Cabin accommodations around Edwardsville, Illinois range from basic structures to more deluxe options within a 30-mile radius. Most facilities operate from spring to fall, with limited winter availability due to the region's seasonal flooding risks, particularly near Carlyle Lake. Cabin rental prices typically start at $45 per night for basic units and can exceed $100 for premium accommodations with enhanced amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Beaver Dam State Park Campground, visitors can access the stocked lake for shoreline fishing. "There is a nice walking trail path that goes around the exterior of the lake. The lake has boat access and some good fishing spots. There is also a restaurant and store on the lake," notes one camper.
Water recreation: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers multiple water-based activities close to the St. Louis area. A visitor mentioned, "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city." The park rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats for those without personal watercraft.
Mini golf and games: Country Bend Campground provides an 18-hole mini golf course among other activities. A reviewer shared their experience: "We had a great time with lots of activities to keep the kiddos busy." Another mentioned, "Huge campground with a lot of different areas. Be prepared for a lot of walking unless you rent or bring your own golf cart."
Outdoor activities: Rustic Acres Jellystone features a bounce trampoline pillow and other recreational options. "Great fishing, nice price for all the amenities. Everything was so much cheaper than those big campgrounds and you get a lot for the price," according to one visitor who appreciated the value.
What campers like
Spacious sites: At Dam West Campground, campers appreciate the generous site dimensions. "Very nice kept up campground. Reservable sites are hard to book. Only negatives is that this campground is not open year-round," according to one review, highlighting the need to plan ahead.
Security and management: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park receives praise for its management. "Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome!" notes one camper. Another mentioned, "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."
Lake views: Campers at Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area value the waterfront setting. "Nice level sites next to the lake. Reminds me of when I was a kid and there were camp clubs. You came with your parents and didn't see them again until night time," shared one visitor. Another noted, "The campground filled up by 11am on Friday, which was a surprise to us."
Clean facilities: COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms. "Cleanest bathrooms ever and heated and air conditioner. Quiet and plenty of trees and a walking path. A beach to swim at and a dock to fish off," reported one satisfied camper.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially at Dam West Campground. "We arrived at this campground at 11am on a Friday only to find that that the first-come, first-serve sites were already full," warns one reviewer. For the most desirable locations, make reservations months in advance.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. At St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, "trains pass 2 blocks away several times nightly, but after the first night you won't notice. During modified car racing season, Friday nights are roaring loud from the racetrack nearby."
Winter accessibility: Limited cabin facilities remain open during winter months. At COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground, "I started in the East Spillway Loop as that's all that's open in the winter," notes one off-season visitor.
Flooding risks: Low-lying areas near Carlyle Lake can flood seasonally. A reviewer at Cahokia RV Parque mentioned their experience finding accommodations: "We chose Cahokia RV Park because of its close proximity to St. Louis Missouri. We stayed in a gravel site with a concrete pad, fire pit, picnic table and full-hook ups."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags offers swimming and organized activities for children. "We stayed here last minute for Labor Day Weekend and the staff were great with finding us a good tent site available. This is not a rugged style campground as there are many amenities such as a pool, putt putt golf, volleyball, and more."
Playgrounds: Multiple facilities include child-friendly play areas. At Cahokia RV Parque, "There was after hours check in! But also a so friendly staff in the office. Beautiful coded bathrooms with showers. They were heated and warm and very well marked... Oh and an awesome playground for the kids!!"
Theme weekends: Seasonal events provide extra entertainment. At Country Bend Campground, "Holiday weekends have so many planned activities, some for all ages. We really loved the bridges with trails to ponds, and the jumping pillow."
Beach access: Several Carlyle Lake campgrounds offer swimming beaches. At Beaver Dam State Park, "Primitive tent camping area is very spacious but bathrooms were dirty and gross... Shower house was nice, with one small shower stall and large ADA shower stall."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site descriptions carefully for leveling information. At St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, one RVer advised, "Sites are mostly level. Nice staff. Appears cabins are going through some refurbishing efforts. In the middle of a commercial area. A little sketchy getting off east bound ramp then having to cross three lanes of traffic."
Hookup access: Cahokia RV Parque provides full hookups near downtown St. Louis. "Level gravel sites with FHU near downtown St. Louis. Sites are close together, with some shade," notes one RVer. Another mentioned, "Full hook-up was relatively clean and easy to use. The campsite is off a hectic road, but we didn't mind as we only stayed one night."
Utility placement: Be prepared for variations in utility arrangements. One camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone noted, "Our water hook up and electric hookup was significantly far apart. May be site specific." Bringing extension cords and longer water hoses can prevent setup challenges.
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer pull-through sites for easier access. At Dam West, "We camped right on the lake with a great view. This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper."
