11 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Mississippi River region surrounding Columbia, Illinois features a mix of urban-adjacent and rural camping options within a 30-minute drive. Cahokia RV Parque provides full hookup sites with convenient interstate access, while Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers more natural surroundings with electric sites available from May through September. State parks and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds dominate the public camping landscape, with most facilities concentrated along major waterways including the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. RV-focused options tend to cluster near the metropolitan St. Louis area, while more primitive camping can be found at state recreation areas farther from urban centers.
Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. Many campgrounds in the region experience seasonal closures, with several operating only from April through October. Urban-adjacent RV parks like Sundermeier RV Park remain open year-round but often come with ambient noise from nearby transportation corridors. As one camper noted, "It is near a highway, there's a railroad bridge right next to it, and it is under the airport flight path. The planes and trains stopped after about 10-11pm." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting 2-3 bars of coverage on major carriers. Flooding can affect riverside campgrounds during spring, particularly in low-lying areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities vary significantly by location and season. Pere Marquette State Park, located where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers meet, offers notable winter birdwatching. According to one visitor, "In winter there are a lot of eagles feeding in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers which meet at the park." Lakeside campgrounds provide water recreation access, with many featuring boat ramps, fishing piers, and swimming areas. Shade availability differs dramatically between established state parks with mature trees and newer RV parks with limited natural cover. Campers frequently mention the quality of hiking trails at state parks, with several noting the combination of wooded areas and river bluff views. Urban noise levels decrease noticeably at campgrounds farther from the St. Louis metropolitan area.
"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."
"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
from $50 / night
"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"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."
"Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."
"Great for taking long walks or bike rides, although very steep hills. Close to St Louis, so you can do some urban exploring."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $35 / night
"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."
"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
"pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"
"We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"
"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
ScoutIt’s fun to see the animals. I was happy they have an outdoor shower because I needed it when I got here. I’d say the only down side is the animals roam so there is a lot of poop. Wouldn’t want to wander at night.
ScoutMy favorite spot in all of St. Louis! The lady who is the owner and the front desk attendant are wonderful and I have never had a problem here with anything! Free WiFi, laundry, and a public shower and bathroom if needed! There’s also cool walking/biking trails and a park with a children’s playground as well! The gas station is also walking distance for any small necessities
GuideIt appears to be a typical state park. There are lots of old trees. Sites are pretty close together but it is late October so it is not crowded. Each spot has a level gravel spot, electrical hook up (some are 50 and others 30 and ours had a 110 plug in which is what we needed, as well as a picnic table, and a fire pit. There are both pit toilets and a large building that has flush toilets and showers. Everything is old and would benefit from a refresh but it was all clean enough for camping.
ScoutMy favorite RV spot in St. Charles. It’s pretty quiet minus the cool boats and train but other than that it’s peaceful…also love the price!
ScoutNice and easy. Good spacing between sites
TravelerTrails in the area re nice but facilities for this many sites are limited. Sites are close to each other.
TravelerCame to Riverside landing on a Tuesday-Thursday for car camping and there was only a few other RVs and one other tent camper. Reserved a spot right on the river, very scenic and quiet. Right by some train tracks so trains do run by, but that was the only loud noise! No restrooms here so bring your own amenities if you aren’t in an RV
TravelerStayed overnight, got a great site next to the pond, escorted to site by friendly staff…..
ScoutGood showers 10 dollar tenting fire pits and park benches at each site. Dump stations and there are flushing and pit toilets on site
Camping sites near Columbia, Illinois range from basic primitive areas to fully developed RV parks within a 30-40 minute drive radius. The region sits at approximately 400-600 feet elevation with hot, humid summers where temperatures frequently exceed 90°F from June through August. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though many campgrounds in the Mississippi River floodplain close seasonally from November through March.
Kayaking at 370 Lakeside Park: Located about 40 minutes from Columbia, this park offers boat rentals and lake access. "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 one visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Katy Trail biking: The historic Katy Trail runs adjacent to some campgrounds. "You can literally be parked right at the Katy Trail. Through the gate at the rear of the campground, and you can bike for miles. Easy ride in to St. Charles a wonderful historic river town on the Missouri River," explains a camper at Sundermeier RV Park.
Six Flags day trips: Several campgrounds position themselves as bases for Six Flags adventures. "Stayed here for trip to six flags, well taken care of. People are friendly, has a nice and clean pool. Little shop with all sorts of stuff," reports a visitor to St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, which is "basically across the street from Six Flags and so can be very convenient."
Urban convenience with outdoor appeal: Many campgrounds balance city access with natural settings. "Close to St. Louis attractions. Nice enough for staying a night or two," explains a camper at St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA. Another camper adds, "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."
Affordable primitive options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate basic sites with minimal amenities. "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 a visitor to Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground. Another camper adds, "The campground is relatively small but has great sites to camp. Very private and clean. 5 ⭐ in my opinion simply because of the overnight price and privacy."
Kid-friendly activities: Family-oriented campgrounds offer structured recreation. "There is lots to do at this park. There is a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more," reports a visitor about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. Another camper mentions, "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city."
Noise considerations: Many Columbia-area campgrounds experience noise from transportation corridors. "Only a one nighter while heading east. Below the pattern for STL and railroad crosses Missouri River nearby so you could call it noisy but didn't bother us much," notes a camper at Sundermeier RV Park. Another visitor mentions, "Cross country trip stop #2. Just a place to park the camper and sleep."
Seasonal flooding risks: Spring water levels affect campground availability. A staff member at Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage pointed out a specific instance: "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 and was in danger of flooding our site completely."
Security variations: Urban-adjacent parks often implement security measures. "The staff came out while this was happening to warn us of the potential flooding and offered to let us move to another site away from the creek if we needed to," shares a camper at Covered Bridge RV Park. At other locations, "Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful."
Pool options in summer heat: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools to combat summer temperatures. "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," notes a visitor to 370 Lakeside Park. Another camper adds, "Pool was out of order while we were there, but those things happen."
Activity packages: Some campgrounds bundle recreational amenities. "You can get a band allowing your kids to do games of mini-golf, free train rides on the Yogi Bear Express Train, two arcade tokens, and a discount on Pizza at the Snack Shack," explains a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags.
Spacing and privacy: Campsite proximity varies significantly between parks. "The spacious sites are a big plus at 370 Lakeside Park where "the campsites are 'state-park-size', especially the back-in sites which all have plenty of lawns behind them." Conversely, at other locations, "sites are close together, and some are right on top of the next."
Hookup configurations: RVers should note varied utility setups at area campgrounds. "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," warns a visitor to Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable setup. "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," notes a visitor to St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA.
Big rig accessibility: Larger RVs have specific campground needs in the Columbia area. "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," shares a visitor about Casino Queen RV Park. At other locations, "The site we had was very small and there are train tracks that run near by the campground so it can be quite noisy."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Columbia, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Columbia, IL is Cahokia RV Parque with a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews.
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