Best Campgrounds near Mascoutah, IL

Camping options in the Mascoutah, Illinois area range from military facilities to state parks and private RV campgrounds within driving distance. Scott AFB FamCamp provides year-round camping for military personnel with full hookups and access to base amenities, while Carlyle Lake recreation areas such as Dam West and Coles Creek offer lakeside camping approximately 20 miles east of Mascoutah. Several campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a few locations like Cahokia RV Parque and Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area also offering cabin rentals.

Road access varies across campgrounds in the region, with most sites being drive-in accessible while some lakeside areas like Carlyle Lake provide boat-in access. The camping season typically runs from early spring through late fall, with several locations operating year-round. Temperatures in summer can become quite hot and humid, while spring brings occasional flooding concerns near waterways. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when facilities fill quickly. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and toilet facilities, though amenities vary significantly by location. "The campground is clean and convenient to the St Louis area. The Outdoor Recreation unit is very responsive to needs of campers," noted one visitor about Scott AFB FamCamp.

Campers report varying experiences with privacy and noise levels across area campgrounds. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers more primitive camping with limited amenities but greater privacy at an affordable price point. A recent review described it as having "great sites to camp, very private and clean." Sites near Carlyle Lake receive positive ratings for water recreation opportunities, while locations closer to St. Louis provide urban convenience at the cost of increased noise. Casino Queen RV Park, approximately 30 minutes west of Mascoutah, features direct views of the St. Louis Arch but experiences interstate and train noise. Seasonal variations affect camping experiences, with spring offering more comfortable temperatures and fall bringing reduced crowds at popular locations like Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.

Best Camping Sites Near Mascoutah, Illinois (66)

    1. Scott AFB FamCamp

    4 Reviews
    Mascoutah, IL
    3 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."

    2. Cahokia RV Parque

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 332-7700

    "It's a centrally located campground in the Metro St. Louis area. It's close to interstates and it's a short drive across the river to Missouri attractions."

    "I compared the park to two others near St. Louis on the Illinois side and found this one to be the most pleasant. Most of the sites are sunny, but some have shade."

    3. Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 777-0777

    $65 / night

    "Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70."

    "Close to the arch, that’s why we chose this place to stay overnight."

    4. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Collinsville, IL
    19 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."

    5. Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    27 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."

    6. St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA

    13 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    24 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."

    7. Dam West Spillway

    10 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    25 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."

    8. Dam West Campground

    9 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    25 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. "

    9. Washington County State Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Nashville, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 327-3137

    "This is a nice little park in southern Illinois. It is surrounded by cornfields, however the park is wooded. The park surrounds a very pretty lake and I have attached a picture."

    "This is a small lake management by the state of Illinois. The campground is usually not crowded, but some weekends do get busy. There is a shower/bathroom that was clean each time we were there."

    10. Coles Creek Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Keyesport, IL
    31 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Mascoutah, IL

394 Reviews of 66 Mascoutah Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    Resort quality campground

    Very nice park. This is a big busy campground they have plenty of staff to handle the rush. Level concrete sites with FHU will definitely stay here again

  • David D.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

    Awesome campground!

    The views over the Mississippi River are calandar-worthy! Very scenic from up atop the bluffs. A very old and historic cemetery is next to the campground. There is electric hookups 30 and 50 amp. No water/sewer but does have a dump station. Vault toilets.

  • M
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Carlyle lake

    Great for Boating and Open Camping in Illinois

    The main draw here is the water itself. With great opportunities for fishing and boating, it's an ideal destination for anglers and families with small boats. The nearby Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area provides convenient camping and shoreline access, making it easy to turn your visit into a weekend trip.

    level devil

  • S
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Dam West Campground

    Beautiful campground at a minimum $

    This campground is heavenly and peaceful. Lots of migrant waterfowl. Pelicans, egrets, blue herons….

  • Chip
    Sep. 2, 2025

    World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    Lot's of full hookups

    This was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees.  Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue.  This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event.  During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full.  We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning.  There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried.  I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Peaceful and quiet

    Another really nice COE campground. With our pass for seniors, we only paid $10 for electric. The sites were a little closer together than normal COE’s but still plenty of room. Water spicket’s were placed throughout the park but not at each site. There was a lake with a swim beach and two playgrounds. Sites were very level. Nice and shady. Close to town. Well maintained showers.

  • Natasha T.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Very clean place with reasonable prices. price

    They were so accommodating. Even on the phone I didnt feel like a burden

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Hamel IL 578

    Good for a truck stop, busy and loud

    Easy reservation system online. $60 is a bit pricey for one night. Electricity and water at each spot which are concrete slabs. Typical super busy truck stop with bright lights and lots of action but safe and convenient.

  • Stephanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Spacious and clean

    Campground was well maintained with spacious campsites. I tried to get a spot on the water but they were all reserved, they looked really nice so I would try to get it in the future. Showers were nice with air conditioning. I would say this is more of a campsite for RVs but it worked fine with our tent. Host was nice and helpful.


Guide to Mascoutah

Camping near Mascoutah, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene state parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hawn State Park Campground. Reviewers mention, "There are several hiking trails and an overlook," making it a great spot for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at St. Francois State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Close access to river for fishing and kayaking," perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Swimming: Take a dip at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA. A visitor shared, "The pool area was very nice," making it a fun spot for families.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. One review states, "The sites themselves are very clean and well kept."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment at Washington State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "Very secluded!!! Hiking was great!" which is ideal for those looking to unwind.
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming nature of campground staff is highlighted at Okaw Valley Kampground. A visitor said, "The place is very well taken care of," thanks to the attentive management.

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. A parent mentioned, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Space for Pets: Many campgrounds, including Okaw Valley Kampground, allow pets. A visitor noted, "Lots of room for dogs," making it easier to bring the whole family.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours, especially at family-oriented spots like St. Francois State Park Campground. One camper shared, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: When booking at Gun Creek, ensure your site is level. A reviewer mentioned, "Not all sites are flat," which can be a hassle for RV setups.
  • Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, offer electric hookups. One camper noted, "Electric on most but not all have water."
  • Dump Station Availability: Make sure to check for dump stations, especially at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Dump station backs up for up to an hour on Sundays."

Camping near Mascoutah, Illinois, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for families and outdoor lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mascoutah, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mascoutah, IL is Scott AFB FamCamp with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.