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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
