Glamping opportunities near Fairview Heights, Illinois offer camping comfort without sacrificing access to natural settings. Located in Madison County at approximately 585 feet above sea level, this region experiences warm summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F between June and August. Fall brings crisp temperatures ideal for campfires, with September and October averaging between 55-75°F during daylight hours.
What to do
Water activities at Horseshoe Lake: The nearby state park offers fishing and boating without swimming access. "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 Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking trails at Pere Marquette: This park features challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. "We visited the state park last year while visiting my wife's parents who live outside of St. Louis. We were looking for somewhere to do a quick get away, and to do some hiking. We were pleasantly surprised with what the trials had to offer. We did a 7 mile loop that led us to an amazing overlook," shares Andrew S. from Pere Marquette State Park Campground.
Bike and boat rentals: Lakeside parks offer various equipment rentals for families. "There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles). There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish. The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes," reports Mats from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Archery ranges: Several parks maintain dedicated archery areas for practice or instruction. "Outside, the hiking is worth the effort. The views from the bluffs are gorgeous," mentions Shawn M. about Pere Marquette State Park.
What campers like
Level sites with lakeside views: Many campgrounds offer lake-adjacent camping with good site preparation. "We stayed in site #7 for one night in the spring. Some sites are spacious, others are pretty cramped. The loop that we stayed on was close to the water with views of Carlyle Lake," reports Allen S. from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Affordable camping options: Several state parks offer sites under $10 per night. "Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved. Self service pay system makes it simple, easy, and fast. Camping can be reserved but no need. Just pick your spot go to the office building, and fill out the form, pay and slide in envelope and drop in box. 8$ a night," explains Travis from Horseshoe Lake State Park.
Proximity to St. Louis attractions: Campgrounds provide access to major city amenities within 30 minutes. "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. Some grass and shade, a pool and a playground for the kids. 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," shares Jessica N. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities close during winter months. "There is no bodies of water within the park for fishing, but there are tons near by," says Mel F. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Flood risks: Low-lying areas may close after heavy rain. "It is prone to flooding. It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded. But the City of St Peters did a great job getting this place back to usable with new sod, a new bathhouse, and some general sprucing up," explains Annie C. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Noise considerations: Train tracks and highways border several campgrounds. "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. 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," reports Peter H. about St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA.
Limited tent-specific amenities: Many sites cater primarily to RVs. "You are a couple hundred yards at best to the Waters edge. The only reason I'm giving it four stars is because it was $20 a night," notes Richard V. about Pere Marquette State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kids' activities: Some parks offer organized recreational programs. "We love Hazlet! We have a popup camper and camp here often. The campground hosts are sprinkled throughout the grounds and are always friendly and accommodating. They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites (pretty extensively) and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site," shares Aimee T. about Illini Campground.
Seek out spacious playgrounds: Parks with multiple play areas provide options for different age groups. "We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!! There's swimming, games, lots of activities and you can go from rustic rent a tent to a really nice cabin with lots amenities!!" shares Mike T. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags.
Check swimming availability: Not all lake parks allow swimming. "There is no electric or running water. The lake is ok but no swimming, boating and fishing only," cautions Chrissy W. about Horseshoe Lake State Park.
Consider security features: Some parks offer 24-hour staff presence. "The staff is SUPER NICE AND CARING. Example 1: 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!" reports Mats from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Tips from RVers
Water supply quality varies: Check water clarity before filling tanks. "Only complaint that I have was the potable water supply. I filled by trailer's tank at the drinking water supply when you enter the campground. It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids. I drained the tank and filled with a spicket next to our site and had the same dirty water," warns Allen S. about Illini Campground.
Site mapping can be confusing: Research campground layouts before arrival. "The signage is not great and the visitor center was closed (presumably due to COVID concerns) so there was no one to ask directions. We ended up dragging our camper through the whole park before we found the road to the campgrounds," cautions Archie S. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park.
Check for full hookup availability: Many sites offer only partial connections. "Most important, if you put Scott FamCamp in google maps, it will take you there, BUT google maps will take you to no longer operational entry gates. Once on base put in FamCamp. Does not have sewer hook up. One dump station that is clean, black water hose provided, but used a lot. Expect to wait your turn," advises MGySgt K. about Scott AFB FamCamp.
