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.
"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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
"Nice little lake(catch and release I believe). Surrounded by nature, lots of grass and trees, great for dog owners. Spacious spots."
"It’s a beautiful place with good people but could definitely use some updating on the playground, signage, and drive."
"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."
$56 - $61 / night
"We were able to park next to our 5th wheel with enough room to not feel crowded while using the picnic bench. Also the site was level. We stayed for a week to enjoy St. Louis, St."
"To hot and tired to walk around but there is aa park and access to a walking trail that looks nice. It is on path of airport it seems but plane noise does not bother us. It was not to bad."
ScoutStaff is very friendly and great at their jobs. Bathroom was clean and nice. Gets a little crowded but it's still fairly small so not too crowded. Can't speak much for RV camping, but tent/car camping was better than some other state park sites.
LegendWe have stayed at this campground so many times and love it. Cell service is excellent enabling me to work from my rv. It is close to anything you would need, but secluded enough and surrounded by huge trees and hiking trails. I have also rented a pavillion for a party.
ScoutPower / water at sites, single dump site available, at far end of runway, trees around all sites. Has a bathroom / shower / laundry bld. Nice for short visits. Annoying for more than a week.
ScoutWe spent a week at this location. It has a great level slab to park your camper. They also have a wonderful fenced in area for horses as well as a fenced in area where you park your camper. Let your dogs run free!
Sarah and Justin were very attentive hosts. They live on the property but are not so close that you know they are there. They also raise chickens and sell their fresh eggs! If you need a secure place for your dogs or horses, this spot is perfect!
ScoutThis campground is nice for March, when it's a little cool. But there is no shade, so mid-summer would be hot! Level sites, full hookups, pretty nice.
GuideWe only booked 1 night. Location was great but we had to make lot spaces a few times due to the uneven conditions of the lot spaces. Fortunately there was a nice gentleman who worked here and found a space that suited us better. The sites to the back are much better than the ones to the front! The view of the Arch is amazing but a little sketchy … especially at night! But it worked for the night!
TravelerI've stayed here a couple times and generally like the park. I appreciate owners investing in urban RV parks and I don't expect much for amenities in these kinds of settings. The staff were pleasant on a pre-arrival phone call and at check-in—but once there was an issue, the office staff member became very argumentative and rude, consistent with other online reviews.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY WARNING DO NOT use the 30A receptacles here unless you have a surge protector with an Electrical Management System (EMS) that explicitly confirms correct wiring before connecting your RV. My equipment detected a Line/Neutral Reversal on some 30A receptacles; the 50A receptacles appeared to be wired correctly.
When I reported this life-safety hazard, the staffer’s response was, “Don’t use your surge protector—they’re not compatible with our system.” As a licensed Electrical Engineer with 30+ years of experience, I can state that this is 100% nonsense. The surge protector was correctly doing its job by flagging a major wiring fault. Do not follow the staff's advice when they tell you not to use your surge protector to "make it work." That is irresponsible advice that is literally endangering your safety.
The staff also insisted that they don't have a problem because previous 30A users without surge protectors had “no problems.” This is plausible because a Line/Neutral reversal doesn’t usually affect RV operation but the statement shows their complete lack of understanding of the actual problem.
A Line/Neutral reversal energizes the neutral side of the RV's electrical system. This means the RV chassis, appliance housings, and internal neutrals, which should be near ground potential, all become live, creating a serious shock or electrocution hazard if someone touches those RV components while grounded.
The sites are basic with level concrete pads in good condition and other utilities (water/sewer) were fine. Excellent location near the historic St. Charles district. WiFi is unusable—bring your own Internet source. Restrooms and showers are dated and not in great condition. There was also no hand soap at the bathroom sinks all weekend.
This park should be a 7/10 rating, but the electrical hazard drops it to a 5/10. The staff bring the rating down further to a 3/10.
GuideVery nice park. This is a big busy campground they have plenty of staff to handle the rush. Level concrete sites with FHU will definitely stay here again
RangerThis campground is heavenly and peaceful. Lots of migrant waterfowl. Pelicans, egrets, blue herons….
Camping sites near Edwardsville, Illinois offer access to the confluence region where the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers meet. This strategic location places campers within a 45-minute drive of over a dozen established campgrounds, with summer humidity indexes regularly reaching 90-100% during July and August. Most campground access roads remain open year-round, though seasonal flooding can affect availability at lower elevation sites.
Fishing opportunities: 3-mile trail around lake: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park maintains a stocked lake where campers can fish while enjoying a paved walking path. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," notes Annie C., who visited the park multiple times.
Racing events: Friday night entertainment: The St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA sits near a local racetrack, providing unexpected evening entertainment. "During modified car racing season, Friday nights are roaring loud from the racetrack nearby," shares one reviewer, while another mentions, "Pretty nice campground, but is near a racetrack. Loud engine noises can be heard past 10pm."
Archery range: family activities: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers diverse recreation options beyond standard camping. "There is an archery range. They rent out peddle boats, bikes and peddle cars/buggies as well. We rented a peddle buggy. Those are a lot harder to get moving then they look. Awesome workout for the whole family!" writes Barbie B.
Affordable primitive camping: $8 nightly rate: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers budget-friendly camping options within 20 minutes of Edwardsville. "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," reports Helge Vandel J.
BBQ restaurant on premises: Cahokia RV Parque features an on-site dining option that receives consistently positive reviews. "Do NOT miss the BBQ place in the parking lot... fantastic food and a 10% discount for park customers," writes Lee T., while another camper notes, "There was after hours check in! But also a so friendly staff in the office. Beautiful coded bathrooms with showers."
Urban camping with full amenities: St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA provides creature comforts in an industrial setting. "We stayed in a tent spot... Had shade and a nice concrete pad to park on. Good clean power. Clean bathrooms and pool looked like it was taken care of. Tent spots have Charcoal grills, table and benches, and a nice metal cover to sit under if it rains," shares Peter H.
Industrial setting affects ambiance: Several campgrounds near Edwardsville sit in commercial areas. At St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, one camper reported, "A run down KOA. Sites are mostly level. Nice staff. Appears cabins are going through some refurbishing efforts. In the middle of a commercial area."
Noise considerations vary by location: Train activity affects multiple camping locations. "When you first pull down the road you'll be worried you're going to end up in the train yard, but the campground is hidden and actually really quiet and secluded," notes Jessica N. about Cahokia RV Parque.
Security measures in place: Several campgrounds implement security features. At Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park, "Security rolled through frequently. Your gate code can be used for the pool and gym at the casino in addition to the bathroom and laundry area," notes Robert F., while another reviewer appreciated that the park "is not staffed, you get a gate code in your email to access the park."
Look for bounce pads and pools: The St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "The pool, playground and bouncepad were nice and there was no road noise, however, a train honked early in the morning," reports Stephanie S., adding "bathrooms were good but the bathroom entrance was hidden and it made me wary about the kids going alone."
Consider playground accessibility: Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park offers urban camping with limited play areas. "Small areas of grass and trees with a dog walking area around the perimeter. Small play area for kids. Clean restroom/showers, but only a few of them," shares one camper.
Weather planning essential: Park staff often provide weather updates during severe conditions. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, "There was some rough springtime weather expected one day. A park ranger went around to every site and notified every camper of where the shelters were (the restrooms/showers) and gave out a flyer about the specific weather forecast!"
Utility layout considerations: Check hookup placement before setting up. At Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park, "Utilities are set up weird on all sites - 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."
Water pressure varies dramatically: Be prepared for strong water pressure at certain campgrounds. One RVer at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park noted, "The site I was in had full hook ups. The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!"
Long-term stay benefits: Some campgrounds offer extended-stay perks. At Scott AFB FamCamp, "One couple I talked to was camping long term and they got a free membership to the St Peter's RecPlex recreation center with their long term spot (they said something about having to book a least a month out to get this perk)."
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.
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