Camping near Perryville, Missouri offers year-round accessibility with most campgrounds open throughout all seasons. The region features rolling hills with elevation changes of 400-700 feet and summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-95°F. Fall camping brings cooler evenings with temperatures dropping to the 40s, requiring appropriate gear for comfort.
What to do
Hiking trails: Trail of Tears State Park Campground provides multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. "Great for hiking! If you want an easy hike it's available but there are an abundance of intermediate trail and a beautiful quarry! Be sure to pay attention to trails because lack of trail markers," notes Livia W.
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Bayou Campground offers free access to fishing spots along the Big Muddy River. Kevin shares, "Perfect campground. Clean, right next on the water, only 2 other groups (~20 sites total), and FREE. Though no trash or showers--only porta-potty."
River watching: Enjoy views of commercial traffic on the Mississippi River at Trail of Tears State Park Campground. "One of the best camping views of the mississippi river! The campsite overlooks the mighty mississippi river and oh what a view it is, watching tugboats move barges up and down," reports Chad H.
Historical exploration: Visit the small museum at the Trail of Tears State Park Visitor Center to learn about Native American tribal migration. As one camper mentions, "Visitor Center has small museum (no admission fee) on the Trail of Tears Native American tribal migration."
What campers like
Shade coverage: Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney features extensive tree canopy for comfortable summer camping. Megan T. states, "Such a clean campground!! There are a ton of big trees and it is really shady. We love our time here."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. At Perryville RV Resort, Christopher B. found that "the bathrooms and camp store were extremely nice," while a camper at Hawn State Park notes, "Great restrooms/showers."
Swimming areas: Lake facilities provide relief during hot summer months. Chad H. mentions, "Also a great sand beach water feature nearby at lake bouton" at Trail of Tears State Park.
Privacy options: Hawn State Park Campground offers more secluded camping experiences. Megan M. describes, "The car camping area is nestled in the middle of a pine filled valley. There's nothing more refreshing than sitting in the evening and hearing the wind whistle through the pines."
What you should know
Train noise: Campgrounds near the Mississippi River experience regular train traffic. "There will be a train that comes through in the middle of the night," warns Eric B. about Trail of Tears State Park, while another camper adds, "Lots of trains, day and night with train horn blaring due to road crossing at campground."
Highway proximity: Some campgrounds are close to interstate highways. Christopher B. mentions about Perryville Campground, "The draw backs for us were how close it was to the interstate, and the fact that it's just not what we're used to when camping."
Pet policy enforcement: While most campgrounds are pet friendly, enforcement varies. Jamey W. observed at Perryville Campground, "We also witnessed dogs being left outside unattended and barking for 20 minutes straight starting at 735am."
Site spacing: At some locations, campsites can be close together. At Randolph County Recreation Area, Rachael G. reports, "The RV sites are very close together, so don't expect privacy or quiet days/evenings at least in the Pine Ridge campground."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Perryville Campground offers recreational facilities designed for children. Never Sitting S. shares, "Decorated for Halloween and very kid friendly. Spots are tight (wouldn't want to be here when the park is full). Nice park for kids, hiking trail and jump pad (trampoline)."
Water recreation: Randolph County State Recreation Area has a lake suitable for family activities. "This is a great little campground with a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating," explains Joel R.
Short hikes: For families with young children, shorter trails are available. Wendy P. mentions, "Campground Has a trail to a hike around lake. Playground was fun and safe. Lake for fishing."
Weekend planning: Reserve campsites well in advance for weekend trips, especially during summer months. Shirlee A. found Randolph County Recreation Area "Very well kept and clean campground...very kid friendly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park & Campground offers full hookups in a more private setting. carisa S. reports, "Perfect star gazing, only 5 to 10 minutes from grocery store & downtown area for drinks & dining, Sunrise & Sunset were beautiful with hilly country views, Plenty of room to pull in our 40ft Motorhome."
Utility connections: Be aware of hookup configurations at some campgrounds. At Trail of Tears State Park, one RVer notes, "Electrical utility connection is on passenger side of the campsite#6. Sewer connection was high above ground so drainage was up hill."
Access considerations: Navigation can be challenging at certain sites. Matthew H. comments about Randolph County Recreation Area, "Tight spots and harsh back up angles. Only 3 paved spots."
Local services: Several campgrounds provide easy access to town amenities. Glenn C. shares about Perryville, "Close to home. Extra clean. Friendly staff. Lots of trees. Drive Through. Easy access off the interstate. Town close by, and a Walmart. Mary J's close by in town (a great little restaurant)."
