Are you in need of a campground near Ava, IL? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ava, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near Ava, reviewed by campers like you.
"We took a chance camping here since we hang hammocks but we found a site that had some trees nearby. We were pleasantly surprised to see a port-a-pottie at the campground."
"Stayed during the eclipse so crowds were intense but the hosts lets us camp where we could find room, the site was clean and the pond was beautiful (as always bring the bug spray when camping near the"
"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"
"The site was fairly secluded, and right on Kincade lake."
"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."
"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."
"We had pit toilets, but had to drive elsewhere for showers. I would come back again."
"Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.
The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"
Extended or early arrivals welcome."
"As with all of southern Illinois it’s very senic rock formations neat trails and fishing."
"We got a nice little spot to ourselves across the lake to put our tent. Its like a little community. I loved it. If your wanting out in the wilderness this is not for you."
"Located five miles northeast of Chester, Randolph County SRA lies in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois."
"This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating."
"There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here."
"Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.
All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."
$10 - $25 / night
"Wthat a nice find in southern Illinois just outside of Marion. Very big roomy and grassy sites. Some right on the lake shore."
"Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale
Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must."
TravelerOverall we’ve really enjoyed our stay. Came over the Labor Day weekend and staying a week. Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been. A little noisy at night with the interstate in the distance but we’d expected that. Only thing we wish we would’ve known about was the paving of the road happening directly outside of the park. They obviously can’t control that but a heads up would’ve been helpful. One day we couldn’t get out for a bit and thankfully we had flexible plans. Overall- it’s a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc. Vienna only has a dollar general and a few restaurants- a diner, longhorn cafe, Mexican restaurant and Family Pizza- we tried the last one and it was good! Prepare for a 40 min wait time if picking up and it gets packed if you want to dine in. Would def stay here again to visit Shawnee.
ScoutThis was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees. Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue. This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event. During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full. We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning. There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried. I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.
GuideNice, large, well thought out campground. Lots of trees, paved sites, bathrooms, showers, and well maintained. Offers full hookups, partial or none. Convenient to I64. Only stayed 1 nite, but would definitely come back.
ScoutI had a Reservation for a month long stay. I get there and he said that he would have to guide me to the Site. He guided me for sure right into another Camper. It did over $3,000.00 Dollars of Damage to my Camper. I don't know what the Claims Adjuster paid for Damages to the Camper that the Campground Owner guided me into. His sites are not 25-40 feet wide and 35-100 feet long. If the campsites were that big, the owner wouldn't have had to guide me to my site. I'm going to get a Lawyer and Sue the Campground for all of my Damages to my Camper and the Camper the owner guided me into.
RangerYes, there is highway noise. It's a KOA. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs. That said, excellent staff, clean, professional KOA
LegendWe were driving south on I24 towards Nashville and needed a spot to stop for the night. We booked online and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The campground is really nice and had a great paved walking trail to stretch our legs and walk the dog. Would definitely recommend if in the area.
GuideNice spot on the lake. Nice staff. Lots of Geese. 1 washer washer and dryer, need $4 dollar in quarters to do full cycle.
TravelerSite 46 was a walk-in site, but did not offer the privacy that is typical for walk-in sites. We could hear people in the tents nearby when they sneezed at night, and an RV nearby complained that my baby was chattering early in the morning.
ScoutNice sites, great amenities
Camping near Ava, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping near Ava, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at campgrounds in Ava?
Campgrounds around Ava offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. South Marcum Campground provides some of the most comprehensive facilities, with both wooded and lakeside sites, plenty of bathrooms, and shower facilities. For those seeking recreation opportunities, Randolph County State Recreation Area features a fishing lake alongside well-maintained gravel sites, most with shade. Many campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water, while larger facilities might include electric hookups, dump stations, and shower facilities. The amenities typically vary based on whether you're at a state park, recreation area, or private campground.
Where can I find camping sites near Ava, Missouri?
Several quality campgrounds are available near Ava. Little Ole Opry Campground offers convenient overnight stays, with easy access though you'll want to follow specific directions rather than GPS. In the broader region, Ferne Clyffe State Park provides camping options within the beautiful Shawnee National Forest area, making it worth the drive for nature enthusiasts. There are also several campgrounds around Rend Lake that make excellent destinations for those willing to travel slightly farther for waterfront camping experiences.
When is the best season for camping in Ava?
The ideal camping season around Ava is late spring through early fall. Little Grassy Lake Campground is particularly beautiful during these months, offering a cozy experience with access to nearby hiking trails. Late spring (April-May) brings comfortable temperatures and blooming landscapes, while early fall (September-October) offers colorful foliage and cooler nights perfect for campfires. Summer camping is popular at Washington County State Recreation Area, where you can enjoy the wooded surroundings and pretty lake, though be prepared for higher temperatures. Winter camping is less common due to colder temperatures, though some hardy campers enjoy the solitude of off-season visits when facilities remain open.
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