78 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Waterloo, Illinois range from state parks to private RV facilities, with many situated along rivers and lakes. Within driving distance of Waterloo, campers can access sites like Pere Marquette State Park Campground along the Mississippi River and Washington State Park Campground offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Several campgrounds in the Carlyle Lake area provide electric sites, water access, and scenic views. The region includes a mix of Corps of Engineers facilities, state parks, and privately operated campgrounds with varying levels of amenities.
Seasonal flooding can affect campground accessibility in this region, particularly for sites near the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Many campgrounds require reservations through online systems like Reserve America, especially during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. The area experiences hot, humid summers and occasional spring flooding, with some campgrounds closing seasonally between October and April. Most developed sites offer electric hookups with varying amp services, while water and sewer connections are less common. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near larger towns. A visitor commented, "This park offers playground areas and more. However, there are times this park cannot be accessed because of flooding."
Camping experiences in this region often center around water access and fishing opportunities. Many campgrounds feature concrete or blacktop pads suitable for larger RVs, with some sites offering shade from mature trees. According to one camper, "The park surrounds a very pretty lake" and many sites provide direct water access for fishing, boating, and swimming. Noise levels vary significantly by location, with campgrounds near East St. Louis experiencing more urban sounds including airport, highway, and train noise. Campers seeking quieter experiences generally prefer the more remote state parks and conservation areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with visitors reporting encounters with deer, raccoons, and owls. The Katy Trail provides walking and biking access from some campgrounds to nearby towns, breweries, and historic districts.
"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."
"I compared the park to two others near St. Louis on the Illinois side and found this one to be the most pleasant. Most of the sites are sunny, but some have shade."
"Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70."
"Close to the arch, that’s why we chose this place to stay overnight."
from $65 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
Check Availability"Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."
"This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"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."
"All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice."
"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."
from $15 - $27 / night
Check Availability"We visited in October and were able to hike several great trails in the park and surrounding area. The campsites are nothing special."
"Hawn is my favorite campground close to St. Louis."
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability"You are on the entire opposite side of the base, away from everything, absolutely everything.."
"GREAT location for camping, especially if you run out of items and need to get something close by. Very natural, and amazing views and the feel is spectacular."
"Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."
"Great for taking long walks or bike rides, although very steep hills. Close to St Louis, so you can do some urban exploring."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Surrounded by trees changing colors the fall is beautiful here. The campground has several hiking trails and also river access to go canoeing. You can rent a cabin here as well."
"Friendly staff, outdoor pool, hikes close by and a windy maybe thirty minutes away. Plenty of things to do to keep everyone happy!"
from $12 - $36 / night
Check Availability
GuideThe location to St. Louis is great, and the utility hookups for RV were convenient, but there was ZERO privacy at the sites and hiking trail were extremely limited. Great coverage for Verizon and Starlink.
GuideBeautiful grounds. Paved level sites. Great path around the lake. Wish there were trees
GuideThe grounds are so well maintained. The spaces are level and paved. The path around the lake is awesome. A lot of activities in one location. My only issue is no shade. It’s a newer facility so the trees are not mature.
GuideNice campground with full hookups. Only one row has shade since the campground is so new. Shower house is good. My only negative is the wifi was weak in the two spots I stayed in.
ScoutThis is close to the Arch but not well maintained and security is lacking, No staff onsite and the gate is broken. we heard gunshots at 2 AM and left early the next day.
ScoutWe camped here for 5 nights. It is so clean and well maintained. It’s quietly tucked in along the Mississippi River (except for a train that runs nearby). Nice level concrete pads with electric hookup! Water (not potable) and dump available. It’s close proximity to everything in the St. Louis area can’t be beat!
ScoutSuper family friendly, quiet, clean & everyone who works here is super nice!
LegendGood location close to O'Fallon and Hwy 70. Kind of close to the busy main road running through town. Some long term rigs are there, but look kept up.
ScoutThis camp grown is right on the Kathy trail which is over two hundred and twenty miles of a rail to the trail state park. It is also nestled in a small area with lots of wineries and microbreweries , making it a very nice place to stay for a while. Located only about twenty minutes from a major community with all the amenities you need.
Camping options near Waterloo, IL sit between 400-500 feet in elevation with rolling terrain throughout the region. The area experiences high humidity in summer months with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds in the region don't require advance reservations during weekdays outside summer months, though weekend availability is limited.
Hiking at Hawn State Park: Located about an hour from Waterloo, Hawn State Park Campground offers multiple trail options through pine forests. "The trails are amazing with big boulders and beautiful creeks," notes one camper. Another visitor mentions, "The hiking in this state park is fantastic. The campground is small but well maintained."
Water activities on Big River: Washington State Park provides river access for kayaking and swimming. "My husband and i kayaked here and it was amazing! probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak," reports one visitor. The park sits on Big River, allowing for "some great swimming and fishing," according to another camper.
Explore prehistoric sites: Visit the Native American petroglyphs at Washington State Park Campground. "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," recommends a reviewer. The park is "famous for petroglyphs and other history too. Green rolling hills that would be ideal to visit in the fall."
Peaceful camping settings: Many campers appreciate the quiet surroundings at smaller campgrounds. At Horseshoe Lake State Park, a visitor noted: "First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved. Self service pay system makes it simple, easy, and fast." The park charges just $8 per night for primitive camping.
Convenient city access: Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park offers proximity to downtown St. Louis. "Close to the arch, that's why we chose this place to stay overnight," explains one camper. Another notes it has "Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70."
Shade coverage: Waterloo area campers value tree cover during hot months. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, a visitor commented, "It was a nice campground with tree cover over most of it." Another camper mentioned that "most of the sites are in the shade and are fairly level."
Urban vs. rural experience: Campgrounds closer to St. Louis sacrifice solitude for convenience. At Cahokia RV Parque, a camper observed: "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."
Seasonal closures: Winter camping options are limited, with some facilities closed seasonally. A reviewer at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park noted: "The bathhouse with flush toilets closes November 1 and doesn't open until the spring. During the winter the only water spigot is available located near the camp hosts."
Noise considerations: Train noise affects several campgrounds near Waterloo. At St. Louis West KOA, a camper mentioned: "Close to train tracks and highway, but didn't notice with AC on in the camper." Another reviewer more directly stated: "It will be even better when they invent silent trains."
Look for dedicated amenities: Some campgrounds offer better facilities for children. At St. Francois State Park Campground, "There is a playground, pool and pond area to walk around." The park is "very family friendly" according to multiple reviewers.
Consider site spacing: Some campgrounds have tight sites that may not work well for families. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, a camper observed: "I am not a fan of how small and close together these sites are and during the season they fill up quickly." Look for campgrounds with "spacious sites" instead.
Wildlife education opportunities: At Horseshoe Lake State Park, wildlife viewing becomes an activity itself. "Good fishing, trails and memories waiting to be made," notes one visitor. The park surrounds a natural lake habitat with various wildlife viewing opportunities.
Check site hookup placement: At Casino Queen RV Park, a camper warned: "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 leveling needs: Some campgrounds require extra preparation. At Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage, a visitor noted: "A lot of spots are not level, so come prepared." However, the park does offer "concrete pads, easy hook-ups, good internet, and paved streets."
Gate access procedures: Several campgrounds near Waterloo require security codes. At Casino Queen RV Park, "You need a code to get in the gate, so you must register in advance. It takes you to gates that have been closed for years. So put in Commissary to get on base. Once on base put in FamCamp."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Waterloo, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waterloo, IL is Cahokia RV Parque with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
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