RV parks near Valmeyer, Illinois provide convenient access to both natural areas and urban attractions within driving distance of St. Louis. The Mississippi River floodplain location puts these campgrounds at approximately 400-500 feet elevation with humid continental climate conditions. Most camping options maintain open sites year-round, though winter visitors should expect occasional freezing temperatures from December through February.
What to do
Explore the Katy Trail: Access this popular trail directly from Beyond the Trail RV Park, which borders the path. "The Katy trail is right next to the campground. Forgot your bike? Walk 3 minutes away and rent one. Want to float the Missouri? They have a canoe outfitter on site," notes Annie C.
Visit historic St. Charles: The riverfront district offers unique shopping and dining experiences within biking distance of some campgrounds. "Easy ride in to St. Charles a wonderful historic river town on the Missouri River. Great shops, great restaurants," shares Cheryl K. about staying at Sundermeier RV Park.
Enjoy water recreation: Many parks offer lake access with various boating options. "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," explains Lindsey C. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, which includes rentals for paddleboats, kayaks and canoes.
What campers like
Level concrete pads: Several campgrounds feature solid, well-maintained sites. "Sites are concrete and gravel, very urban camping," describes Josh F. about Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park, adding that while train noise is frequent, the sites themselves are well-built.
Security measures: Many parks implement controlled access systems for visitor safety. "Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful. No frills but a great view of the arch," reports Greg S., also mentioning that reservations at Casino Queen are handled online with gate codes sent via email.
On-site amenities: Pools, playgrounds, and recreational facilities enhance stays at several locations. At Pin Oak RV Park, one camper notes, "A nice private catch and release pond, an old little mini golf setup, a small (but adequate) swimming pool kept the kids busy."
What you should know
Varied site spacing: Expect different privacy levels depending on location within each park. "The spaces 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 on the Roku the whole week," reports Charlie & Danielle B. about Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage.
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities operate limited schedules. While most campgrounds remain open year-round, be aware that staffing may be reduced during off-seasons, with one camper noting, "Office isn't always manned and they don't have much selection of the usual camping accessories" at Beyond the Trail RV Park.
Urban environment impacts: Train noise and highway sounds affect many locations. "You do have to call to make a reservation. You are on the final approach for the airport, so it'll could be a lil noisy for some," explains Brian A. about staying at Sundermeier RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Park amenities for children: Choose campgrounds with dedicated facilities. "The park has planted some trees, but they are really just saplings, so there is no shade yet. There is a nice bathhouse with free showers for the campers and pay laundry," explains Annie C. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park.
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreational choices. "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. about St. Peters' Lakeside.
Weather preparation: Be ready for occasional flooding in lowland areas. Charlie & Danielle note, "While we were there they had a record rainfall amount and the park apparently already has flooding issues... The staff came out while this was happening to warn us of the potential flooding and offered to let us move to another site."
Tips from RVers
Self-service options: Some parks offer automated check-in systems. "You can reserve a site online or just do it when you get there as I did. After paying the power is supposed to be turned on," explains Russell K. about RV Self-Park, adding the park is "very new, neat and clean."
Hookup configurations: Pay attention to utility placement when selecting sites. Josh F. mentions 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."
Extended stay benefits: Some campgrounds offer additional perks for longer reservations. One couple at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park "was camping long term (I think they are permanent RV'ers) and they got a free membership to the St Peter's RecPlex recreation center with their long term spot."
