Best Campgrounds near New Athens, IL

Looking for the best campgrounds near New Athens, IL? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of New Athens. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your New Athens camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near New Athens, Illinois (65)

    1. Cahokia RV Parque

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, IL
    24 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."

    2. World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    2 Reviews
    New Athens, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 295-2700

    3. Scott AFB FamCamp

    4 Reviews
    Mascoutah, IL
    16 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."

    4. Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    26 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."

    5. Randolph County State Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Chester, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 826-2706

    "Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois."

    "This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating."

    6. Washington County State Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Nashville, IL
    28 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."

    7. Hawn State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Farmington, MO
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 883-3603

    $12 - $25 / night

    "We visited in October and were able to hike several great trails in the park and surrounding area. The campsites are nothing special."

    "Then you walk to the beginning of the Whispering Pines trail and see the creek flowing, and know this place is going to be worth it."

    8. Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Chester, IL
    24 miles
    +1 (618) 859-3741

    $8 - $18 / night

    "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."

    "Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site is located on the remains of historic Fort Kaskaskia, constructed by the French in the 1700s to defend the town of Kaskaskia."

    9. Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam

    5 Reviews
    Ste. Genevieve, MO
    24 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Water was available close to the restrooms and is accessible to fill campers. Parking area at each site could accommodate two vehicles. The capsites were located next to the Kaskaskia River."

    10. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Collinsville, IL
    28 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."

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Recent Reviews near New Athens, IL

475 Reviews of 65 New Athens Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Lake Perry Campground

    His Website is a Total Lie

    I had a Reservation for a month long stay. I get there and he said that he would have to guide me to the Site. He guided me for sure right into another Camper. It did over $3,000.00 Dollars of Damage to my Camper. I don't know what the Claims Adjuster paid for Damages to the Camper that the Campground Owner guided me into. His sites are not 25-40 feet wide and 35-100 feet long. If the campsites were that big, the owner wouldn't have had to guide me to my site. I'm going to get a Lawyer and Sue the Campground for all of my Damages to my Camper and the Camper the owner guided me into.


Guide to New Athens

Camping near New Athens, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

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 nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At St. Francois State Park Campground, visitors enjoy "close access to the river for fishing and kayaking," perfect for a day on the water.
  • Visiting Historic Sites: Many campers head to Washington State Park Campground for its scenic views and nearby prehistoric petroglyphs. One reviewer said, "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see."

What campers like:

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds like St. Francois State Park Campground where "the campsites were very clean and sewer the other facilities there are two great trails in the park."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out the playgrounds and swimming areas at places like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. One reviewer said, "The lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy by bringing snacks for the trails. A camper at Washington State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a Dollar General right outside the park entrance."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near New Athens, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near New Athens, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Athens, IL is Cahokia RV Parque with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.