RV campgrounds near Shipman, Illinois provide travelers with convenient options between St. Louis and Springfield. The region features relatively flat terrain with elevations around 500-600 feet above sea level and experiences four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with occasional precipitation.
What to do
Water activities at lakeside parks: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers paddleboats, kayaks and canoes for rent along with fishing opportunities in their small lake. "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes. There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles). There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish," notes one visitor.
Historic exploration in St. Charles: Sundermeier RV Park provides direct access to the Katy Trail for cycling enthusiasts. "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. Great shops, great restaurants," shares Cheryl K.
Gateway Arch National Park visits: Day trips to St. Louis attractions are popular among campers staying at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park. A visitor reports, "Stayed three nights and saw all the sites: The Gateway Arch, Union Station, aquarium, botanical gardens, Anheiser Busch brewery tour, Guido's restaurant."
What campers like
Level sites with concrete pads: Most campgrounds in the region provide well-maintained, level camping spots. At Cahokia RV Parque, campers appreciate the "nice level concrete pad with a picnic table." Another visitor mentioned, "The grounds, pool, laundry, and bathrooms were all in excellent repair and clean."
Convenient highway access: Many RV parks offer easy interstate access for travelers passing through. Kamper Kompanion in Litchfield sits "right by highway, pulled in after dark and they met us to show us to the site and got us settled. Easy pull thru site with 40' and toad."
Proximity to metropolitan amenities: Staying close to urban areas means having restaurants and services nearby. At The Double J Campground and RV Park, visitors enjoy being "just south of Springfield, right next to the interstate" with "nice walking trail, swimming pool, playground, outdoor checkers, basketball court, put put golf."
What you should know
Variable noise levels: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation corridors. According to a visitor at Sundermeier RV Park, "Only downside is the train and airplane noise. Otherwise would be a 5 star for me." Another camper noted, "Below the pattern for STL and railroad crosses Missouri River nearby so you could call it noisy but didn't bother us much."
Security considerations: Several RV parks feature gated access for added security. At Casino Queen RV Park, "You need a code to get in the gate, so you must register in advance... Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful."
Off-season limitations: Winter camping options are somewhat restricted. The Double J Campground remains open year-round with "full hook ups, great pull through sites," while Draft Kings at Casino Queen operates only "from April 1 to September 30."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated recreational facilities: Families will find kid-friendly amenities at select campgrounds. "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," reports a visitor at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Check pool availability: Summer visitors appreciate swimming options. The Double J Campground offers "a huge pool, putt-putt golf, and washer and dryers," making it family-friendly during hot weather.
Consider noise sensitivity: Transportation noise affects some campgrounds more than others. One visitor to St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park mentioned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Utilities placement varies: Be prepared with adequate connection equipment. 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."
Water pressure considerations: Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage provides full hookups but has variable site conditions. "Back in sites are paved and level with additional space for vehicle parking but the property in general is mostly concrete - no green space for kids or pets. No restrooms or showers and very weak WiFi. Brand new laundry facility."
Advanced reservations recommended: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. At The Double J Campground, one visitor called "last minute on a Saturday, I had to leave a message and was hoping someone would call me back! Within five minutes, I had a call back and a lovely pull through site reserved for a one night stay on a Saturday night in May!"
