Best Campgrounds near New Athens, IL

Campgrounds near New Athens, Illinois range from state-managed recreation areas to private RV parks, offering various accommodation options within a short drive of St. Louis. Notable locations include Randolph County State Recreation Area with tent, RV, and cabin sites, and Washington County State Recreation Area which provides electric hookups and waterfront access. Cahokia RV Parque, approximately 30 miles north of New Athens, serves as a convenient base for exploring the greater St. Louis metropolitan region, while World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta accommodates both tent campers and those seeking cabin lodging.

Many campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though some amenities like showers may be seasonal. Randolph County and Washington County State Recreation Areas both offer water access for boating and fishing, with most sites featuring electric hookups. Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations and shower facilities, particularly at the more developed sites. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near larger towns. Full hookup RV sites are available at multiple locations, while tent camping options are more limited at some of the RV-focused properties. One visitor noted, "Sites have water only and 30&50amp plug in at pedestal. You are on the entire opposite side of the base, away from everything, absolutely everything."

Campgrounds with water access generate particularly positive feedback, with fishing opportunities mentioned frequently in reviews. Kaskaskia Lock and Dam Recreation Area receives praise for its riverside location and accessibility. A camper wrote, "This is a very clean campground with electric only hook-up. It had nice big concrete pads, a large picnic table and large fire pit/grill at each site." Sites closer to St. Louis tend to feature more amenities but experience more noise from nearby highways and air traffic. The region's mixed-use campgrounds often accommodate both tent and RV camping, though spacing between sites varies considerably between properties. While some locations feature shaded sites, others offer little protection from summer heat, particularly at the World Shooting Complex where one reviewer mentioned "not many trees" and potentially hot, dry conditions in summer.

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

477 Reviews of 65 New Athens Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    This RV park could be great but they have a bad wiring problem with some 30A receptacles and the office staff is extremely rude.

    I've stayed here a couple times and generally like the park. I appreciate owners investing in urban RV parks and I don't expect much for amenities in these kinds of settings. The staff were pleasant on a pre-arrival phone call and at check-in—but once there was an issue, the office staff member became very argumentative and rude, consistent with other online reviews.

    ELECTRICAL SAFETY WARNING 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. My equipment detected a Line/Neutral Reversal on some 30A receptacles; the 50A receptacles appeared to be wired correctly.

    When I reported this life-safety hazard, the staffer’s response was, “Don’t use your surge protector—they’re not compatible with our system.” As a licensed Electrical Engineer with 30+ years of experience, I can state that this is 100% nonsense. The surge protector was correctly doing its job by flagging a major wiring fault. Do not follow the staff's advice when they tell you not to use your surge protector to "make it work." That is irresponsible advice that is literally endangering your safety.

    The staff also insisted that they don't have a problem because previous 30A users without surge protectors had “no problems.” This is plausible because a Line/Neutral reversal doesn’t usually affect RV operation but the statement shows their complete lack of understanding of the actual problem.

    A Line/Neutral reversal energizes the neutral side of the RV's electrical system. This means the RV chassis, appliance housings, and internal neutrals, which should be near ground potential, all become live, creating a serious shock or electrocution hazard if someone touches those RV components while grounded.

    The sites are basic with level concrete pads in good condition and other utilities (water/sewer) were fine. Excellent location near the historic St. Charles district. WiFi is unusable—bring your own Internet source. Restrooms and showers are dated and not in great condition. There was also no hand soap at the bathroom sinks all weekend.

    This park should be a 7/10 rating, but the electrical hazard drops it to a 5/10. The staff bring the rating down further to a 3/10.

  • 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.


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.