Best Camping near Columbia, IL

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Columbia. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Illinois camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Columbia. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Columbia, IL (66)

Showing results 1-10 of 66 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Columbia

Recent Reviews In Columbia

497 Reviews of 66 Columbia Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
    September 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 .

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Birch Creek RV Park
    September 27, 2024

    Birch Creek RV Park

    Nice spot for quick stop

    This is a small RV park just off I-44 about 20 minutes from Meramec Caverns. It’s very close to the highway so there is lots of highway noise. Some sites are farther away so not so bad. There is easy access from I-44.

    30 & 50-Amp Electrical, Water & Sewer Hook-ups. Concrete pads. Bathroom/showers are clean. Pet friendly, coin laundry. Some pull thru sites. Adjacent to the Great American Flea Market on weekends if you like that stuff.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pin Oak RV Park
    September 27, 2024

    Pin Oak RV Park

    Old and shows wear

    This is an older RV park and campground, and the age shows. We spent several nights here due to engine problems with our tow vehicle. The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy. They come with water, sewer & electric. There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics. The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order. Two of 6 washers were out of service, one bathroom stall was out of order, pot holes in the road. There are also cabins, and RVs available to rent. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long. The staff was friendly and check in was easy. Many of the sites are occupied be semi-permanent residents. They have internet, but it is weak and spotty. Saturday night they had a band making noise for 3 hours!

  • Camper-submitted photo from St. Francois State Park Campground
    September 9, 2024

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed from 9/4/24-9/8/24. I stayed in the primitive campground. It was very quiet and peaceful. My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean. There is a handicap shower unit as well that had a bench and hooks and a shelf to keep your things dry. The bathrooms were separate from the showers with 4 locking stalls. These too were kept clean and toilet paper was always full. Four sinks and mirrors and one outlet close to the sinks for hairdryer etc. The grounds were clean and grass was nicely cut. My campsite had a picnic table a campfire with grill grate and a light post to hang a lantern. The camp host were very friendly and drove around often on golf carts to make sure ppl were ok or needed anything. There was a place to fill your bottled water containers. The checkin office sold ice, campfire wood and a variety of ice creams, stickers and t shirts and sweatshirts. The park has trailheads to hike and an equestrian area. River access for swimming and fishing. There is a separate area with electrical sites and also handicap sites in the electrical and primitive campgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and will be returning often.

  • Camper-submitted photo from St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
    September 8, 2024

    St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

    Do not stay here

    The management and owner of this place do not care about their business or their customers. We had a terrible accident at this campground over the summer where a tree crushed and totaled our camper van, thankfully none of our family was harmed. KOA immediately wiped their hands of this telling us they have nothing to do with it and we needed to deal with our insurance. They did not even feel the need to refund our stay. I would NEVER stay here again and suggest if you do, hopefully you have really good insurance.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cahokia RV Parque
    August 26, 2024

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Great Stop Over Location

    The location is just 15 minutes from downtown St Louis. Service was great and site came w power and water and sewer hookup. Showers were ok and they were clean. Pull through site was a life saver.

    Great BBQ place on site and camp guests get a discount!

  • Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
    August 8, 2024

    St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    Best campsite we've found to explore STL

    Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll

  • Camper-submitted photo from Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park
    July 26, 2024

    Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    Can’t beat the convenience just wish it were a tad less sketch

    I’m just happy there are a lot of people here. Half the place is full but there’s just an underlying sketchy vibe. Gateway arch is a 20min walk and baseball stadium just 15min beyond that. Hard to beat that convenience. Just want to feel a tad safer.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout
    July 16, 2024

    Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout

    Lots of fun close to home

    Nice rv park. Lots to do. The golf carts are genius. We used all weekend and had a great time. Played in the waterhole, played on the lake w/paddleboats and kayaks. Nice campsites and showerhouse. The bar and store were beautiful. Arcade, pool,games for kids and adults. Loved it

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Lakes Campground
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park
    June 27, 2024

    Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    Great short term camping

    Nice spots and facility. Great place to just drop in for a short 1 night stay. Well maintained facility. No staff on site, book via camplife and they send you a gate code

  • Camper-submitted photo from Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park
    June 19, 2024

    Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    Great location!

    Even though this RV park is in a city, we felt safe. And it's view of the Gateway Arch can't be beat. Easy check in, but the camp host said the shaded spots were too narrow, they were not. Stayed three nights and saw all the sites: The Gateway Arch, Union Station, aquarium, botanical gardens, Anheiser Busch brewery tour, Guido's restaurant. Asphalt level pads with FHU, both 30 & 50 amp service. We have had a fun time here even doing laundry.

  • Camper-submitted photo from St. Francois State Park Campground
    June 16, 2024

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    RV campsites

    Awesome place to camp. Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups. Staff is super kind. Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule but that’s unfortunate for those of us who still want to listen to music and sit by the fire. Overall great camping spot!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hillbillie Ranch
    May 18, 2024

    Hillbillie Ranch

    Hillbillie Ranch is not there anymore

    They are no longer a campground. Bought out now private property.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sunrise RV Park
    May 6, 2024

    Sunrise RV Park

    Beautiful and very comfortable

    I've lived in a camper for a few years now and this is probably the best park I've come across. Not only is it beautiful but the owners are extremely friendly and make you feel like family. The prices are incredible, and you can even do your laundry for free! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quiet, beautiful, and affordable place to get away.

  • Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
    April 19, 2024

    St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    Good now, and will be really nice when the trees get bigger

    Stayed here most of the several weeks we needed to be in St. Louis for family matters. Definitely our favorite place in the area. The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake. The staff are kind and helpful. Water and electric worked fine. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Trash and recycling receptacles are huge and convenient. My only complaint is the poorly thought out sink situation in the bathrooms which make it impossible to wash in a sanitary way as you must hold the tap to keep the water flowing and there are no paper towels to that with, only hand dryers. There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cahokia RV Parque
    April 9, 2024

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Clean bathrooms, but noisy night

    Checking in was easy enough and we got a spot near the bathrooms. We came in late and the check in board was easy.

    Lots of people who smoke. But the bathrooms are smoke free and we're clean.

    Nights are noisy!!! About 3am sounded like a dump truck was driving through camp and lifting several dumpsters and backing up and doing it again. It wasn't really but it was that noisy.

    Lots of longer term tenants. But everyone we bumped into were kind or just kept to themselves.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    March 24, 2024

    Hawn State Park Campground

    Nice campground in the woods.

    We camped at site 39 over the weekend. The park was very clean and family friendly. There are several hiking trails and an overlook. The restrooms and showers are still closed for the season, but there are primitive vault toilets. The sites are very close together, so there is not much privacy. Also, some have electricity and some not. The firewood was wet und would not burn. The landscape around the park was very nice. We camped here to visit the Gateway National Park and Mastodon Natural Site.



Guide to Columbia

Camping near Columbia, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Hawn State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Hiking is some of the best in Missouri," making it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
  • Fishing: The riverside views at Cuivre River State Park Campground provide excellent fishing opportunities. A visitor noted, "The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views."
  • Caving: Check out the stunning caves at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting," highlighting the unique experience of exploring the caves.

What campers like

What you should know

  • Limited shade: Some campgrounds, like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, have fewer trees for shade. A camper mentioned, "Not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty," so be prepared for sunny days.
  • Crowded on holidays: Popular spots can get busy during holiday weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during Holiday weekends."
  • No cell service: Many campgrounds, like Onondaga Cave State Park Campground, have poor cell reception. A camper noted, "No cell service from Verizon of T-Mobile," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park has a playground that kids enjoy, as one reviewer mentioned, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Respect quiet time rules to ensure everyone has a good experience. A camper at St. Francois State Park Campground said, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."
  • Pack extra activities: Bring games or crafts to keep kids entertained. One family at Cuivre River State Park Campground enjoyed the "great location for a weekend getaway," which allowed for family bonding time.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Meramec State Park Campground mentioned, "Campsites are on top of each other," which can be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Look for full hookups: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground appreciated the "full hookups available" for a comfortable stay.
  • Be prepared for leveling: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA noted, "The site was not level front to back," so bring leveling blocks just in case.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, camping near Columbia, IL, has something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Columbia, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Columbia, IL is St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

  • What parks are near Columbia, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Columbia, IL that allow camping, notably Wappapello Lake and Carlyle Lake.