Best Campgrounds near West Alton, MO

Camping options near West Alton, Missouri are situated along the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, offering a mix of established campgrounds and recreation areas. St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with full hookups, while Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers year-round camping about 30 minutes north of West Alton. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground, located southeast across the Mississippi River in Illinois, features more primitive camping opportunities with basic amenities at affordable rates.

Access to most campgrounds in this region varies seasonally, with several sites like St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA operating from March through November while others such as Pere Marquette State Park remain open year-round. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. The region experiences hot, humid summers and occasionally severe spring storms that may affect camping conditions. Several campgrounds in industrial areas present unique settings. A visitor noted, "When you first pull down the road you'll be worried you're going to end up in the train yard, but the campground is hidden and actually really quiet and secluded."

Campers consistently mention the mixed urban-rural experience that characterizes camping in this area. Proximity to St. Louis attractions serves as a primary draw for many visitors seeking developed campgrounds with amenities. Horseshoe Lake State Park receives positive reviews for its affordability and natural setting, with a camper noting it costs "only $8 a night" with "clean and well-kept spots." Train noise affects several campgrounds near Granite City, though many visitors find the convenience to urban attractions worth the occasional disruption. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist particularly at Horseshoe Lake, which becomes especially notable during waterfowl migration seasons. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, though primitive camping options with fewer amenities are available for those seeking a more basic experience.

Best Camping Sites Near West Alton, Missouri (71)

    1. St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA

    13 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 931-5160

    "Conveniently located just outside of St Louis. We camped here for a trip to the city for St Louis cardinals game and zoo. My kids loved the jumping pillow at the park."

    "It's not in the prettiest location, very industrial and the train tracks run close. First night one came through blowing its horns around 5am."

    2. Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Brussels, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 786-3323

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Pere Marquette Campground is a little gym, just past Grafton, Missouri. It is located in the Great River Road, and within 10 minutes to restaurants and bars."

    "Great little campground just outside of Grafton, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. The campground is located in an open grove of old trees. There were owls when we were there."

    3. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

    26 Reviews
    St. Charles, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 387-5253

    $35 - $60 / night

    "I've been to 370 Lakeside Park many times to walk around the huge lake and to hear concerts in the summer, but I had never camped there. Still haven't. I'll explain."

    "All hookups were conveniently located. Shower house and restrooms were clean and well maintained/cleaned every day. Had a lakefront site but didn’t get to fish this time."

    4. Sundermeier RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Earth City, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 940-0111

    $56 - $61 / night

    "You can literally be parked right at the Katy Trail. Through the gate at the rear of the campground, and you can bike for miles. Easy ride in to St."

    "We were able to park next to our 5th wheel with enough room to not feel crowded while using the picnic bench. Also the site was level. We stayed for a week to enjoy St. Louis, St."

    5. Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 777-0777

    $65 / night

    "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."

    6. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Collinsville, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 931-0270

    "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."

    7. Cahokia RV Parque

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 332-7700

    "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."

    "The spots are roomy enough, given that you’re situated less than 15 miles from downtown St. Louis. The picnic tables and fire rings are nice additions and the lots appear to be level (ours was.)"

    8. MGM Campground

    2 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 797-2820

    "Nice little lake(catch and release I believe). Surrounded by nature, lots of grass and trees, great for dog owners. Spacious spots."

    9. Town and Country Lakes

    1 Review
    Hartford, IL
    10 miles

    "It’s a beautiful place with good people but could definitely use some updating on the playground, signage, and drive."

    10. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 458-3813

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near West Alton, MO

447 Reviews of 71 West Alton Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    Resort quality campground

    Very nice park. This is a big busy campground they have plenty of staff to handle the rush. Level concrete sites with FHU will definitely stay here again

  • M
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Carlyle lake

    Great for Boating and Open Camping in Illinois

    The main draw here is the water itself. With great opportunities for fishing and boating, it's an ideal destination for anglers and families with small boats. The nearby Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area provides convenient camping and shoreline access, making it easy to turn your visit into a weekend trip.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Dam West Campground

    Beautiful campground at a minimum $

    This campground is heavenly and peaceful. Lots of migrant waterfowl. Pelicans, egrets, blue herons….

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Fun Little Getaway

    Pere Marquette Campground is a little gym, just past Grafton, Missouri. It is located in the Great River Road, and within 10 minutes to restaurants and bars. There is a Lodge located next door which also serves a wonderful breakfast.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful

    Cuivre River State Park Campground delivers a lovely, rustic camping experience framed by woods, wildlife, and water. With a variety of site types and decent amenities, it’s ideal for families or solo campers seeking tranquility. Just be selective about your site—some offer better privacy and facilities than others.

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Purina Farms

    PWD National Specialty

    Stayed the week for the PWD National Specialty trials. Convenient, clean, and solid FHUs.

    "Please note that RV reservations are only accepted for those entered(or those who have dogs/cats entered) in an event that has contracted space, which includes the overnight camping lots."

  • Natasha T.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Very clean place with reasonable prices. price

    They were so accommodating. Even on the phone I didnt feel like a burden

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Hamel IL 578

    Good for a truck stop, busy and loud

    Easy reservation system online. $60 is a bit pricey for one night. Electricity and water at each spot which are concrete slabs. Typical super busy truck stop with bright lights and lots of action but safe and convenient.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Klondike Park

    Love it

    Second time camping here. Much better spot this time, since I could pull right up to the spot, site 26. Last time we were in spot 22. 22 is a long ways from the bathroom and parking lot. The trails are great, the shower house is really nice, lake is beautiful. Will definitely be back.


Guide to West Alton

Camping spots near West Alton, Missouri border both the Illinois and Missouri sides of the Mississippi River, with several locations offering electric hookups for $8-23 per night depending on the season. The region sits at the confluence of two major rivers, creating unique waterfowl viewing opportunities during migration seasons. Winter camping options remain available at several year-round parks, though water access may be limited during freezing conditions.

What to do

Hiking and wildlife viewing: Pere Marquette State Park Campground offers challenging trails with scenic river overlooks. A camper noted, "Pere Marquette has many options for your stay... The hiking is worth the effort. The views from the bluffs are gorgeous" while another mentioned "We did a 7 mile loop that led us to an amazing overlook."

Fishing opportunities: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides lakeside fishing within a city park setting. "This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," one visitor reported. The park also offers paddle boat and bike rentals for additional recreation options.

Explore historic areas: Located near the Lewis and Clark expedition starting point, camping in this region provides access to significant historical sites. One camper at Pere Marquette noted, "The Lewis & Clark expedition started nearby," making these campgrounds good bases for history enthusiasts.

What campers like

Affordability of primitive camping: Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its low cost. A camper mentioned, "Peaceful tent camping on Walkers Island at $8 per day" while another noted it's "Great spot and great value" with "access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."

Security features: Several campgrounds provide enhanced security measures. At 370 Lakeside Park, a reviewer appreciated that "Staff on duty at all hours is awesome!" while another observed that the park has "24 hour on site security."

Seasonal amenities: Sundermeier RV Park offers direct access to recreational paths. A visitor pointed out, "You can literally be parked right at the Katy Trail. Through the gate at the rear of the campground, and you can bike for miles."

What you should know

Industrial setting of some campgrounds: Many camping areas are located in urban or industrial zones. A review of St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA mentioned it's "not in the prettiest location, very industrial and the train tracks run close. First night one came through blowing its horns around 5am."

Limited amenities at state parks: Babler State Park has seasonal restrictions on facilities. A visitor reported, "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip."

Flooding concerns: Some campgrounds experience periodic closures due to river conditions. A camper noted about 370 Lakeside Park: "One of the downsides to this location is that it is prone to flooding. It was out of commission for most of the summer of 2019 as the entire area was flooded."

Tips for camping with families

Playground options: Several parks offer child-friendly facilities. At Casino Queen RV Park, a visitor mentioned there's a "Small play area for kids," making it suitable for families despite its urban setting.

Educational opportunities: Babler State Park provides interpretive programs. A reviewer highlighted that "There is a visitor center with exhibits and an amphitheater in the campground where interpretive programs are held."

Urban adventure base: Cahokia RV Parque serves as a convenient hub for city attractions. A camper stated, "We camped here for a trip to the city for St Louis cardinals game and zoo. My kids loved the jumping pillow at the park."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for privacy: At Pere Marquette State Park Campground, RVers should choose sites carefully. A camper advised, "Not all sites are long enough for large RVs and the roads in some loops prevent you from turning around."

Utility placement: Casino Queen RV Park has unusual hookup configurations. A visitor 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."

Road access considerations: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating busy traffic. One KOA visitor cautioned, "A little sketchy getting off east bound ramp then having to cross three lanes of traffic to make a left hand turn at the first light. Entrance to campground is tight, swing wide."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near West Alton, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, West Alton, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near West Alton, MO and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near West Alton, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Alton, MO is St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA with a 3.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near West Alton, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near West Alton, MO.