Collinsville camping areas sit on the eastern edge of the St. Louis metropolitan area, with elevations averaging 600 feet above sea level in gently rolling terrain. The Mississippi River floodplain creates unique wetland habitats around several campgrounds, particularly evident at Horseshoe Lake. Seasonal flooding can impact accessibility, especially during spring months when rainfall averages 4-5 inches per month.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers fishing in its 2,900-acre lake with numerous species available for anglers. "Nice lake for fishing and boating," notes one camper, highlighting the accessible water activities without requiring swimming facilities.
Historic exploration: Sundermeier RV Park provides direct access to regional historical sites. "You can bike or walk there. The trail is about 1.5-2 miles to get to downtown St. Charles," explains one visitor, noting the easy connection to the Katy Trail.
Urban sightseeing: Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park offers proximity to downtown attractions. "Stayed two nights passing through to visit Gateway Arch National Park... Casino has a metro stop that takes you into St Louis over the river," reports one camper who appreciated the transportation connections.
Water recreation: Take advantage of rental options at lakeside parks. "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes. There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles)," explains a visitor describing the extensive recreation options.
What campers like
Value camping: Basic sites at reasonable rates appeal to budget-conscious travelers. "Peaceful tent camping on Walkers Island at $8 per day," notes one Horseshoe Lake camper who appreciated the affordable access to outdoor space.
Security features: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park maintains 24-hour staffing for camper safety. One camper highlights the exceptional service: "There was rough springtime weather expected one day. A park ranger went around to every site and notified every camper of where the shelters were and gave out a flyer about the specific weather forecast!"
Clean facilities: Cahokia RV Parque maintains well-kept grounds despite urban location. "The grounds, pool, laundry, and bathrooms were all in excellent repair and clean. The park was quiet, but very family friendly," notes a visitor who appreciated the maintenance standards.
Food options: On-site dining adds convenience at select locations. "Don't miss the BBQ place in the parking lot... fantastic food and a 10% discount for park customers," advises one camper, highlighting an amenity that enhances the camping experience without requiring cooking.
What you should know
Train noise levels: Railway proximity affects several campgrounds. "There is train noise but we couldn't hear it with the air conditioners running," mentions one visitor to St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, suggesting equipment-based solutions for noise management.
Seasonal closures: Check operating dates before planning trips. Some facilities like Horseshoe Lake have limited seasonal availability from May through September, while others operate year-round.
Urban surroundings: MGM Campground balances natural elements with metropolitan proximity. "Surrounded by nature, lots of grass and trees, great for dog owners. Spacious spots," notes a long-term visitor, highlighting how the layout creates natural buffers despite being near city areas.
Reservation requirements: Many facilities require advance booking. "You need a code to get in the gate, so you must register in advance," explains a camper, emphasizing the importance of planning rather than assuming drive-up availability.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "My kids loved the jumping pillow at the park. Minimal playground but they still enjoyed it," reports one family describing amenities at St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Nature exploration: Wildlife viewing opportunities vary by location. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," observes one camper about lakeside habitats that provide educational opportunities.
Pet policies: Scott AFB FamCamp welcomes families with pets but has specific guidelines. "Expect to wait your turn" for pet waste stations, advises one visitor, noting the facilities are "used a lot" during peak seasons.
Activity rentals: Family-oriented equipment makes shared recreation accessible. "We rented a peddle buggy. Those are a lot harder to get moving than they look. Awesome workout for the whole family!" shares a visitor who found unexpected physical activity options.
Tips from RVers
Hookup location awareness: Utility placement varies significantly between campgrounds. "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," cautions a visitor to Casino Queen, highlighting equipment planning needs.
Water pressure variations: Plumbing systems differ widely among Collinsville-area campgrounds. "The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!" reports one RVer, suggesting pressure regulators are essential equipment at some locations.
Site leveling requirements: Terrain can present challenges for larger rigs. "A lot of spots are not level, so come prepared," advises a military campground visitor, noting the importance of leveling blocks even at developed sites.
Long-term accommodations: Monthly options exist for extended stays. "We pay $550 a month including utilities. There are a lot of long term setups," notes an MGM Campground resident, highlighting the availability of extended-stay arrangements beyond traditional vacation periods.
