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Piasa Island
Public Campground

Piasa Island

Grafton, Illinois
4.6 (45 reviews)

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

About Piasa Island

Campground in Illinois.

Piasa Island offers a serene riverside camping experience along the Illinois River, providing RV travelers with a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Midwest. This public campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty and rich history of southwestern Illinois, a region known for its scenic bluffs, historic river towns, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

The campground's location on an island setting creates a unique sense of isolation from the everyday world while remaining easily accessible to local attractions and amenities. The Illinois River itself has long been a vital waterway, and camping here allows you to connect with that same spirit of adventure and exploration. Whether you're looking to spend your days fishing, observing wildlife, or simply enjoying quiet moments by the water, Piasa Island provides an authentic outdoor experience.

The nearby town of Alton, Illinois, sits just across the river and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into American history. Home to the famous Piasa Bird legend, Alton boasts historic architecture, riverfront dining, and cultural attractions that make for interesting day trips. The Gateway to the West region has stories to tell, from Native American heritage to Civil War history, all woven into the landscape and local museums you can explore.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the area around Piasa Island presents numerous recreational opportunities. The Illinois River is popular among anglers seeking catfish, bass, and other species. Bird watchers will find the region particularly rewarding, especially during migration seasons when numerous species pass through the river valleys. The bluffs and natural areas surrounding the campground offer hiking trails and scenic vistas that showcase the natural geology and beauty of the region.

Families, couples, and solo travelers all find value in this location. It's close enough to civilization that you won't feel isolated if you need services or supplies, yet far enough away that you can truly disconnect and enjoy the camping experience. With its solid ratings and positive reviews, Piasa Island appeals to RV campers who appreciate natural settings, good fishing opportunities, and proximity to regional attractions worth exploring during their stay.
4.6

Rating

45

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Grafton 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 Grafton.

Explore the Area

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

Piasa Island Reviews

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Olga Gretsova

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Olga Gretsova

What a great find! If you're looking for a tranquil escape, this campground delivers. It was wonderfully quiet, allowing for true relaxation. I was very impressed by the number and cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, making our stay very comfortable. Having charging spots for the camphouse was incredibly convenient, and the overall cleanliness of the grounds was top-notch. My only word of ca... What a great find! If you're looking for a tranquil escape, this campground delivers. It was wonderfully quiet, allowing for true relaxation. I was very impressed by the number and cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, making our stay very comfortable. Having charging spots for the camphouse was incredibly convenient, and the overall cleanliness of the grounds was top-notch. My only word of caution would be to pack plenty of mosquito repellent, as they were definitely out in force.

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Michael Smith

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Michael Smith

Spacious sites, huge rail fan, so I like hearing the trains.

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Bill Murphy

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Bill Murphy

Beautiful Park. Really spread out. Trails are nice and a few are very challenging. Not the best campground but the grounds and facilities are very clean and quiet.

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AARON DeMent

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by AARON DeMent

Nice trails, but they are quite wild at the moment, so be prepared to be climbing over lots of fallen trees and working around a lot of debris. This seems to have been a hard winter for the trees. View from the High Point overlook was fine now, but it felt like when the leaves come in on the trees the view may be quite limited.

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AARON DeMent

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by AARON DeMent

Nice trails, but they are quite wild at the moment, so be prepared to be climbing over lots of fallen trees and working around a lot of debris. This seems to have been a hard winter for the trees. View from the High Point overlook was fine now, but it felt like when the leaves come in on the trees the view may be quite limited.

G
Reginald Smith

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Reginald Smith

Enjoyed our stay. Campsites were well kept. Host were helpful. Road bicycles to town a couple times. Stayed 5 nights.

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Reginald Smith

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Reginald Smith

Enjoyed our stay. Campsites were well kept. Host were helpful. Road bicycles to town a couple times. Stayed 5 nights.

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