Looking for the best options for tent camping near Ava? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Ava, Illinois's most popular destinations.
Giant City State Park Campground is a gem nestled near Makanda, IL. This place is a haven for campers who appreciate a mix of comfort and nature. The campground is open all year, so you can enjoy its beauty in any season. With amenities like electric hookups, showers, and toilets, it caters well to both tent and RV campers. Pets are welcome, and you can even enjoy a cold one by the fire since alcohol is allowed.
The campground is known for its well-maintained sites and friendly camp hosts. Visitors often rave about the cleanliness of the facilities, including the fire pits and pit toilets. The park itself is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with several hiking trails that showcase stunning sandstone formations and lush forest scenery. Even in winter, the trails offer a serene and picturesque experience.
One of the highlights of staying here is the Giant City Lodge. It’s a cozy spot with excellent food and panoramic views that make for a memorable dining experience. The family-style fried chicken dinner comes highly recommended.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the park offers various trails, some of which are perfect for families with young children. The playground and picnic areas add to the family-friendly vibe. If you're into fishing, there's a pond near the primitive camping site.
In summary, Giant City State Park Campground offers a blend of convenience and natural beauty, making it a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Whether you're hiking, relaxing by the fire, or exploring the nearby wineries, there's something here for everyone.
Turkey Bayou Campground
Located in Oakwood Bottoms, Turkey Bayou Campground is a great location outdoor activities including waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, trapping, fishing, nature watching and bird watching. The campground is next to a 20-acre lake on the Big Muddy River with close proximity to the Big Muddy boat launch and the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. There is no charge for camping at Turkey Bayou, but there is a 14-day maximum stay. The campground does not have water or toilets. The site frequently floods during heavy rain periods.
Our partner, Friends of Turkey Bayou helps maintain Turkey Bayou Campground.
A favorite with waterfowl hunters, Oakwood Bottoms offers so much more from excellent bird watching to fishing opportunities and primitive camping at Turkey Bayou Campground. Picnic with your family or youth group at Oakwood Bottoms picnic site and take a short walk into the bottoms on the wooden boardwalk trail that loops back to the picnic area. The site also has a large picnic shelter next to a large pond, where you can enjoy watching ducks and other birds visit the pond in search of food.
Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern illinois.
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
South Sandusky Campground is situated around Sandusky cove on Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With nicely spaced campsites and plenty of activities easily accessible from the campground, South Sandusky is an excellent destination for camping at Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.
South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office
$18 / night
Welcome to Hawn State Park Campground, nestled near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. This place is a gem for anyone looking to escape into nature without straying too far from civilization. The campground is open year-round and offers a mix of tent and RV sites, some with electric hookups.
One of the standout features here is the beautiful landscape. The park is filled with tall pines and scenic trails that are some of the best in Missouri. If you're into hiking, you won't be disappointed. The trails offer everything from gentle walks to more challenging hikes, and there's even an overlook that provides stunning views.
The campground itself is clean and family-friendly. Visitors have mentioned that the facilities, including restrooms and showers, are well-maintained. However, do note that the showers might be closed during certain seasons, so plan accordingly. There are also primitive vault toilets available.
For those who enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, the walk-in sites are a great option. They offer a bit more seclusion and are close to Pickle Creek, which is perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the water. Just be aware that the sites are fairly close together, so privacy might be limited.
Pets are welcome, and you can have a campfire, which is always a plus. Just remember to buy your firewood during the designated hours, or you might find yourself borrowing from a neighbor.
Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Hawn State Park Campground offers a serene and picturesque setting that's hard to beat. Enjoy your stay!
$12 - $25 / night
Welcome to Crab Orchard Lake Campground, nestled near Carbondale, IL. This spot is a favorite for many, offering a mix of tent and RV sites, some right on the water. If you're into lakeside views, you're in for a treat. The sunsets here are something else, and the lake itself is a sight to behold.
The campground operates from April 1 to October 31, and it's got a solid reputation with a rating of 4.4 out of 5. One thing folks appreciate is the spaciousness of the sites, though privacy can be a bit hit or miss. If you're lucky, you might snag one of the more secluded waterfront spots.
Amenities here are pretty decent. You've got electric and water hookups, showers, and toilets. The bathrooms are generally clean, though some visitors have noted they could use a bit of TLC. There's also a sanitary dump and sewer hookups for RVs, making it a convenient stop for those traveling in larger rigs.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Just keep an eye out for wildlife—raccoons, geese, and even the occasional snake have been spotted around the campground.
For activities, the lake is a big draw. Whether you're into fishing, boating, or just lounging by the water, there's plenty to keep you occupied. There's even a small beach area for swimming, though it's seasonal.
Overall, Crab Orchard Lake Campground offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful lake views and a good mix of amenities. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
$10 - $25 / night
Trail of Tears State Park Campground, near Jackson, MO, offers a unique camping experience right along the Mississippi River. This place is a gem for those who love a mix of natural beauty and historical significance. The campground is open year-round and features amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, and showers. Pets are welcome, and you can even enjoy a campfire at your site.
One of the standout features here is the unobstructed view of the Mississippi River. It's a fantastic spot for dark sky viewing, so bring your telescope if you're into stargazing. The park also has a scenic overlook and a visitor center with a small museum dedicated to the Trail of Tears Native American tribal migration—definitely worth a visit.
For those who like to stay active, there are some awesome hiking trails and a playground for the kids. If you're into fishing, the river and nearby Lake Boutin offer great opportunities. And speaking of the river, watching the barges go by can be quite mesmerizing.
A few practical tips: you can reserve your spot online up to a year in advance, and there's a senior discount available. Firewood is sold on-site, and there's a coin-operated laundromat about 12 miles away in Jackson. If you need a break from camp food, Tractors Restaurant in Jackson comes highly recommended.
Just a heads-up, the campground is close to a train track, so expect some noise from passing trains. But many campers find it adds to the charm. Overall, Trail of Tears State Park Campground is a fantastic spot for a memorable camping trip.
Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.
$30 / night
Who says you can’t have fun in a small midwestern town? In Perryville, MO, there’s plenty of history to experience and fun to be had. You can expect no less at Perryville RV Resort by R Journey. Located off Lake Drive on KOA Lane, our resort park is accessible via Interstate 55 to the south and Highway T to the north. Get ready to make memories and reconnect with family and friends with our selection of family-friendly activities and events. If you’ve been pining for a midwestern getaway, look no further than Perryville RV Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ava, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ava, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ava, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 68 tent camping locations near Ava, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
