Map showing campground location near Ava, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Pyramid State Recreation Area

Pyramid State Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Pyramid State Recreation Area, managed by Illinois state parks, spreads across a reclaimed strip-mine landscape in Perry County, giving the campground at its north end a distinctive character shaped by numerous small lakes and rolling, reforested terrain. Sites are level and each has a picnic table, though fire pits show some wear and lantern posts are absent. The north campground sits close to the water, which matters given how central lake access is to the park's appeal. The drive to the park office from that north end is long, so plan accordingly.

Fishing draws steady attention here. As Mike V. puts it, the park "seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes," and canoe and kayak access to those lakes is well-regarded. Horseback riding trails add another dimension. Hiking options are limited compared to larger state parks, but the trail network covers enough ground to fill a morning. Visitors in late spring report active birdlife along the routes.

The campground stays open year-round, and an off-season visit in February confirmed sites are level and usable, with pit toilets in reasonable condition. Summer brings insects, which is worth factoring into timing. RVs up to 35 feet are accommodated, and pets are allowed. Campers looking at campgrounds around Pyramid State Recreation Area will find Dry Lake Campground roughly six miles south as a nearby alternative. Bringing a lantern and bug protection is advisable for warmer-weather stays.

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Map & DirectionsPyramid State Recreation Area is located in Illinois near Ava

Public Campground

Directions

From jct Hwy 154 & Hwy 127/13: Go 6 mi S on Hwy 127/13.

Address

1562 Pyramid Park Rd
Pinckneyville, IL 62274

Coordinates

37.9735921415906 N
89.41892169403945 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
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Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 17 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
1 hr 26 min from St. Louis, MO
1 hr 35 min from Paducah, KY
2 hrs 16 min from Evansville, IN

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Pyramid State Recreation Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted excellent hiking trails, fishing opportunities across multiple lakes, and well-maintained facilities. Several guests observed close site spacing but appreciated the peaceful atmosphere and level campsites.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Logan W.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 4, 2024

Nice campsites and lots of lakes

We stayed at the campground on the north end of Pyramid. The campsites were close together but we visited in February so we were the only campers. The fire pits were a little run down but the sites were nice and level with a table. No lantern posts. Pit toilets that were decent. The park office is a pretty long drive from the north end campground. The hiking is limited but the campground was peaceful and close to the lakes. Probably covered in bugs in the summer. Overall pretty nice stay

Sitenorth campground

Month of VisitFebruary

(5) View All

Leah P.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2016

trails

great hiking trails and easy to follow

Chad K.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2016

Pyramid SP

Stopped at Pyramid state park on our way to St. Louis. This SP is a hidden jem and we wish we had more than a day to explore. There are several trails to explore and plenty of places to throw a pole in. The facilities were well maintained and we will defiantly be back.

Andrew S.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2016

One Day of Bliss

Could only hike here for one day but the views are unbelievable and the weather was perfect. We spent about 4 hours just taking every little trail we could and couldn't have been happier

Mike V.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2016

Pyramid State Park, IL, initial visit

Much enjoyed driving around exploring this large state park in IL. Seems to be awesome for fishing as there are many lakes. Great access to the lakes for canoe & kayak. Did a nice long walk along one trail late May and there was a lot of bird activity. Can't explore it all on one visit. Saw several people camping, and some were horse back riding on a trail. Hope to go back some day and spend more time there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Pyramid State Recreation Area in Illinois?

Pyramid State Recreation Area offers primitive camping options with basic amenities. The campground on the north end features level sites with tables and fire pits, though the pits may be somewhat run down. No lantern posts are available at the sites. The facilities include pit toilets that are maintained in decent condition. The campsites are positioned relatively close to one another, but during off-season months like February, you might enjoy more privacy and solitude as visitation is lower.

Where is Pyramid State Recreation Area located in Illinois?

Pyramid State Recreation Area is located in southern Illinois. It's a convenient stopping point for travelers heading to St. Louis. The park is divided into different sections, with a campground situated on the north end. The recreation area is quite expansive, requiring multiple visits to explore completely. For specific directions, contact the park office which provides information and assistance to visitors.

Are there good photo opportunities at Pyramid State Recreation Area?

Yes, Pyramid State Recreation Area offers excellent photography opportunities. The park features "unbelievable views" according to those who've visited. With numerous lakes scattered throughout, you'll find picturesque water scenes perfect for landscape photography. The diverse trail system leads to various scenic spots, and abundant bird activity (especially noticeable in late spring) provides wonderful wildlife photography chances. The park's natural beauty shines in different seasons, with perfect weather conditions often enhancing the visual experience. Plan to spend several hours exploring different trails to capture the full range of photographic possibilities.

What do visitor reviews say about camping at Pyramid State Recreation Area?

Campers consistently rate Pyramid State Recreation Area highly, with most giving it 4-5 stars. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities, level campsites, and tables provided. The recreation area is praised for its extensive hiking trails that are easy to follow and the excellent fishing opportunities across its many lakes. Many express it's a hidden gem worth exploring, with several noting they wished they had more time to fully experience all the park has to offer. The campground layout provides access to various outdoor activities, making it suitable for both overnight stays and day visits.

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