Best Campgrounds near Highland, IL

Searching for the best camping near Highland, IL? Highland is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Highland. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Highland, Illinois (58)

    1. Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 594-3015

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Water and dump at the entrance. Shower houses. Very nice pool and camp store. Hosts scattered and occasionally hard to find to pay for your spot. Wildlife galore. Next to largest lake in Illinois."

    "This State Park is located outside Carlyle,Illinois. This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours."

    2. Rustic Acres Jellystone

    4 Reviews
    Litchfield, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 456-1122

    "We chose this campground because it was near our route and we needed a place to stay for one night."

    3. Dam West Spillway

    10 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 594-5253

    $30 / night

    "It is directly on Carlyle Lake, ,the largest lake in Illinois. It has activities for children on the weekends."

    "Right next to the marina and with many sites right on the lake, you can’t go wrong here."

    4. Dam West Campground

    8 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 594-4410

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Full hookups, reservable sites, walk up sites, and all sites are large! Full hookup sites are booked solid so make sure you go online 6 months out or you are out of luck."

    "We camped right on the lake with a great view. "

    5. Coles Creek Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Keyesport, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 226-3211

    $20 - $250 / night

    "This is our favorite campground in Central/southern illinois. The sites are very nice and most have shade. There is a beach for campers to use, and a really nice playground."

    "Coles Creek is a nice, large campground located on Carlyle Lake in Illinois. It has full hook up, 50 amp sites with many located right on the water!"

    6. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Collinsville, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 931-0270

    "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."

    "Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."

    7. Scott AFB FamCamp

    4 Reviews
    Mascoutah, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 256-2067

    "You are on the entire opposite side of the base, away from everything, absolutely everything.."

    "GREAT location for camping, especially if you run out of items and need to get something close by. Very natural, and amazing views and the feel is spectacular."

    8. St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA

    13 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 931-5160

    "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."

    9. Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    12 Reviews
    Keyesport, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 226-3586

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Boulder is a lovely campground tucked away on Carlyle Lake. It has it's own marina where you can rent a slip for your boat. The sites are well spaced and have a beautiful view of the lake and sunsets!"

    "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!"

    10. Dam East Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 594-4410

    "Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty."

    "Every camping spot has trees surrounding it so it’s very"

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Showing results 1-10 of 58 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Highland, IL

339 Reviews of 58 Highland Campgrounds



Guide to Highland

Camping near Highland, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Explore St. Louis: Just a short drive away, you can visit the Gateway Arch and enjoy the vibrant city life. One camper mentioned, "The campsite is 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, and a great place to stay if you’re looking to go check out the gateway arch or go to a Cardinals game" at the St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA.
  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Enjoy the beautiful trails at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Beautiful state park and campground. Nice hiking. Lots of room between sites - fun camp weekend!"
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Okaw Valley Kampground, offer fishing areas and paddle boats. One visitor shared, "Family owned with a nice little fishing area (no license required catch and release)."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Double J Campground and RV Park stated, "The bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground said, "Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!"
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. A review for Pere Marquette State Park Campground mentioned, "Lots of room between level sites, quiet campground."

What you should know:

  • Power Issues: Some campgrounds may experience power outages. One camper at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground noted, "Other than the entire campground losing power Sunday morning and frying my coffee maker, it was a good stay."
  • Limited Shade: If you prefer shaded spots, check the campground layout. A visitor at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park mentioned, "Not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Casino Queen RV Park advised, "Pay attention to email for check-in process and gate code."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. A review for St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park highlighted, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during peak times. A retired couple at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA found the park "too noisy for us."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy during downtime. A camper at Okaw Valley Kampground mentioned, "The place is very well taken care of."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your RV has the right hookups for your site. A visitor at Archway RV Park noted, "Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Double J Campground and RV Park said, "The campground filled up by 11am on Friday."
  • Stay Connected: Check for cellular coverage if you need to stay connected. A camper at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Decent AT&T cellular coverage (it varies but able to stream, etc)."

Camping around Highland, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family getaway, the campgrounds in this area have you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Highland, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Highland, IL is Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 25 reviews.

What parks are near Highland, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Highland, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.