73 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Fairview Heights, Illinois provide a mix of developed facilities and natural settings within a short drive of the St. Louis metropolitan area. The region includes several established RV parks like Cahokia RV Parque and Casino Queen RV Park, along with state recreation areas such as Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, while some sites like St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA and Cahokia RV Parque also offer cabin rentals. These campgrounds are primarily concentrated along the Mississippi River corridor and nearby lakes, providing varying levels of amenities from primitive sites to full-hookup facilities.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with several campgrounds operating only from spring through fall. "This is a nice little park in southern Illinois. It is surrounded by cornfields, however the park is wooded. The park surrounds a very pretty lake," noted one camper about Washington County Lake State Conservation Area. Many campgrounds in the region are susceptible to flooding, particularly those near the Mississippi River, which can affect accessibility during spring and early summer. Travelers should check current conditions before planning trips, especially during rainy periods. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly on weekends and during summer months, while some state park campgrounds offer both reservable and first-come, first-served sites.
Campers frequently mention the proximity to water as a key feature of the area's camping experience. Several campgrounds provide direct access to lakes or rivers, with fishing opportunities and water recreation being major draws. A visitor commented that Coles Creek is "a nice, large campground located on Carlyle Lake in Illinois. It has full hook up, 50 amp sites with many located right on the water!" Urban proximity is another highlight, with many campgrounds serving as convenient bases for exploring St. Louis attractions. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campgrounds affected by nearby highways, railroads, or airport flight paths. The terrain throughout the region is generally flat to gently rolling, with wooded areas providing shade at many campgrounds, though some newer facilities have limited mature tree cover.
"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."
from $65 / night
Check Availability"It's a centrally located campground in the Metro St. Louis area. It's close to interstates and it's a short drive across the river to Missouri attractions."
"I compared the park to two others near St. Louis on the Illinois side and found this one to be the most pleasant. Most of the sites are sunny, but some have shade."
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Nice little lake(catch and release I believe). Surrounded by nature, lots of grass and trees, great for dog owners. Spacious spots."
"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."
from $35 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $56 - $61 / night
Check Availability"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
ScoutThis place was amazing other than the humidity (mid july). Showed up and the hosts were super nice and helped me to my spot. They have lots of camper spots, most seemed like long term campers. I used a tent and had a great spot near the lake. No other tent campers around. They have a good open spot for tents that you just find a spot and set up. Campers seemed nice and we re quiet.
GuideGreat views. Lots of water view sites. Just not a lot to do in the area. Hosts are very kind
GuideBeautiful grounds. Paved level sites. Great path around the lake. Wish there were trees
GuideThe grounds are so well maintained. The spaces are level and paved. The path around the lake is awesome. A lot of activities in one location. My only issue is no shade. It’s a newer facility so the trees are not mature.
GuideNice campground with full hookups. Only one row has shade since the campground is so new. Shower house is good. My only negative is the wifi was weak in the two spots I stayed in.
ScoutThis is close to the Arch but not well maintained and security is lacking, No staff onsite and the gate is broken. we heard gunshots at 2 AM and left early the next day.
ScoutWe camped here for 5 nights. It is so clean and well maintained. It’s quietly tucked in along the Mississippi River (except for a train that runs nearby). Nice level concrete pads with electric hookup! Water (not potable) and dump available. It’s close proximity to everything in the St. Louis area can’t be beat!
GuidePulled in after the office had closed. They knew we would show up late. Around 1930. Still light outside. Opened the after hours check in and there was nothing for us. Or a map. Luckily there was a number to call. We called. Lady said she was on break and would call us back. Never did. After digging through emails, we finally found what site they had assigned to us. Very small print. Due to this app we were able to use the map posted. However there was no p10 site. Just up to p09. Called the lady back. Said there’s a p10 but that she would move us to p9 in the system. Just decide to stay because we’ve been driving all day. Beautiful grounds/location. Enjoyed a nice sunset. It’s sad it’s “kept up” by these people who can’t help someone because they are on break. Appears a lot of the campers live here. Which to me doesn’t matter. But it does when you can’t help someone for 5 min. Campers are nice. Bath house is a bit dirty. But usable. Skipping a shower tonight but the toilets and sink work.
LegendGood location close to O'Fallon and Hwy 70. Kind of close to the busy main road running through town. Some long term rigs are there, but look kept up.
Camping spots near Fairview Heights, Illinois sit at approximately 500-600 feet above sea level in a region characterized by gentle hills, forests, and proximity to the Mississippi River floodplain. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers where temperatures can reach the 90s and mild winters with occasional snow. Campgrounds regularly need to manage drainage issues after the region's frequent thunderstorms, which average 45 inches of rainfall annually.
Water recreation at Horseshoe Lake State Park: Boat rentals and fishing opportunities available for catching bass, crappie, and catfish. "Nice little campground close to down town St Louis (when the leaves are down I bet you can see the Arch). Campsites are nice and flat with the standard picnic tables and fire rings," notes Annie C. about Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground.
Visit historic St. Charles: Located approximately 35 minutes from Fairview Heights, the historic district offers shops, restaurants and river access. "We stayed for a week to enjoy St. Louis, St. Charles and Meramec Caverns (about 1 hr away). The Katy Trail is right behind the campground, so one day we walked into St. Charles historic district via the trail, since we had our dog with us," shared Bea about their stay at Sundermeier RV Park.
Bike riding and outdoor activities: Paved trails and rental equipment available at many parks for family exploration. "This park is beautiful. Located about 25 minutes from St Louis. They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night," reported Joseph F. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Budget-friendly camping options: Several parks offer affordable rates, with tent camping available for as little as $8 per night. "Great spot and great value. Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," notes Helge Vandel J. about their experience at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground.
On-site food options: Some campgrounds feature restaurants right at the facility. "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!" commented Jenni W. about their stay at Cahokia RV Parque.
Security features: Gated access and regular security patrols provide peace of mind for campers. "The casino complex was closed due to COVID. Reservations are online and they email you the gate code and WiFi code. 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," reports Greg S. about Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park.
Train and airport noise: Many campgrounds in the area experience noise from nearby transportation routes. "Lower# sites are closer to the trains, and the higher# sites were further away. We have gotten used to noise, and my husband loves watching trains, so it didn't bother us one bit," explains Bea about Sundermeier RV Park.
Seasonal closures and flood risks: Check opening dates before planning trips as some parks close during winter months. "Spent one night on our way through. We had tram tickets for the arch so we needed a shore power hookup for run the AC for our dog. This was a good spot for that," notes Jessica N., highlighting the seasonal importance of hookups in the hot months.
Urban camping environment: Many campgrounds are located in industrial or commercial areas rather than wilderness settings. "Went back to see the Arch Natl park and down into historic st. Charles. Beautiful historic town with plenty to see and do, with a casino past that," mentions Fred R. about his stay at Sundermeier RV Park, acknowledging the urban surroundings.
Playground and activity options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas for children. "There is lots to do at this park. There is a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more. You can bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or stay in a cabin. Most of the sites are in the shade and are fairly level," describes Crystal H. about St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA.
Swimming options: Several parks offer pools or lake access during summer months. "This park is beautiful. Located about 25 minutes from St Louis. They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots," noted Joseph F. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to see local birds and animals. "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. Minimal playground but they still enjoyed it," shares Sarah S. about her family's stay at St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Hookup configurations: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds and may require longer hoses. "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," advises Josh F. about his experience at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park.
Entry and exit considerations: Some campgrounds have tight turning areas that require planning. "The roads within the campground were double-wide so we had no trouble turning and getting into our spot. The sites were double-wide concrete. We were able to park next to our 5th wheel with enough room to not feel crowded while using the picnic bench," describes Bea about Sundermeier RV Park.
Long-term stays: Several parks offer monthly rates for extended stays. "We pay $550 a month including utilities. There are a lot of long term setups. Kind owner. Nice little lake(catch and release I believe). Surrounded by nature, lots of grass and trees, great for dog owners. Spacious spots," reports K about their experience at MGM Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Fairview Heights?
Several excellent campgrounds surround Fairview Heights. Dam West Spillway on Carlyle Lake offers full hookups on some sites, electricity on others, and activities for children on weekends. Seniors can enjoy reduced rates with their passes. Coles Creek Recreation Area is another top option featuring shaded sites, a private beach for campers, clean shower facilities, and lakeside spots. Other notable options include Washington County State Recreation Area with its pretty lake and wooded setting, and Scott AFB FamCamp, which offers convenient military camping facilities.
What attractions can I visit while camping in Fairview Heights?
While camping near Fairview Heights, you can explore several attractions within easy driving distance. Near Pere Marquette State Park Campground, visit the charming town of Grafton with its antique shops, restaurants, and river views. The park itself offers eagle watching in winter where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers meet. For thrill-seekers, St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA is conveniently located next to Six Flags St. Louis and just 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis attractions. Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest lake, provides excellent boating and fishing opportunities from several nearby campgrounds.
Are there luxury or resort-style camping options in Fairview Heights?
Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area offers resort-style amenities including electric hookups, a nice swimming pool, and a well-stocked camp store. Located on Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest lake, it provides an upscale outdoor experience with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. For a more premium RV experience, Sundermeier RV Park offers level concrete pads with picnic tables and 30-amp service. Though it's on the pricier side, its convenient location and amenities make it a comfortable option for those seeking more luxurious accommodations near Fairview Heights.
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