Cabins near Collinsville, Illinois are situated in the Mississippi River floodplain region at approximately 500 feet elevation, characterized by wooded bluffs and lowland areas. Lake Carlyle, the largest inland lake in Illinois at 26,000 acres, provides a natural focal point for many cabin accommodations. Winter cabin rentals typically see temperatures ranging from 20-40°F, while summer cabins experience 70-90°F temperatures with higher humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Dam West Campground, concrete fishing piers provide direct lake access for anglers without boats. "Very nice kept up campground. Reservable sites are hard to book. Only negatives is that this campground is not open year-round," notes a visitor about the Dam West Campground.
Lakeside recreation: Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area features multiple playgrounds, a basketball court, and sand volleyball areas along Carlyle Lake. "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," explains a camper at Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Hiking trails: Washington County State Recreation Area offers a complete loop trail around the lake with several fishing access points. A camper reports, "Caught a few bass and a good amount of hiking. Large trail around the whole lake, smaller trails lead to sites around the different campgrounds."
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Cahokia RV Parque provides convenient access to downtown St. Louis attractions with transportation options. "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," says a visitor at Cahokia RV Parque.
Onsite dining: Several campers note the BBQ restaurant at Cahokia RV Parque as a major benefit. "Do NOT miss the BBQ place in the parking lot... fantastic food and a 10% discount for park customers."
Lake views: McNair Campground sites offer premium views of Lake Carlyle with beach access nearby. A regular visitor explains, "A favorite of ours. Small but clean. Beach access. Spent many weekends here," about COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "We arrived at this campground at 11am on a Friday only to find that the first-come, first-serve sites were already full. From driving around it looks like a very nice campground."
Seasonal considerations: St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA operates seasonally from March through November with varying amenities. "During modified car racing season, Friday nights are roaring loud from the racetrack nearby," warns a visitor about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Water quality issues: Some campers report variable water quality at certain campgrounds. "Only complaint that I have was the potable water supply. I filled my trailer's tank at the drinking water supply when you enter the campground. It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids."
Tips for camping with families
Activity packages: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers activity passes for children. A camper shares, "You can get a band allowing your kids to do games of mini-golf, free train rides on the Yogi Bear Express Train, two arcade tokens, and a discount on Pizza at the Snack Shack."
Swimming options: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides family-friendly water recreation. "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," reports a visitor at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Wildlife viewing: Several lakeside cabins offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Riverside cabins often provide the best views and privacy. "The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake."
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging site arrangements for larger vehicles. "I was in site 26 and you have to back between the two other sites into this one. Not difficult in my van but it could get interesting with a camper," notes a visitor at Beaver Dam State Park Campground.
Hookup positioning: Be prepared for unusual utility layouts at some campgrounds. "Our water hook up and electric hookup was significantly far apart. May be site specific."
