The area surrounding O'Fallon, Illinois offers camping options with varied terrain despite the region's predominantly flat landscape. Most camping spots near O'Fallon, Illinois sit at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, with minimal elevation changes throughout the area. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F while summer humidity levels regularly exceed 80% with temperatures averaging 85-90°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Horseshoe Lake State Park provides excellent fishing access with minimal fees. "The lake is nice for fishing and boating," notes a camper at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground. The park offers abundant shoreline fishing spots along its cypress-lined waters.
Archery practice: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park maintains a dedicated archery range for target practice. "There is a lot to do here. They have an archery range. They rent out peddle boats, bikes and peddle cars/buggies as well," shares one visitor.
Kayaking and paddling: Multiple lakes offer paddling opportunities throughout the area. "Great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," mentions a review of St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, which rents various watercraft including kayaks and paddle boats.
Walking and biking trails: Dam West Spillway features a paved bike path along Carlyle Lake. A camper notes, "There is a bike path that goes right past the campground that was busy all weekend with bikers, runners, and walkers, and takes you from the shower house to the marina in just a short walk."
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Multiple campgrounds offer economical camping rates. "We pay $550 a month including utilities," reports a long-term camper at MGM Campground, while another camper at Horseshoe Lake State Park appreciates "Great spot and great value" with "No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
Lake views: Several campgrounds feature waterfront sites. A camper at Dam West Spillway shares, "Had a lake front site with beachfront access. It was flat ground, everyone was so nice and it was so clean and the area was lovely."
Onsite dining options: Some campgrounds feature restaurants right on the premises. A Cahokia RV Parque guest notes, "Do NOT miss the BBQ place in the parking lot... fantastic food and a 10% discount for park customers."
Urban camping convenience: Several campgrounds provide city amenities with camping atmosphere. One visitor at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park explains, "Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70. Facilities lacked some amenities, but clean, paved, level sites with full hookups throughout."
What you should know
Limited primitive camping: Most locations favor RVs over tent camping. Horseshoe Lake State Park remains an exception, with a reviewer noting, "Peaceful tent camping on Walkers Island at $8 per day."
Seasonal operations: Check operating schedules as several campgrounds have limited seasons. Dam West Spillway features additional summer activities, with a camper mentioning, "There is a beach very near the campground that is within walking distance. There are also pools located near to the campground that can be used by the public."
Noise considerations: Train noise affects several campgrounds in the area. At Cahokia RV Parque, a camper mentions, "There was road noise, quite a bit. But large trash bins and a great bbq restaurant on the grounds!"
Security measures: Several campgrounds implement additional security features. A visitor at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park states, "Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Security rolled through frequently. Your gate code can be used for the pool and gym at the casino."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Illini Campground, a camper mentions, "There are three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball and a pool during summer months. Lots of families with kids, bike rides and plenty of other lake activities."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities. "The pool was closed when we were there but looked nice," notes a reviewer at Illini Campground, while St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers additional activities: "Kids had a blast riding bikes. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night."
Safety considerations: Campground hosts provide assistance during weather events. A St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park camper shares, "There was some rough springtime weather expected one day. A park ranger went around to every site and notified every camper of where the shelters were and gave out a flyer about the specific weather forecast!"
Off-site amenities: Most campgrounds offer nearby shopping and services. A Cahokia RV Parque visitor notes, "We were planning on grabbing a gallon of milk when we got there...there really is nothing around the rv park! Maybe a couple gas stations at best, but if you need groceries or anything, stop and get them before you get close."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Consider site location when booking. A visitor at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park advises, "The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake."
Urban camping access: Several campgrounds provide convenient city access. "We chose Cahokia RV Park because of its close proximity to St. Louis Missouri. We stayed in a gravel site with a concrete pad, fire pit, picnic table and full hook-ups," shares a camper.
Military options: Scott AFB FamCamp offers secure camping for military personnel. "If you put Scott FamCamp in google maps, it will take you there, BUT google maps will take you to no longer operational entry gates. It takes you to gates that have been closed for years. So put in Commissary to get on base," advises an experienced visitor.
Hook-up positions: Check utility placement before arrival. A Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park camper notes, "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."
