RV camping near Edwardsville, Illinois offers several options within 30 miles of the city center, with most sites situated on level terrain at elevations between 400-600 feet. The area experiences humid continental climate with hot summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through August. Spring camping brings significant rainfall averaging 4-5 inches monthly during April and May.
What to do
Bike the Katy Trail: Located just 35 miles west of Edwardsville, Beyond the Trail RV Park provides direct access to the scenic Katy Trail. "The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town. Beautiful views across a large farm field (soy beans when we were here) to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets," reports one camper.
Paddle the lake: At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, water activities are readily available. "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes. There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles). There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish," notes a visitor.
Explore historic St. Charles: From several area campgrounds, the historic riverfront district is accessible via bike trails or short drives. "Easy ride in to St. Charles a wonderful historic river town on the Missouri River. Great shops, great restaurants," shares a camper from Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Visit Gateway Arch National Park: Many campgrounds offer convenient access to downtown St. Louis attractions. "Stayed two nights passing through to visit Gateway Arch National Park. Casino has a metro stop that takes you into St Louis over the river," explains a visitor to Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Despite urban locations, some parks offer surprisingly generous spaces. "For this to be such a small RV park (smallest we've stayed at so far) the sites are very spacious!" notes a visitor at Covered Bridge RV Park.
Food options: Many parks feature dining options right on the premises or within walking distance. "My favorite part of this park is the onsite Sawmill BBQ restaurant. While we prepare most of our meals, we were so tired; we decided to give the joint a try and, wow, are we glad we did! Delicious food for a reasonable price!" shares a camper at Cahokia RV Parque.
Good connectivity: Working campers appreciate the stable internet connections available at some parks. "The wi-fi was surprisingly good enough that my wife and I could both work off of it and even stream shows on the Roku the whole week," reports a visitor to Covered Bridge RV Park.
Security features: Many campgrounds in the area prioritize safety with controlled access systems. "Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful. No frills but a great view of the arch. Centrally located and across the bridge from downtown," comments a visitor about Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience regular railroad activity. "There are trains every 15-30 minutes all day long," notes one camper at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park.
Seasonal operations: While some parks operate year-round, others have limited seasons. "Lots of big rigs. Very quiet and super clean. Came through in February, so only a few permanent people," reports a visitor at Kamper Kompanion RV Park, which operates mid-March through October.
Limited shopping options: At some locations, services are sparse. "I was planning on grabbing a gallon of milk when we got there...there really is nothing around the rv park! Maybe a couple gas stations at best, but if you need groceries or anything, stop and get them before you get close," advises a camper at Cahokia RV Parque.
Flooding concerns: Some sites experience water issues during heavy rainfall. "While we were there they had a record rainfall amount and the park apparently already has flooding issues so it was flooding pretty bad," explains a visitor to Covered Bridge RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play areas for children. "There is a nice bathhouse with free showers for the campers and pay laundry. If you are lucky, you can get a site close to the water, but it means the walking trail is right next to your unit," notes a visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Kid-friendly recreation: Parks with rental options provide family entertainment. "We love going here and watching the sunsets. This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that far and live in the city," shares a camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Some parks offer nature encounters. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake - deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," reports a visitor about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Plan for limited shade: Newer parks may lack mature trees. "It seems to be new, and there are trees planted, but it will be awhile before they provide any shade," explains a camper about the conditions at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: Utility placement varies by park. "All sites have a view of the small lake. Full hookups with both back in and pull through sites," explains a camper at Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Electrical safety: Some parks have wiring issues to be aware of. "The site services, electric, water and sewer, are located to the front of the site and extensions were needed for both the electric and sewer," cautions a visitor to Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Gate code systems: Several parks use coded entry systems rather than staffed gates. "You need a code to get in the gate, so you must register in advance. It was hot in late July and with no trees on the larger sites, it seemed hotter. But the full hookups worked great with no issues," notes a visitor to Sundermeier RV Park.
After-hours check-in processes: Late arrivals should confirm check-in procedures. "Easy to book online even the day of. Choose your spot ahead of time and pull in, easy as that! Had no problem booking around 7pm the day of and arrived around 1 am quietly set up in my previously reserved spot," shares a camper at Beyond the Trail RV Park.
