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Cottonwood Island
Public Campground

Cottonwood Island

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Cottonwood Island

Campground in Illinois.

Cottonwood Island offers a peaceful retreat into Illinois's natural landscape, providing RV campers with a welcoming escape from the everyday hustle. This public campground captures the essence of what makes riverside camping special, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while enjoying the comfort of their RV home away from home.

The setting is one of Cottonwood Island's greatest assets. Nestled along the water, the campground provides that sought-after waterfront atmosphere that so many RV enthusiasts crave. Whether you're an early riser who enjoys morning coffee while watching the water, or someone who prefers to unwind in the evening as the sun dips toward the horizon, this location delivers those memorable moments that make camping worthwhile. The natural surroundings create a serene backdrop for your stay, with plenty of opportunities to simply slow down and appreciate the quiet beauty of Illinois.

For those interested in outdoor recreation, the area around Cottonwood Island provides excellent options. Fishing enthusiasts will find the waterfront setting particularly appealing, while nature lovers can explore the surrounding landscape. The campground's location makes it an ideal base for discovering what the region has to offer, whether that means day trips to nearby attractions or simply enjoying what's right outside your RV door.

Cottonwood Island appeals to a wide range of campers. Families seeking a calm, nature-focused getaway will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere. Retirees looking for a peaceful place to park for a few weeks will find the setting conducive to rest and reflection. Solo travelers and couples seeking quality time together in a natural setting will discover plenty to enjoy here as well.

The public campground nature of Cottonwood Island means you're choosing an accessible option that welcomes RV travelers from all backgrounds. With its solid 4.3-star rating from numerous visitors, the campground has earned its positive reputation by consistently delivering a quality camping experience. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Cottonwood Island represents a genuine Illinois camping destination worth experiencing.
4.3

Rating

55

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

This area is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Illinois weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for the area.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near the park. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Cottonwood Island Reviews

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vance watson

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by vance watson

Nice park,mostly level sites with gravel base. No laundry at this time but the 24 hr coin laundry is about 4 miles away. Price is reasonable monthly. Propane fill on site at the camper dealership. Confluence Tower is right next door so pretty easy to find the park.

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Susan Schwaderer

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Susan Schwaderer

This was a good location for traveling through, wanting to see a few sights in St. Louis. It is a basic, gravel campground. You need to be self-contained. We were in site 10. The hookups were all behind our parking space, so would have required multiple hoses, etc. Doable, but since we were only there 1 night, we opted to only hook up electric (we needed the a/c!). Easy drive into St. Louis to che... This was a good location for traveling through, wanting to see a few sights in St. Louis. It is a basic, gravel campground. You need to be self-contained. We were in site 10. The hookups were all behind our parking space, so would have required multiple hoses, etc. Doable, but since we were only there 1 night, we opted to only hook up electric (we needed the a/c!). Easy drive into St. Louis to check out The Arch. Easy walk to the Louis & Clark Confluence Tower. Office staff was friendly and helpful when we were making reservations. OK for overnight or two. Other campers were friendly and seemed to be there for a longer period - working. Some highway noise. GREAT Verizon signal and internet!!!

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Allison Rose

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Allison Rose

Great place to stay clean and quiet other than the noise from the road but they do have 70 white pines planted just gonna take them a little while to grow and it’ll definitely help. If you like to bike no better campground with the trail directly behind the campground. 18.5 miles in total but you can get to several other trails to here it’s quite amazing. Directly next to the Lewis and Clark... Great place to stay clean and quiet other than the noise from the road but they do have 70 white pines planted just gonna take them a little while to grow and it’ll definitely help. If you like to bike no better campground with the trail directly behind the campground. 18.5 miles in total but you can get to several other trails to here it’s quite amazing. Directly next to the Lewis and Clark tower. Yes this is a new campground so I would imagine there would be more to come down the road as they hear request and reviews. The staff is above and beyond friendly. Like probably one of the friendliest I’ve ever dealt with and I travel a lot in my camper. They do offer a drop off laundry service. A camper cleaning service. They will grocery shop for you if you need it. There is a stocked store with basics and if you would like them to carry something particular they will. As for the campground down the road with more amenities and 100$ cheaper I have stayed there and when you step out of your camper you can place your hand on your neighbors slide while still standing on your last step. If you’re traveling and working at the refinery this is amazing you are six minutes from the job. With pretty much no traffic. I’m on my third month here and have no real complaints. It would be nice to see a shower house and laundry area down the road and possibly a small dog park because quite a few of us have dogs out here. Oh the Internet is also really good but the way you have to sign onto it kind of stinks but they said they are working on changing that.

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Josrph Gordon

Mar 18, 2026

1.0

Google Review by Josrph Gordon

Just called to get campsite for work. They told me I cannot use campground because my camper is not "new" enough. Has to be 2018 or newer. How stupid is that. You will pass up money, especially during winter months because of the year of a camper? Ridiculous. Update:... I was not told on phone to "send pictures of my camper" like the response originally said. I was told blatantly that... Just called to get campsite for work. They told me I cannot use campground because my camper is not "new" enough. Has to be 2018 or newer. How stupid is that. You will pass up money, especially during winter months because of the year of a camper? Ridiculous. Update:... I was not told on phone to "send pictures of my camper" like the response originally said. I was told blatantly that no campers before 2018 and have a nice day before being hung on. So, at this point I'm sure I can find another campground that's more then happy to accept my money.

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Tim

Mar 18, 2026

1.0

Google Review by Tim

Stayed a month, then had to pay at the end of the week to renew, I paid for a week to see if my job was ongoing, however, I had to wait until Monday to find out. The camp ground would not extend me out to a month, even though I never moved my trailer. Said I would have to pay weekly before extending to monthly. Will not work with you. Making me pay $1,100 for a month instead of $750. For the s... Stayed a month, then had to pay at the end of the week to renew, I paid for a week to see if my job was ongoing, however, I had to wait until Monday to find out. The camp ground would not extend me out to a month, even though I never moved my trailer. Said I would have to pay weekly before extending to monthly. Will not work with you. Making me pay $1,100 for a month instead of $750. For the same spot and same utilities. Never moved until now, I will find another place. Other than that just a place to park.

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