The Illinois and Mississippi River confluence area creates a diverse camping environment near Kampsville, Illinois. The region sits at approximately 450 feet elevation with hardwood forests and river bluffs dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with moderate humidity and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Bike the Katy Trail: Access the popular trail directly from Beyond the Trail RV Park in Defiance, Missouri. "The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town. Beautiful views across a large farm field (soy beans when we were here) to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets," notes a reviewer.
Explore historic towns: Several campgrounds offer proximity to charming river towns. "We 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," reports a camper at Sundermeier RV Park.
Visit local wineries: The region contains numerous wineries within short driving distance. "The park is bordered by the Katy Trail which will take you into town (and many other scenic places) so bring your bikes! Just on the other side of the trail is a great brewery with a fantastic patio and rooftop deck," shares one visitor about Beyond the Trail RV Park.
What campers like
Convenient river access: Many campgrounds offer direct river or lake proximity. "This campground, a City of St Peters park and campground, is as excellent as a campground comes. 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)," explains a camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses stand out in camper reviews. "Very well ran, clean, secure, friendly, professional campground. Full service, pull through site. Excellent park, lots of amenities," notes one visitor about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Good site spacing: Many campgrounds offer adequate space between sites. "The campsites are 'state-park-size', especially the back-in sites which all have plenty of lawns behind them. All sites have a view of the small lake," shares another camper about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding risk: The Mississippi and Illinois Rivers can flood certain campgrounds. "This area is prone to flooding. It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded," warns a camper about the region.
Variable shade conditions: Tree coverage varies significantly between parks. "This park had very little [trees]. It seems to be new, and there are trees planted, but it will be awhile before they provide any shade," mentions a reviewer at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Noise considerations: Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers quieter surroundings than some riverside locations. "The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there. In winter there are a lot of eagles feeding in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers which meet at the park," reports a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Multiple parks offer kid-friendly water recreation. "The lake is nice and they have some spots close to it. There is a lot to do here. They have an archery range. The rent out peddle boats, bikes and peddle cars/buggies as well," shares a camper about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas. "This park is beautiful. Located about 25 minutes from St Louis. They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cherokee Lakes Campground offers secluded sites with wildlife watching. "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," reports one camper.
Tips from RVers
Electrical safety: Check connections carefully at rv sites near Kampsville, Illinois. "DO NOT use the 30A receptacles here unless you have a surge protector with an Electrical Management System (EMS) that explicitly confirms correct wiring before connecting your RV," cautions one experienced RVer about Sundermeier RV Park.
Site surface variations: RV campgrounds offer different pad types affecting price and stability. "The sites are a bit close together and not many trees but I've been to worse. The not many trees is due to it still being a fairly new campground," notes a reviewer about a nearby park.
Water pressure considerations: Bring a pressure regulator when camping at rv sites around Kampsville. "The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!" warns a camper about one park.
