Here are 5 of the best-rated (and most affordable) camping spots near Belleville
If you’re hoping to spend some time outdoors to enjoy the metro-east’s spring weather before summer comes around, you may be interested in checking out some of the best-rated local campsites.
Hipcamp, an online booking platform for campsites, RV parks and similar lodging options, has compiled a list of the top-rated campgrounds near Belleville, including farms, a state park, an educational site and more.
“If you’re looking for an incredible camping experience near Belleville, Illinois, Hipcamp has over 560 options just for you,” Hipcamp’s website reads. “With accommodations starting as low as $5 per night and an average price of $25 per night, there’s something for every budget.”
For those willing to travel across the state to stay in a popular treehouse, a Galena home was recently named the “most wishlisted” Airbnb listing in Illinois.
Here’s a roundup of the five top-rated campgrounds near Belleville, according to Hipcamp.
1. Middle Eden
This 16-acre “Permaculture Paradise” features a lamb farm as well as pick-your-own blackberries (typically in mid-July) and private campsites. Sites are about 300 to 500 feet from parking.
Middle Eden has a 94% recommendation rate, with 16 ratings and 11 reviews on Hipcamp. The property has two tent sites listed, Persimmon Grove and Mulberry Forest Tent Site. Campfires are allowed, with firewood provided, and you can add-on services such as a $10 farm tour, a loaf of sourdough bread or a half-dozen eggs.
“We believe beautiful landscapes are far too complex and valuable to serve just one purpose. At Middle Eden, we raise sheep and chickens in ways that actively enhance the land for both beauty and wildlife. Each spring we watch bluebirds nest in our bird houses, hear owls calling through the trees at night, and regularly see foxes and deer moving across the property. It feels wrong to keep all of this to ourselves,” Jeffrey Pitts, owner and manager of Middle Eden, wrote in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat.
“As stewards of God’s creation, we love sharing this land responsibly. Hipcamp gives us a safe, wonderful way to do that — and every guest who stays here is directly helping support and improve the farm.”
Location: Fairview Heights
Pricing: Varies by dates, but starts at $12 per night. Additional taxes and fees may apply.
2. Atkins’ Acres Educational Farm
Atkins’ Acres Educational Farm is a non-profit offering camping along with tours, informational sessions about gardening, 4-H programs, a swimming pond and fire pits. The spot has a 100% recommendation rate, with 11 ratings and seven reviews on Hipcamp.
Location: Millstadt area, between Millstadt, Columbia and Waterloo
Pricing: Starts at $33 per night, plus a $5.68 service fee.
3. Sugarloaf Creek
Sugarloaf Creek is a “wooded, country oasis” with options for RV camping. Amenities include a firepit, water, a 30-amp electric hookup and nearby hiking trails. The site has a 98% recommendation rate, with 23 ratings and 20 reviews.
Location: Dupo
Pricing: Starts at $41 per night, additional fees may apply.
4. Horseshoe Lake State Park
Horseshoe Lake State Park offers tent camping and trailer campsites, although the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports the campground is temporarily closed due to the installation of waterfowl pumps.
Location: Madison County, Granite City area
Pricing: Reservations are not accepted; pricing information is not immediately available.
5. Carlyle Lake
Carlyle Lake offers a variety of campsites along with opportunities for boating, hiking, picnicking, water sports and wildlife viewing.
Location: Clinton County, primarily
Pricing: Varies. A one-night stay at Dam West Campground was listed for $20 before taxes and fees.
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