Best Glamping near Chester, IL

Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney and Giant City State Park feature several upscale glamping accommodations within driving distance of Chester, Illinois. The luxury canvas tents and boutique cabins at these locations include comfortable queen beds with premium linens, private bathrooms with hot showers, and climate control systems for year-round comfort. Each glamping unit includes electricity, modern furnishings, and private outdoor areas with fire rings. According to a visitor, "We were very pleasantly surprised! Great clean campground with easy hook ups and pleasant staff." The resorts maintain spacious interiors with rustic-chic décor that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings while providing essential amenities like refrigerators, coffee makers, and ambient lighting for a true eco-friendly glamping experience.

Hiking trails wind through the surrounding forests, connecting glamping accommodations to scenic overlooks and fishing spots at nearby lakes. The glamping sites serve as perfect basecamps for exploring local attractions, with Washington State Park's geodesic domes positioned just minutes from historic sites and wineries. Most locations offer on-site dining options or outdoor kitchens where guests can prepare meals using locally sourced ingredients. One reviewer noted, "The property itself is beautiful. Spots are intermingled in the trees and it is spectacular in the morning." Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons from April through October when the glamping safari tents and treehouse accommodations book quickly. Many properties maintain sustainable practices with solar-powered lighting, natural building materials, and water conservation systems that appeal to eco-conscious travelers seeking luxury outdoor stays.

Best Glamping Sites Near Chester, Illinois (19)

    1. Hawn State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Farmington, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 883-3603

    $12 - $25 / night

    "There is a main loop of campgrounds all facing one another (e.g. little to no privacy) with electric hookups and reservations allowed (these fill FAST) then there are a few primitive walk up sites for"

    "Then you walk to the beginning of the Whispering Pines trail and see the creek flowing, and know this place is going to be worth it."

    2. Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney

    11 Reviews
    Perryville, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (314) 493-0225

    "Decorated for Halloween and very kid friendly. Spots are tight (wouldn't want to be here when the park is full). Nice park for kids, hiking trail and jump pad (trampoline)."

    "It isn’t what we’re used to, we usually like more remote, isolated, rugged, off the grid type sites (we had just travelled from Utah where we spent 15 straight days in the desert on the rim of a canyon"

    3. Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

    1 Review
    Ava, IL
    19 miles
    +1 (618) 763-5511

    "You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
    Only 16 spots left!"

    4. St. Francois State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2173

    "The campgrounds have two loops, electric and basic. The electric loop sites are close together, and is mainly RV camping. The loop has great river access."

    "It features many access points to its anchor, the BIg River, picnic areas, multiple pavilions and some fantastic trails. "

    5. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "The picnic tables are old and seem to be spread around as camper are moving them around. The main bathhouse is older, but nice and clean! There is a vault only bathroom at the back of the campground."

    "The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel."

    6. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $26 / night

    "South Sandusky is a very nice campground with lots of trees, concrete pad, fire pit, playground, and bathroom facilities."

    "many of the site are right on the lake and the sunrise and sunsets are always gorgeous."

    7. Washington State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cadet, MO
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 586-5768

    "The electrics sites are closer to the river, the tent sites are more private in trees in a separate area.

    Yay: Rent a canoe/kayak/tube to enjoy the river (on site!)."

    "The campgrounds are a bit rocky like, but each has a picnic table and fire pit, and they sit on the hills of a beautiful Missouri pineforest."

    8. South Marcum Campground

    16 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $44 / night

    "This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."

    "South Marcum Campground is a Corp of Engineers campground just of I-57 in southern Illinois with over 100 reservable campsites. Sites have 30 & 50 amp Electric hookups."

    9. Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    6 Reviews
    Bargerville, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 985-4983

    "We spent 5 nights on Site A5 at Crab Orchard Campground. All sites are FC/FS. Full hookups are in Loop B & it was full. Overall the campground was full but not very many people around."

    "This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees. First come first serve, and the park was full most of the time we were here."

    10. Benton KOA

    13 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 439-4860

    "Yes, there is highway noise. It's a KOA. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs. That said, excellent staff, clean, professional KOA"

    "T-Mobile worked well- issues connecting to site Wi-Fi- staff pleasant- clean- didn’t use showers- small camp store available"

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Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

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Glamping Reviews near Chester, IL

198 Reviews of 19 Chester Campgrounds


  • Chrissy W.
    May. 4, 2018

    South Sandusky Campground

    Rend lake south sandusky

    South Sandusky is a very nice campground with lots of trees, concrete pad, fire pit, playground, and bathroom facilities. It is wheelchair accessible and walking distance from the lake where you can swim, fish, boat, go tubing or just walk the trails.

  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2019

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Nice Campground & Beautiful Park!

    We stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time. The campground is clean and maintained. Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt. Not sure if they are upgrading a little at a time?? There are plenty of trees for shade. Some sites are close together and some have more room in between them. The picnic tables are old and seem to be spread around as camper are moving them around. The main bathhouse is older, but nice and clean! There is a vault only bathroom at the back of the campground. No water hook up at each site, only electricity. . While you are here, check out the Lodge for dinner one night and climb to the top of the water tower observation deck for some amazing views! Make the quick drive to Makanda and explore the little hippy town. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the secret garden! . The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails.

  • Gina J.
    Jul. 15, 2018

    South Sandusky Campground

    Amazing View

    We love tent camping at South Sandusky. many of the site are right on the lake and the sunrise and sunsets are always gorgeous. they have quiet hours from 10-6 and the bathrooms and showers are always really clean (but there are still usually lots of small insects). It’s also just a short drive from the South Sandusky swimming beach. It’s sometimes pretty rocky in the water so we usually wear water shoes. If you camp for the hiking though this isn’t my favorite site. There are lots of bike trails but for just hiking there are much better places.

  • Kyle K.
    Jul. 13, 2017

    Hawn State Park Campground

    Tiny park packs a punch

    Hawn State Park is tiny but excellent. There is a main loop of campgrounds all facing one another (e.g. little to no privacy) with electric hookups and reservations allowed (these fill FAST) then there are a few primitive walk up sites for tents only (no hookups, no reservations), and these are what I most recommend. You can camp right by the gugling creek with total privacy. Campgrounds have running water and showers from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

    The park itself has lots of great hiking trails with unique ecology, geology, and plant life.

  • Mara F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2017

    Hawn State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Gregory Maven Backpack at Hawn State Park, MO

    Campground Review Hawn State Park is beautiful! It is one of my favorite state parks. It offers a variety of hiking trails, a nice play ground, plentiful picnic tables, and is some of the best scenery in Missouri. The pine trees that surround the parking lot give you a sense of the grandeur of this place before you ever leave your car. Then you walk to the beginning of the Whispering Pines trail and see the creek flowing, and know this place is going to be worth it. Don't get me wrong, this trail is rated as rugged, and they aren't joking around with that. If you are backpacking give yourself plenty of time to make it to camp, there are some big hills involved. Big, rocky hills. Once you get to one of the three established backcountry sites you find a generally flat area to sleep, a good amount of cleared land for activities, and a fire ring (although techincally no fires are allowed in the backcountry there). The camping is serene. I stayed at campsite 2 this time and got to listen to the trickle of a small waterfall near my site all evening, I mean, until it started raining. The hike is always worth it. This is an extremely popular trail in Missouri because of its beauty and promiximty to St. Louis (about 1.25hrs), so expect to make some new friends at your campsite. All backcountry sites are first come, first serve and free! No permit is needed, just sign in at the trail head. If you are not a fan of ruffin’ it, there are basic ($13/night) and electric ($21-23/night) drive up campsites with a showerhouse nearby. These are reservable in advanced for an additional fee. I would recommend advanced reservation on weekends in peak season. The campground is well maintained with fire rings, parking pads, and picnic tables at each site. Outside of the shower house, all other restrooms are vault toilets in the front country area (no privies in the backcountry, bring your shovel). This campground is worth a stay and hike around, even if it is on one of the shorter, easier trails.

    Product Review I’ve always wanted to be a Park Ranger, exploring the wilderness for a living. I guess being a Dyrt Ranger is a pretty good substitute, especially since I got the opportunity to review the Gregory Maven Backpack recently. I have to admit, I was a little reticent to try out a new backpack. My my current pack was trusty, familiar and had been with me on so many adventures. It had seen me through my longest hikes, to the most interesting places, and mostly, it was my first. It was going to take a pretty amazing pack to get me to forsake my good ol, patch-covered Kelty. I can safely say I will never use that Kelty again. Not only is the Gregory about 100xs lighter (obviously that's a literal, scientific calculation), but it has so many features that set it apart. The first I noticed and loved was the horizontal water bottle holder. Trying to reach behind you and pull a bottle upward while walking is on par with an Olympic event, especially after you've spent 10 sweaty hours out on the trail. This pocket makes it so much easier and less of a gymnastics routine to get a drink. This alone would sell me on the pack. But let me sing more of its praises. The sunglasses wrangler on the shoulder strap is so flipping handy, I can't believe I haven't seen one before! The water bladder holder doubles as a day pack, which I love because, duh, it'll hold your water when you go off on an adventure. The material on the pack all seemed nice and durable. The padding was comfortable and it was so easy to adjust to fit me. The pockets on the hip belt are always welcome! I had to hand-craft one for my old pack, I was glad to see them on this pack ready to go. The only thing with them is if you are a little bigger in the hips, you do have to use awkward t-rex arms to reach over/back to zip them up. Also some of the label on the adjustment tab for one started coming off. Not that it's the end of the world, you just expect new things to stay new for a little while. The included rain cover was PHENOMENAL! Normally when a pack comes with a rain cover it will only cover your pack. Anything you have attached to the outside is screwed. This cover was spacious! My camp shoes, ground pad, etc. did not have to worry about the rain. Things I do miss from my old pack: A few more pockets so that it's easier to keep your gear organized and find items in a hurry. I understand this lack of pockets helps keep the pack weight down and I would rather have my pack lighter than pocket-y. I also missed my front zipper so I didn't have to pull everything out of my pack to find something. A few other less awesome things: The sizing on the website was a little confusing, it was hard to know if the sx/sm, sm/md sizes were for the hip belt or back panel. Honestly, I'm still not sure, but I'm leaning toward back panel. I did view this through a mobile platform, so it may be better on PC. Also, the bigger volume size packs are only offered in blue or gray. The colors are nice looking, but I wish an aqua, pink, or purple was available too. I can hike long distances and be feminine too, but maybe I'm the only one that feels that way though. These misses are small and I'm honestly thinking of using this pack as my luggage for vacation in a few weeks. If I do, I'll post pictures. And I will definitely be using it on future trips.

    https://backcountrymara.wordpress.com/2018/03/29/gregory-maven-backpack/

  • Kelsie L.
    May. 23, 2018

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    Easy Riverside Camping

    The campgrounds have two loops, electric and basic. The electric loop sites are close together, and is mainly RV camping. The loop has great river access. Further from the river is the basic loop - these sites are nicely spaced, most back to the woods, and all were grassy.

    All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice. Nice playground next to shower house.

    Big River is great for many water activities - kayak, float, fish, etc. I gave a try at fishing and caught a couple small bluegills. If you'd rather get away from the people, there are a number of beautiful trails to hike, many providing bluff river views or are along creeks (I prefer hikes with water views!) I hiked the swimming deer trail, which is 3.15 miles and a combination of forested areas and bluff riverside terrain. The trailhead is at the campgrounds, which made it very easy to access.

    While we were there, we encountered a lot of wildlife! We passed by a momma (we assumed) raccoon in a tree, a few snakes on the trail, a few turtles on the trail, an abundance of squirrels, and even had some deer spend time right behind our campsite. It was amazing!

  • Morgan J.
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Hawn State Park Campground

    Amazing state park

    Great state park to get away from everything for a while. We only were able to stay one night while passing through but would definitely stop here when in this area again. There is not really mobile service here though. We had great signal up by the dump station but down where the campsites are we only had one bar of AT&T and nothing for T-Mobile. Even with our signal booster turned on we didn't have very great signal strength so we had to drive up the hill to get some work done. Coming down into the area with the campsites the road is a fairly steep grade but there were plenty of both small and big rigs camping here.

  • J K.
    Aug. 6, 2019

    South Marcum Campground

    Best campground on Rend Lake!

    This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake. With hundreds of sites to choose from with some being tucked into the woods and others sitting right on the lake including some walking intense fights this campground is one of the nicest that you’ll find in Illinois. Plenty of bathrooms and bath houses as well as playgrounds and spacious campsites for larger RVs and plenty of access to the lake.

  • Jason F.
    Jul. 30, 2022

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    A wonderful state park campground...

    St. Francis is a beautiful Missouri state park, not to mention campground.  It features many access points to its anchor, the BIg River, picnic areas, multiple pavilions and some fantastic trails.  I grew up here, and I am biased toward it, but we camped many places, and it remains one of my favorites then, and now.  The campground has more of a communal vibe, for better or worse, depending on your perspective.  If privacy is your main concern, you may be better served looking elsewhere, but I have always enjoyed the friends I have made there, both young and old due to the proximity of the campsites and the many programs offered there by the Conservation Department.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Chester, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Chester, IL is Hawn State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Chester, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 glamping camping locations near Chester, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.