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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.
"Very strenous in some locations, but well worth the effort for the views! Overall well kept and have have an incredible lodge! Just down the road from Grafton IL"
"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."
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"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"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"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"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"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."
"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"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
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ScoutMost of the campers here live here long term. It’s more of a trailer park than a camping spot. They have a pool but most people probably wouldn’t use it. The restrooms and showers or shower, only one for the entire grounds, are 2 stars. If you needed an emergency stop over it would work.
ScoutIt one of just a few free campgrounds in the area but it got a lake im not sure how many camping spots but quit a fee from what I seen no showers but port-a-potties spears out
GuideBig campsites, fire rings, porda pody, boat ramp, and pavement.
TravelerThis campground is very well taken care of. The kids had plenty of things to do to stay busy and entertained outside.
ScoutSecluded state park but a little hard to get to when pulling a 34 foot fifth wheel. Lots of ups and downs on the road. Love the fact that you are absolutely in the hills of Troy MO with nothing else around you. We stayed during the week the end of August and there were hardly anyone else here. Very quiet. No road noise whatsoever. You felt very much in the woods.
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.
GuideCamping area is closed until further notice. Construction
ScoutStopped here for a few hour nap, mostly empty and quiet off the interstate. Missouri Conservation land
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.
Camping options near Grafton, Illinois center primarily around rivers and lakes with limited primitive sites. Situated at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, this region experiences seasonal flooding that can impact campground availability from March through May. Water levels fluctuate by 15-20 feet annually, requiring campers to check accessibility before arrival during spring months.
Trail hiking in wooded areas: Pere Marquette State Park offers trails with significant elevation change for Illinois. "Pere Marquette has great hiking for Illinois. The campground has 88 sites total, 1-85 are either 30 amp or 50 amp electric sites," notes Michael M., who also mentioned good fishing opportunities in nearby rivers.
Kayaking on Lincoln Lake: Cuivre River State Park Campground provides water recreation opportunities about 40 minutes from Grafton. "Campground is quiet and has big campsites. The campground is close to Lincoln Lake for kayaking," reports camper Cody S., who visited the park for its water access.
Cycling on the Katy Trail: Access regional biking routes from Sundermeier RV Park. "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," shares Cheryl K., highlighting the convenient trail access.
Wildlife viewing: Winter camping provides eagle watching opportunities along 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., describing the seasonal wildlife attraction at Pere Marquette.
Historic town proximity: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides access to historic areas. "Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis," writes Nathaniel B., highlighting the convenience for town visits.
Spacious camping areas: Many campsites in the region provide ample room between sites. "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," notes Suzie S. about lakeside spots at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access with varying regulations. "This park has plenty of well groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy. If you stay here, make sure to check out the trail around the lake," recommends Tony M. from Cuivre River State Park, mentioning the fishing opportunities available.
Lodge amenities: Some campgrounds feature historic lodges with dining options. "Pere Marquette has many options for your stay. The Lodge has great character and a wonderful great room. There is a restaurant inside the main building with decent food. I prefer to stay in a cabin room which sleeps 4-6 and affords you more privacy," explains Shawn M. when discussing alternative accommodations.
Flood patterns: Riverside camping areas regularly flood in spring. "This is a easy to access, quite campground. Full hookups, concrete pads. No firepits. Close to a bunch of stuff. Fast wifi," notes Aaron A. from Sundermeier RV Park, where seasonal flooding can impact availability.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience transportation noise. "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. Right off highway 370," Jack G. notes about Sundermeier RV Park, before adding, "On Lambert international airports flight path, next to a major train trestle, right next to Highway 370."
Campfire restrictions: St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA and several other campgrounds prohibit open fires. "Clean and fairly well maintained. Close to St. Louis attractions. Nice enough for staying a night or two," explains Tina R. about the KOA, which offers no fire pits due to local restrictions.
Seasonal facilities: Bathhouse availability varies by season. "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip," notes Archie S. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park's seasonal limitations.
Playground access: Cherokee Lakes Campground provides facilities for children. "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," says Rick I., who also mentions the playground areas available for children.
Water recreation options: Several parks rent boats for family water activities. "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," shares Joseph F. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for smaller creatures during spring and summer. "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. reports from Cuivre River State Park, highlighting wildlife encounters that engage children.
Educational programming: Some parks feature interpretive programs. "Have been to Pere Marquette State Park with Scouts. 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. The lodge has a restaurant and giant chess board," explains Leah H., noting activities that combine recreation with education.
Site leveling: Pere Marquette State Park Campground requires assessment for level parking. "This campground is right across the street from the Mississippi. Predominantly RV campers and families, along with some local fisherman," notes Mike M., who visited Pere Marquette, where some sites require leveling blocks.
Power availability: Electric hookups vary between campgrounds with different amperage options. "Electric only 20, 30 and 50amp. No water in campground that is potable must bring own. But there is a dump station. Lakeside is down the road to fill up. No shade and smaller sights great access to the rivers," explains Matthew H. about Riverside Landing, providing specific details about hookups.
Concrete pad considerations: Many RV sites feature concrete pads requiring different setup. "Beautiful area next to a man-made lake. Concrete pads with full hookups, as well as dirt pads with full hookups," notes Ernest G. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, highlighting the different pad types available for RVs.
Water pressure variations: Some campgrounds have extremely high water pressure. "This is a very nice park. The spaces are a bit close together and not many trees but I've been to worse. The not many trees is do to it still being a fairly new campground. The lake is nice and they have some spots close to it," shares Barbie B., who experienced the strong water pressure at St. Louis area campgrounds that can damage RV plumbing without pressure regulators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Grafton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Grafton, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 92 campgrounds and RV parks near Grafton, IL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Grafton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grafton, IL is Pere Marquette State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grafton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Grafton, IL.
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