Best Tent Camping near Collinsville, IL

Tent camping is available in the Collinsville, Illinois area with several established campgrounds within driving distance. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground in Wildwood, Missouri offers tent sites about 30 miles west of Collinsville, while Klondike Park in Augusta provides tent-specific camping options approximately 45 miles away. Rainey Park in Carrollton, Illinois also accommodates tent campers looking for a more basic setup.

Most tent sites at Babler Memorial State Park feature concrete pads with picnic tables and fire rings, though some tent campers note the challenge of finding level grassy spots. The park provides drinking water, showers, and toilets during the main season (April-October), with more limited facilities in winter months. Klondike Park offers a mix of drive-in and walk-in tent sites, with some campsites requiring campers to carry gear from parking areas to their sites. Water availability varies by season and location within these parks, so tent campers should plan accordingly.

The tent camping experience near Collinsville provides access to various hiking trails and outdoor activities. Klondike Park features tent sites with views of a small lake and bluffs, offering a scenic setting for primitive tent camping. Sites like #19 and #20 at Klondike provide more seclusion and privacy with better tree cover than other locations. Walk-in tent sites at Klondike Park create a more immersive outdoor experience, though they require additional effort to transport gear. According to one visitor, "Klondike park is a gorgeous park along the Katy Trail in Augusta, MO. The campsites are very quiet, very family friendly park. On site restrooms, hiking trails, and a small lake with overlooking bluffs."

Best Tent Sites Near Collinsville, Illinois (6)

    1. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    Edwardsville, IL
    16 miles

    $15 - $16 / night

    2. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 458-3813

    "We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A."

    "Nice state park close to St Louis. Good, if short, trails. The campground is used a lot by RV and campers, not so much by tenters. Lots of campsites had electric."

    3. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    45 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings."

    "A few drive up sites and lots of hike in spots around a quarry turned lake. Beautiful and clean setting. We stayed in site 24. There were picnic tables and a fire pit at our site."

    4. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    "Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it. Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped."

    "The campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park."

    5. World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    2 Reviews
    New Athens, IL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 295-2700
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Collinsville, IL

23 Photos of 6 Collinsville Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Collinsville, IL

327 Reviews of 6 Collinsville Campgrounds


  • Jessica B.
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    Our 1st Trip In Our Camper!

    We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park Wildwood, MO

    💰 $12-$21/night

    🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022

    Site 48 ⚡️💧

    🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)

    ➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access, Gated Overnight with access code

    ➖Small/Close Sites, No Water in Off Season, Only Vault Toilets - No Showers in Off Season

    📶 AT&T Service 4 out of 5

    🚮 Dump Station located behind bathhouse. NO WATER during off season!

    🚻AMENITIES •Playground •Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails •Wood & Ice •Interpretive Programs •Visitor Center •Special Use Area •Laundry, Flush Toilets & Showers ON SEASON ONLY!

    🏕SITES Reservable 12 Months-FCFS in off season 72 Reservable 8 Accessible sites Basic - Electric Concrete Back In Lantern Hook, Picnic Table & Fire Ring

    ⏰ HOURS/DATES April - October 7:am - 9:pm Nov - March 7:am - 6:pm

    🔺Park Office 8:30am - 4:pm M-F

    🔺Visitor Center April - Oct 9:am - 4:30pm W - Sun Nov - March 9:am - 4:pm - Sat-Sun Dec - Feb CLOSED

  • k
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Klondike Park

    Klondlike county

    Really nice place when you get into the woods. There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings. I usually bring my own firewood because i believe in the leave no trace rule. I would definitly come back to this site

  • R
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Cherokee Lakes Campground

    Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

    I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. 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.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Beaver Dam State Park Campground

    Saw no Beaver

    Beaver Dam State Park, Il

    We did an overnighter here. We arrived in time to get a hike in before dinner meal.

    The trail map is very basic and not totally accurate. The trails are poorly marked but with basic knowledge of your compass points you can figure them out. Staff may be limited due to Corona , so the trail maintenance may have suffered, it is overgrown in several areas. The overlook to the marsh is pretty cool. I found no mileage for the trails , there may be a purchasable map with more information or of course a trail App. The lake is picturesque and busy. Lotsa fisher people here. The trail goes all the way around the lake with several fishing spots. Theres a boat ramp near the parking area and several docks to use across the lake. A nice feature is located next to the boat ramp, a fish cleaning pavilion complete with pull down hoses.

    The campground had an interesting set up. The sites in the loops are gravel and you have room but not a lot of privacy. 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. I don’t think you would have the room to pull in and circle out. Electric at these sites , no water. There were hydrants spaces throughout for your water needs. The fire “rings” were interesting, with a flat “platform” to set your coals/fire on. Nice campground, I felt like somewhat of an outsider here, the occupants were possibly locals who obviously use the entire 14 day stay limit. Otherwise nice, basic, water activity centered campground. I did not see any swimming areas.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Location Great for Travel

    McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dam East Recreation Area

    GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

    East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

  • AC
    May. 16, 2021

    Washington County State Recreation Area

    Shady Rest campground

    Really great campground. Good mix of tents and RVs. Bath house was very well kept and clean. Showers ran cold at first but after a few mins it gets warmer! There were plenty of pit toliets through out the campground and trash cans. My tent site was clean, good flat spot for tent, picnic table and fire pit with attached grill.

    The Concession building in the park is closing. No boat rentals, selling everything he has on the shelf.

    Caught a few bass and and good amount of hiking. Large trail around the whole lake, smaller trails lead to sites around the different campgrounds.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area

    Nice little campground close to down town St Louis (when the leaves are down I bet you can see the Arch). Campsites are nice and flat with the standard picnic tables and fire rings. No showers, but decent toilets. The nice thing is the campground is staffed by rangers in the day, and at night they sometimes take a security swing through the campground. Nice lake for fishing and boating.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2016

    Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    Babler State Park

    Nice state park close to St Louis. Good, if short, trails. The campground is used a lot by RV and campers, not so much by tenters. Lots of campsites had electric. All had the standard pininic tables and fire rings, and the campground has a decent and clean shower house. You might end up pitching your tent on a parking pad as many tent sites don't have level grassy spots for your tent. Sites are not very private, and some are right on top of the next. I like sites 65 and 58 for their privacy or grassy tent spots.


Guide to Collinsville

Collinsville, Illinois, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a unique experience in nature. From serene ponds to well-maintained parks, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Countryside Escape, where you can relax by the pond and listen to the sounds of nature, including croaking frogs.
  • Visit Keyesport Rec. Area for a refreshing dip in a man-made lake, perfect for cooling off on hot days.
  • Explore the trails and scenic views at St. Charles County Klondike Park, an excellent spot for hiking and biking along the Katy Trail.

Discover local attractions

  • Experience the charm of Countryside Escape, where you can camp in a secluded area while being just a short drive from St. Louis.
  • Take a trip to Sandstone Spring & Camp for a quaint camping experience with access to essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables.
  • Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities at St. Charles County Klondike Park, located near the Missouri River and surrounded by wine country.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • At Countryside Escape, campers can enjoy amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and firewood for a cozy evening by the fire.
  • Keyesport Rec. Area offers essential features such as electric hookups and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
  • Experience the well-maintained facilities at St. Charles County Klondike Park, which includes restrooms and trash disposal for a hassle-free stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Collinsville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Collinsville, IL is Countryside Escape with a 1-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Collinsville, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Collinsville, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.