Patrick L.
Guide
GuideHorseshoe Lake State Park Campground
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Camping area is closed until further notice. Construction
Camping near Brussels, IL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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."
Best Campgrounds near Brussels (76)
1. Pere Marquette State Park Campground
"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability2. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
"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."
from $35 - $60 / night
Check Availability3. Cuivre River State Park Campground
"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."
from $15 - $42 / night
Check Availability4. Sundermeier RV Park
"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."
from $56 - $61 / night
Check Availability5. Cherokee Lakes Campground
"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."
"Good location close to O'Fallon and Hwy 70. Kind of close to the busy main road running through town. Some long term rigs are there, but look kept up."
from $40 / night
Check Availability6. Riverside Landing
"It’s quietly tucked in along the Mississippi River (except for a train that runs nearby). Nice level concrete pads with electric hookup! Water (not potable) and dump available."
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability7. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
"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."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability8. Marquette Mobile Village, Inc/MHP
9. Hillbillie Ranch
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability10. Beyond the Trail RV Park
"Excellent little RV park behind a brewery. The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town."
"The Katy trail is right next to the campground for waking or biking. There is also a really nice brewery right wt the entrance. Within walking distance is a really nice winery and a couple bars."
from $25 - $58 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 49 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 38 min from Springfield, IL
- 1 hr 47 min from Columbia, MO
- 1 hr 57 min from Jefferson City, MO
Recent Camping Photos near Brussels, IL
86 Photos of 76 Brussels Campgrounds
Katie B.
Pere Marquette State Park Campground
Rick I.
Cherokee Lakes Campground
David E.
St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Anne H.
Cuivre River State Park Campground
Michael M.
Lone Spring Trail Backpacking Campsite(s)
Eric
McCully Heritage Project
Brooklyn G.
Beyond the Trail RV Park
Shawn S.
Dr. Edmond Babler State Park
April D.
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Megan K.
Klondike Park
Kayla B.
Greensfelder County Park
Brian W.
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
Recent Reviews near Brussels, IL
441 Reviews of 76 Brussels Campgrounds
Jamal S.
Scoutlittle lost creek
Quiet Spot
Stopped here for a few hour nap, mostly empty and quiet off the interstate. Missouri Conservation land
MickandKarla W.
LegendSt. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Our Recommended Campground for Visiting the St. Louis Area
This campground was easy to find, as both our GPS and the campground signs led us right to the city park and campground entrance. Check-in begins at 2:00 p.m., but we called ahead and were graciously allowed to arrive an hour early. We checked in and proceeded to back-in Site 426 with full hookups. As the last site in the campground, the curve in the road made for an exceptionally easy back-in. The concrete pad easily accommodated our 40-foot toy hauler and F-450, with utilities conveniently located near the center of the site and no issues connecting two sewer hoses. Water pressure was adequate, and the 50-amp electric performed flawlessly. The campground's four loops have mostly younger trees, so satellite reception should not be a problem in most sites. Although we brought our Starlink, we used our T-Mobile Home Internet instead, averaging 217 Mbps download and 21.5 Mbps upload. The campground information sheet mentioned Wi-Fi, but we never saw a network to join and didn't inquire further since our internet worked well. We received three bars on Verizon and two bars on T-Mobile. The campground has a nice fenced dog park that's large enough to actually throw a ball, plus a paved walking and biking trail that circles the lake. The office also sells ice and firewood, and the dump station is located behind the office. Many sites offer lake views, and the RV sites are generally well spaced. We noticed Loop 100 has all concrete pads, the first two rows of Loop 200 are concrete with the remaining sites primarily gravel except for some end sites, Loop 300 is reserved for primitive camping and tents, and Loop 400 has a mix of concrete and gravel sites. The center rows of the RV loops are pull-throughs. One thing to be aware of is that the campground has begun charging short-term campers for electricity. We weren't informed about it during check-in, although our traveling companions were shown how to monitor their usage online. The information sheet we received only referenced weekly and monthly electric charges. Even with hot weather and occasionally running three air conditioners during our three-day stay, our electric charge was only about $14. We departed without stopping at the office and received a checkout email about an hour after the noon checkout time. The St. Louis area is our home base, and in our opinion, this is the best RV park in the area and the one we most often recommend to our RV friends.
Kalo O.
TravelerKlondike Park
Outdoor Family Fun
My family and I really enjoyed being at Klondike Park Camping. I can't really find anything I didn't like about this place. The camp sites were clean and well maintained, there are bathrooms not to far to get to and a camp kitchen where you can do dishes and cook if needed. I love the off grid feeling of being in the outdoors but when you have children it is nice knowing you have these luxurious not far from your camp site. I also love how easy it is to navigate around Klondike. I never got lost once I figured out the layout. My family and I can't wait until our next adventure at Klondike and we stayed at site 25 if anyone is wondering about the perfect site to camp.
Matthew M.TravelerScott AFB FamCamp
No frills
BL, the camp could use a Camp Host or Mayor. Stayed 1 night. We used the bathhouse and walked the grounds- so did a lot of other people; especially in the morning up to lunch. Quiet camp -Aircraft noise held off until 08:00 (bonus). Men’s shower side had great water pressure and temp- water fixtures were dated, dirty and temperamental (2 shower heads-1 working) also, cozy up to your multi-legged friends (spider webs and bugs were in competition for our shower space), Laundry is $1.50/wash&dry. I’ve stayed at a good many FamCamps: Lake Martin Rec -AL Uchee Creek-GA Destin Army Inf CTR-FL Robins AFB FamCamp-GA Round Pond -NY Kings Creek-VA Ellsworth AFB-SD Blue Angel Rec-FL Anniston Army Depot-AL Sigsbee-FL That’s my starter list! So, I’d like to see this one level up. It’s in a good area (we come through every couple years) and I think it could get a few more interested in it, if it were managed just a little bit better.
Tammy S.GuideSt. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Great price for what you get!
Full hook up. Lovely lake. Great paved path. Sites are level. Landscaping is amazing. My only issue is no shade trees. Where else are you getting full hook up with all of these activities for this price?
Andrew S.GuideDr. Edmond Babler State Park
Great location, no privacy.
The location to St. Louis is great, and the utility hookups for RV were convenient, but there was ZERO privacy at the sites and hiking trail were extremely limited. Great coverage for Verizon and Starlink.
- MMonica W.Traveler
Earth, Wind & Solar Farm
Love it!
This is the perfect, little spot to set up. The owners are sweet, and have been helpful with everything we have needed and beyond. We definitely would love to come back.
- Tammy S.Guide
St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Incredible
Beautiful grounds. Paved level sites. Great path around the lake. Wish there were trees
Guide to Brussels
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
What camping is available near Brussels, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Brussels, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 76 campgrounds and RV parks near Brussels, IL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Brussels, IL?
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 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Brussels, IL?
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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