Pere Marquette State Park Campground sits at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers near Shipman, Illinois, with elevations ranging from 400 to 850 feet above sea level. The park features sandy, grassy campsites and access to extensive trail networks. Most campers can find sites with 30 or 50 amp electrical connections, though tent-only areas require no hookups.
What to do
Hiking with views: At Pere Marquette State Park Campground, trails lead to scenic overlooks above the Illinois River. "We did a 7 mile loop that led us to an amazing overlook," reports Andrew S. The park has "great hiking for Illinois" with "gorgeous views of the Illinois River," according to other visitors.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots directly from the campground. "Fish were biting early and often," notes Jason W. Many campsites have "private docks to fish from," which makes access convenient for all skill levels.
Kayaking and paddle sports: Waverly Lake City Park allows direct water access for small watercraft. The peaceful setting provides a calm paddling experience on smaller waters compared to the river systems in the region. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park also offers boat rentals: "The park/campground rents paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes in addition to different kinds of bikes."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cuivre River State Park Campground receives praise for its layout. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby," writes Maria E., adding "Our site was fairly spacious and not super close to others which we liked."
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the lakefront access at Sangchris Lake State Park. "All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake. Several fishing docks in campground," notes Greg S. Another camper mentions the "huge and level with a picnic table and fire ring" sites that offer "a large back area right on the lake."
Natural surroundings: The vegetation and wildlife viewing opportunities stand out to visitors. At Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground, campers note it's "a great place when the geese are migrating through," while others appreciate the "beautiful land and peace" achieved at this location.
What you should know
Weather vulnerabilities: Some campgrounds in the region experience flooding. "It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded," notes a visitor about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. Sites may have "wet grass and mud" after rain.
Train noise: At St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA, be prepared for occasional train disturbances. "Trains pass 2 blocks away several times nightly, but after the first night you won't notice," explains Jennifer B. Some train crossings involve horn blasts in early morning hours.
Insect preparation: Waverly Lake campers warn about mosquitoes: "The mosquitoes are BRUTAL. Come prepared." Bringing insect repellent is essential during warmer months across all local campgrounds.
Limited facilities: Not all campgrounds offer full services year-round. "The bathhouse with flush toilets closes November 1 and doesn't open until the spring," notes a camper at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Best playground options: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers family-friendly recreation beyond camping. "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," shares Joseph F.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule time for wildlife observation with children. "Kids... even finding a few little frogs jumping around and fireflies at night," reports one family at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. Horseshoe Lake State Park is particularly noted for bird watching.
Weekend activities: Campgrounds often coordinate special events on weekends. "The owners have done an amazing job on this campground and have made it one of the best campgrounds around to create that lasting experience with our children before they grow up," notes a visitor regarding scheduled activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At the campgrounds near Shipman, RV site quality can vary significantly. "Sites are mostly level," notes an RVer, while another cautions about "sunk down, poorly rocked and extremely narrow" sites at certain locations. Research specific site numbers when making reservations.
Utility considerations: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground offers different electrical options. "The campground has 30 basic and 43 electric sites (which are either 50 amp or 30 amp). There is no sewer or water at individual sites but water spigots are scattered throughout the campground and there is a dump station with potable water fill-up."
Seasonal limitations: Winter camping requires preparation at most locations. "During the winter the only water spigot available is located near the camp hosts," notes one RVer. Call ahead to confirm which utilities remain active during your planned visit dates.
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