Camping near Chester

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Looking for the best camping near Chester? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Illinois hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Chester.

93% (1.4K) 1,424 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Chester

Monarch Hill Vineyard

1. Monarch Hill Vineyard

99%
(93)
22mi from Chester · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Monarch Hill! Tucked away in the hills of Ste. Genevieve County, we enjoy watching the sun rise and set over our secluded pastures and vineyards.  Our hilltop sites offer an open area with fire rings and picnic tables, great for groups or social butterflies. These offer well water at the nearby barn for drinking and showering.  The Seclusion sites are private escapes for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. Take in the chirps of frogs, birds and crickets at these isolated sites.  We offer a complimentary wood basket with every booking, and have additional fire-building supplies available. Be sure to check out our experiences to make the most of your stay, and don't forget to reserve a s'more kit! *** April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse *** We are excited to be located in the best viewing path for this year's total eclipse! We will be preparing additional sites as needed for this weekend, so if we are fully booked check back soon or message us to reserve a spot. More information to come as we approach the date.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking

2. Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking

100%
(14)
25mi from Chester · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our rural farm oasis, where two shaded RV/Camper spots await for you to park and enjoy yourself in nature and the fresh country air! Each spot features concrete pads and is shaded by mature trees, providing a comfortable setting for your stay. Please note that spots are available for parking only; camper/RV is not included. Just a short 5-minute drive away, is the Prairie State Power Plant if you're in the area for work. Sparta, IL is about 12 minutes away for any supplies you would need or Marissa, IL is about a 7 minute drive. Enjoy convenient access to electric hookups, including 50 amp, 30 amp, and 110v options. Additionally, a sewer drop is located within 15 feet of each spot, along with a water hookup for your convenience. Both spots are situated in close proximity to our farm and two other Airbnb homes. When booked, you have access to the lake and a small pond down the lane. Please stay to the right of the Y and head across the dam. **No access permitted after dark.** These spots are great for fishing and/or having a picnic enjoying a private wooded area. Just a short 5-minute drive away, is the Prairie State Power Plant if you're in the area for work. Sparta, IL is about 12 minutes away for any supplies you would need or Marissa, IL is about a 7 minute drive. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and rural charm at our shaded RV/Camper spots, where the beauty of nature meets modern comfort.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
Pond Ridge Adventure

3. Pond Ridge Adventure

98%
(33)
27mi from Chester · 35 sites
We have 50 acres located in Southern Illinois 4 miles south of Murphysboro connected to 100 acres of Shawnee National forest.We set up a small family primitive campground for our family to enjoy every evening we ride our utv over from our house and watch the wildlife there are deer turkeys bobcats and many other small animals.There are several lakes just 15 minutes away kinkade spillway is a popular place to hike and swim and little Grand Canyon is an awesome spot Learn more about this land: Mostly suitable for Rv with generators and self contained units
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Randolph County State Recreation Area

4. Randolph County State Recreation Area

State park 3.7mi from Chester · 38 sites
Gorgeous in winter too, Randolph County SRA horse trails welcome cross-country skiing enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River

5. Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River

Park 21mi from Chester · 15 sites
Discover the scenic confluence of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
Big Muddy Brewing

6. Big Muddy Brewing

96%
(47)
29mi from Chester · 42 sites · Tents, RVs
Big Muddy Brewing is a production craft brewery and taproom offering over 25 beers on tap. Our taproom has beer tastings, pints and growlers as well as wine and craft spirits. We also have plenty of packaged beer to go. Our kitchen has Bavarian pretzels, Flatbread pizzas and more. Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, minutes from the Shawnee National Forest, Kinkaid Lake, Murphysboro State Park & Southern Illinois University. Check our Facebook page for schedule of music and events.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sycamore Springs Campground

7. Sycamore Springs Campground

96%
(110)
31mi from Chester · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
The campsite sits alongside the Castor River, offering electric hookups at 5 sites as well as 5 primitive tent sites. Enjoy outdoor adventures just minutes away, at the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River, located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wine Trail Wilderness

8. Wine Trail Wilderness

100%
(691)
32mi from Chester · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Such and Such Farm Swimming Hole

9. Such and Such Farm Swimming Hole

99%
(163)
38mi from Chester · 4 sites
Camp at our beautiful private swimming hole at the edge of Joachim Creek. Our campsite includes a community picnic table, hammocks along the tree line and a huge communal fire pit. We have four individual camp sites in total, each with their own fire ring. Bring your fishing poles, water shoes and camp chairs! We are a working farm that grows produce, raises dairy goats, pasture raised pigs, peacocks, chickens and more! And while you may hear a rooster crow in the morning, you'll be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of farm life. NEW THIS YEAR: We have a farm store that is stocked with seasonal produce, meat (frozen), eggs and other value added products as well as camping incidentals in case you forgot anything while you were packing! Farm store is not located at the swimming hole, but is located at the main farm.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
Shawnee National Forest

10. Shawnee National Forest

95%
(30)
National forest 82mi from Chester · 172 sites
Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hawn State Park

11. Hawn State Park

100%
(5)
State park 23mi from Chester · 45 sites
Scenery abounds in this mid-Missouri park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mark Twain National Forest

12. Mark Twain National Forest

88%
(21)
National forest 84mi from Chester · 452 sites
Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pyramid State Recreation Area

13. Pyramid State Recreation Area

100%
(4)
State park 23mi from Chester · 68 sites
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
Atkins' Acres Educational Farm

14. Atkins' Acres Educational Farm

100%
(11)
39mi from Chester · 1 site
We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit educational farm. We teach gardening techniques, 4-H programs, Jr Master Naturalist programs, and how to be good stewards of the environment. We are taking row crops out of service and restoring the land to it's previous native condition. Tours are available at no cost by request. Note - the camping area is approximately 200 yards from where you will park. If we are available, we can support with moving your supplies. However, if we are not home at the time of your arrival, you will need to walk your supplies in.
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
R & T Farms

15. R & T Farms

98%
(31)
40mi from Chester · 1 site
Your stay will be on our small 5 acres farm where we raise Cows, Pigs, Chickens and Guineas. We also have dogs and cats. You can experience life on a farm with all the sounds and smells but not all the work! Absolutely breath taking sun sets. The one and only RV spot we have is very secluded and private. You will have electric and SEWER HOOK UP and can fill your water tank at our house for full service facilities. We have one tent site available as well. We are only 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Come and stay with us, you will not be disappointed.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
Sugarloaf Creek

16. Sugarloaf Creek

98%
(23)
44mi from Chester · 1 site
A wooded, country oasis located 20 minutes away from downtown St. Louis. Plenty of city adventures to be had or relax on the peaceful deck overlooking a small creek. Some nearby local hiking spots near the Mississippi River flood plains. Fire pit available for use. Water and 30 AMP electric hookup.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

17. Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

100%
(13)
44mi from Chester · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch.  Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly).  If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands.  The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers!  We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

18. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

97%
(261)
45mi from Chester · 56 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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Big River Outdoors Campground

19. Big River Outdoors Campground

96%
(108)
45mi from Chester · 99 sites · Tents, RVs
80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Walking trails,Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on some weekends. Tent camping or RV/camper . Campers who need electric are allowed to bring a generator. We have limited electric as of now. We are located just 2-3 miles from 3 different gas stations but are also very secluded.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

20. Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

99%
(64)
48mi from Chester · 1 site
Fredrock is a small privately owned glampground on crystal clear 12mile Creek. It is located about 15 minutes from the nearest town on 33 beautiful acres. Enjoy one of the 7 themed stays or bring your own RV and stay in one of only 5 RV spots. It is just a few minutes walk to 12 Mile Creek which runs through the property. Enjoy the beautiful bluffs, shut-ins, gravel river beds and crystal clear water. Swimming, hiking, stargazing, and horseshoes are all available at Fredrock!
Pets
Full hookups

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top national parks and forests near Chester, IL