Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground offers glamping close to O'Fallon, Illinois at remarkably affordable rates. Located within 30 minutes of O'Fallon, this park maintains primitive sites at just $8 per night with standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilet facilities. While the park lacks showers and electric hookups, campers appreciate the natural setting and value. The campground provides access to a lake suitable for fishing and boating, though swimming is not permitted.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground attracts numerous migratory birds, creating excellent birdwatching conditions. "This is a great place when the geese are migrating thru, I really hope to be back here some day!" notes Kent B., highlighting the seasonal wildlife appeal.
Fishing and boating access: The lake offers designated areas for fishing and non-motorized watercraft without swimming options. "The lake is ok but no swimming, boating and fishing only," explains Chrissy W., providing clarity on permitted water activities.
Hiking and biking: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides extensive paved trails circling their lake system. "There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles). There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish," reports one camper, noting the dual-purpose trail network suitable for both activities.
Equipment rentals: Several parks offer on-site equipment rentals for added recreation options. "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes," explains a visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, detailing the variety of rental equipment available.
What campers like
Budget-friendly rates: Coles Creek Recreation Area offers affordable waterfront camping with basic amenities. "Great spot and great value... access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," notes Helge Vandel J., emphasizing the exceptional value proposition.
Lakefront sites: Waterfront campsites provide direct water access and views. "Most of the sites are spacious, and some loops are in full sun. The site we had was narrow and tighter than we prefer, but the location and view made up for that!" shares a camper about Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Natural surroundings despite urban proximity: Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers natural settings surprisingly close to urban areas. "Wonderful park on the Great River Road along the Illinois River. Great hiking in the park, and a bike trail passes by the front," writes Annie C., noting the combination of natural features and accessibility.
Seasonal activities: Winter camping provides unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "In winter there are a lot of eagles feeding in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers which meet at the park," reports Joel R. about Pere Marquette, highlighting seasonal wildlife attractions not available during summer months.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA experiences periodic train noise that may affect light sleepers. "First night one came through blowing its horns around 5am," reports Peter H., providing specific details about potential noise disruption.
Weekend availability limitations: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends. "The campground filled up by 11am on Friday, which was a surprise to us," shares one camper about weekend crowds at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Industrial surroundings: Some campgrounds sit within industrial areas despite offering good amenities. "It's not in the prettiest location, very industrial and the train tracks run close," notes Peter H. about Granite City KOA, explaining the contrast between campground facilities and surroundings.
Seasonal closures: Bathroom and shower facilities may close during winter months regardless of campground opening dates. "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip," explains one camper about seasonal limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA offers family-friendly amenities beyond typical campgrounds. "There is a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more," notes Crystal H., outlining the range of family activities available.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming facilities separate from natural water bodies. "Eldon Hazlet has a swimming pool and campground store. The pool was closed when we were there but looked nice," reports Allen S., describing seasonal swimming options.
Campground programming: Special events occur throughout the season at various campgrounds. "They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites (pretty extensively) and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site," explains Aimee T., describing the extensive holiday programming.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife encounters appropriate for children. "Darn the bugs are miserable, miserable, miserable," warns MGySgt K. about Scott AFB FamCamp, reminding families to prepare for insects during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring additional leveling equipment. "A lot of spots are not level, so come prepared," advises MGySgt K. about Scott AFB FamCamp, suggesting RVers bring appropriate leveling gear.
Water pressure variations: Water systems at some campgrounds deliver inconsistent pressure requiring regulators. "The water pressure was so strong that I could barely open the water pump!" reports Susan L. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, warning about potential equipment damage from excessive pressure.
Security features: Several campgrounds offer enhanced security measures for overnight stays. "The park has planted some trees, but they are really just saplings, so there is no shade yet," explains Susan L., noting the developing nature of newer campgrounds.
Dump station limitations: Some facilities maintain limited dump stations despite large campground size. "The only thing I would change is the ONE dump station for this massive campground," notes Amurican L. about Coles Creek Recreation Area, highlighting potential wait times during busy checkout periods.
