Kampsville, Illinois lies in the lower Illinois River Valley, characterized by forested bluffs and bottomland wetlands. The area maintains a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, receiving approximately 39 inches of annual rainfall. Camping options near Kampsville span from conservation areas with primitive sites to developed state parks within an hour's drive, with seasonal closures affecting some facilities during winter months.
What to do
Lake activities at Siloam Springs: Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and boats for fishing or recreation at Siloam Springs State Park Campground. "You can rent kayaks, canoes, and boats and fish in many locations," notes Hannah S., who recommends spring through fall visits.
Trail exploration: Numerous hiking trails offer varying difficulty levels throughout the region. A camper at Siloam Springs describes, "The trails are pretty well marked and are best in mid/late fall or early spring. We've redone them numerous times and still enjoy them. My favorite trails are the Red Oak and Hoot Owl!"
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife habitats. At Cuivre River State Park Campground, Maria E. shares, "We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!"
Backpacking adventures: For more challenging outdoor experiences, backpacking trails provide overnight options. "We loaded up our packs, put the little packs on the dogs, and headed up the Red Oak Backpacking Trail," reports Lindsey P., describing her experience at Siloam Springs State Park.
What campers like
Quiet, spacious sites: Most camping areas near Kampsville provide adequate space between sites. At Waverly Lake City Park, Darren D. notes, "Each site is spread out and fairly well. We had a pleasant and fairly private experience."
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate low-cost camping opportunities. "Ten dollars a night helps maintain land and natural area, all donation, very family oriented," explains Michele G. about McCully Heritage Project.
Water proximity: Many campers value sites with water access. Cody S. mentions that Cuivre River "campground is quiet and has big campsites. The campground is close to Lincoln Lake for kayaking."
Pine forest settings: The distinctive environment at some campgrounds provides natural shade and ambiance. "The pines give great cover when hot and add that familiar pine sent to the whole park," reports Olivia S. about her stays at Siloam Springs State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Facilities and services vary by season at most campgrounds. Kyle R. notes about Cuivre River, "it looks like you can rent canoes/kayaks in the summer (was not open in the winter)."
Wildlife precautions: Local wildlife can affect camping experiences. "Don't leave anything out at night or raccoons will scavenge," warns Maria E. At Waverly Lake, campers should "Be mindful of field roaches and raccoons at night... Oh, and the mosquitoes are BRUTAL. Come prepared."
Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide reliable water access. John H. states about Waverly Lake City Park: "As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean."
Map discrepancies: Online reservation systems may not accurately represent site locations. Peter H. cautions about Siloam Springs: "The map online is wrong when choosing a campsite though. The site I chose appeared off by itself on the map and when I arrived it was in the same area as all other sites."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible recreation: Multiple family-friendly activities provide options for all ages. Leo S. shares about McCully Heritage Project: "I just love the bridge across the pond. We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment."
Trail difficulty awareness: Consider trail challenges when planning hikes with children. One backpacker at Siloam Springs notes, "Towards the end, there were stairs built into the earth that were way too difficult to manage when your legs are jelly and your pack is heavy."
Swimming options: During summer months, water activities provide relief from heat. Tracie S. mentions that Cuivre River has "a large lake to swim in and you can kayak as well! Their trails are well marked and a pretty walk."
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds allow pets but also have resident animals. Eric from McCully Heritage Project advises, "Don't be alarmed if you see cats or the neighbors dogs roaming around the site. They are friendly."
Tips from RVers
Equestrian camping near Kampsville: For those traveling with horses, specialized camping areas exist within driving distance. J K. notes that at Cuivre River State Park Campground, "if you need a place to camp with your horse they have an entire equestrian section."
Hookup distribution: Electric sites are typically separated from standard sites at many area campgrounds. Kayla S. notes, "The sites for full hook ups are separate from the other sites" at Cuivre River State Park.
Stay duration limits: Some campgrounds restrict the length of continuous stays. John H. advises about Waverly Lake: "There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit."
Seasonal facility access: RVers should check which services are available during their planned visit. Bathroom and shower facilities often follow seasonal schedules, with some closed during winter months.
