RV campgrounds near Fairview Heights, Illinois provide convenient gateways to both St. Louis attractions and rural Illinois landscapes. Most facilities in the area sit within 30 minutes of downtown St. Louis at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, creating moderate terrain for campers. The Mississippi River basin location creates hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for outdoor activities.
What to Do
Gateway Arch access: From Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park, visitors can reach downtown St. Louis in minutes. "The view of the arch can't be beat. Easy check in... Asphalt level pads with FHU, both 30 & 50 amp service. We have had a fun time here even doing laundry."
Katy Trail exploration: Cyclists enjoy direct trail access at Beyond the Trail RV Park in Defiance, Missouri. "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."
Watercraft rentals: St. Peters' lakefront campground offers various boating options. "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."
Wine country tours: Multiple wineries surround Beyond the Trail RV Park. "This is just a great park. It is located in a sleepy little winery town. It is just a few minutes from the main part of town with multiple beautiful wineries within a few miles."
What Campers Like
Urban convenience: Sundermeier RV Park in St. Charles offers easy access to metropolitan amenities. "We loved how spacious it was. 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."
Security features: Many parks prioritize camper safety despite urban settings. "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."
On-site food options: Cahokia RV Parque offers dining right at the campground. "Getting in after a long drive and seeing the on-site BBQ restaurant was a huge positive. Facilities are clean and orderly. We have booked a return trip already."
Public transportation: Some parks offer easy metro access. "Casino has a metro stop that takes you into St Louis over the river. First time paying a pet fee for a overnight stay. Not very busy in November, maybe 25% of spots full in the half of the park that is open."
What You Should Know
Train noise: Railroad proximity affects several campgrounds. "Close to the arch, that's why we chose this place to stay overnight. Lots of noise from the interstate and there's a train that goes by a couple times in the middle of the night, but the view of the arch and downtown St Louis and access to both is fantastic."
Seasonal operation: Hours and available facilities vary by season. "Getting in after a long drive and seeing the on-site BBQ restaurant was a huge positive. Facilities are clean and orderly. We have booked a return trip already."
Flooding risk: Some parks 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 but also our RV was right next to a creek that had risen really high."
Limited shade: Newer parks often lack mature trees. "It seems to be new, and there are trees planted, but it will be awhile before they provide any shade. I stopped here because it was the closest location to an RV repair shop."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers child-friendly amenities. "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."
Outdoor recreation variety: Multiple activity options keep children engaged. "There is a lot to do here. They have an archery range. The 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."
Emergency weather plans: Parks provide severe weather information. "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 and gave out a flyer about the specific weather forecast!"
Swimming options: Some parks include water recreation. "This campground, a City of St Peters park and campground, is as excellent as a campground comes. The campsites are 'state-park-size', especially the back-in sites which all have plenty of lawns behind them."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Equipment layout at some parks requires extra preparation. "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."
Gate access procedures: Security protocols vary between RV campgrounds. "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."
Military facilities: Scott AFB FamCamp offers options for qualifying visitors. "This campground is clean and convenient to the St Louis area. The Outdoor Recreation unit is very responsive to needs of campers. The nearby lake is scenic and peaceful."
Water pressure variation: Some parks have unusually strong systems. "On the plus side, because it's new the restrooms/showers were very clean and modern. The site I was in had full hook ups. The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!"
