RV parks near Swansea, Illinois offer convenient access to the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area while providing a strategic base for exploring both Illinois and Missouri attractions. Located approximately 15 miles east of downtown St. Louis at around 500 feet elevation, Swansea's camping options place visitors within 30-45 minutes of major regional destinations. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions.
What to Do
Gateway Arch access: Visitors staying at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park enjoy proximity to national landmarks. "The view of the Gateway Arch can't be beat. Easy check in... Stayed three nights and saw all the sites: The Gateway Arch, Union Station, aquarium, botanical gardens, Anheiser Busch brewery tour," notes Dennis P.
Katy Trail cycling: When staying at Beyond the Trail RV Park, bring bikes for trail access. "The Katy trail borders the park for easy access to town. Beautiful views across a large farm field to the hills beyond with incredible sunsets," reports Sam C. Another camper adds, "Forgot your bike? Walk 3 minutes away and rent one."
Water recreation: The lake at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers multiple activities. "The lake is nice and they have some spots close to it... They rent out peddle boats, bikes and peddle cars/buggies as well. We rented a peddle buggy. Those are a lot harder to get moving than they look. Awesome workout for the whole family!" explains Barbie B.
What Campers Like
Urban convenience with security: Many appreciate the safety measures at RV parks. "Safe, clean and professionally ran," notes Tom B. about Cahokia RV Parque. Another visitor mentions, "Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful. No frills but a great view of the arch. Centrally located and across the bridge from downtown."
Onsite dining options: Several campgrounds feature unexpected food amenities. One camper at Cahokia RV Parque highlights, "Getting in after a long drive and seeing the on-site BBQ restaurant was a huge positive." Another adds, "Do NOT miss the BBQ place in the parking lot... fantastic food and a 10% discount for park customers."
Location for wine enthusiasts: The Missouri wine country location of Beyond the Trail RV Park earns praise: "This is just a great park. It is located in a sleepy little winery town. It is just a few minutes from the main part of town with multiple beautiful wineries within a few miles."
What You Should Know
Noise considerations: Train and airplane noise affects several area campgrounds. As one camper at Sundermeier RV Park notes, "It is on path of airport it seems but plane noise does not bother us. It was not too bad." Another visitor adds, "Only downside is the train and airplane noise. Otherwise would be a 5 star for me."
Weather and flooding concerns: The region experiences occasional flooding issues. At Covered Bridge RV Park, a visitor experienced: "While we were there they had a record rainfall amount and the park apparently already has flooding issues so it was flooding pretty bad."
Varying connectivity: Cell service strength depends on location. At Beyond the Trail RV Park, "WIFI wasn't great when we stayed here twice last year. Office isn't always manned and they don't have much selection of the usual camping accessories."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playgrounds and recreation: Multiple parks offer family-friendly amenities. At Cahokia RV Parque, a visitor noted, "There is a playground, pool and pond area to walk around. We were pleased with the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers and had no major complaints."
Budget-friendly activities: Scott AFB FamCamp provides affordable options near attractions. "This campground is clean and convenient to the St Louis area. The Outdoor Recreation unit is very responsive to needs of campers. The nearby lake is scenic and peaceful."
Swimming options: Some parks offer pools during summer months. "The grounds, pool, laundry, and bathrooms were all in excellent repair and clean. The park was quiet, but very family friendly," shares one Cahokia RV Parque visitor.
Tips from RVers
Utility locations: Pay attention to hookup placement when selecting sites. One Casino Queen RV Park visitor advises, "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."
Site selection for big rigs: Covered Bridge RV Park offers spacious sites despite its compact size. One reviewer notes, "For this to be such a small RV park (smallest we've stayed at so far) the sites are very spacious! The wi-fi was surprisingly good enough that my wife and I could both work off of it and even stream shows."
Reservation timing: Several parks require advance planning. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, "One couple I talked to was camping long term and they got a free membership to the St Peter's RecPlex recreation center with their long term spot (they said something about having to book at least a month out to get this perk)."
