RV parks near Trenton, Illinois provide affordable camping options within an hour's drive of St. Louis. The region sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round though water systems may be winterized from November through March.
What to do
Visit historic St. Charles: Located across the river from Trenton, St. Charles offers shops, restaurants, and river access. "You are a stones throw away from Katy trail which will take you to downtown St. Charles. The trail is about 1.5-2 miles to get to downtown. You can bike or walk there," notes a visitor to Sundermeier RV Park.
Explore Gateway Arch National Park: Many campers use Trenton-area RV parks as a base for visiting downtown St. Louis attractions. "$70 per night, plus $20 pet fee and $5 reservation fee. Stayed two nights passing through to visit Gateway Arch National Park," reports one camper who stayed at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park.
Fish at nearby ponds: Some campgrounds offer fishing opportunities on-site. One camper at Cahokia RV Parque noted, "They've got great amenities: 30/50amp, water, sewer, wifi, pool, showers, fire rings, and a trash dumpster. There's a small site for primitive camping by the pond with a gazebo to fish off of."
What campers like
Convenient location: Many RVers appreciate the proximity to major attractions. "This is not a rural campground. It's a centrally located campground in the Metro St. Louis area. It's close to interstates and it's a short drive across the river to Missouri attractions," explains one visitor about Cahokia RV Parque.
Helpful staff: Campground personnel regularly receive positive mentions. A guest at Archway RV Park commented, "I called a day in advance and was able to schedule a reservation, the lady on the phone was very nice. Upon arrival I was greeted nicely and checked in quickly."
Security measures: Many parks provide gated access for added security. "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," notes one camper about Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Many RV parks in the region experience noise from transportation infrastructure. "You are on the final approach for the airport, so I'll could be a lil noisy for some," explains a reviewer at Sundermeier RV Park, while another notes, "There is train noise but we couldn't hear it with the air conditioners running."
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more space between RVs than others. A visitor to Kamper Kompanion RV Park shared, "Easy pull thru site with 40' and toad. Basically a big open flat field with sites and building spread throughout."
Wiring concerns: Some parks have electrical issues that require precautions. One experienced camper warned, "DO NOT use the 30A receptacles here unless you have a surge protector with an Electrical Management System (EMS) that explicitly confirms correct wiring before connecting your RV."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Some parks offer dedicated play areas. "There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location. Great place to stop traveling through or for a weekend," notes a guest at Archway RV Park.
Consider pet policies: Most parks welcome pets but have specific rules. As one Kamper Kompanion RV Park visitor mentioned, "Quiet, family friendly, and great for our dogs. We love the dog yard!"
Check pool availability: During summer months, pools provide relief from heat. "The grounds, pool, laundry, and bathrooms were all in excellent repair and clean. The park was quiet, but very family friendly," shared a camper at Scott AFB FamCamp.
Tips from RVers
Verify hookup locations: Some parks have unusual utility placement. At Draft Kings 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."
Check leveling requirements: Not all sites are completely level. A Scott AFB FamCamp visitor advised, "A lot of spots are not level, so come prepared. Some spots are shaded. Some spots are in full sun."
Consider seasonal operations: Some campground amenities change with seasons. As one camper noted, "You are only kinda close to the golf course which being Illinois the golf course and golf course cafe run seasonally by days and various hours depending on what month of the year."
