Best Campgrounds near Collinsville, IL

Camping near Collinsville, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape the city.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Hawn State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The hiking is some of the best in Missouri," making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing at St. Francois State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Close access to the river for fishing and kayaking," highlighting the park's water activities.
• Wildlife Watching: At Cuivre River State Park Campground, you can spot various wildlife. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful prairie view and lots of great trails," perfect for those who love observing nature.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Missouri Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites themselves are very clean and well kept."
• Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpful staff at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA. One camper remarked, "The staff were helpful and friendly," making for a welcoming atmosphere.
• Spacious Sites: Campers at Okaw Valley Kampground love the roomy sites. A visitor mentioned, "Space was long and wide for our 42’ 5th wheel," which is great for RVers.

What you should know:

• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Hawn State Park Campground, can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One camper advised, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during Holiday weekends."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, may have limited facilities. A visitor noted, "The restrooms and showers are still closed for the season," so check ahead.
• Wildlife Caution: Be aware of ticks at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. One camper warned, "I have never experienced a tick infestation like I did at this park."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. A parent shared, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
• Plan for Meals: Many campgrounds have picnic tables and fire pits. One camper at Washington State Park Campground mentioned, "There is even a swimming pool if the river isn’t your thing," making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors.
• Bring Games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. A family at Cuivre River State Park Campground enjoyed the spacious area, saying, "Nice big area with several clearings and fire rings."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Make sure your site is level. A camper at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA noted, "The site was not level front to back."
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Missouri Hawn State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Hot water showers in bathrooms" are a plus.
• Plan for Space: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A visitor at Okaw Valley Kampground mentioned, "The place is very well taken care of," which is great for RV parking.

Camping near Collinsville, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat.