Camping options near New Athens, Illinois span across a 45-minute radius with sites situated along the Mississippi and Kaskaskia River watersheds. The region features gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-95°F with high humidity. Many campgrounds in this rural region offer electric hookups but limited sewer connections, requiring campers to use dump stations.
What to do
Shooting sports and lake activities: World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta provides camping access to extensive shooting facilities along with recreational options. "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," notes reviewer Chip.
Hiking paved trails: The Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam recreation area offers accessibility-focused outdoor recreation. "There is a hiking trail through the woods that ends at the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. This trail is paved for walking, bicycles and wheelchairs," shares Susan D.
Stargazing: Washington County State Recreation Area provides exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "The campground is pretty far from any big metro area, so the sky was real dark, great for picking out constellations. We listened to Whip-por-will calls around the campfire," explains Joel R.
Mississippi River views: Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground offers historic exploration combined with scenic overlooks. "Near the pavilion, which was recently rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire, you can get sweeping view of the Mississippi river below," according to Joel R.
What campers like
Level sites: Cahokia RV Parque provides stable parking for various rigs. "Level gravel sites with FHU near downtown St. Louis. Sites are close together, with some shade," reports Robert O.
Urban convenience: Casino Queen RV Park offers unique access to metropolitan amenities. "Casino has a metro stop that takes you into St Louis over the river," mentions Josh F., though he notes there are "trains every 15-30 minutes all day long."
Quiet atmosphere: Randolph County State Recreation Area delivers a peaceful camping experience with natural attractions. "Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground," notes Shirlee A., who spent a week there with two toddlers.
Wildlife viewing: Horseshoe Lake State Park offers exceptional bird watching opportunities. "This is a great place when the geese are migrating thru," shares Kent B., highlighting the park's reputation as a migratory bird sanctuary.
What you should know
Accessibility variations: Campgrounds across the region have vastly different accessibility features. At Fort Kaskaskia, one reviewer noted "Large level sites with electric. Water available mid campground and at dump station," while Horseshoe Lake State Park is more primitive with "no electric or running water."
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires preparation. "Washington County Lake State Conservation Area's tent and cabin accommodations provide shaded spots during hot summer months," while the World Shooting Complex has sites that are "not many trees" making it "dry and hot in the summer."
Navigation challenges: Several campgrounds have poor signage or outdated map information. One visitor to Kaskaskia Lock and Dam noted, "There is no signage for this location, the only slight indication is a boat ramp sign," while another advised "USE THE ADDRESS ON THE WEBSITE, NOT FROM THIS APP."
Seasonal closures: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground has experienced unexpected closures. "There is a homemade sign that says no camping. I wish we would have known that before we got here. As far as I could tell the website said it's open," reported one frustrated camper.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near New Athens offer kid-friendly amenities. At Cahokia RV Parque, one visitor highlighted "an awesome playground for the kids!" making it suitable for family stays.
Consider noise levels: Scott AFB FamCamp offers military families a convenient option with moderate noise considerations. "The campground has occasional airplane noise but it's not bad for a Air Base," notes JEANETTE M.
Check bathing facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Washington County, a reviewer mentioned "Bath house was very well kept and clean. Showers ran cold at first but after a few mins it gets warmer!" while Fort Kaskaskia has only "Pit toilets could have been cleaner, but fine."
Book ahead for holidays: Holiday weekends fill quickly at dog-welcoming campgrounds throughout the region. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, "Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable," while at World Shooting Complex during special events, "the campground is full."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placements: Site layouts can create challenges at certain campgrounds. At Casino Queen RV Park, "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."
Consider dump station locations: World Shooting and Recreational Complex offers full hookups but limited shower access. "There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried," reported one RVer, suggesting facilities may not be fully operational.
Maneuverability challenges: Larger rigs require careful navigation in some campgrounds. At Randolph County, "Getting around is a little right for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you're careful," while Washington County offers "easy to find" sites that are "affordable overnight stay with electric."
Payment options: Most campgrounds require cash payment with limited electronic options. Washington County requires visitors to "run back to the town of Nashville to get some cash from the ATM," as no cards are accepted.
