St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Heaven!
This park is very well kept, the natural lake is completely surrounded by a paved trail to bike, run, or walk on! They have a fenced in dog park and level sites!
Cahokia RV Parque accepts pets at all accommodation types including cabins, RV sites, and tent camping areas near Valmeyer, Illinois. The full-hookup sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with specific pet-friendly amenities throughout the grounds. Washington State Park Campground and St. Francois State Park also welcome dogs, featuring designated pet exercise areas and clearly marked pet waste stations. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Valmeyer, Illinois. The park maintains a clean environment for pet owners, with several reviewers noting the well-kept grounds despite the proximity to urban areas. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies requiring dogs to be secured at all times outside of designated off-leash areas.
Dog-friendly trails surround many of these campgrounds, with Washington State Park offering several hiking paths suitable for leashed pets. Seasonal considerations affect pet comfort, particularly during summer months when early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid hot gravel and asphalt surfaces. The RV parks provide grassy areas between sites for quick pet relief, though spaces can be tight at some locations. Wildlife encounters remain a concern, requiring proper pet supervision to prevent unwanted interactions with local fauna. Dog owners traveling to the area should pack portable water bowls for trail use, as water sources may be limited on some paths. Local veterinary services are available in neighboring communities for emergency care.
"Pet-friendly, full hookups, space for our larger rig and parking around for extra vehicle. Laundry and propane on site. Spaces were a little close together, but minutes from downtown St."
"Lots of dogs tied up, but with owners nearby. Some still “bolt” at you when you walk by. Could be less littered. Our site had lots of litter when we pulled in."
$65 / night
"70 per night, plus $20 pet fee and $5 reservation fee. Stayed two nights passing through to visit Gateway Arch National Park. Casino is pretty old looking on the outside."
"I haves stayed at Casino Queen RV Park several times..It’s always very clean and I always feel very safe..it’s easy clean in and clean out…you have to have a code to get into the gate..pets are allowed"
"pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"
"We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"
"The park is known for its well-groomed trails, which are used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike."
"Well taken care of and close to the city. Trails range from a short walk to an endless combination."
$35 - $60 / night
"This park is very well kept, the natural lake is completely surrounded by a paved trail to bike, run, or walk on! They have a fenced in dog park and level sites!"
"Large grassy camp sites, dog park and clean restrooms/shower house. Lake is very pretty and great staff."
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."
"Nice little lake to fish in and areas to walk around in."
"We were close to the playground though, which had bright lights at night and loud kids - I would avoid that area next time."
"It’s about a 30-40 min drive to the arch from campground Sites were all gravel, fire pits were poorly placed and frequently it fell under someone else’s slide or trailer."
"Doesn't allow pets for tent sites"
"Pet runs clean and in good shape. Good air signal for tv."












This park is very well kept, the natural lake is completely surrounded by a paved trail to bike, run, or walk on! They have a fenced in dog park and level sites!
This was our first trip together in our new camper. It was a little rough assessing the place thru the website but the reviews swayed us. There are walking paths all around and a beautiful lake /clubhouse area. Super people running the place and of course other campers were so helpful. We took our 2 dogs and would have loved a little more grass for their paws as the entire camping area is rough gravel. We’re hoping for a dog park in the future....? The lake has many easy entrances for swimmers near the club house - broad steps or large boulder for the more adventurous. Can be a bit slippery tho so bring your water shoes. Kids seemed to have little problem. Saturday night there was live music. Just a single guy with a guitar but great choice of music and great singing voice. Had a great 2 days. We plan to come back.
This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west. We stayed 2 nights to have a day to visit the Gateway Arch. The pool and playground seemed nice even though we didn’t use them. Nice dog park for smaller dogs. Several cabins are available along with RV sites. The tent sites are next to a river under large trees. Plenty of spaces for big rigs. Our site was no very level but nothing our auto-leveling couldn’t handle.
Large grassy camp sites, dog park and clean restrooms/shower house. Lake is very pretty and great staff.
Nice, clean campground, level pull-through sites - ours had a paver-patio and grill, a lot of shade throughout, dog park, and a creek to explore. This was our 2nd time here. Close to Saint Louis, Six Flags, and hiking.
We had a beautiful campsite with soft grassy ground. We did have a mole or something burrowing around so you had to watch for loose dirt clods but that was NBD. The site had a picnic table and fire ring. There were pit toilets, no showers. Spigots throughout the area. Within walking distance of the river and trail access. Beautiful hiking on the bluffs above the river. The hosts were really friendly. There was also a very cute and very friendly kitty running around the area hunting grasshoppers. He hung out for some pets and cuddles then wandered off for some more adventure. I kind of want to be that cat. ^_^
Easy off I-370, campground is new and large. It is on a lake with bike trails, kayak rental, and kids splash pad. Staff were helpful. I received about 5 pieces of paper when checking in. You need a code to get into the dog park. Shopping nearby. Used this as a base to visit historic St Charles.
This is a KOA, so you know what to expect. Pull through, level sites, lots of shade, dog park, pool, and a creek are all here. Have been here before, will be back!
Campground review:
Once googling local campsites at the last minute for a weekend getaway with both dogs, we came route 66 campground. They have a dog park, rv hookup sites, electric tent sites and primitive sites. We stayed at a primitive tent site with both dogs. Site t13, which unfortunately was one of the very few camp spots with zero trees so we're unable to use our hammock. (Most of the other sites had great trees for hammock setups). Other amenities on the campground included a heated pool, bike rentals, basketball courts, a country store for firewood, supplies, and gift shop. Needless to say this was not a "roughing" it type campground. For the dogs though, we were right across from the creek to take them down to play. Also, kids were catching crawdads! Great campsite that is pet friendly and very family friendly!
Product review:
Ledlenser mh10
This headlamp first of all comes with a 7 year warrantly(must register the product)! On top of that all these features: a rechargeable battery with a USB port. Rapid focus system with 2 tough button on headlamp to adjust lighting. The strap is very easy to adjust and fit to comfort, lightweight despise the battery pack attached to the headlamp. The lighting is phenomenal! You also get a green and red additional glass lense that you can screw into the front of your lense for any activity and not disturb others with a bright white light. Me, howsoever, I was able to on this camping trip, use the headlamp to continue to play a game of cornhole... and winter, might I add.. thanks to my headlamp for optimal vision;). Included are some pictures of how bright and fitting the headlamp is. I was highly impressed! Never once did it slip... which I have struggled with in many headlamps that it seems the lamp is too heavy and slowly makes its way down your forehead. The Ledlenser stays in place and is very comfortable! Also, doesn't leave that weird band line on your head... at least I didn't experience it like I have on others. Very impressed overall!
Valmeyer, Illinois sits in the Mississippi River floodplain at approximately 400 feet elevation, characterized by limestone bluffs and hardwood forests that create natural boundaries between campsites. During summer months, temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring camping offers milder conditions with abundant wildlife activity. Several campgrounds in the area provide special accommodations for pet owners beyond standard leash policies.
Fishing at multiple access points: St. Francois State Park Campground offers river access with designated fishing areas. "The park is big and has several picnic and swimming areas. The hiking trails are a few of my favorites in MO," notes Kristen R., who appreciated the park's proximity to swimming holes.
Cave exploration opportunities: Nearby Meramec State Park Campground features guided cave tours that reveal underground formations. "Pay the extra for the caves tour! Down the road there's an old iron foundry and a historic cemetery to explore," recommends Lynn G., highlighting additional historical sites in the area.
Mountain biking on maintained trails: The trail system at Greensfelder County Park includes routes designed specifically for mountain biking enthusiasts. Lucas M. explains, "The park is known for its well-groomed trails, which are used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike. Plenty of stables surround the area, where you may rent a horse and go for a stroll through the woods."
Access to metro attractions: Casino Queen RV Park provides secure camping with urban conveniences. "Great location for the arch or downtown visit. We felt safe in a rough looking area of STL. Big rig friendly," writes Cody B., mentioning the security features that made their stay comfortable despite the urban setting.
Shaded camp areas: Hawn State Park Campground offers sites nestled under pine trees. "Hawn is a lovely park just south of the city a few clicks. It's tucked away into the trees with ample shade and options for backpacking, backcountry hiking," says Gonzo A., noting the variety of camping styles available.
Pet-specific amenities: Multiple campgrounds provide designated pet exercise areas separate from hiking trails. Tom B. from Cahokia RV Parque mentions, "The staff are friendly, the facility is clean and professional. Will stay again since I am in St. Louis every month," appreciating the consistent maintenance that benefits pet owners.
Seasonal considerations: Summer camping requires extra planning for pet comfort. Roger G. notes about Cahokia RV Parque, "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."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby attractions or transportation. "The park is close to some motorsports arena which had loud events (drag racing?) during the entire weekend we were there. If you appreciate peaceful days and nights, check out the racing schedule first," warns Mats about St. Francois State Park.
Site spacing variations: Washington State Park Campground offers sites with different privacy levels. April D. observed, "This ground is very well kept and is perfect for tent camping. The only downfall is the amount trees. Although the sites are very large, flat, and easy, you can see everyone's business because there is maybe 1 tree in between each site."
Family activities beyond hiking: Washington State Park Campground offers educational opportunities around Native American history. Phil W. shares, "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," highlighting cultural attractions suitable for children.
Playground availability: Kelsey R. found Cahokia RV Parque accommodating for younger campers, noting, "Oh and an awesome playground for the kids!" which provides an alternative activity when children need a break from hiking or exploring.
Swimming access considerations: Different parks offer varying water access points. According to Kristen R., St. Francois State Park has "decent camping sites and they are right next to the river and swimming holes," providing convenient places for families to cool off during hot days.
Hookup placements: Casino Queen RV Park has unique utility configurations. Josh F. 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."
Reservation systems: Matthew H. reports about Greensfelder County Park, "Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved," providing specific information about which sites work best for RVs requiring electrical hookups.
Site leveling needs: RVers at Robertsville State Park should prepare for uneven grounds. Montt B. cautions, "The lots are pretty uneven so make sure you bring plenty of cribbing. The spaces are electric only, so if you are wanting full hookups you better look elsewhere."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Valmeyer, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Valmeyer, IL is Cahokia RV Parque with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Valmeyer, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 63 dog-friendly camping locations near Valmeyer, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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