: The region offers several historic river towns within driving distance. "Just down the road from Grafton IL," notes Hannah S. about Pere Marquette State Park, highlighting the proximity to this historic river town with shops and restaurants.
Spacious, wooded campsites: Many campers appreciate the natural setting at Pere Marquette. "The camp sites were sandy grassy ground, kind of hilly, and the sites were kind of close together but not bad. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring. Beautiful hiking on dirt trails with gorgeous views of the Illinois River," reports Leah H.
Quick access from St. Louis: Cuivre River State Park Campground offers camping options within an hour's drive of St. Louis. "Great state park right outside of St Louis. Park has an awesome trail system around the lake, and it looks like you can rent canoes/kayaks in the summer," Kyle R. mentions about the convenient location.
Variety of accommodation options: From tent sites to cabins, the camping areas provide multiple options. "Pere Marquette has many options for your stay. The campground may need a little attention and some lots are not level, but the area is worth the hassle. If you prefer, The Lodge has great character and a wonderful great room," shares Shawn M.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers regularly report wildlife sightings. "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!" Maria E. shares about her experience at Cuivre River State Park.
Ferry access requirements: Brussels is surrounded by rivers, requiring ferry crossings from most directions. The Brussels Ferry operates daily from 6am to midnight, with occasional closures during high water events. Allow extra time for ferry waits during summer weekends.
Limited amenities in Brussels: The town itself has minimal services. "Jerseyville is about 10 minutes away with all the stores you could want," notes Joshua Y. about shopping options near Hillbillie Ranch, which is located about 15 miles north of Brussels.
Weather and flooding concerns: Riverside camping areas can experience flooding. "It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded," Annie C. observed about a campground in the region, highlighting the importance of checking conditions before arrival, especially in spring.
Limited mobile coverage: Cell reception varies throughout the area, with higher elevations typically providing better coverage. Prepare for potential communication limitations, particularly in ravines and low-lying areas.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "We spent a couple nights here at an electric site near the playground. We really enjoyed the hiking and views," noted one camper about Pere Marquette State Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers wildlife viewing around its lake. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," Annie C. explains, making it an educational opportunity for children.
Recreational activities: Multiple options keep children engaged. "This park is beautiful. Located about 25 minutes from St Louis. 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. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night," Joseph F. shares about his family's experience.
Safety considerations: Bluffs and waterways require supervision. Many campsites are situated near water features or steep terrain, requiring additional vigilance with young children.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose carefully at Pere Marquette. "This park has great hiking for Illinois. The campground has 88 sites total1-85 are either 30 amp or 50 amp electric sites," explains Michael M., who also mentions ongoing upgrades to add "more 50 amp, water and sewer to some sites."
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "The site we had was very small and there are train tracks that run near by the campground so it can be quite noisy," Charles S. notes about a campground near Six Flags, emphasizing the importance of checking site details beforehand.
Water access considerations: Sundermeier RV Park in St. Charles offers reliable utilities. "Positives: Really nice people at check in. It does have 30 amp service even though this app shows it doesn't. 30 pound water pressure. Nice level concrete pad with a picnic table," Jack G. reports, although he notes the urban environment may not appeal to all campers.
Off-season camping: "Spent two nights. Office Staff was super friendly. Went above and beyond for service. Separate handicap shower facilities are always a huge plus for us. Thirty minute drive into see Gateway Arch. Not a bad swap for some peace and quiet," Mary D. shares about staying at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, highlighting the benefits of camping near but not in St. Louis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Brussels, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Brussels, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 74 campgrounds and RV parks near Brussels, IL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Brussels, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brussels, IL is Pere Marquette State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Brussels, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Brussels, IL.
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