Pere Marquette State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Exquisite lake views from steep bluffs and bald eagle sightings in nature’s paradise located at Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, IL. Found at the southwestern point of Illinois, this park is only one hour away from St. Louis and a popular destination stop. The spectacular views of the Illinois River and its backwaters can be seen from several points atop the bluffs. Visitors can take advantage of a variety of year-round recreational opportunities, including horseback riding, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and boating.
Fall color drives are popular along the wooded ravines and riverside roadways around Pere Marquette. In January and February, the park is a hot-spot for bald eagle watching. For many years, the park has hosted tours of the river bluffs and woods for visitors to get an up-close look at hundreds of wintering bald eagles along the Mississippi River and lower Illinois River.
Spring 45-75 F
Summer 64-86 F
Fall 34-68 F
Winter 21-43 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pere Marquette State Park
Campers will find plenty to like at Pere Marquette, from campsites and cabins to the popular Youth Tent Camp and three group camps. It is a bit on the rustic side of camping but many sites have electric hookups. The nightly camp rates start at $20.
You can absolutely camp with nature and take in the magnificent sounds of the park in your sleeping bag under the stars or in your tent. But if the wilderness nightlife isn’t your thing, you should consider renting an RV with RVshare.com to create your own customized comfort and style and check out a few other great RV parks we have to share with you.
Sundermeier RV Park
Located in St. Charles, MO, it is only 23 miles from Pere Marquette State Park. It is a small-town community feel with nearby swimming pools, playground and sports courts. It is a great location for easy access to see a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, shopping or hit up a few wineries. Nightly rates start at $54.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: handicap accessibility, laundry, fire pit, picnic table
370 Lakeside Park
Located in St. Peters, MO, it is only 60 miles from Pere Marquette State Park. This RV park surrounds a 140-acre lake and is known for serene sunsets, fishing, archery, kayaking, biking and hiking trails. It is also near to St. Louis if you wish to check out the city sights and activities. RV sites start at a $42 nightly rate.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: picnic tables, fire pit, full bathhouse, laundry, convenience store, activity centers
What to Do at
Pere Marquette State Park
Inside Pere Marquette State Park
One of the most fascinating things to see at Pere Marquette would be to visit during the the Bald Eagle Days and try to spot the hundreds of nesting bald eagles. If bird-watching isn’t your thing, this park has no shortage of fantastic accessibility to outdoor activities. Here are few of the options you may have while visiting:
Pere Marquette Bald Eagle Days: Eagles may be spotted in the treetops along the Illinois River from December to March and there is a guided tour!
Bike Trail: The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs from Pere Marquette State Park to the City of Alton, approximately 20 miles south of the park. The entire trail is paved.
Bird Watching: The location of this park allows many opportunities to view the national bird, the bald eagle. About 230 species of birds have been identified within, at the boundaries of, or flying over Pere Marquette State Park. A checklist has been prepared by local birders, in cooperation with the IDNR, and is available at the Visitor Center. Popular locations for bird watching are Stump Lake, in the river bottoms, and McAdams Peak and other overlooks along the park's scenic roadway.
Boating and Fishing: Bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, drum, largemouth bass and white bass, attract anglers to the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Launching ramps with courtesy docks available when weather conditions and river levels permit.
Camping: For visitors who prefer a rustic experience, Pere Marquette offers a wide range of camping opportunities.
Hiking: Approximately 12 miles of marked trails provide scenic hiking to beginners and experienced hikers alike. Lush forests, towering bluffs, and an abundance of wildlife provide the perfect backdrop for your outing. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center.
Horseback Riding: The park offers about 20 miles of equestrian trails with a parking area for trailers on Graham Hollow Road. The trails to the west of Graham Hollow are open year-round. The trails east of Graham Hollow will be closed during certain seasons of the year. These areas will be posted when closed. Pere Marquette Riding Stables is open for trail rides every day except Tuesday, weather permitting, from May through October but you should call for a reservation.
Hunting: The 2,000-acre public hunting area located off Graham Hollow Road and another 1,344 acres is available for public hunting at Copperhead Hollow Wildlife Area, located on Nutwood Road, approximately 5 miles north of the park. All hunters using the Public Hunting Areas at Graham Hollow Road or Copperhead Hollow must obtain a free permit at the Visitor Center.
Picnicking: Plenty of picnic areas are available throughout the park, with tables, grills and trash containers provided. Three picnic shelters are available, and may be reserved for a fee.
Rock Climbing: Pere Marquette State Park offers highly featured limestone formations that experienced rock climbers find great for climbing. Rappelling and climbing at Pere Marquette State Park is permitted ONLY in the designated climbing area. A majority of the recreational rappelling and climbing routes at the park are bolted sport routes, with the exception of a few cracks, which are equipped with top anchors.
How to Get to
Pere Marquette State Park
Visitor Center Pere Marquette State Park can be found at:
13112 Visitor Center Lane
Grafton, IL 62037
Off IL-100 (the Great River Road)
At coordinates:
N: 38.973
W: -90.543
Entering Pere Marquette State Park
Exploring the U.S. and creating memories with the ones you love becomes effortless with RVshare. Making travel easy and worry-free is what we do. Take the ride, live your best life in style and comfort when you visit Pere Marquette State Park in an RV rental from us! We would love to see pictures of your adventures so send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pere Marquette State Park
With its scenic riverside roadways and wooded ravines, most agree the best time to visit Pere Marquette State Park is during the fall. The region bursts with color, and the weather's the most comfortable.
Spring can be rainy, but those rain showers green up the area quickly! Summer is hot and humid, with fewer chances of rainy days. However, it's not unusual for a severe thunderstorm to pop up occasionally.
Pere Marquette State Park is a hunter's paradise with deer, turkey, and waterfowl. You might also come across coyotes. Hunters should check with the conservation department for more information about hunting requirements and seasons.
You can bring your travel trailer to Pere Marquette State Park. Eighty designated sites have 20, 30, & 50 amp service available, but no sewer or water hookups. You must reserve your site at least three days in advance.
This Illinois state park is pet-friendly. The usual rules apply: keep your dogs on a short leash, clean up after them, and ensure they're never left unattended. Also, only service animals are allowed in the state park's buildings.