Best Campgrounds near Edwardsville, IL

Camping near Edwardsville, Illinois sits at the crossroads of urban convenience and natural recreation, with several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. The area includes a mix of private RV parks, state park campgrounds, and military facilities like Scott AFB FamCamp in nearby Belleville. St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA and Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground provide the closest developed camping options, while Cahokia RV Parque offers convenient access to St. Louis attractions across the Mississippi River. As one camper noted, "There are few campgrounds with full hook-ups in the Edwardsville area," making advance reservations advisable during peak seasons.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with the majority open from April through October. Horseshoe Lake State Park maintains a May to September season, while the St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA operates from late March through early November. MGM Campground offers year-round availability for those needing winter camping options. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. The area experiences occasional flooding, particularly in low-lying campgrounds near the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting 2-3 bars of service on major carriers.

RV-focused facilities dominate the camping landscape around Edwardsville, with most offering electric hookups, water connections, and dump stations. Many campgrounds accommodate big rigs with pull-through sites and 50-amp service. Tent camping is more limited but available at Horseshoe Lake State Park and MGM Campground. Visitors seeking a more natural experience can find cabins at Cahokia RV Parque and the St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA. According to reviews, urban noise is common at many sites, with one camper reporting, "Trains pass two blocks away several times nightly, but after the first night you won't notice." For those seeking quieter surroundings, the state park options generally provide more buffer from urban sounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Edwardsville, Illinois (68)

    1. St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA

    13 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 931-5160

    "Conveniently located just outside of St Louis. We camped here for a trip to the city for St Louis cardinals game and zoo. My kids loved the jumping pillow at the park."

    "It's not in the prettiest location, very industrial and the train tracks run close. First night one came through blowing its horns around 5am."

    2. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Collinsville, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 931-0270

    "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."

    "Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."

    3. Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 777-0777

    $65 / night

    "Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70."

    "Close to the arch, that’s why we chose this place to stay overnight."

    4. Cahokia RV Parque

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 332-7700

    "It's a centrally located campground in the Metro St. Louis area. It's close to interstates and it's a short drive across the river to Missouri attractions."

    "I compared the park to two others near St. Louis on the Illinois side and found this one to be the most pleasant. Most of the sites are sunny, but some have shade."

    5. MGM Campground

    2 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 797-2820

    "Nice little lake(catch and release I believe). Surrounded by nature, lots of grass and trees, great for dog owners. Spacious spots."

    6. Town and Country Lakes

    1 Review
    Hartford, IL
    7 miles

    "It’s a beautiful place with good people but could definitely use some updating on the playground, signage, and drive."

    7. Love's RV Hookup-Hamel IL 578

    1 Review
    Edwardsville, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 633-2883

    8. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    Edwardsville, IL
    9 miles

    $15 - $16 / night

    9. Scott AFB FamCamp

    4 Reviews
    Mascoutah, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 256-2067

    "You are on the entire opposite side of the base, away from everything, absolutely everything.."

    "GREAT location for camping, especially if you run out of items and need to get something close by. Very natural, and amazing views and the feel is spectacular."

    10. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    26 Reviews
    St. Charles, MO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 387-5253

    $35 - $60 / night

    "I've been to 370 Lakeside Park many times to walk around the huge lake and to hear concerts in the summer, but I had never camped there. Still haven't. I'll explain."

    "All hookups were conveniently located. Shower house and restrooms were clean and well maintained/cleaned every day. Had a lakefront site but didn’t get to fish this time."

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Recent Reviews near Edwardsville, IL

419 Reviews of 68 Edwardsville Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Dam West Campground

    Beautiful campground at a minimum $

    This campground is heavenly and peaceful. Lots of migrant waterfowl. Pelicans, egrets, blue herons….

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Fun Little Getaway

    Pere Marquette Campground is a little gym, just past Grafton, Missouri. It is located in the Great River Road, and within 10 minutes to restaurants and bars. There is a Lodge located next door which also serves a wonderful breakfast.

  • Chip
    Sep. 2, 2025

    World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    Lot's of full hookups

    This was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees.  Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue.  This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event.  During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full.  We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning.  There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried.  I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Peaceful and quiet

    Another really nice COE campground. With our pass for seniors, we only paid $10 for electric. The sites were a little closer together than normal COE’s but still plenty of room. Water spicket’s were placed throughout the park but not at each site. There was a lake with a swim beach and two playgrounds. Sites were very level. Nice and shady. Close to town. Well maintained showers.

  • Natasha T.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Very clean place with reasonable prices. price

    They were so accommodating. Even on the phone I didnt feel like a burden

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Hamel IL 578

    Good for a truck stop, busy and loud

    Easy reservation system online. $60 is a bit pricey for one night. Electricity and water at each spot which are concrete slabs. Typical super busy truck stop with bright lights and lots of action but safe and convenient.

  • Stephanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Spacious and clean

    Campground was well maintained with spacious campsites. I tried to get a spot on the water but they were all reserved, they looked really nice so I would try to get it in the future. Showers were nice with air conditioning. I would say this is more of a campsite for RVs but it worked fine with our tent. Host was nice and helpful.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Klondike Park

    Love it

    Second time camping here. Much better spot this time, since I could pull right up to the spot, site 26. Last time we were in spot 22. 22 is a long ways from the bathroom and parking lot. The trails are great, the shower house is really nice, lake is beautiful. Will definitely be back.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Excellent urban RV Park

    Just minutes across the river from St. Louis. 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. Will stay again since I am in St. Louis every month.

    Price is comparable. Yes, it is an urban campground in a sort of run down area. It is what it is. But it was safe, clean and professionally ran.


Guide to Edwardsville

Camping near Edwardsville, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cuivre River State Park Campground. Campers rave about the “beautiful prairie view and lots of great trails” that make for a perfect hiking adventure.
  • Fishing: Head to Coles Creek Recreation Area for some fishing fun. One visitor mentioned, “The lake is a prime fishing and boating lake,” making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Sightseeing: Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, just a short drive from St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA. A reviewer noted, “Great location for the arch or downtown visit,” highlighting the convenience of this campground.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. One review stated, “The sites themselves are very clean and well kept,” which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: At Washington State Park Campground, visitors enjoy the “lots of room between sites,” making it feel less crowded and more private.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the amenities at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. One camper mentioned, “The playground was good for the kiddos,” making it a hit for families with children.

What you should know

  • Reservations: It’s wise to make reservations ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground noted, “I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section.”
  • Ticks: Be cautious of ticks, especially at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. One visitor had a rough experience, stating, “I have never experienced a tick infestation like I did at this park.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Casino Queen RV Park, may have limited amenities. A camper mentioned, “No staff on site, book via camplife,” so be prepared for a more self-service experience.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, where there are “lots of things to rent - bikes, paddle boats, etc., for daytime activities.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Washington State Park Campground enjoyed “great hiking trails” and “a swimming pool if the river isn’t your thing.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground mentioned, “Be aware some bathrooms might be locked up,” so having snacks can help keep everyone happy while you explore.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA noted, “The site was not level front to back,” which can be a hassle for RVers.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Always have extra supplies on hand. One camper at Casino Queen RV Park mentioned, “Pay attention to email for check-in process and gate code,” indicating that being prepared can save you time.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the location. A visitor at Coles Creek Recreation Area said, “Great place for fishing and boating,” so make sure to explore the local area while you’re there.

Camping near Edwardsville, Illinois, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to family-friendly activities. Whether you’re in an RV or tent camping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Edwardsville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Edwardsville, IL is St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA with a 3.5-star rating from 13 reviews.