Best Campgrounds near Kampsville, IL

Kampsville, Illinois sits along the Illinois River with a mix of both developed and primitive camping options within a 30-mile radius. McCully Heritage Project offers cabins, tent and RV camping with hiking trails and picnic areas. Pere Marquette State Park, located near Grafton along the Illinois River, provides electric hookups, showers, and a range of accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces with 30/50-amp service, and glamping options. Several smaller campgrounds like Kampsville River Park and Rainey Park provide additional options for overnight stays.

Camping in the region is significantly affected by flooding, particularly in spring and early summer when the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers frequently overflow their banks. "St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded," noted one visitor. Road access to some campgrounds may be restricted during high water events, and campers should check with park officials before planning trips between April and June. Most developed campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Great River Road Campground open from April to October. Winter camping options are limited, though Pere Marquette State Park remains open year-round with reduced services during cold months.

The confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers creates distinctive camping experiences with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers report sightings of bald eagles, especially during winter months at Pere Marquette State Park. "In winter there are a lot of eagles feeding in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers which meet at the park," according to one review. Riverside camping sites are the most sought-after, providing direct water access and scenic views. The area features a mix of state parks with full amenities and more rustic options with minimal facilities. Campgrounds near Grafton offer proximity to restaurants, wineries, and the Katy Trail, while more remote locations provide quieter experiences with less light pollution. Most developed campgrounds have shower facilities and electric hookups, though water and sewer connections vary by location.

Best Camping Sites Near Kampsville, Illinois (50)

    1. McCully Heritage Project

    5 Reviews
    Kampsville, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (618) 653-4687

    $20 - $100 / night

    "Nice hiking trails near. Watch for ticks. Don’t be alarmed if you see cats or the neighbors dogs roaming around the site. They are friendly."

    "There’s a house to rent or primitive camping trails have a map but need a little more marking on newer sections. Very well maintained. Neat look out points"

    2. Cuivre River State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Troy, MO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 528-7247

    $15 - $38 / night

    "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."

    3. Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Brussels, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 786-3323

    $10 - $20 / night

    "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."

    "Campgrounds close to Pere Marquette Lodge. Is located just north of Grafton that has many food and drink and antique shops. Campground is on the Illinois River with the Mississippi River nearby."

    6. Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek

    5 Reviews
    Clarksville, MO
    19 miles
    Website

    "you are close to the RR tracks but there aren't that many trains.  It is not exactly where The dyrt sends you. "

    "No facilities, short drive into town."

    7. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    26 Reviews
    St. Charles, MO
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 387-5253

    $35 - $60 / night

    "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."

    8. Pittsfield City Lake

    9 Reviews
    Pittsfield, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 285-4484

    $5 - $15 / night

    "The box was located next to the playground at the end of the loop of campsites. Overall, a nice place to spend the evening, would definitely stay again."

    "So resorted to leave the fee in a mailbox near the official's RV. The campground is right above a lovely, which I rode around on my bicycle in about thirty minutes."

    9. Hillbillie Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Jerseyville, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 223-3232

    $35 / night

    "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."

    10. Great River Road Campground

    1 Review
    Clarksville, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 734-2113
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Recent Reviews near Kampsville, IL

273 Reviews of 50 Kampsville Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mark Twain Cave & Campground

    Great location!

    This campground is located near the Mark Twain caves. There is also a winery located at the entrance to the campground. There is a store on site, and tourist attractions can pick you up at the store. It is a quick 10 minutes ride into town. Sites are level gravel. There is a playground, dog wash station, and 2 large pavilions to rent.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Fun Little Getaway

    Pere Marquette Campground is a little gym, just past Grafton, Missouri. It is located in the Great River Road, and within 10 minutes to restaurants and bars. There is a Lodge located next door which also serves a wonderful breakfast.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful

    Cuivre River State Park Campground delivers a lovely, rustic camping experience framed by woods, wildlife, and water. With a variety of site types and decent amenities, it’s ideal for families or solo campers seeking tranquility. Just be selective about your site—some offer better privacy and facilities than others.

  • Serge P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Vandalia Community Lake

    Perfect, quiet, peaceful

    Very nice place, I wouldn’t rely on facilities. Quiet at night and during the day some local fisherman come to fish lots of bugs in the afternoon and at night.

  • R
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Dupont Reservation Conservation Area

    Beautiful view on the river

    The campsites are large and pretty well maintained. Not many tables are available. The one I used was wobbly, but held up. Otherwise, I have only accolades for this primitive campground.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Cozy C RV Campground, LLC

    Good for a quick stop but be prepared for the rules

    Stayed there May, 2017

    We needed a spot for a few days while in transit and found this one. Price was great but they had a list of rules a mile long.  I understand needing peace and order but it was a little ridiculous. 

    anyway, if you need to stop for the night, it's good for that.  Easy in and out pull through spots.   There's a large bathhouse and an office.

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    Cross country trip stop #2

    Just a place to park the camper and sleep. Big rig friendly for sure. Went back to see the Arch Natl park and down into historic st. Charles. Beautiful historic town with plenty to see and do, with a casino past that.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    Excellent City Campground

    Wow. Very well ran, clean, secure, friendly, professional campground. Full service, pull through site. Excellent park, lots of amenities. It is not "in the woods," which I usually prefer, but will stay there again next time I am passing through St. Louis. You do have to call to make a reservation.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Peaceful with lots of big tree trees

    I went to this campsite because they were pictures of sites right by the water. This is not true. You are a couple hundred yards at best to the Waters edge. The only reason I’m giving it four stars is because it was $20 a night.


Guide to Kampsville

Camping near Kampsville, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great hiking options. For instance, at Pere Marquette State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "They have wonderful campgrounds and really great trails." This makes it a perfect spot for those who love to explore nature on foot.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Beaver Dam State Park Campground is a good choice. A visitor noted, "It’s a real pretty place to just get away for a weekend or so," highlighting the lake's fishing opportunities.
  • Water Activities: At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes, families can enjoy swimming and other water activities. One camper shared, "Facilities very clean and family oriented. Very fun for kids."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park said, "The grounds are clean and pleasant," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. At Sundermeier RV Park, a camper mentioned, "The people here are great," making the experience more enjoyable.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One reviewer at Cuivre River State Park Campground noted, "Nice big area with several clearings and fire rings," which is perfect for families or groups.

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Pittsfield City Lake mentioned, "There were only a handful or so of sites available when we arrived on a Friday afternoon."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, at Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek, a camper pointed out, "There is no water, no electrical hookups, and no bathrooms," so be prepared for primitive camping.
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or train tracks. A camper at Sundermeier RV Park noted, "It is near a highway, there a railroad bridge right next to it," so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to noise.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At 370 Lakeside Park, one reviewer said, "The playground was good for the kiddos," making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Buena Vista Farms Campground mentioned, "Had a blast, pond was nice, did some fishing," which suggests a fun way to enjoy meals outdoors.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water or trails. A visitor at McCully Heritage Project noted, "Watch for ticks," reminding families to stay vigilant.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Sundermeier RV Park mentioned, "Good power, water and sewer connections," which is essential for a comfortable stay.
  • Space for Big Rigs: If you have a larger RV, look for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. At Cuivre River State Park Campground, one camper said, "The full hookup loop has a lot of room," making it easier to navigate.
  • Noise Considerations: Be aware of potential noise from trains or highways. A camper at Silo Access Area - O’Neil Creek noted, "You will be very close to active train tracks," so plan accordingly if you're sensitive to sound.

Camping near Kampsville, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific amenities and features of each campground to find the best fit for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kampsville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kampsville, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 50 campgrounds and RV parks near Kampsville, IL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kampsville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kampsville, IL is McCully Heritage Project with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kampsville, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Kampsville, IL.