Top Tent Camping near Granite City, IL

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Granite City? We've got you covered. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Granite City. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Granite City, Illinois's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Granite City, IL (9)

    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

    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

    2. 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

    3. 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

    • No image available

      4. 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 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 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

      6. 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 Old Cove
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove

      7. Old Cove

      1 Review
      5 Photos
      8 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $50 - $75 / night

      • No image available

        8. Indian Camp Creek Park

        Be the first to review!
        10 Saves

        Indian Camp Creek Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is St. Charles County’s largest park with 603 acres, including more than 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Camping, disc golf, fishing and an inclusive playground are just some of the amenities found there. Situated at the confluence of Big Creek and Indian Camp Creek, fishing is plentiful. A large lake on the property is stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish.

        History lovers will find the park exciting as well and will want to find their way to the historical Cannon family cemetery. This cemetery has been preserved on park property and has headstones dating back to the early 19th century. Additionally, a "ghost structure" of the original log cabin built in the late 1800s on the site still stands in the park.

        Climb to the top of the restored silo, which serves as an observation tower, and discover the beautiful prairies, vast wooded hills, and protected habit found throughout the park.

        Group camping site is designed for large group activities and can accommodate up to 100 guests or 200 for an additional fee. Eight individual sites also are available. Rental Fee is $75 per weekday night, or $150 for mandatory two-day weekend reservation.

        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Picnic Table
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Ridge

        9. Hidden Ridge

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

      Recent Tent Reviews In Granite City

      324 Reviews of 9 Granite City 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 .

      • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pin Oak Creek RV Park
        Sep. 27, 2024

        Pin Oak Creek RV Park

        Old and shows wear

        This is an older RV park and campground, and the age shows. We spent several nights here due to engine problems with our tow vehicle. The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy. They come with water, sewer & electric. There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics. The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order. Two of 6 washers were out of service, one bathroom stall was out of order, pot holes in the road. There are also cabins, and RVs available to rent. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long. The staff was friendly and check in was easy. Many of the sites are occupied be semi-permanent residents. They have internet, but it is weak and spotty. Saturday night they had a band making noise for 3 hours!

      • 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.

      • Tony S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Robertsville State Park
        Mar. 1, 2024

        Robertsville State Park

        Nice and secluded

        Not much to do here, it's just a place for me to camp 15 minutes from home. I has a nice loop trail behind the camp ground that goes down to the river.

      • 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.



      Guide to Granite City

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

      What to do

      • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Cuivre River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful prairie view and lots of great trails.”
      • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the water at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. A visitor shared, “The lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos.”
      • Cave Tours: Visit the famous Meramec Caverns. One reviewer noted, “The cave entrance is just down the street as well,” making it a convenient stop for campers.

      What campers like

      What you should know

      • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Cuivre River State Park Campground, can get busy, especially in peak seasons. One camper noted, “I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section.”
      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, “No drinking water, no market, and no pets allowed.”
      • Ticks in the Area: 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.”

      Tips for camping with families

      • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. A parent shared, “The playground was good for the kiddos.”
      • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Pere Marquette State Park Campground noted, “Lots of room between level sites, quiet campground.”
      • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours, especially in family-friendly parks. One camper at St. Francois State Park Campground mentioned, “Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule.”

      Tips from RVers

      • Check Site Size: Make sure to check the size of RV sites before booking. A visitor at Casino Queen RV Park said, “The shaded spots were too narrow, they were not.”
      • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with reliable electric hookups. A camper at Meramec Caverns noted, “The electrical box was setup correctly and everything worked as expected.”
      • Safety in Urban Areas: If camping in urban areas, like at Casino Queen RV Park, be aware of your surroundings. One camper mentioned, “Even though this RV park is in a city, we felt safe.”

      Camping near Granite City, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

      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 Countryside Escape with a 1-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Granite City, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.