Camping options around Grafton, Illinois center on several established campgrounds along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Pere Marquette State Park Campground, the largest site in the area, provides electric hookups for both tent and RV camping with spacious sites set in a grove of mature trees. Additional campgrounds within a 30-minute drive include Riverside Landing and St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, offering a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.
Reservations are recommended for all developed campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season when the area experiences peak visitation. Pere Marquette State Park requires bookings through Reserve America, with rates ranging from $8-20 per night depending on amenities. Grafton's location at the confluence of two major rivers means seasonal flooding can impact campground availability in spring. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with camping available year-round at most locations. Water access points are shared at some campgrounds, requiring campers to bring extra hose length. "We needed 3 hoses to reach. We loaned ours to a couple others while there for 3 nights," noted one visitor describing the water hookup situation at Pere Marquette.
Most campgrounds in the Grafton area receive positive reviews for spaciousness and natural setting. Pere Marquette State Park campers consistently mention the quality hiking trails with river overlooks as a highlight, along with proximity to the town of Grafton for dining and shopping options. "Lots of room between level sites, quiet campground, decent hiking, wineries and restaurants, antique shops nearby in Grafton," reported one camper. The campground features separate sections for RVs with electric hookups and tent-only camping with more rustic amenities. Sites are generally level, though some visitors note that not all RV pads are perfectly flat. The nearby Pere Marquette Lodge offers a restaurant option for campers who prefer not to cook, with Sunday fried chicken dinners receiving particular praise from reviewers.
$10 - $20 / night
"Very strenous in some locations, but well worth the effort for the views! Overall well kept and have have an incredible lodge! Just down the road from Grafton IL"
"Great little campground just outside of Grafton, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there."
$35 - $60 / night
"I've been to 370 Lakeside Park many times to walk around the huge lake and to hear concerts in the summer, but I had never camped there. Still haven't. I'll explain."
"All hookups were conveniently located. Shower house and restrooms were clean and well maintained/cleaned every day. Had a lakefront site but didn’t get to fish this time."
$56 - $61 / night
"We were able to park next to our 5th wheel with enough room to not feel crowded while using the picnic bench. Also the site was level. We stayed for a week to enjoy St. Louis, St."
"To hot and tired to walk around but there is aa park and access to a walking trail that looks nice. It is on path of airport it seems but plane noise does not bother us. It was not to bad."
$15 - $42 / night
"Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope."
"It’s close to our house and there’s always something new to do each time. The bathrooms are well maintained and the campsites are fairly large and provide lots of shade."
$35 / night
"They have really awesome trails to ride. I would recommend to anyone wanting a place to play on their toys. It’s 20 a day to ride. 35 for water and electric."
$25 / night
"Lakeside is down the road to fill up. No shade and smaller sights great access to the rivers. Site 17 accommodate a 38ft fifth wheel will just hang over the back a little to fit."
"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."
"It's not in the prettiest location, very industrial and the train tracks run close. First night one came through blowing its horns around 5am."
$15 - $35 / night
"Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."
"Great for taking long walks or bike rides, although very steep hills. Close to St Louis, so you can do some urban exploring."
$40 / night
"A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive."
ScoutStaff is very friendly and great at their jobs. Bathroom was clean and nice. Gets a little crowded but it's still fairly small so not too crowded. Can't speak much for RV camping, but tent/car camping was better than some other state park sites.
LegendWe enjoyed the family site with another friend. It was good for a tent and 26 foot rv. Not a good big rig campground. It has tight turning and narrow roads. We took out kayak on the river for a float. Dirty water. Good hiking.
LegendI love this campground for its wooded and more rugged feel. It is beautiful in early spring when the dogwood trees are in bloom. It has a nice lake for kayaks and paddle boards. Campaigns are great with nice amenities.
LegendWe have stayed at this campground so many times and love it. Cell service is excellent enabling me to work from my rv. It is close to anything you would need, but secluded enough and surrounded by huge trees and hiking trails. I have also rented a pavillion for a party.
ScoutPower / water at sites, single dump site available, at far end of runway, trees around all sites. Has a bathroom / shower / laundry bld. Nice for short visits. Annoying for more than a week.
TravelerSecluded campsites. Even though they are close together, the dense trees isolate them visually from each other. We did have a neighbor with loud dogs that were very annoying
ScoutWe spent a week at this location. It has a great level slab to park your camper. They also have a wonderful fenced in area for horses as well as a fenced in area where you park your camper. Let your dogs run free!
Sarah and Justin were very attentive hosts. They live on the property but are not so close that you know they are there. They also raise chickens and sell their fresh eggs! If you need a secure place for your dogs or horses, this spot is perfect!
ScoutThis campground is nice for March, when it's a little cool. But there is no shade, so mid-summer would be hot! Level sites, full hookups, pretty nice.
GuideAs the pictures on the Dyrt show, it’s a large area of white gravel. It’s clean, has very wide spaces for rv’s which are very level and has water and electricity. The Dyrt definitely doesn’t have the location correct, it’s about 4-5 miles north of 70 and your drive through some narrow winding roads to get here. Overall quiet though I heard some loud truck at night.
Camping options near Grafton, Illinois center primarily around rivers and lakes with limited primitive sites. Situated at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, this region experiences seasonal flooding that can impact campground availability from March through May. Water levels fluctuate by 15-20 feet annually, requiring campers to check accessibility before arrival during spring months.
Trail hiking in wooded areas: Pere Marquette State Park offers trails with significant elevation change for Illinois. "Pere Marquette has great hiking for Illinois. The campground has 88 sites total, 1-85 are either 30 amp or 50 amp electric sites," notes Michael M., who also mentioned good fishing opportunities in nearby rivers.
Kayaking on Lincoln Lake: Cuivre River State Park Campground provides water recreation opportunities about 40 minutes from Grafton. "Campground is quiet and has big campsites. The campground is close to Lincoln Lake for kayaking," reports camper Cody S., who visited the park for its water access.
Cycling on the Katy Trail: Access regional biking routes from Sundermeier RV Park. "You can literally be parked right at the Katy Trail. Through the gate at the rear of the campground, and you can bike for miles. Easy ride in to St. Charles a wonderful historic river town on the Missouri River," shares Cheryl K., highlighting the convenient trail access.
Wildlife viewing: Winter camping provides eagle watching opportunities along the rivers. "In winter there are a lot of eagles feeding in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers which meet at the park. The Lewis & Clark expedition started nearby," explains Joel R., describing the seasonal wildlife attraction at Pere Marquette.
Historic town proximity: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides access to historic areas. "Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis," writes Nathaniel B., highlighting the convenience for town visits.
Spacious camping areas: Many campsites in the region provide ample room between sites. "The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake," notes Suzie S. about lakeside spots at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access with varying regulations. "This park has plenty of well groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy. If you stay here, make sure to check out the trail around the lake," recommends Tony M. from Cuivre River State Park, mentioning the fishing opportunities available.
Lodge amenities: Some campgrounds feature historic lodges with dining options. "Pere Marquette has many options for your stay. The Lodge has great character and a wonderful great room. There is a restaurant inside the main building with decent food. I prefer to stay in a cabin room which sleeps 4-6 and affords you more privacy," explains Shawn M. when discussing alternative accommodations.
Flood patterns: Riverside camping areas regularly flood in spring. "This is a easy to access, quite campground. Full hookups, concrete pads. No firepits. Close to a bunch of stuff. Fast wifi," notes Aaron A. from Sundermeier RV Park, where seasonal flooding can impact availability.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience transportation noise. "Positives: Really nice people at check in. It does have 30 amp service even though this app shows it doesn't. 30 pound water pressure. Nice level concrete pad with a picnic table. Right off highway 370," Jack G. notes about Sundermeier RV Park, before adding, "On Lambert international airports flight path, next to a major train trestle, right next to Highway 370."
Campfire restrictions: St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA and several other campgrounds prohibit open fires. "Clean and fairly well maintained. Close to St. Louis attractions. Nice enough for staying a night or two," explains Tina R. about the KOA, which offers no fire pits due to local restrictions.
Seasonal facilities: Bathhouse availability varies by season. "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," notes Archie S. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park's seasonal limitations.
Playground access: Cherokee Lakes Campground provides facilities for children. "Spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites," says Rick I., who also mentions the playground areas available for children.
Water recreation options: Several parks rent boats for family water activities. "This park is beautiful. Located about 25 minutes from St Louis. They have paddle boats and bikes and group bikes for rental. Located right next to a lake with a lot of RV and tent camping spots. Kids had a blast riding bikes. Even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night," shares Joseph F. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for smaller creatures during spring and summer. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus," Maria E. reports from Cuivre River State Park, highlighting wildlife encounters that engage children.
Educational programming: Some parks feature interpretive programs. "Have been to Pere Marquette State Park with Scouts. The camp sites were sandy grassy ground, kind of hilly, and the sites were kind of close together but not bad. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring. Beautiful hiking on dirt trails with gorgeous views of the Illinois River. The lodge has a restaurant and giant chess board," explains Leah H., noting activities that combine recreation with education.
Site leveling: Pere Marquette State Park Campground requires assessment for level parking. "This campground is right across the street from the Mississippi. Predominantly RV campers and families, along with some local fisherman," notes Mike M., who visited Pere Marquette, where some sites require leveling blocks.
Power availability: Electric hookups vary between campgrounds with different amperage options. "Electric only 20, 30 and 50amp. No water in campground that is potable must bring own. But there is a dump station. Lakeside is down the road to fill up. No shade and smaller sights great access to the rivers," explains Matthew H. about Riverside Landing, providing specific details about hookups.
Concrete pad considerations: Many RV sites feature concrete pads requiring different setup. "Beautiful area next to a man-made lake. Concrete pads with full hookups, as well as dirt pads with full hookups," notes Ernest G. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, highlighting the different pad types available for RVs.
Water pressure variations: Some campgrounds have extremely high water pressure. "This is a very nice park. The spaces are a bit close together and not many trees but I've been to worse. The not many trees is do to it still being a fairly new campground. The lake is nice and they have some spots close to it," shares Barbie B., who experienced the strong water pressure at St. Louis area campgrounds that can damage RV plumbing without pressure regulators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Grafton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Grafton, IL offers a wide range of camping options, with 76 campgrounds and RV parks near Grafton, IL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Grafton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grafton, IL is Pere Marquette State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grafton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Grafton, IL.
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