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Signs & Maps

Established Camping

Johnson Creek

Johnson Creek, near Ava, Illinois, is a straightforward campground that offers a no-frills experience for those looking to escape into nature. With sites scattered throughout the woods and right by Kincaid Lake, it’s a solid choice for tent and RV camping.

The campground features basic amenities like clean pit toilets and drinking water available at the entrance. Campers appreciate the affordability, with a nightly rate that won’t break the bank, making it easy to enjoy a weekend away without spending a fortune. As one visitor noted, “For $10 a night, it is pretty good.”

If you’re into wildlife, you’ll love the sounds of owls calling at night, which adds a unique touch to your camping experience. There are also trails nearby for those who want to stretch their legs and explore the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Plus, if you’re up for a short ride, Scratch Brewery in Ava offers delicious brews and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for winding down after a day outdoors.

While some campers mentioned that the trails could use a little TLC, the overall vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a base for outdoor adventures, Johnson Creek has what you need for a simple and enjoyable camping trip.

Description

National Forest

Located on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities. Here you will find something for everyone in the family, from camping and kayaking to hiking along the lake, biking the scenic roads and horseback riding. Recreation Area Brochure/Map

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Location

Johnson Creek is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Murphysboro: Take Highway 149 west 7 miles to Highway 3; then north 4.5 miles on Highway 3 to Highway 151. Turn right onto Highway 151 and go 4 miles to recreation area. From St. Louis: Take either Highway 3 or Highway 4 south to Chester, IL. Then south 18 miles on Highway 3; turn left onto Highway 151 and go 4 miles to recreation area.

Coordinates

37.83400039 N
89.52100097 W

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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.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Reviews

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3.5

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2024

Nice!

This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2019

Other reviews must be old

Let’s start with the good. The outhouses were clean and it was pretty cheap. Ok,on to all of the not so great. The trails were VERY unkept and there was poison ivy at nearly every step, the entry map shows a beach- there might have been 5 years ago but now absolutely nothing that even resembled a place to swim. If I hadn’t been tricked into thinking it was a decent campground, I might not have been as disappointed but we were looking for a specific type of camping experience and this place failed to meet even the lowest of expectations.

Reviewed Apr. 27, 2019

off the beaten path

Located on Kincaid Lake in the northwestern edge of the Shawnee National forest. The campground has three small loops. Two are more forested with smaller sites and one is more open on the edge of the forest, and geared up for equestrian camping. There are very basic pit toilets that were fairly new and clean. You can get potable water at the entrance. We camped here mid-April and the campground water spigots had not been turned on yet. Camping is $10 a night - self check in. No need to worry about finding firewood, as it is plentiful within the forest. Listened to owls at night before bed.

We took a short ride to nearby Ava and checked out Scratch Brewery. Delicious and unique little place that is off the beaten path. Only open on weekends, but highly recommend.

Reviewed Apr. 11, 2019

Night of the owls

My wife and I camped here one weekend in early fall. The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake. The campground is in the Shawnee National Forrest, and We heard several owls calling in the trees around us when we went to bed, so we stayed up listening for awhile. In the middle of the night we were startled awake by a pair of owls in the tree right above us. We were not sure if they were fighting or mating, but it sure was loud! The campground is scattered throughout the woods, with pit toilets and there is no shower. Water is available at the entrance. But, for $10 a night it is pretty good.

Reviewed May. 31, 2018

woods camping byo horse

single, double, and triple camping spots set up on three loops in this small campground nestled in the corner of shawnee national forest. there's a central bath house located near check in. only amenities there are a pit toilet, so come prepared. drinking water available right outside the camp and most sites have a non-potable water spigot, horse hitch, and fire ring. close to lake kinkaid and johnson creek. there are a few trails that connect to this spot.

if you have a golden pass then you can receive a discounted stay.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Johnson Creek by em P., May 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Johnson Creek by em P., May 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Johnson Creek by em P., May 31, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Johnson Creek?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Johnson Creek, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Johnson Creek have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Johnson Creek does not have wifi.