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Camping in the Brussels, Illinois area centers around Pere Marquette State Park, which serves as the primary developed campground in the region. Located along the Illinois River near its confluence with the Mississippi, this state park offers electric hookups for RVs and designated tent sites in a wooded setting. The park features 88 campsites with most providing 30 or 50 amp electrical connections, while a smaller section is reserved for tent-only camping without electricity. Several nearby options across the Mississippi River in Missouri include St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park and Cuivre River State Park Campground, both offering additional RV, tent, and cabin accommodations.
Access to camping areas requires navigating the Great River Road that follows the Mississippi River corridor. Pere Marquette State Park remains open year-round with most amenities available regardless of season, though summer weekends typically see higher occupancy rates. Water connections are shared between sites, with campers advised to bring extra hose length as water sources may be positioned some distance from individual campsites. The campground provides a dump station for RVs, showers, and restroom facilities that are generally well-maintained. "We spent a couple nights here at an electric site near the playground. We really enjoyed the hiking and views. The facilities were fine, consistent with IL state parks," noted one camper from The Dyrt.
Many visitors highlight Pere Marquette's spacious sites as a key advantage compared to more crowded campgrounds. The camping area features mature trees providing partial shade throughout the grounds. Several reviewers mentioned the excellent hiking opportunities with trails leading to scenic overlooks of the Illinois River valley. Proximity to Grafton allows campers to enjoy local attractions including wineries, restaurants, and antique shops. A camping fee of $20 per night applies to sites with electricity, while tent-only sites without hookups cost $8 per night. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Campgrounds close to Pere Marquette Lodge. Is located just north of Grafton that has many food and drink and antique shops. Campground is on the Illinois River with the Mississippi River nearby."
"Great little campground just outside of Grafton, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there."
"Campgrounds close to Pere Marquette Lodge. Is located just north of Grafton that has many food and drink and antique shops. Campground is on the Illinois River with the Mississippi River nearby."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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"Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope."
"It’s close to our house and there’s always something new to do each time. The bathrooms are well maintained and the campsites are fairly large and provide lots of shade."
from $15 - $42 / 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"A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive."
"Good 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."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Lakeside is down the road to fill up. No shade and smaller sights great access to the rivers. Site 17 accommodate a 38ft fifth wheel will just hang over the back a little to fit."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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"They have really awesome trails to ride. I would recommend to anyone wanting a place to play on their toys. It’s 20 a day to ride. 35 for water and electric."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Excellent little RV park behind a brewery. The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town."
"Loved this location, clean, micro brewery outside the gate. Immediate access to Katy trail. Bring your bikes or rent e-bikes in town. Lots of wineries nearby and several pub type restaurants nearby."
from $25 - $58 / night
Check Availability
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!
ScoutGreat spot for tents or hammocks. Just a single spot with a big parking lot. There is a fire ring, and a picnic table.
GuideThis is a perfect spot! Beautiful sunsets!Beautiful view and camp 10 foot off the Mississippi river on paved spots. Watch the barges and trians going by. We stayed 2 nights. Met several other campers. Very friendly place. It is free to stay for up to 15 days. Fishing and boating is available right from the camping spots. There is a porta pot. No water or electricity but we are all self-contained so we did well.
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.
ScoutThis camp grown is right on the Kathy trail which is over two hundred and twenty miles of a rail to the trail state park. It is also nestled in a small area with lots of wineries and microbreweries , making it a very nice place to stay for a while. Located only about twenty minutes from a major community with all the amenities you need.
GuideThis was the perfect place to stay for a night or two. We pulled in at 9pm on a Saturday and had zero problems getting a campsite. We got the last one right along the river. It was wonderful to watch the barges go down the Mississippi River and listen to the river overnight. Each site is clearly marked, with easy access. All 13 sites had fire rings with a great view of the river. We saw rigs of all sizes from Sprinter vans to a Class A RV. There was one clean port-o-potty and one trash can by the boat ramp. I would definitely stay again.
GuideThe campground is nicely shaded with large trees but not to the point that there isn't grass. Think of camping in a large manicured city park without the city. The town of Grafton is a bonus. Many restaurants and pubs.
TravelerEasy to find - nice convenient place to stop on a cross country rt36/72 drive. Good restrooms electric and H2O hook up. Paid $20. A bit buggy but to be expected end of May and it was hot. Peaceful pleasant worth using.
ScoutStaff is very friendly and great at their jobs. Bathroom was clean and nice. Gets a little crowded but it's still fairly small so not too crowded. Can't speak much for RV camping, but tent/car camping was better than some other state park sites.
Pere Marquette State Park serves as the camping hub in the Brussels area, offering access to both the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,040 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s and winter dropping to the 30s. Most camping areas require navigating the Brussels Ferry across the Illinois River unless approaching from the north via Route 100.
Hiking trails with river views: At Pere Marquette State Park, the trail system offers varying difficulty levels with scenic overlooks. "Pere Marquette has many options for your stay... Outside, the hiking is worth the effort. The views from the bluffs are gorgeous," notes Shawn M., who recommends the cabins for those seeking more privacy than the campground.
Kayaking on nearby lakes: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, located about 40 miles from Brussels, provides water recreation options. "We love going here and watching the sunsets. This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," according to Lindsey C., who frequently visits from St. Louis.
Bird watching for eagles: Winter months bring bald eagles to the confluence of the rivers. "In winter there are a lot of eagles feeding in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers which meet at the park. The Lewis & Clark expedition started nearby," explains Joel R. from Pere Marquette State Park, who also recommends trying the Sunday fried chicken dinner at the lodge.
Explore historic towns: The region offers several historic river towns within driving distance. "Just down the road from Grafton IL," notes Hannah S. about Pere Marquette State Park, highlighting the proximity to this historic river town with shops and restaurants.
Spacious, wooded campsites: Many campers appreciate the natural setting at Pere Marquette. "The camp sites were sandy grassy ground, kind of hilly, and the sites were kind of close together but not bad. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring. Beautiful hiking on dirt trails with gorgeous views of the Illinois River," reports Leah H.
Quick access from St. Louis: Cuivre River State Park Campground offers camping options within an hour's drive of St. Louis. "Great state park right outside of St Louis. Park has an awesome trail system around the lake, and it looks like you can rent canoes/kayaks in the summer," Kyle R. mentions about the convenient location.
Variety of accommodation options: From tent sites to cabins, the camping areas provide multiple options. "Pere Marquette has many options for your stay. The campground may need a little attention and some lots are not level, but the area is worth the hassle. If you prefer, The Lodge has great character and a wonderful great room," shares Shawn M.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers regularly report wildlife sightings. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!" Maria E. shares about her experience at Cuivre River State Park.
Ferry access requirements: Brussels is surrounded by rivers, requiring ferry crossings from most directions. The Brussels Ferry operates daily from 6am to midnight, with occasional closures during high water events. Allow extra time for ferry waits during summer weekends.
Limited amenities in Brussels: The town itself has minimal services. "Jerseyville is about 10 minutes away with all the stores you could want," notes Joshua Y. about shopping options near Hillbillie Ranch, which is located about 15 miles north of Brussels.
Weather and flooding concerns: Riverside camping areas can experience flooding. "It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded," Annie C. observed about a campground in the region, highlighting the importance of checking conditions before arrival, especially in spring.
Limited mobile coverage: Cell reception varies throughout the area, with higher elevations typically providing better coverage. Prepare for potential communication limitations, particularly in ravines and low-lying areas.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "We spent a couple nights here at an electric site near the playground. We really enjoyed the hiking and views," noted one camper about Pere Marquette State Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers wildlife viewing around its lake. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," Annie C. explains, making it an educational opportunity for children.
Recreational activities: Multiple options keep children engaged. "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," Joseph F. shares about his family's experience.
Safety considerations: Bluffs and waterways require supervision. Many campsites are situated near water features or steep terrain, requiring additional vigilance with young children.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose carefully at Pere Marquette. "This park has great hiking for Illinois. The campground has 88 sites total1-85 are either 30 amp or 50 amp electric sites," explains Michael M., who also mentions ongoing upgrades to add "more 50 amp, water and sewer to some sites."
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "The site we had was very small and there are train tracks that run near by the campground so it can be quite noisy," Charles S. notes about a campground near Six Flags, emphasizing the importance of checking site details beforehand.
Water access considerations: Sundermeier RV Park in St. Charles offers reliable utilities. "Positives: Really nice people at check in. It does have 30 amp service even though this app shows it doesn't. 30 pound water pressure. Nice level concrete pad with a picnic table," Jack G. reports, although he notes the urban environment may not appeal to all campers.
Off-season camping: "Spent two nights. Office Staff was super friendly. Went above and beyond for service. Separate handicap shower facilities are always a huge plus for us. Thirty minute drive into see Gateway Arch. Not a bad swap for some peace and quiet," Mary D. shares about staying at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, highlighting the benefits of camping near but not in St. Louis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Brussels, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Brussels, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 76 campgrounds and RV parks near Brussels, IL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Brussels, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brussels, IL is Pere Marquette State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Brussels, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Brussels, IL.
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