Beach Camping Near Belleville, Illinois, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping options in the United States! If you're looking for a beach camping experience near Belleville, Illinois, you're in luck. We have over 194 options available in that area, all with beach access. With an average price per night of $25 and options as low as $12, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. Some of our top campsites in the area include Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Comfy Cabin Camping (101 reviews), and Matt's Place @ Meramec n Labarque (28 reviews). These sites offer popular amenities such as toilets, cooking equipment, and showers. Plus, you'll have plenty of opportunities for activities like exploring historic sites, boating, and wind sports. So start planning your beach camping adventure near Belleville, Illinois today!

99% (241)

Top-rated campgrounds near Belleville

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping options in the United States! If you're looking for a beach camping experience near Belleville, Illinois, you're in luck. We have over 194 options available in that area, all with beach access. With an average price per night of $25 and options as low as $12, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. Some of our top campsites in the area include Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Comfy Cabin Camping (101 reviews), and Matt's Place @ Meramec n Labarque (28 reviews). These sites offer popular amenities such as toilets, cooking equipment, and showers. Plus, you'll have plenty of opportunities for activities like exploring historic sites, boating, and wind sports. So start planning your beach camping adventure near Belleville, Illinois today!

99% (241)

Top-rated campgrounds near Belleville

1. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

97%

(232)

49mi from Belleville · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Escape the city! We have a very special property that nourishes the soul and provides space to roam and breathe fresh air. We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available. Ask us about our kayaking options!

2. Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque

100%

(68)

36mi from Belleville · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Located at the confluence of the Meramec River and Labarque Creek, my place (Matt's Place) is a ridge above a bottomland bowl of sorts. The old iron truss bridge here is likely built in 1910 and it has a survey marker from 1932. The creek has a nice little swimming hole, and a beach that is sometimes sand, sometimes, gravel, and sometimes a mix of both with some silt or even mud after a storm. It's peaceful down there to explore in the creek, wade while looking outward to an opening into the Meramec River. It's also fun to stand just at the mouth of the creek in the Meramec River. It's an awesome view upstream or downstream of tree lined banks, rock bluffs, and every now and then, passing boats, canoes, paddle boards, or kayaks. The old iron truss bridge hovers above the meeting of two waters. The water is cool and clean. Some fifty species of fish have been recorded in this creek, the most in all of Jefferson County and St Louis County. The bottomland has two levels, the lower bottoms down by the creek and the upper bottoms about a hundred feet from the creek. The upper bottoms has a clearing like a meadow with mowed grass. My favorite things to do here include gazing up at a cottonwood tree that must be sixty feet tall. It's leaves in a breeze are like a thousand hands waving hello. The bottomland meadow offers just enough sky to see bats dance in the dusk air between the trees, then fireflies as it gets darker yet. Up top is where I live. Just five miles off HWY 44 and HWY 109, at Eureka, MO, (30 minutes west of downtown St Louis, 18 minutes from Six Flags) this place sits on a ridge with great views above the Meramec River.

3. Carlyle Lake

100%

(1)

310 sites · Carlyle, Illinois

This vast lake with an abundance of wind is prime real estate for sailing, fishing and birding.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River

15 sites · Marissa, Illinois

Discover the scenic confluence of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers.

Toilets

Campfires

Picnic table

5. Randolph County State Recreation Area

38 sites · Chester, Illinois

Gorgeous in winter too, Randolph County SRA horse trails welcome cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Robertsville State Park

100%

(2)

26 sites · Villa Ridge, Missouri

Enjoy a classic campout at this rustic state park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

7. Pere Marquette State Park

100%

(2)

30 sites · Grafton, Illinois

See one of the most beautiful state parks in Illinois.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

8. Pyramid State Recreation Area

100%

(4)

68 sites · Pinckneyville, Illinois

Besides the rad name inherited from an old coal mine, Pyramid State Recreation Area’s 19,701 acres makes it the largest state recreation area in all of Illinois. There are also more than 500 acres of lakes on the property, ranging from a meager 0.1 acres to a substantial 276 acres. That bad boy is known as Super Lake and is held in high regard by anglers seeking largemouth bass and bluegill. Lost Lake (a hike-in lake) and some other small lakes contain a hybrid of green sunfish/bluegill. Land lovers can take advantage of 16.5 miles of foot, horse and mountain bike trails where you’re bound to encounter a sampling of the wildlife that includes songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkeys, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, weasels, minks, woodchucks and waterfowl. Future plans are in place to add even more trails to the park.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

9. St. Francois State Park

57%

(7)

110 sites · Bonne Terre, Missouri

Explore a surprising mountain getaway south of St. Louis.

10. Beaver Dam State Park

100%

(1)

76 sites · Chesterfield, Illinois

With such different ecosystems (we’re talking farmland, open fields, woodlands, lake, and a marsh) wrapped up in one park, Beaver Dam is the place to go see a vast variety of plants and animals. Hike any of the trails and have fun trying to keep count of all the creatures you see! Bring your bow and arrows to the archery range, or spend your time hunting the area. Getting the winter blues? Beaver Dam is open and ready for ice skaters or cross country skiers. Don’t just take our word for it, get down here!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

11. Hawn State Park

100%

(5)

45 sites · Weingarten, Missouri

Scenery abounds in this mid-Missouri park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Belleville

100%

(1)

Dam West Recreation Area and Campground

35mi from Belleville · 109 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carlyle Lake

Kaskaskia River Lock & Dam Campground

36mi from Belleville · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River

Randolph County Campground

38mi from Belleville · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Randolph County State Recreation Area

Coles Creek Recreation Area and Campground

41mi from Belleville · 119 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carlyle Lake

Boulder Campground

43mi from Belleville · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carlyle Lake

100%

(2)

Roberstville Campground

45mi from Belleville · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Robertsville State Park

100%

(2)

Pere Marquette Campground

46mi from Belleville · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pere Marquette State Park

100%

(4)

Pyramid Campground

46mi from Belleville · 68 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pyramid State Recreation Area

57%

(7)

St. Francois State Campground

47mi from Belleville · 110 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Francois State Park

100%

(1)

Beaver Dam Campground

48mi from Belleville · 76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaver Dam State Park

100%

(5)

Hawn Campground

49mi from Belleville · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hawn State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Justin

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The farm and staff are absolutely fantastic! We had an issue with charges, which they resolved with some investment of time on their part. They all I’ve and beyond in service. Helping us find our site in the dark, making sure we had enough supplies and even throwing a pair of jeans in the dryer for our teenager 😁 Truly kind people!

Near Site 2. Labarque Creek is one of the cleanest creeks in Missouri, with 50 species of fish. Great place to put in or take out canoes, swim, picnic, and camp. Great picnic site or take-out ramp for a day trip of floaters. Up near the bridge is Site 1.

A

Andrew

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque

Great spot for rooftop tents and ground tents. Matt showed me the lay of the land before driving to the site. Great host! Would camp here again

Zoe

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Always a great time at hawks bluff! This land is truly a blessing and I am grateful Elizabeth shares it with us ! Much comfortability in knowing I’m safe and if I need anything I can always ask :) also, awesome rocks!!

A

Andros

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The owners are amazing, the property is very cool, and close enough to town to get supplies. Breathtaking views and a welcoming community at this location!

B

Brian

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Great place! Tons of stuff to do. Owners are very sweet and hospitable. I plan to go back and would recommend everyone to stay. Camping or RV. I pulled a 35’er and had zero issues.

N

Nathan

November 2025

25 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Secluded location. Several options are available for sites depending on services. Rock hunting is fantastic.

Alan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Stayed here for a second time, so beautiful in the Fall. Highly recommend! Elizabeth is so helpful and accommodating, and answered all my questions very quickly.

H

Hope

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Our host was so kind and generous. The land was well-kept and peaceful. Rock hunting as part of the stay was delightful. It was so fun to be around the farm animals and be greeted by the dogs and cats. Definitely a spot worth visiting!!

T

Taylirre

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

This was the most beautiful camp site I have stayed at. I've been an avid user of Hipcamp for a few years and frequented many camp sites but this one surpasses all others. First, the hospitality of the owners, they are super responsive and the kitchen area has everything needed to make it comfortable stay. Our tent site was private and quiet and very beautiful to observe the meteor shower. It's set on the side of a large hill where there is a scenic view and grounds full of crystals that can be collected. It felt safe and we did not observe any wild animals other than the farm animals they have onsite. The host was welcoming and knowledgeable of the land and we will be returning with our whole family next time.

C

Camiel

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

I absolutely love this place!! The property is amazing and the people are great. My site was level and even with heavy rain there was only minimal mud. The farm animals are friendly and if you’re lucky the mule will serenade you while you use the facilities :) I look forward to going back many more times!!

S

Sarah

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Beautiful place to camp. Kids loved all the animals. The rock hunting was so much fun and everyone was so knowledgeable. My husband took the rock cutting class and had good things to say. They had an outdoor kitchen and served meals.

W

Whitney

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

What a great place. Everyone we encountered who lived or worked there was so nice and helpful and we never felt like they were bothered by us. (We had a group of 13, 6 adults and 7 kids ages 8 and younger so we were a lot). We loved getting to visit the farm animals all day. It was nice to just let the kids run around visiting the dogs, cows, goats, the very chatty donkey. We had 3 large tents and easily found space to accommodate them. Elizabeth was kind enough to set our group up next to the pavilion which helped tremendously in the rain! My only big note that I wish someone would have told me prior to going is the creek access is hard to get to. Most people go for rocks so not a big deal but my kiddos love to play in water. We had to drive a couple minutes but then we had to hike down a steep hill to get to the creek. And hike back up. My 5 year old had zero problems with it so no issues for bigger kids and adults. But it took me 25 minutes to get back to my car with my 2 year old and it wasn’t fun for either of us. Great creek area to play! Just wish it was easier to get to. Would definitely recommend to others to stay.

W

WAYNE

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

I’ve been on the road for about 4 months and Elizabeth’s place was a very welcome break from the state parks and private campgrounds I’d been staying at. Nice, quiet (not crowded) farm atmosphere and a great place to rockhound with other places to go rock collecting nearby. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Can’t wait to go through the 50+ pounds of really nice druzy quartz I’m bringing home.

J

Jaime

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Loved the views and the campsites were spacious and very well kept. Kiddos enjoyed all of the animals and the rock hunting here is amazing. We also enjoyed the creek, it was crystal clear. The atmosphere was relaxed and the helpers were super friendly. We will definitely be adding this to our list of places for quick weekend family getaway.

Full overview of camp on my YouTube channel: KarterChanelle

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Ebony

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Do not hesitate to book! This is the most efficient way of camping! She has everything you need from kayaking to an outside kitchen! Yes.. an outside kitchen with stoves refrigerators cups plates bbq grill and bbq sauce! Peaceful with adorable livestock. As a solo female camper I felt safe and I’m returning this weekend!

D

Donna A

October 2025

Tent

With pets

7 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Liked it so much I extended it another week! Great for kids! Especially if their first time.

J

JESSICA

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

This place is very well kept! I liked the way you could pretty much just pick any spot(with respecting other campers, of course). All the animals are very friendly! Be careful with the gray-ish striped cat! I turned over at one point, and my son had gotten the cat in the tent, and it was passed out between us😅 pretty sure it would've let my son kidnap it honestly, haha! Definitely planning on staying more than just a night when we come back through! By the way, the shower was amazing, and good shower heads! As far as campgrounds go, probably the best I've seen!

T

Teresa

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Matt's Place at Meramec n Labarque

Matt is a wonderful host. We stayed in his cabin and had a great evening in front of the fire listening to the sounds of the river. Matt can provide extras to enhance your stay - we had coffee and toast and jam in the morning. Everything was perfect- Matt is very responsive, thoughtful and kind. I loved the new outhouse!

S

Steve

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Keep in mind this is a farm, so you will find equipment and farm stuff about. Beautiful property with access to lots of activities featuring rock hunting. The staff is super friendly and helpful. We will be back when time allows. They offer a variety of festivals and learning opportunities from time to time. Elizabeth has worked to offer all types of camping experiences. The communal outdoor kitchen is an awesome way to meet your fellow campers and enjoy a morning coffee.

A

Amie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

I had a rough week at work so made a last minute decision Saturday morning to reserve a campsite not far from home just for the night. I needed to get out of my head and reset my soul, and I found a cute place on this 640 acre working farm . It was my first solo trip and at first I was nervous but the women who greeted me at the farm and the families having a great time around me made me immediately relax. The sounds of nature (hawk, bullfrog, coyotes, hooting owl) mixed with the farm sounds (tractor, train in the distance, rooster, goats, mules, cows, dogs, boys playing hide n seek) got me out of my head and grounded, ready for a new week.