Best Campgrounds near Grafton, IL
Camping options around Grafton, Illinois center on several established campgrounds along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Pere Marquette State Park Campground, the largest site in the area, provides electric hookups for both tent and RV camping with spacious sites set in a grove of mature trees. Additional campgrounds within a 30-minute drive include Riverside Landing and St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, offering a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.
Reservations are recommended for all developed campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season when the area experiences peak visitation. Pere Marquette State Park requires bookings through Reserve America, with rates ranging from $8-20 per night depending on amenities. Grafton's location at the confluence of two major rivers means seasonal flooding can impact campground availability in spring. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with camping available year-round at most locations. Water access points are shared at some campgrounds, requiring campers to bring extra hose length. "We needed 3 hoses to reach. We loaned ours to a couple others while there for 3 nights," noted one visitor describing the water hookup situation at Pere Marquette.
Most campgrounds in the Grafton area receive positive reviews for spaciousness and natural setting. Pere Marquette State Park campers consistently mention the quality hiking trails with river overlooks as a highlight, along with proximity to the town of Grafton for dining and shopping options. "Lots of room between level sites, quiet campground, decent hiking, wineries and restaurants, antique shops nearby in Grafton," reported one camper. The campground features separate sections for RVs with electric hookups and tent-only camping with more rustic amenities. Sites are generally level, though some visitors note that not all RV pads are perfectly flat. The nearby Pere Marquette Lodge offers a restaurant option for campers who prefer not to cook, with Sunday fried chicken dinners receiving particular praise from reviewers.
