RV camping near Carlyle Lake offers access to Illinois' largest man-made reservoir, spanning 26,000 acres with over 80 miles of shoreline. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while winters can bring freezing conditions that limit camping options. Most campgrounds around Carlyle Lake operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round options for RV travelers.
What to do
Fishing for bass and crappie: Carlyle Lake is known for its fishing opportunities. Visitors staying at Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park appreciate its proximity to fishing spots. "Long spots, friendly owner, easy access to hardware store across the street, coin laundry available," notes one camper.
Visit downtown St. Louis: The Gateway Arch and other St. Louis attractions are within driving distance. Campers at Cahokia RV Parque enjoy this benefit: "They have a shuttle to the various tourist attractions, just ask the staff at the office for details. The staff are friendly, the facility is clean and professional."
Airport watching: For something different, stay near small airports in the region. One visitor to Percival Springs RV Campground shares: "Next door to the little public airport with fairy lights strung about. An open field greats you at your site and you can watch the helicopter or people fly with parachutes."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many RV parks maintain well-kept shower and bathroom facilities. At Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park, campers note: "Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful. No frills but a great view of the arch. Centrally located and across the bridge from downtown."
On-site dining: Some campgrounds feature restaurants, eliminating the need to cook. A Cahokia RV Parque visitor writes: "Our favorite part of this park is the onsite Sawmill BBQ restaurant. While we prepare most of our meals, we were so tired; we decided to give the joint a try and, wow, are we glad we did! Delicious food for a reasonable price!"
Easy highway access: For travelers passing through, accessibility matters. Regarding Kamper Kompanion RV Park, a visitor mentioned: "Easy on off, right by highway, pulled in after dark and they met us to show us to the site and got us settled. Easy pull thru site with 40' and toad."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks near Carlyle Lake close during winter months. Research opening dates before planning your trip, as they vary by location.
Site spacing varies: Some parks place RVs quite close together. A reviewer at Archway RV Park noted: "Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front."
Urban camping noise: Parks closer to highways or railways experience noise. One Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park visitor shares: "There is train noise but we couldn't hear it with the air conditioners running."
Limited tent options: Most facilities primarily serve RVs. A visitor to Archway RV Park observed: "I am tent camping as I travel westbound. This is primarily a RV park near I-64 and on a highway. Noisy!! Bad noisy. Camp site was nice. Grassy, level, near a picnic shelter with tables. Shade trees. But only about 2-3 such sites."
Tips for camping with families
Check for playgrounds: Some RV parks offer play areas for children. A visitor to Archway RV Park mentioned: "There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location. Great place to stop traveling through or for a weekend."
Consider pool access: During hot summer months, pools provide relief. One camper at Cahokia RV Parque shared: "The grounds, pool, laundry, and bathrooms were all in excellent repair and clean. The park was quiet, but very family friendly."
Look for spacious sites: Families need room to spread out. At Cedarbrook RV Park and Campground, campers find larger sites, though tent options are limited: "There are only about 6 tent sites at this campground, which makes it not entirely friendly for tent campers. However, the bathrooms were lovely and clean."
Tips from RVers
Check power connections: Different RV parks offer various electrical hookups. An Archway RV Park visitor noted: "Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained."
Pull-through availability: Larger rigs need adequate space to maneuver. Kamper Kompanion RV Park provides "a big open flat field with sites and building spread throughout. Cute little fenced in pet area with benches for the pups to stretch."
Utility placement: Pay attention to where hookups are located. One Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park camper warned: "Utilities are set up weird on all sites - Water and electric are at the very rear of the site by the sewer, so you will need a decent sized hose to reach if your water intake is in the front of your camper."
