Top Tent Camping near Glen Carbon, IL

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Best Tent Sites Near Glen Carbon, IL (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
    Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape

    1. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    19 Saves

    Pick from a variety of spots from the lakeside, to secluded forest, to open field for pitching your tent on this orchard land! This property is open to dispersed camping wherever you prefer. Equipped with fire pits, pond for viewing water fowl, and bathrooms with showers inside the house. This is a great spot to spend the night on your way to or from St. Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis. Close to St Louis and all the fun there! Great biking in the area, hiking at Pere Marquette State Park, and swimming and water sports at Horseshoe Lake State Park. Firewood can be bought on site, grocery, convenience stores, restaurants, fast food and gas stations easy drive of 10-15 min.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 - $16 / night

    • No image available

      2. Sandstone Spring & Camp

      Be the first to review!
      7 Saves

      Tent only camping. Deep in 300 million years old Carboniverous sandstone spring bed valley with fossils. Place to relax & take in the nature of this hidden gem in the city of Belleville, IL. No restrooms. No showers. Swimming in areas of spring is limited to shallow pools. But it is enough to cool you off.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents

      $28 - $38 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park

      3. St. Charles County Klondike Park

      4 Reviews
      9 Photos
      33 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
      Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
      Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
      Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
      Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project
      Camper-submitted photo from McCully Heritage Project

      4. McCully Heritage Project

      5 Reviews
      6 Photos
      46 Saves

      Pitch your tent in one of four widely spaced sites. Each site has enough room for multiple tents and includes a fire pit and picnic table. The sites are just a short walk from our shower/restroom facility. The fishing ponds are just a quarter mile walk from the campsites, and access to the numerous trails throughout our 940-acre property is directly from the campsites. While we have four designated sites, it is rare for all to be full, and likely that you'll be the only campers here most days. We are located in a very remote/rural part of Illinois in a county nestled between the Mississippi& Illinois Rivers, but only 75 miles north of downtown St. Louis. We have been included in John Shirle's"The Best in Tent Camping: Illinois." The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville in beautiful and remote Calhoun County. We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group

      $20 - $100 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyesport Rec. Area

      5. Keyesport Rec. Area

      1 Review
      6 Photos
      3 Saves

      Overview

      Keyesport Recreation Area is situated on the western shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of small towns combined with the grandeur of Illinois largest man-made lake.

      Natural Features:

      Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nations top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas.

      Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.

      Recreation:

      The area provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports.

      Fishing is a popular pastime, and white bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp, flathead catfish and walleye can be found in abundance.

      There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play in, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.

      Facilities:

      Keyesport provides one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people. Boaters have the convenience of a marina, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Families can enjoy a nice swimming beach and playground.

      Nearby Attractions:

      Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information, a gift shop and nature exhibits, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish and a display featuring a live massasauga rattlesnake.

      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Rainey Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge

      7. Hidden Ridge

      Be the first to review!
      3 Photos
      9 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table

    Recent Tent Reviews In Glen Carbon

    266 Reviews of 7 Glen Carbon Campgrounds


    • Ben T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      Sep. 30, 2024

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Wonderful campground

      Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

    • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      Sep. 29, 2024

      Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

      Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

      Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Dam East - Mcnair Campground

      Location Great for Travel

      McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

      (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

      Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

    • Nathaniel B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
      Aug. 8, 2024

      St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

      Best campsite we've found to explore STL

      Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Lakes Campground
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Cherokee Lakes Campground

      Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

      I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. 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.

    • Molly B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

      Great Community camp not too far off the highway

      My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

    • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

      A beautiful little spot !

      First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

    • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      May. 30, 2024

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Wonderful surprise

      Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Hillbillie Ranch
      May. 18, 2024

      Hillbillie Ranch

      Hillbillie Ranch is not there anymore

      They are no longer a campground. Bought out now private property.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
      Apr. 19, 2024

      St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

      Good now, and will be really nice when the trees get bigger

      Stayed here most of the several weeks we needed to be in St. Louis for family matters. Definitely our favorite place in the area. 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. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake. The staff are kind and helpful. Water and electric worked fine. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Trash and recycling receptacles are huge and convenient. My only complaint is the poorly thought out sink situation in the bathrooms which make it impossible to wash in a sanitary way as you must hold the tap to keep the water flowing and there are no paper towels to that with, only hand dryers. There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground.

    • Mike L.
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
      Jan. 10, 2024

      St. Charles County Klondike Park

      Fantastic Camping Just Off The Katy Trail

      I have bike-packed along the Katy and this is an excellent spot for an overnight(s) stay. It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail. You may have to walk up the hill - challenge made :-) . This is a St. Charles County Park and it is well maintained. They also have small cabins though pretty basic. Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night. I have also done short bike-packing trips from Chesterfield and St. Charles for an overnight(s) stay. If you need it, grab food in Augusta or Defiance before arriving. There are no services in the park.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Kamper Kompanion RV Park
      Nov. 6, 2023

      Kamper Kompanion RV Park

      Kamper Companion Family Favy

      We really enjoyed Kamper Companion! We stay there every time we pass through Litchfield. Quiet, family friendly, and great for our dogs. We love the dog yard!

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Beyond the Trail RV Park
      Oct. 10, 2023

      Beyond the Trail RV Park

      Convenient Location

      The location of the campground is ideal being located adjacent to the Katy bike trail and within walking distance from restaurants, a brewery and wineries.  The sites are mostly open, small and tight for larger RVs. The roads are all gravel as are the sites and there is limited grassy areas. The site services, electric, water and sewer, are located to the front of the site and extensions were needed for both the electric and sewer. The park has no onsite laundry and there are none in town. If it wasn't for the location I would probably give the park 2 stars.

    • Brooklyn G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Beyond the Trail RV Park
      Aug. 2, 2023

      Beyond the Trail RV Park

      Safe, convenient, last minute

      Easy to book online even the day of. Choose your spot ahead of time and pull in, easy as that! There are RV & tent sites, bathrooms with hot showers. Had no problem booking around 7pm the day of and arrived around 1 am quietly set up in my previously reserved spot. Check out is at 2 pm

    • Aloha M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Carlyle lake
      Jul. 26, 2023

      Carlyle lake

      Illini campground 7/23

      Awesome campground, fill hoses available for your rig, 30 amp power. Fun little trails, boat rentals and a swimming “beach” . On-site store and nicely groomed campgrounds.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial SP
      Jul. 26, 2023

      Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial SP

      If I Could Leave Zero Stars I Would

      I have stayed in hundreds of places and hiked many miles and have never experienced a tick infestation like I did at this park. I stopped counting at 20(!!!) pulled off my dogs(yes, they are on prevention meds), myself(yes, I was wearing DEET), and inside my camper in just two days. 0/10 do NOT recommend

    • Jay B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
      Jul. 5, 2023

      Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

      Illini campground: Huge sites and wonderfully nice hosts 0

      Popped in late on July 4th during a cross-country trip just for the night. Wonderful hosts checked us in (Happy Anniversary!) Absolutely huge site with old growth trees throughout the campground without lots of space between.

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial SP
      Jun. 30, 2023

      Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial SP

      Good and Simple

      Good spot for a St.Louis stop. Sites are paved and relatively level. $25 for electric only but with a dump and fresh water fill up stations. Hot water showers in bathrooms. Reservations on the website are until 7pm day-of or first-come first-served need to arrive by 9pm before gate closes. Little tags on each site to say which is still available for that night. No pay station so if office is closed can pay in the a.m.

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial SP
      Jun. 22, 2023

      Dr Edmund A Babler Memorial SP

      Huge Spaces- Very Private and Clean!

      We booked this campground because we were spending time in St Louis. It only took about 35 minutes to get from here to downtown. The campground is close to grocery stores and lots of shopping! The sites themselves are very clean and well kept. Our site, 32, was huge and grassy! If you want to be close to the playground and bathrooms, this site was perfect.



    Guide to Glen Carbon

    Camping near Glen Carbon, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

    What to do

    • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cuivre River State Park Campground. Campers rave about the “beautiful prairie view and lots of great trails” that make for a perfect day outdoors.
    • Fishing: Head to Coles Creek Recreation Area for some fishing fun. One visitor mentioned, “It’s a great place for fishing and boating or just enjoying the lake.”
    • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at the pool in St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA. A reviewer noted, “The pool area was very nice. It was great to be able to cool off after a long day of driving.”

    What campers like

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. One camper said, “The sites themselves are very clean and well kept.”
    • Spacious sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Washington State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “Very clean campsites with lots of shade for tent campers & nice level lots.”
    • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff at Okaw Valley Kampground. One reviewer said, “The place is very well taken care of. If we ever came back this way we would stay again.”

    What you should know

    • Reservations: It’s a good idea to make reservations ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground mentioned, “I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section.”
    • Ticks: Be cautious of ticks, especially at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. One camper warned, “I have never experienced a tick infestation like I did at this park.”
    • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Casino Queen RV Park, may have fewer amenities. A visitor noted, “No staff on site, book via camplife and they send you a gate code.”

    Tips for camping with families

    • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park has a good playground that kids enjoy, as noted by a camper who said, “The playground was good for the kiddos.”
    • Family-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities for all ages. At Okaw Valley Kampground, one reviewer mentioned, “There’s a very nice updated playground and a pond with a walking path around it.”
    • Secluded spots: For a quieter experience, look for campsites that are more secluded. A camper at Washington State Park Campground said, “Very secluded!!! Hiking was great!”

    Tips from RVers

    • Level sites: Make sure to check for level sites, especially if you have a larger RV. A visitor at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA mentioned, “The site was not level front to back and we had to build a sizable pyramid with our blocks to get the rig leveled out.”
    • Full hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. Campers at Coles Creek Recreation Area appreciate the “full hookups, and shade.”
    • Check-in process: Be aware of the check-in process at campgrounds like Casino Queen RV Park. A camper advised, “Pay attention to email for check-in process and gate code.”

    Camping near Glen Carbon, Illinois, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for your next outdoor getaway!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Glen Carbon, IL?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Glen Carbon, IL is Countryside Escape with a 1-star rating from 2 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Glen Carbon, IL?

      TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Glen Carbon, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.