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42 campgrounds and RV Parks near Highland, IL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
42 campgrounds
4245 campsites
21 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Highland, IL
Rustic Acres Campgrounds
Illinois (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(135 sites)
+7
Eldon Hazlet State Recreational Area
Carlyle, IL (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(364 sites)
+8
Horseshoe Lake State Park
Granite City, IL (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+6
American Legion Freedom Farm
Freeburg, IL (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(8 sites)
Safari RV Park
East St. Louis, IL (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
Cedarbrook Campground
Mulberry Grove, IL (24 miles away)
St. Louis NE/I-270/Granite City KOA Journey
Granite City, IL (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+5
Timber Trails Campground
Mulberry Grove, IL (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(155 sites)
+5
DraftKings at Casino Queen RV Park
East St. Louis, IL (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(132 sites)
+3
Lazy Days Campground
Litchfield, IL (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(116 sites)
+5
Cahokia RV Parque
Cahokia, IL (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(121 sites)
+6
Kaskaskia River Camping & RV Park
New Athens, IL (31 miles away)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Dump station Showers Tables Grills Playground Laundry Internet Firewood
Camping near Highland, Illinois
Highland sits in Madison County in southwestern Illinois, roughly 35 miles east of St. Louis and within easy reach of Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in the state. The area combines flat farmland, oak and hickory woodlands, and reservoir shoreline, giving RV travelers a mix of full-service private parks and larger public campgrounds tied to state recreation areas.
Within about a 30-mile radius, options range from family-focused resort camping at Rustic Acres Campgrounds near New Douglas to the 328-site Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Recreational Area on the western shore of Carlyle Lake. Horseshoe Lake State Park to the west adds a simpler, no-hookup option closer to the Mississippi River, while smaller stops like American Legion Freedom Farm and Timber Trails Campground serve travelers passing through on interstate corridors.
Interstates 55, 64, and 70 all pass within a short drive of Highland, making the area a practical base for St. Louis day trips or overnight stops on longer Midwest routes.
Things to do near Highland
Water recreation dominates the area. Eldon Hazlet State Recreational Area attracts more than 800,000 visitors annually to camp, boat, fish, hunt, picnic, birdwatch, and hike more than 9 miles of trails, and the area provides fishing for white bass, channel catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass among over 30 species. Sailboat regattas run almost every summer weekend on Carlyle Lake.
Horseshoe Lake State Park offers a quieter alternative when open, with hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing on a 2,400-acre natural lake connected to the Madison County trail network that reaches downtown St. Louis via the Chain of Rocks Bridge.
Families staying at Rustic Acres Campgrounds have access to on-site swimming and fishing lakes, and downtown Highland, Edwardsville, and the St. Louis Gateway Arch are all within an easy drive.
Camping spots and RV parks near Highland, IL
Highland seasonal information
- spring
March - May
64° / 46°F 107 mmWettest season; severe storm and tornado risk peaks.
- summer
June - August
86° / 68°F 99 mmHot and humid; lakeside sites fill on weekends.
- fall
September - November
66° / 48°F 96 mmCool, drier stretches; Eldon Hazlet stays open year-round.
- winter
December - February
40° / 27°F 69 mmCold, driest season; most private parks closed.
The main RV season in this part of Illinois runs from spring through mid-fall. Rustic Acres Campgrounds is typically open from April through October, and private parks like American Legion Freedom Farm and Timber Trails Campground concentrate operations around the same window. Horseshoe Lake State Park's campground is scheduled to run May 1 to September 30 in a normal year, with a maximum stay of 7 days in a 30-day period and no reservations accepted.
Eldon Hazlet State Recreational Area is the outlier for shoulder-season travel: the campground is open year-round, which makes it one of the few electric-hookup options nearby for late-fall or early-spring trips.
Summer weekends, especially around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, book heavily at Carlyle Lake and at family resort parks. Note that access to Chouteau Island at Horseshoe Lake State Park, along with the road to the campground, the campground itself, picnic shelter 3, and the hiking trail, is currently closed for bridge repair and a causeway installation project, so confirm status with IDNR before routing there.
How to book near Highland
Booking varies by operator. For Illinois state park sites, camping reservations are made online through ExploreMoreIL. At Eldon Hazlet, reservations for Class A sites 1-65, the accessible site 93, and shelters are available through ExploreMoreIL with a minimum 3-day advance booking, and maximum stay is 14 nights per 30-day period. The park has a large reservable section plus an extensive first-come, first-served area that often has availability even during busy periods; walk-up campers register with the camp hosts stationed on site.
Horseshoe Lake State Park is walk-up only when open and does not accept reservations. Private parks such as Rustic Acres Campgrounds, American Legion Freedom Farm, and Timber Trails Campground take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone; book holiday weekends several weeks out.
What to expect at Highland campgrounds
Site amenities vary widely. At the Illini Campground in Eldon Hazlet, the main camping area has 328 Class A campsites with 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups, most sites sit within easy walking distance of Carlyle Lake, and there are also 36 Class C sites designated for walk-in tent camping. Facilities include three shower buildings, a dump station at the entrance, water fill stations, and a campground store, plus a swimming pool, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
Expect a more basic experience at Horseshoe Lake State Park: the campground accommodates 26 tent or trailer sites with a sanitary dump station, pit toilets, and water hydrants, and no electric hookups or showers.
Private parks near Highland lean family-oriented, with pull-through sites, full hookups, and organized weekend activities. Cell coverage is generally reliable along the interstate corridors and thins in rural pockets between Carlyle Lake and the Mississippi River.
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 Highland, IL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Highland, IL?
RV rental in Highland is approachable for most budgets. On RVezy, travel trailers typically average around $100 to $150 per night, while motorhomes generally run $175 to $250 per night, depending on size, age, and amenities. Many hosts offer 10 to 20 percent discounts on weekly bookings, which is the easiest way to find a cheap RV rental Highland travelers love. Shoulder season (April, May, September, October) usually brings lower nightly rates and quieter Madison County campgrounds. Booking 2 to 3 months ahead of summer helps lock in better pricing before Memorial Day and Madison County Fair demand peaks. Use the price filter and weekly discount sort on RVezy to spot the best deals fast.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Highland%2C%20IllinoisDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Highland, IL?
Good news: for the vast majority of RV rentals in Highland, IL, your regular driver's license is all you need. Illinois exempts personal-use recreational vehicles from Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements, and the campervans, Class C motorhomes, and travel trailers most popular on RVezy fall well under Illinois' 16,000-pound Class D weight threshold. To rent an RV in Illinois through RVezy, you must be at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license, and you'll confirm your ID right inside the platform during booking. Out-of-state visitors are covered too: Illinois recognizes your home-state license. Heads up: a few extra-large Class A motorhomes may exceed 16,000 lbs GVWR, so just check the listing or message the host.
ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/drivers_license/classes.htmlWhat protection comes with my Highland, IL RV rental?
You're covered from the moment you book. Every RV rental in Highland through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head toward Silver Lake or the Mississippi River bluffs with peace of mind. The protection plan helps cover physical damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose your coverage tier at checkout, not the host. That means clear, transparent options before you confirm your booking, with no negotiation required. You can review the full details of each tier on the RVezy Help Center before you book.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Highland RV trip?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy sets a clear, standardized cancellation policy that applies to every reservation, including a money-back grace period right after you book. Hosts don't control cancellation terms, RVezy does, so you'll get consistent treatment whether you're renting a campervan for a weekend at Carlyle Lake or a Class C for a week-long Highland RV trip. Your refund amount depends on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date. If a host cancels on you, RVezy helps you rebook or provides a refund or travel credit. Full cancellation details are available on the RVezy Help Center before you confirm.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Highland, IL RV rental?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental Highland options are easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when searching and you'll see only RVs whose hosts welcome four-legged passengers. Several campgrounds near Highland are dog-friendly too, including Cahokia RV Parque, Cedarbrook Resort and Campground in Carlyle, and the St. Louis NE/I-270/Granite City KOA Journey, all of which have grassy areas to stretch. Silver Lake Park right in Highland has a walking path that loops the lake, perfect for a sunset stroll with your dog after setup. Pro tip: message the host before booking to mention your pet's size and breed and ask if a pet cleaning fee applies. Most are happy to accommodate.
highlandil.gov/parks_and_recreation/index.phpCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Highland, IL?
Yes, RV delivery Highland is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers. Many hosts will drive the RV directly to your campsite at Cahokia RV Parque, Cedarbrook Resort and Campground in Carlyle, or your driveway in Madison County, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. That means you skip the stress of driving a big rig you've never operated. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy to see hosts who offer this, and check each listing for delivery radius and per-mile fees. Pro tip: delivery is gold if you're flying into St. Louis Lambert International (about 40 minutes west) and don't want to rent a tow vehicle.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Highland%2C%20IllinoisHow far can I drive on my Highland, IL RV rental?
You've got plenty of range for a great Highland, IL RV trip. Each RVezy host sets their own mileage policy, with many offering a generous daily allowance (typically 100 to 150 free miles per day) and some listings featuring RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is ideal for longer road trips. From Highland, you're 35 minutes to downtown St. Louis, about an hour to Carlyle Lake (Illinois' largest man-made lake), 90 minutes to Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, and roughly 2 hours to Shawnee National Forest. Check the mileage section of each listing before you book and message hosts directly to negotiate extra miles for big trips. Pro tip: filter for unlimited mileage if you're planning a multi-state loop.
illinois.gov/dnr/Where are the best campgrounds near Highland, IL?
Highland is surrounded by excellent RV camping Highland options, all within an easy drive. Cedarbrook Resort and Campground in Carlyle (about 25 minutes east) sits near Carlyle Lake and offers full hookup sites with shade. Cahokia RV Parque in Sauget (30 minutes southwest) is a convenient base for exploring St. Louis. The St. Louis NE/I-270/Granite City KOA Journey (25 minutes west) has pull-throughs, a pool, and easy interstate access. Dam West Campground at Carlyle Lake, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers lakefront sites perfect for boating and fishing. Pro tip: book Corps of Engineers sites at Carlyle Lake on Recreation.gov up to 6 months out, since waterfront spots fill fast for summer weekends.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2745When is the best time of year for an RV trip from Highland, IL?
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot for an RV road trip from Highland. May through early October delivers the most reliable camping weather, with daytime highs from the mid-70s°F in May to the mid-80s°F in July and August, then cooling pleasantly into the 60s and 70s°F through October. June, July, and August are peak summer with warm, humid days and lively campground vibes, while September and October bring crisp mornings, fall colors along the Mississippi bluffs, and fewer mosquitoes. Winters get genuinely cold (averages dip to the mid-20s°F in January), so most casual renters skip December through February. Pro tip: aim for late September for the best mix of mild weather, low rates, and gorgeous foliage along Illinois Route 100, the Great River Road.
weather.gov/lsx/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay in Highland, IL?
First time renting an RV? Highland is a great place to start. It's a quiet town with wide streets, light traffic, and easy access to flat Midwest highways, so the learning curve is gentle. Every RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering how to start the generator, dump tanks, level the RV, and use the propane appliances. You can ask questions, take notes, even film it on your phone. If you'd rather skip driving entirely, choose a host offering delivery so your motorhome rental Highland trip starts right at your campsite. Pro tip: pick a smaller Class C or campervan rental Highland for your first trip, they handle much like a large van and parking is far less intimidating.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/categories/360002007454-For-RentersWhat happens if something goes wrong on the road?
You're never alone out there. Every RV rental in Highland through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so help is one phone call away whether you have a flat tire on I-70, a dead battery at Carlyle Lake, or a tow situation on the Great River Road. RVezy's customer support team is also available before, during, and after your trip via phone, chat, or the Help Center, and your host is usually just a message away for quick questions about their RV. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number in your phone and snap a photo of your RV's VIN and license plate before leaving the host's driveway, it speeds things up if you ever need to call.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Highland, IL RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is wide open. Highland sits right on Interstate 70 and minutes from I-55 and I-64, making cross-country adventures easy. Popular RV road trips from Highland include St. Louis and the Gateway Arch (35 minutes), Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky (about 4 hours), Nashville, TN (about 4.5 hours), Chicago (about 4.5 hours north), and Branson, MO (about 5 hours). Cross-border trips into Canada are not automatically included and require host approval plus appropriate insurance coverage, so message the host directly before booking if Canada is on your route. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental. Pro tip: confirm state border and Canada policies with your host upfront so there are no surprises at pickup.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on my Highland RV trip?
Fuel is one of the most predictable parts of your trip budget. Most Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 miles per gallon (MPG), campervans average 15 to 20 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (typically 10 to 14 MPG when towing). Illinois gas prices tend to run slightly above the national average, while neighboring Missouri (just 35 minutes west across the Mississippi) is often noticeably cheaper, so a quick fill-up in Wentzville or Troy, MO can save real money. For a typical 300-mile weekend RV camping Highland trip in a Class C, plan on roughly $90 to $130 in fuel. Pro tip: use GasBuddy to scout prices along I-70 and I-55, and fill up before crossing back into Illinois on your way home.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far ahead should I book a campsite near Highland, IL?
For the best campgrounds near Highland, IL, book 2 to 6 months ahead for summer weekends and holidays. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites at Carlyle Lake (Dam West, Dam East, McNair, and Coles Creek campgrounds) open reservations 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov and fill quickly for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Illinois State Park sites like Eldon Hazlet State Park can be booked through ExploreMoreIL.com (Illinois DNR's reservation system) up to 6 months out. Private parks like Cedarbrook Campground and the local KOA take direct bookings, often with shorter lead times. Pro tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday through Thursday) almost always have openings even in peak July, perfect for a flexible work-from-RV crew.
recreation.gov/What are driving conditions like around Highland, IL?
Driving an RV around Highland is about as easy as it gets in the Midwest. The terrain is flat to gently rolling farmland, roads are wide, and traffic on Illinois Route 143 and U.S. Route 40 is light. Interstate 70 runs right past town and is your gateway to St. Louis (watch for rush-hour congestion on I-270 around the Mississippi River bridges between 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.). Spring and early summer can bring sudden thunderstorms and occasional tornado watches, so check the National Weather Service forecast each morning. Winter brings ice and occasional snow from December to February. Pro tip: avoid driving through downtown St. Louis in a big rig, take the I-255 bypass east of the river to skip low clearances and tight ramps.
gettingaroundillinois.com/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Highland, IL?
You'll find a great mix of full-service and rustic options. Most Highland-area campgrounds offer 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer hookups at premium sites, with dump stations on-site for non-sewer sites. Cedarbrook Campground, the Granite City KOA, and Cahokia RV Parque all have potable water fill stations, hot showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and propane refills nearby. Carlyle Lake's Corps of Engineers parks offer electric and water but ask you to use the central dump station on exit. Free dump stations are also available at some Illinois rest areas along I-70. Pro tip: top off your fresh water tank before leaving the host's driveway and pack a 25-foot drinking-water hose and a 4-in-1 sewer adapter, not every spigot and sewer connection lines up neatly.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks.htmlWhat's actually inside the RVs available in Highland, IL?
Way more than you might expect. RVs listed on RVezy in Highland typically come with real beds (queen or king in the master, plus convertible dinettes and bunks), a full kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with shower and toilet, air conditioning, furnace heat, and a dining area. Many include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor speakers, awning, and seatbelted seating for everyone traveling. Generators are common on Class A and Class C motorhomes, and a growing number of listings include solar panels and Wi-Fi hotspots for working on the road. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps count to match your group size, and read the amenities checklist on each listing carefully so you know exactly what's included (and what you'll want to pack).
rvia.org/What add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in Highland typically offer a menu of useful add-ons: bedding and linen packages ($30 to $75), kitchen kits, camping chairs and outdoor rugs, bike racks, generators, propane refills, and even pre-stocked firewood. Delivery and setup fees vary by distance, with most local hosts charging a flat fee within Madison County and a per-mile rate beyond. Pickup is usually at the host's home or a mutually agreed location near Highland, with the walkthrough taking 30 to 45 minutes. Mileage policies vary: some include 100 miles/day free with $0.35 to $0.50 per extra mile, while others offer unlimited mileage for a flat upcharge. Pro tip: ask about a one-way return drop-off if you're heading west, some hosts in St. Louis or Edwardsville will accept it for a fee.
www2.illinois.gov/sites/sos/Pages/default.aspxHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment on RVezy is simple and secure. You pay the full rental cost (plus taxes, protection plan, and any add-ons) through the RVezy platform when you book, so there's no cash exchanged with the host. A refundable security deposit is placed as a hold on your credit card before your trip starts, typically between $500 and $1,500 depending on the RV, and it's released back to you after a clean return. To avoid any deposit hiccups, take date-stamped photos and a quick walkaround video of the RV at pickup and again at drop-off. Pro tip: return the RV with the fuel and propane levels noted at pickup, and dump the tanks at a campground or rest-area dump station before drop-off to avoid optional service fees.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat's a must-do day trip from Highland, IL in an RV?
Locals will tell you the under-the-radar gem is the Great River Road along Illinois Route 100, just 45 minutes northwest of Highland. The stretch from Alton to Grafton hugs the Mississippi River with limestone bluffs on one side and the water on the other, plus stops at Pere Marquette State Park (huge RV-friendly lodge area, scenic overlooks, and excellent hiking). Closer to home, Carlyle Lake is 25 minutes east for sailing, fishing, and lakeside campsites, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is just 35 minutes west. A family RV trip Highland favorite is combining a night at Eldon Hazlet State Park with a day at Carlyle's beach. Pro tip: time your Great River Road drive for golden hour, the bluffs glow.
dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.peremarquette.htmlNearby cities with campgrounds
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