Sawmill BBQ at Cahokia RV Parque
Pull into your site, back into the hookups, and dinner is a two-minute walk away. Sawmill BBQ sits right on the Cahokia RV Parque property, and after a long drive or a full day at the Arch, that matters more than people expect.
Sawmill BBQ Cahokia has built a loyal following well beyond RV guests, locals drive in just for the brisket. If you’re staying at the campground, though, you get the easiest version of that trip: no parking, no directions, no separate stop.
Here’s what to know before you go.
Is Sawmill BBQ Actually Part of the Campground?
Short answer: no. Sawmill BBQ is a separately owned restaurant that happens to sit on the same property as Cahokia RV Parque. It’s not operated by the campground, and the two businesses run independently, different owners, different staff, different hours.
That said, the setup works in guests’ favor. You get a genuinely good, established BBQ restaurant without the campground having to run a kitchen, and Sawmill gets a steady stream of hungry travelers who’ve just rolled in off the highway. It’s a good neighbor relationship, not a shared operation, worth knowing so nobody assumes campground staff can answer restaurant questions, or vice versa.
Curious what guests think of staying here in the first place? See what people are saying on our reviews page.
Sawmill BBQ Hours, And Yes, Sunday Is a Real Closure
Sawmill BBQ Cahokia keeps a fairly consistent schedule:
Day | Hours |
Monday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Saturday | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Sunday | Closed |
That Sunday closure isn’t a typo or an outdated listing, it’s a full day off. If you’re planning a Sunday arrival or a Sunday-night dinner, plan around it: grab something Saturday evening before check-in traffic slows down, or ask the front desk for a nearby Sunday option when you check in.
Rates, hours, and daily specials can shift, so if you’re timing a visit around a specific meal, a quick call to Sawmill BBQ directly (618-332-3000) is the safest bet, especially since they smoke meat fresh daily and can run out of popular cuts before closing.
What Should a First-Time Visitor Order?
If you’ve never eaten at Sawmill BBQ, start simple: a combo platter. It’s consistently the most-ordered item on the menu, and it’s the easiest way to sample the smoker without committing to just one cut.
A few menu categories to know:
Combo platters (2-meat or 3-meat)
The go-to for first-timers who can’t decide.
Individual platters
Baby back ribs and pork steak are both standouts, with pork steak showing up as a Friday/Saturday special.
Sandwiches
Brisket, pulled pork, and turkey, each served with two sides.
Salads
A lighter option if you’re not in the mood for a full platter.
All the meat is dry-rubbed and slow-smoked in-house, and it comes with a choice of four house-made sauces: sweet, hot, Carolina mustard, and white BBQ. If you only try one sauce, the white BBQ is the one that surprises people who’ve never had it before.
Is the Food Actually Good, or Just Convenient?
Fair question, a lot of “on-site” restaurants coast on location alone. Sawmill BBQ doesn’t need to. Guests consistently point to the smoke flavor on the brisket and pulled pork, generous portion sizes, and sides like the baked beans and potato salad as standouts in their own right, not just an afterthought next to the meat.
It’s also become enough of a destination on its own that people who aren’t staying at the campground drive in specifically for it, which is a decent signal that the convenience isn’t doing all the work.
Staying in an RV site? BBQ Is Steps Away
For guests booking one of the RV sites, Sawmill BBQ solves the first-night dinner question before it comes up. You don’t need to unpack a kitchen kit or figure out where to eat in an unfamiliar area, it’s part of what makes Cahokia RV Parque one of the more convenient RV parks with BBQ areas in the St. Louis area: a place to sleep and a real meal, both without moving your vehicle.
Ready to book an RV site? See availability or check current rates.
Helpful Information Before You Arrive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sawmill BBQ part of Cahokia RV Parque?
No. Sawmill BBQ is a separately owned restaurant located on the same property as the campground. It operates independently of the RV park.
What are Sawmill BBQ's hours?
Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Saturday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Closed on Sunday.
Is Sawmill BBQ really closed on Sundays?
Yes — Sunday is a full closure, not reduced hours. Plan your Sunday meals elsewhere or eat there Saturday evening instead.
What should I order on my first visit?
A combo platter (2-meat or 3-meat) is the easiest way to try multiple cuts at once. The baby back ribs and pork steak platters are also popular individual choices.
Does Sawmill BBQ have a kids' menu?
Families are welcome, and portions are generous enough to split. Call ahead if you have specific kids’ menu questions.
Are there vegetarian-friendly sides?
The menu includes salads and several sides. If you’re traveling with a vegetarian, it’s worth a quick call to confirm which sides are meat-free that day.
Can I get a drink with dinner, or is it BYOB?
Beverage policies can vary, so it’s best to call Sawmill BBQ directly at 618-332-3000 to confirm what’s available when you visit.
What's the best dish to try?
The 3-meat combo platter is the most popular order, with the baby back ribs platter close behind. If you want one thing to build a first visit around, start there.
Book Your Stay, Then Walk to Dinner
Full hookups, a shuttle into St. Louis, and BBQ on-site, that’s the whole pitch. Check availability and book your site today.
Members of the Military save on their stay, ask about current discount codes when you book.