Camping spots near Hartford, Illinois typically offer a mix of river and lakeside settings at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level. The region sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, creating wetland environments that attract migratory birds and waterfowl during spring and fall. Tent camping options are more limited than RV accommodations, with many campgrounds charging between $8-$70 per night depending on amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers affordable access to fishing at just $8 per night. "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," notes one visitor who appreciated the value.
Hiking trails: Pere Marquette State Park Campground features challenging terrain unusual for Illinois. A reviewer mentions, "This park has great hiking for Illinois... There are great hiking trails and the scenic drive to the park by the Mississippi and Illinois rivers is worth the trip alone." The trails range from easy walks to more strenuous paths with elevation changes.
Cycling access: Sundermeier RV Park connects directly to the Katy Trail system. "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," explains a camper who enjoyed the convenient trail connection.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground receives praise for its affordability. One camper shares, "Great site 8 dollars a day! Had a great experience. It was my first time. Rangers were helpful and friendly. Came back a second time. Great for first time campers good rates and amenities."
Security features: Several campgrounds prioritize safety measures. At Casino Queen RV Park, a camper notes, "Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful. No frills but a great view of the arch." The gated access provides additional security in an urban setting.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the area. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, a visitor observed, "The lake is great to walk around, about a 3 mile walk or bike on a paved trail. You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes."
What you should know
Industrial surroundings: Several campgrounds near Hartford sit within industrial areas. The St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA receives mixed reviews about its location. "A run down KOA. Sites are mostly level. Nice staff... In the middle of a commercial area," reports one camper, while another noted it's "not fancy, not quiet, but clean and safe."
Noise considerations: Train and airport noise affects multiple campgrounds. At Cahokia RV Parque, campers should prepare for urban sounds. "There was road noise, quite a bit. But large trash bins and a great bbq restaurant on the grounds!" one visitor explained, finding positives despite the noise.
Flooding risks: Seasonal water levels can impact campground availability beyond what was previously mentioned. "370 Lakeside Park was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded. But the City of St Peters did a great job getting this place back to usable," reported a camper, indicating the area's vulnerability but also quick recovery.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers multiple activities for children. "We love going here and watching the sunsets. This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," shares one family, appreciating both the recreational opportunities and convenience.
Recreation rentals: Several parks provide equipment rentals for family activities. One visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park mentioned, "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes. There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles)."
Kid-friendly features: Cahokia RV Parque includes facilities designed with children in mind. A camper noted, "Beautiful coded bathrooms with showers. They were heated and warm and very well marked... And an awesome playground for the kids!!" These features make the campground more comfortable for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement: At some campgrounds, hookup locations require planning. A visitor to Casino Queen RV Park observed, "Utilities are set up weird on all sites - Water and electric are at the very rear of the site by the sewer, so you will need a decent sized hose to reach if your water intake is in the front of your camper."
Site spacing: Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers more room between sites than many urban options. "The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there... Most of the sites were fairly level, but I didn't see any pull through sites," notes an RVer who appreciated the natural setting.
Reservation systems: Several campgrounds use electronic check-in systems. For example, at Casino Queen RV Park, "You need a code to get in the gate, so you must register in advance. It was hot in late July and with no trees on the larger sites, it seemed hotter. But the full hookups worked great with no issues."
