RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Chester, IL
55 campgrounds and RV Parks near Chester, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
55 campgrounds
4081 campsites
16 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Chester, IL
Randolph County State Conservation Area
Chester, IL (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(8 sites)
Rolling Hills - Randolph County State Recreation Area
Chester, IL (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Fort Kaskaskia SHS
Illinois (6 miles away)
(32 sites)
Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park and Campground
Perryville, MO (10 miles away)
Perryville RV Resort
Perryville, MO (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(129 sites)
+13
Lake Campalot
Percy, IL (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
World Shooting and Recreational Complex
Sparta, IL (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(1001 sites)
Pyramid State Recreation Area
Pinckneyville, IL (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(54 sites)
+4
Hawn State Park
Missouri (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+5
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Murphysboro, IL (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(74 sites)
+5
Kaskaskia River Camping & RV Park
New Athens, IL (28 miles away)
Lonely Oaks - Washington County State Recreation Area
Nashville, IL (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Toilets Pet friendly Tables Dump station Showers Grills Laundry Playground Firewood Hiking
Campgrounds near Chester, Illinois
Chester sits on bluffs above the Mississippi River in Randolph County, southern Illinois, about an hour and a half southeast of St. Louis. The town is best known as the hometown of Popeye creator E.C. Segar, and it serves as a practical base for RV travelers exploring the Great River Road and historic sites on both sides of the river.
Most camping in the immediate area is state-run and geared toward tent and small-to-mid-size RV setups. Randolph County State Conservation Area and Rolling Hills - Randolph County State Recreation Area sit about five miles northeast of town around a 65-acre lake, offering Class BE electric sites, Class C sites with water and sewer, primitive sites, an equestrian area, and a group camp. Fort Kaskaskia SHS, on the bluff overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia rivers, has a mix of primitive tent sites and 32 electrified sites.
Private options nearby include Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park and Campground and, across the river in Missouri, Perryville RV Resort, which give travelers full-hookup alternatives when state park loops are full.
Things to do around Chester
The Popeye Character Trail is the town's signature attraction: a self-guided walk to bronze and granite statues of Popeye, Olive Oyl, Wimpy, Bluto and other Thimble Theatre characters scattered through downtown. Start at the Chester Welcome Center at Segar Memorial Park, where the original Popeye statue overlooks the Mississippi and the Chester Bridge, then visit Spinach Can Collectibles, the shop-and-museum that anchors the trail.
For history, Fort Kaskaskia SHS preserves the earthworks of the 18th-century French fort and offers a bluff-top view of Kaskaskia Island, with a footpath down to the Pierre Menard Home. The Kaskaskia Bell Shrine, reached by crossing into Missouri, houses a bell cast in 1741. Nearby Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area has trails to Native American petroglyphs, and a short drive north leads to the Mary's River Covered Bridge.
Camping spots and RV parks near Chester, IL
Seasonal patterns and when to visit
- spring
March - May
68° / 46°F 111 mmWettest season; thunderstorms and river-level swings
- summer
June - August
88° / 66°F 96 mmHot and humid; state park sites fill on weekends
- fall
September - November
70° / 48°F 98 mmMild; peak color and Popeye Picnic weekend crowds
- winter
December - February
45° / 27°F 73 mmCold with occasional snow; reduced state park services
Chester has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Spring brings the wettest stretch of the year, with May averaging the highest monthly rainfall and thunderstorms common through the Mississippi Valley. Trails and lake edges can be muddy, and river levels sometimes affect access to bottomland sites near Fort Kaskaskia.
Summer is warm, humid, and busy. State park campgrounds fill on weekends, especially around holidays and the Popeye Picnic weekend held the weekend after Labor Day, when new character statues are unveiled and downtown draws heavy crowds. Book state park sites well ahead for these dates. Heat indexes into the 90s Fahrenheit are common in July and August.
Fall is the most comfortable window for RV travel, with cooler nights, lower humidity, and strong color along the bluffs. Winter is cold with occasional snow; some state facilities reduce services, walk-in check-in is more common, and freezing overnight temperatures mean unwinterized hookups may be unreliable.
How to book campgrounds near Chester
Illinois state park sites, including Randolph County State Conservation Area, Rolling Hills - Randolph County State Recreation Area, and Fort Kaskaskia SHS, are reserved through the state's ExploreMoreIL system. First-time users set up an account with a valid email, and a valid Illinois camping pass is required to reserve a site. Phone support is available through the state reservation contact center.
Not every site is reservable. At Randolph County, some sites are reservable in advance while others remain first-come, first-served. At Fort Kaskaskia SHS, primitive sites and basic electric sites 25 through 29 are walk-in only, with payment by cash or check to park staff or the drop box at the site office.
Private parks such as Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park and Campground and Perryville RV Resort take direct reservations through their own websites or phone.
What to expect on site
State park campgrounds around Chester are rustic by RV-resort standards. Randolph County offers gravel pads with mature tree shade, though spacing between sites is tight, and there are vault or basic bathrooms rather than showers. A dump station sits about a mile before the main campground entrance, so top off water and dump before turning in. Class C loops have water and sewer at the site; Class BE loops are electric only.
Fort Kaskaskia SHS is smaller and quieter, with large level sites, a mid-campground water spigot, water at the dump station, and vault toilets. Cell coverage is generally usable but not strong. Sites 22 and 24 are ADA accessible with concrete pads.
Private parks nearby typically provide full hookups, longer pull-throughs, and Wi-Fi, better suited to larger rigs and longer stays.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Chester, IL
How much does an RV rental in Chester, IL typically cost?
Good news: an RV rental in Chester, IL is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Mississippi River bluffs and Popeye's hometown. On RVezy, travel trailers in the Chester area typically run $90 to $175 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $295, and campervans land somewhere in between. Booking midweek or in the shoulder months of April, May, or October usually shaves 15 to 25 percent off summer pricing. Pro tip: avoid the weekend after Labor Day when the Popeye Picnic packs the town and nightly rates climb fast. Filter by 'Instant Book' and message a few hosts to compare add-ons like generators or bedding bundles for the best cheap RV rental Chester, IL deal.
enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/visit-popeye-the-sailor-man-in-chester/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Chester, IL?
Great news for first-timers: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Chester, IL. Illinois does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for any of the motorhomes or travel trailers listed on RVezy, even larger Class A rigs used recreationally. RVezy's approved driver requirements generally ask renters to be at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license, verified through the platform during booking. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Pick up an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country's auto association before you fly. Most renters are pleasantly surprised by how simple it is, you can be browsing listings tonight and on the road through Randolph County by next weekend.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included with my Chester, IL RV rental?
You're covered from the moment you hit the road. Every RV rental in Chester, IL booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built right into the booking, no separate calls or paperwork required. During checkout you'll choose from multiple protection levels (Essential, Standard, or Premium), so you can match the coverage to your comfort zone whether you're parked at Randolph County State Recreation Area or crossing the Chester Bridge into Missouri. Each plan covers damage to the RV up to its stated limit and includes roadside assistance for things like flat tires, lockouts, and tows. Review the plan details on RVezy before booking so you know exactly what's covered on your Chester RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Chester, IL RV trip?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy (not individual hosts) sets the cancellation policy for every Chester, IL booking, and the policy is consistent across the platform rather than displayed on each listing. The exact refund depends on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date, and RVezy's support team is available before, during, and after your trip to help if plans change. If a host needs to cancel, RVezy provides a refund or travel credit to the guest. You can review the full cancellation policy on the RVezy Help Center, then book your motorhome rental Chester with confidence and plan the Popeye Character Trail later.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Chester, IL RV trip?
Absolutely, Chester is a tail-wagging dream. Many RVezy hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental in Chester, IL, just toggle the 'Pet-Friendly' filter to see them instantly. Once you arrive, leashed dogs are welcome at Randolph County State Recreation Area's lake trails just a few miles northeast of town, and most Shawnee National Forest campgrounds allow leashed pets too. The Popeye Character Trail through downtown Chester is entirely outdoors, so your pup can pose with Bluto and Wimpy alongside you. Pro tip: message your host about any pet cleaning fee before booking so there are no surprises at pickup, then enjoy RV camping Chester with the whole family.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park/randolph-county.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campground near Chester, IL?
Yes, and it's a game changer for first-timers. RV delivery in Chester, IL is offered by many RVezy hosts in the area, they'll tow the trailer or drive the motorhome straight to your site at Randolph County State Recreation Area, a Shawnee National Forest campground, or a private property along the Mississippi. The host levels the rig, connects water and electric where available, and walks you through every system before handing over the keys. Delivery fees vary by host and distance, and some hosts offer free delivery within a set radius of Chester. Message your host directly from the listing page to confirm delivery to your exact campsite, then show up, unpack, and start your adventure.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chester%2C%20ILHow far can I drive on a Chester, IL RV trip?
Plenty far, Chester sits at a sweet spot for road trips. From a Chester, IL RV trip basecamp you can reach St. Louis, MO in about 75 miles (around 90 minutes), Ste. Genevieve, MO in roughly 30 minutes across the Mississippi, Shawnee National Forest's Garden of the Gods in about 2.5 hours east, Memphis, TN in around 4.5 hours south, and Nashville, TN in about 5.5 hours. Mileage allowances are set per listing, with many RVezy hosts including 100 to 150 free miles per night and some offering RV rental with unlimited mileage, especially for longer bookings. Pro tip: ask your host about an unlimited mileage upgrade if you're planning a multi-state loop, it often pays for itself on a longer trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chester%2C%20ILWhere are the best campgrounds near Chester, IL?
You've got real gems within minutes. The standout is Randolph County State Recreation Area, just a few miles northeast of Chester, with campsites including electric and full-hookup loops around a 65-acre lake. South in Shawnee National Forest, Pine Hills Campground and Turkey Bayou Campground sit near the Big Muddy River and offer a quieter, more rustic experience. About an hour east, Lake Glendale Recreation Area has electric sites, drinking water, and a dump station. Across the Mississippi, Hawn State Park in Missouri offers wooded sites and excellent trails about 45 minutes from Chester. Book Randolph County sites through the Illinois DNR's ExploreMoreIL reservation system as early as possible for summer weekends and the Popeye Picnic.
camp.exploremoreil.com/When is the best time to visit Chester, IL in an RV?
Late April through early June and mid-September through October are the sweet spots. Spring brings 60 to 75°F days, blooming dogwoods along the Mississippi bluffs, and fewer bugs. Fall delivers brilliant oak-hickory color across Randolph County and Shawnee National Forest, with crisp 50 to 70°F afternoons perfect for the Popeye Character Trail. Summer (June through August) gets hot and humid, often 85 to 95°F with high humidity, so look for an RV with strong air conditioning. Winters dip to 25 to 45°F and some campgrounds close, but Randolph County SRA stays open year-round. Insider tip: the weekend after Labor Day is the Popeye Picnic, magical for fans but book your motorhome rental Chester at least three months ahead.
weather.gov/pah/I've never driven an RV, will I be okay around Chester?
You'll do great, Chester is genuinely one of the easier places to learn. Your RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering driving, leveling, hookups, the propane system, and the dump procedure, you're never left guessing. The roads around Chester are mostly flat or gently rolling, with Illinois Route 3 and Route 150 offering wide lanes and light traffic compared to any major metro. The Chester Bridge over the Mississippi is two lanes and easy in any rig. If you're nervous, request delivery so your first time renting an RV doesn't include a highway drive. Take your first turn at the Randolph County SRA loop roads, by day two you'll feel like a pro.
idot.illinois.gov/What happens if something goes wrong on the road near Chester, IL?
Help is one call away, day or night. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance through the renter protection plan, so whether you've got a flat outside Chester on Route 3, a dead battery at a Shawnee National Forest campground, or a tow need on I-57, a real person is ready to dispatch help. RVezy's support team is also available before, during, and after your trip for anything booking related, and your host is usually reachable through the RVezy app, they know their rig inside out. Insider tip: save the roadside number in your phone before leaving Chester, it takes 30 seconds and means total peace of mind.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Chester, IL RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, cross-state travel is one of the best parts of an RV road trip from Chester, IL. The Chester Bridge puts you in Missouri in minutes, opening up Ste. Genevieve, the Ozarks, and St. Louis. Most hosts welcome travel through neighboring states like Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Cross-border travel into Canada is allowed on some bookings but depends on the specific host and protection plan, message your host before booking to confirm. One important note: travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Popular cross-border loops include Chester to the Great Smoky Mountains via Nashville, or up the Mississippi to Hannibal, MO.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on a Chester RV trip?
Easier on the wallet than you'd expect. Class C motorhomes around Chester average 8 to 12 miles per gallon, campervans get 16 to 20 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle, usually 10 to 14 MPG combined. Gas prices in Randolph County typically run a bit below the national average, with stations on Illinois Route 3 and along I-57 near Marion offering competitive rates. For a 4-night, 400-mile loop through Shawnee National Forest in a Class C, expect roughly $130 to $180 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Sparta or Red Bud before heading into the forest, prices climb at the rural stations near Garden of the Gods and Pomona Natural Bridge.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book campgrounds near Chester, IL?
Earlier than you think, but it's easy once you know the system. Randolph County State Recreation Area takes reservations through the Illinois DNR's ExploreMoreIL platform, and electric sites for summer weekends and the Popeye Picnic weekend (the weekend after Labor Day) often fill up several months in advance. Many Shawnee National Forest campgrounds like Pine Hills and Turkey Bayou are first-come, first-served, so arrive Thursday for a weekend spot. Private parks near Chester typically book a month or two ahead in summer. Insider tip: midweek arrivals at Randolph County SRA often score walk-up sites even in July, and you'll have the 65-acre lake practically to yourself at sunrise.
camp.exploremoreil.com/What are the driving conditions like around Chester, IL?
Refreshingly mellow. Chester sits on bluffs above the Mississippi, with Illinois Route 3 (the Great River Road) offering wide, scenic two-lane driving along the river. Traffic is light outside of the Popeye Picnic weekend, and there are no mountain passes or major urban hazards. Watch for gentle hills and a few sharp curves as you climb the bluffs leaving town, take them at posted speeds in a tall rig. The Chester Bridge to Missouri is straightforward. Be alert for fog in low-lying areas along the Mississippi at dawn and for occasional spring thunderstorms, May and June can bring strong winds. Insider tip: avoid narrow downtown Chester streets in a Class A, stick to Route 3 and Route 150.
idot.illinois.gov/travel-information/winter-road-conditions.htmlWhat amenities do campgrounds near Chester, IL offer?
More than you'd expect for small-town Southern Illinois. Randolph County State Recreation Area has electric hookup sites, full hookup sites with water, electric and sewer on select loops, frost-free water spigots, a dump station, modern restrooms, playgrounds, and direct lake access for fishing and boating. In Shawnee National Forest, Lake Glendale's Oak Point area offers drinking water and a dump station, while Pine Hills and Turkey Bayou are more rustic. Private parks near Chester often add WiFi, laundry, hot showers, and 50-amp service. Pro tip: top off fresh water at the spigots before pulling into your site, since hookup configurations vary by loop, and confirm shower availability with the campground directly before booking.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park/randolph-county.htmlWhat's inside the RVs available to rent in Chester?
More creature comforts than you'd imagine. A typical campervan rental Chester sleeps 2 to 4 with a convertible bed, mini kitchen with sink and fridge, and often a wet bath. Class C motorhomes sleep 4 to 8 with a queen over the cab, dinette and sofa beds, full kitchen with stove, oven, microwave and fridge, indoor bathroom with shower, and roof A/C. Travel trailers commonly include slide-outs for extra living space, propane heat, and dedicated bedrooms. Most rigs come with seatbelts for everyone driving (a must for the kids), a generator or solar setup, and many include WiFi hotspots or smart TVs. Filter listings by 'Sleeps' count and amenities so your family RV trip Chester checks every box.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/recreational-vehicle-safetyWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Lots of useful extras to customize your trip. Common RVezy add-ons in Chester include bedding and linen packages ($35 to $75), camp chairs and outdoor rugs ($15 to $30), generators for boondocking ($25 to $50/day), kayaks or bikes, and propane tank fills. Most hosts offer pickup from their driveway near Chester, Sparta, or Red Bud, with self-checkin sometimes available. Mileage policies usually include 100 to 150 free miles per night with overage at $0.30 to $0.45 each, ask about unlimited mileage for longer trips. Pro tip: bundle the bedding kit and a generator if you're heading to first-come Shawnee National Forest sites without hookups, you'll thank yourself on the first chilly evening.
fmcsa.dot.gov/How does payment and the security deposit work for a Chester, IL RV rental?
Smooth and predictable, no surprises. When you book an RV rental in Chester, IL through RVezy, you pay securely through the platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment and pre-authorized on your card before pickup, it's a hold rather than a charge, and it's released after the host confirms the RV was returned in good condition. To avoid issues, document the RV's condition with photos at pickup and dropoff, return it on time with the agreed fuel and tank levels, and stay within your mileage and add-on agreement. Then it's just spinach and sailing on your Chester adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
St. Louis, MOPleasant View, TNClarksville, TNOak Grove, KYRobertsville, MOO'Fallon, ILEureka, MOBrentwood, MOPotosi, MOEffingham, ILWest Plains, MOMarshall, ARChampaign, ILMattoon, ILAshland City, TNSaint Charles, MOArnold, MODesloge, MOColumbia, MOPacific, MOAva, MOParis, ILMarthasville, MOMount Vernon, IL