Cabin camping options near O'Fallon, Illinois include various lodging styles within a 40-mile radius. Many sites offer lake views or wooded settings with multiple rental options beyond basic camper cabins. Carlyle Lake provides several cabin locations at different recreation areas, while sites near the Mississippi River offer urban proximity with camping comforts.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Carlyle offers excellent fishing conditions with diverse wildlife viewing. "The lake is pretty and they have fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish," notes a visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. Water activities extend beyond fishing with kayak and paddleboat rentals.
Biking trails: Lakeside paths connect many camping areas for extended rides. A camper at COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground shares, "There's miles and miles of walking and biking trails! Easy bike ride into the town of Carlyle."
Swimming options: Pools and beaches provide water recreation beyond lake activities. "They have an archery range. They rent out peddle boats, bikes and peddle cars/buggies as well. We rented a peddle buggy. Those are a lot harder to get moving then they look," explains a visitor about recreation facilities.
City access: Gateway Arch visits make an easy day trip from several cabin locations. "We parked our RV, summoned an Uber, and were at the top of the arch in an hour!" mentions a camper at Cahokia RV Parque, highlighting urban activity access.
What campers like
Lakefront views: Premium cabins with water views offer scenic surroundings. A camper at Dam West Campground shares, "We camped right on the lake with a great view. This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper."
Security features: 24-hour staff at several locations provides peace of mind. A visitor notes, "Very well ran, clean, secure, friendly, professional campground." Some locations employ park rangers who actively inform campers about weather events.
On-site food options: BBQ restaurants operate at select campgrounds. "You do not miss the BBQ place in the parking lot... fantastic food and a 10% discount for park customers," reports a Cahokia RV Parque visitor, noting convenient dining.
Clean facilities: Air-conditioned bathhouses receive high marks for cleanliness. A camper at Washington County State Recreation Area mentions, "Cleanest bathrooms ever and heated and air conditioned. Quiet and plenty of trees and a walking path."
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: Some campgrounds close during winter months. "Very nice kept up campground. Reservable sites are hard to book. Only negatives is that this campground is not open year-round," notes a Dam West camper.
Reservation timing matters: Popular lakefront cabins book quickly. "We arrived at this campground at 11am on a Friday only to find that that the first-come, first-serve sites were already full," shares a Dam West visitor who recommends booking "months in advance if possible."
Urban noise factors: Train and highway sounds affect some locations. A visitor to St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA reports, "Trains pass 2 blocks away several times nightly, but after the first night you won't notice."
Water quality concerns: Supply issues occur at some campgrounds. "I filled my trailer's tank at the drinking water supply when you enter the campground. It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids," warns a camper about early season water issues.
Tips for camping with families
Youth activities: Scheduled events cater specifically to children. A visitor to Rustic Acres Jellystone explains, "The campsites are small and a bit pricey, but it is a great family friendly place. Good pizza and amazing ice cream at the store! Kid fun and themed activities, bounce trampoline pillow, pool, etc."
Beach access: Swimming areas provide alternatives to pools. "A beach to swim at and a dock to fish off. A playground for kids," notes a COE Lake Carlyle visitor.
Playground proximity: Site selection near play equipment benefits families. "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," shares a KOA camper.
Rental equipment: Recreational gear available without hauling extras. "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes," explains a St. Peters' visitor, noting family-friendly amenities.
Tips from RVers
Parking challenges: Site access requires planning at some locations. "Entrance to campground is tight, swing wide," advises a St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA visitor. Another notes, "Our water hook up and electric hookup was significantly far apart," suggesting longer hoses.
Wind exposure: Lakefront sites experience stronger gusts. "Keep in mind that strong winds can sweep across the lake and pick things up if not secured," cautions a Dam West camper about site conditions.
Grocery planning: Limited stores near campgrounds requires advance shopping. "When we first pulled down the road you'll be worried you're going to end up in the train yard, but the campground is hidden and actually really quiet and secluded," shares a KOA visitor about unexpected access routes.
