Best Tent Camping near Granite City, IL

Tent campers seeking outdoor experiences near Granite City, Illinois can find several established campgrounds within a reasonable driving distance. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground in Wildwood, Missouri offers tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Klondike Park in Augusta provides walk-in tent camping areas with scenic views. Both parks are within an hour's drive of Granite City and provide access to hiking trails and natural settings.

Most tent sites in the area feature concrete or gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings. Klondike Park offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites, with some campers noting that certain sites require hauling gear from parking areas to camping spots. Water availability varies seasonally, with some parks shutting off water during winter months. Bathhouse facilities typically include showers and flush toilets during peak season, though many convert to vault toilets in off-season. A camper mentioned that "Klondike Park has a seasonal bathhouse, which is clean and well kept, but serves all 43 campsites with its 3 stalls and 2 showers per gender."

The tent camping experience near Granite City provides opportunities for nature immersion despite proximity to urban areas. Babler State Park offers wooded sites that create a sense of seclusion despite being close to St. Louis. As one visitor noted, "You wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe." Tent campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, particularly at Babler where raccoons are frequently mentioned in reviews. Klondike Park provides tent campers with access to hiking trails, a small lake, and connections to the Katy Trail for cycling enthusiasts. Sites vary in privacy levels, with some offering more seclusion than others. Most tent campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during peak season when sites fill quickly.

Best Tent Sites Near Granite City, Illinois (10)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Tent Camping Photos near Granite City, IL

27 Photos of 10 Granite City Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Granite City, IL

370 Reviews of 10 Granite City Campgrounds


  • Jessica B.
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    Our 1st Trip In Our Camper!

    We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park Wildwood, MO

    💰 $12-$21/night

    🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022

    Site 48 ⚡️💧

    🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)

    ➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access, Gated Overnight with access code

    ➖Small/Close Sites, No Water in Off Season, Only Vault Toilets - No Showers in Off Season

    📶 AT&T Service 4 out of 5

    🚮 Dump Station located behind bathhouse. NO WATER during off season!

    🚻AMENITIES •Playground •Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails •Wood & Ice •Interpretive Programs •Visitor Center •Special Use Area •Laundry, Flush Toilets & Showers ON SEASON ONLY!

    🏕SITES Reservable 12 Months-FCFS in off season 72 Reservable 8 Accessible sites Basic - Electric Concrete Back In Lantern Hook, Picnic Table & Fire Ring

    ⏰ HOURS/DATES April - October 7:am - 9:pm Nov - March 7:am - 6:pm

    🔺Park Office 8:30am - 4:pm M-F

    🔺Visitor Center April - Oct 9:am - 4:30pm W - Sun Nov - March 9:am - 4:pm - Sat-Sun Dec - Feb CLOSED

  • k
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Klondike Park

    Klondlike county

    Really nice place when you get into the woods. There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings. I usually bring my own firewood because i believe in the leave no trace rule. I would definitly come back to this site

  • R
    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.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Beaver Dam State Park Campground

    Saw no Beaver

    Beaver Dam State Park, Il

    We did an overnighter here. We arrived in time to get a hike in before dinner meal.

    The trail map is very basic and not totally accurate. The trails are poorly marked but with basic knowledge of your compass points you can figure them out. Staff may be limited due to Corona , so the trail maintenance may have suffered, it is overgrown in several areas. The overlook to the marsh is pretty cool. I found no mileage for the trails , there may be a purchasable map with more information or of course a trail App. The lake is picturesque and busy. Lotsa fisher people here. The trail goes all the way around the lake with several fishing spots. Theres a boat ramp near the parking area and several docks to use across the lake. A nice feature is located next to the boat ramp, a fish cleaning pavilion complete with pull down hoses.

    The campground had an interesting set up. The sites in the loops are gravel and you have room but not a lot of privacy. I was in site 26 and you have to back between the two other sites into this one. Not difficult in my van but it could get interesting with a camper. I don’t think you would have the room to pull in and circle out. Electric at these sites , no water. There were hydrants spaces throughout for your water needs. The fire “rings” were interesting, with a flat “platform” to set your coals/fire on. Nice campground, I felt like somewhat of an outsider here, the occupants were possibly locals who obviously use the entire 14 day stay limit. Otherwise nice, basic, water activity centered campground. I did not see any swimming areas.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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 .

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dam East Recreation Area

    GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

    East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

  • Hannah W.
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground and warm showers

    The campsites and grounds are well-maintained. However, the campsites did not have designated gravel tent pads. Given that we had to set up in/right after a rain, our tarp was sitting in grass and mud. I never knew how much I appreciated a designated gravel tent pad until then. Having never camped here, we had reserved site 25 and had the whole loop to ourselves (it was a Monday night, though). 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. After walking the loop, I noticed that sites 26 and 29, offered more room and were better maintained. We probably could’ve changed sites had we not arrived so late and in the rain.

    Firewood is available for $5. We saw a nice playground at the entrance. There were plenty of showers (water was nice and hot!) and flush toilets in the bathhouse. The bathhouse could use some TLC, but the warm water made up for it. There are laundry facilities, though we didn’t use them.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area

    Nice little campground close to down town St Louis (when the leaves are down I bet you can see the Arch). Campsites are nice and flat with the standard picnic tables and fire rings. No showers, but decent toilets. The nice thing is the campground is staffed by rangers in the day, and at night they sometimes take a security swing through the campground. Nice lake for fishing and boating.

  • Maria E.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Immersed in Nature

    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! No electricity but water was conveniently located right across from our site to do dishes and whatnot. Staking the tent wasn’t difficult at all. Our site was fairly spacious and a not super close to others which we liked. The sites by the vault toilet looked closer together so I could see that being a cool spot for multiple families or friend groups. Don’t leave anything out at night or raccoons will scavenge, we accidentally left our trash bag hanging (ugh!) but that was our fault. We stayed only one night passing through on a road trip but would stay again if we end up in the area.


Guide to Granite City

Tent campsites near Granite City, Illinois are typically set within the rolling terrain of southwestern Illinois, where elevations range from 400-600 feet above sea level. Most camping areas experience hot, humid summers with average July temperatures around 89°F and mild winters with January lows near 24°F. Sites in this region often feature a mix of oak-hickory forest and prairie vegetation, with seasonal wildflower displays from April through September.

What to do

Trail riding with horses: St. Charles County Klondike Park offers unique terrain for exploration. One visitor notes, "I have bike-packed along the Katy and this is an excellent spot for an overnight stay. It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail. You may have to walk up the hill - challenge made."

Shooting sports: Some campers add target practice to their outdoor plans at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. A visitor mentioned, "Huge campground with a lake to boat, kayak or fish from the bank. Quiet but can be dry and hot in the summer."

Multiple terrain hikes: The varying landscapes around tent campsites near Granite City offer diverse hiking experiences. At Klondike Park, a camper observed, "Trails are beautiful and perfect for families wanting to just come to a park for a day and hikers." Most trails range from 1-5 miles in length with moderate difficulty ratings.

What campers like

Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable tent camping within an hour's drive. The McCully Heritage Project gets high marks for value. One camper shared, "Ten dollars a night helps maintain land and natural area, all donation, very family oriented." Another mentioned, "Free firewood. We have only stayed at the largest site as it has good fishing and a place for us to launch our paddleboards and kayaks."

Water access: Many tent campers appreciate sites with water features. At Old Cove, "For float trips they pick you up from your campsite and bus you to your put in point. You can float the Meramec for 4 or 9 miles and you end back at the campsite." Some sites include small lakes, ponds or river access for fishing or paddling.

Wine country proximity: The location places campers near Missouri's wine region. A Klondike Park visitor noted, "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94." Several wineries offer tastings within 5-15 miles of popular camping areas.

What you should know

Variable site privacy: Tent sites range from secluded to quite open. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, a camper observed, "Sites are not very private, and some are right on top of the next. I like sites 65 and 58 for their privacy or grassy tent spots."

Walk-in requirements: Some sites require carrying gear from parking areas. A camper at Klondike Park explained, "Campsites are walk in, but a short walk. Some are more private and shaded than others. Our site, 35, like its neighbor sites was small and pretty close to others."

Seasonal facilities: Bathroom and shower access changes with seasons. At Babler State Park, "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."

Wildlife encounters: Prepare for nocturnal visitors. A McCully Heritage Project camper advised, "Watch for ticks. Don't be alarmed if you see cats or the neighbors dogs roaming around the site. They are friendly." At Klondike Park, another camper warned, "Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campsites include kid-friendly play areas. A visitor to McCully Heritage Project shared, "We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment." These features can keep children entertained between outdoor activities.

Short but scenic trails: Many parks offer trails manageable for younger hikers. At Babler State Park, "The trails are not too long but can be challenging for small kids or folks that are not used to hiking." Most family-friendly trails range from 0.5-2 miles with minimal elevation changes.

Group camping options: Some sites accommodate larger family gatherings. At Old Cove, "They only offer group campsites, which is why the camping rate is so high. It is $50/night for 10 people. You get a nice open area with a pavilion, picnic tables, and a fire ring."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV facilities: Most tent campsites near Granite City have few RV-specific amenities. At World Shooting Complex, a camper noted, "This was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees. Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue." The complex provides full hookups but lacks shade.

Seasonal closures: RVers should check which facilities remain operational year-round. At Babler State Park, a visitor explained, "The campground has 30 basic and 43 electric sites (which are either 50 amp or 30 amp). There is no sewer or water at individual sites but water spigots are scattered throughout the campground and there is a dump station with potable water fill-up."

Site surface considerations: The parking surfaces vary across campgrounds. As one Babler State Park camper reported, "All campsites and patios are paved and level with a comfortable amount of space between sites. Picnic tables and fire pits are located at each site. Sites are a mix of shaded, partial-shade, and full sun."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Granite City, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Granite City, IL is Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Granite City, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Granite City, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.