94 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
Check Availability"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"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."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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!!!"
"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."
ScoutIts fine. Nothing snazzy. Its in more of an industrial area so its kind of loud with the trains going by and whatnot. Mostly an RV site. 9 tent sites (first come first serve on spot) and a handful of cabins.
GuideI gave this campground a five star again. I am a solo female camper. I like to go to places that are safe with a good atmosphere and this had both and plenty of things to do a roundabout when coming through this area again I will definitely stay here.
GuideI stayed the weekend at Patt’s place and absolutely loved it the atmosphere accommodations the owner she was more than helpful. I’m a solo camper female in my stay there was awesome.
GuideCamping area is closed until further notice. Construction
ScoutIn the past my cousins and I would camp here every year at least once with Grandparents and my aunt and uncle. Always had a great time swimming, fishing and hiking. The park is beautiful and the camp sites are very nice. It does get pretty packed at times. Everyone seems to get along and its always nice to meet people from other cities or even some locals. I'm planning on setting at least two dates per year to take my kids and grandkids camping here so they can have the great experiences I had as a kid. Alot of spots to chose from if available.
LegendThis campground was easy to find, as both our GPS and the campground signs led us right to the city park and campground entrance. Check-in begins at 2:00 p.m., but we called ahead and were graciously allowed to arrive an hour early. We checked in and proceeded to back-in Site 426 with full hookups. As the last site in the campground, the curve in the road made for an exceptionally easy back-in. The concrete pad easily accommodated our 40-foot toy hauler and F-450, with utilities conveniently located near the center of the site and no issues connecting two sewer hoses. Water pressure was adequate, and the 50-amp electric performed flawlessly. The campground's four loops have mostly younger trees, so satellite reception should not be a problem in most sites. Although we brought our Starlink, we used our T-Mobile Home Internet instead, averaging 217 Mbps download and 21.5 Mbps upload. The campground information sheet mentioned Wi-Fi, but we never saw a network to join and didn't inquire further since our internet worked well. We received three bars on Verizon and two bars on T-Mobile. The campground has a nice fenced dog park that's large enough to actually throw a ball, plus a paved walking and biking trail that circles the lake. The office also sells ice and firewood, and the dump station is located behind the office. Many sites offer lake views, and the RV sites are generally well spaced. We noticed Loop 100 has all concrete pads, the first two rows of Loop 200 are concrete with the remaining sites primarily gravel except for some end sites, Loop 300 is reserved for primitive camping and tents, and Loop 400 has a mix of concrete and gravel sites. The center rows of the RV loops are pull-throughs. One thing to be aware of is that the campground has begun charging short-term campers for electricity. We weren't informed about it during check-in, although our traveling companions were shown how to monitor their usage online. The information sheet we received only referenced weekly and monthly electric charges. Even with hot weather and occasionally running three air conditioners during our three-day stay, our electric charge was only about $14. We departed without stopping at the office and received a checkout email about an hour after the noon checkout time. The St. Louis area is our home base, and in our opinion, this is the best RV park in the area and the one we most often recommend to our RV friends.
TravelerMy family and I really enjoyed being at Klondike Park Camping. I can't really find anything I didn't like about this place. The camp sites were clean and well maintained, there are bathrooms not to far to get to and a camp kitchen where you can do dishes and cook if needed. I love the off grid feeling of being in the outdoors but when you have children it is nice knowing you have these luxurious not far from your camp site. I also love how easy it is to navigate around Klondike. I never got lost once I figured out the layout. My family and I can't wait until our next adventure at Klondike and we stayed at site 25 if anyone is wondering about the perfect site to camp.
TravelerBL, the camp could use a Camp Host or Mayor. Stayed 1 night. We used the bathhouse and walked the grounds- so did a lot of other people; especially in the morning up to lunch. Quiet camp -Aircraft noise held off until 08:00 (bonus). Men’s shower side had great water pressure and temp- water fixtures were dated, dirty and temperamental (2 shower heads-1 working) also, cozy up to your multi-legged friends (spider webs and bugs were in competition for our shower space), Laundry is $1.50/wash&dry. I’ve stayed at a good many FamCamps: Lake Martin Rec -AL Uchee Creek-GA Destin Army Inf CTR-FL Robins AFB FamCamp-GA Round Pond -NY Kings Creek-VA Ellsworth AFB-SD Blue Angel Rec-FL Anniston Army Depot-AL Sigsbee-FL That’s my starter list! So, I’d like to see this one level up. It’s in a good area (we come through every couple years) and I think it could get a few more interested in it, if it were managed just a little bit better.
GuideFull hook up. Lovely lake. Great paved path. Sites are level. Landscaping is amazing. My only issue is no shade trees. Where else are you getting full hook up with all of these activities for this price?
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 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
Keep Exploring
