Best Dispersed Camping near Ava, IL

Dispersed camping in the Ava, Illinois region includes several primitive options within Shawnee National Forest. Trail of Tears State Forest offers remote tent camping with minimal amenities, while Dutchman Lake Camp provides primitive sites with no facilities. The Panther Den Wilderness area in Shawnee National Forest allows free camping with hike-in access. These public lands permit primitive camping with varying levels of accessibility and amenities, giving campers seeking solitude several options within driving distance of Ava.

Access to these dispersed camping areas varies considerably by location. Trail of Tears State Forest sites are accessible by both vehicle and foot, with sites that accommodate tent camping in a forest setting. The forest charges $8 per night, contrary to typical dispersed camping, but provides basic amenities like porta-potties at some sites, picnic tables, and fire rings. Dutchman Lake Camp features drive-in and walk-in access suitable for tent camping. Panther Den Wilderness requires hiking in, with no vehicle access to campsites. Most areas permit fires but provide no drinking water, making water supply planning essential.

The dispersed camping experience near Ava offers a sense of remoteness while maintaining reasonable accessibility. Trail of Tears State Forest provides a balance of solitude and basic amenities. A visitor noted the forest has "nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others" along with "potable water and camper registration." Dutchman Lake Camp sites are described as "beautiful little spots" that are "quiet and easy to get to." The area also provides "lots of nice scenery and decent fishing." Cell service is available in some locations, with one camper mentioning "Verizon works well" at Dutchman Lake Camp. Panther Den Wilderness likely offers the most secluded experience for those willing to hike in with their gear.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ava, Illinois (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ava, IL

1 Photos of 3 Ava Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ava, IL

6 Reviews of 3 Ava Campgrounds


  • Matthew Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Road trip break

    Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway

  • Bob P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 18, 2019

    Trail of Tears State Forest

    Remote and rugged

    Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Great stop for the night

    We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There’s a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn’t want to disturb them and also wanted our privacy. There a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring. Some bike-packers were already set up there. Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles. The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks! We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors. Very peaceful! No bugs.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Trail of Tears State Forest

    Not free but worth the $8/night

    Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others. Potable water and camper registration (but had a boil water warning but that was not normal). 30 min into Cape Girardeau and 15 min to Anna. Nice picnic table and raised fire ring/ grill.

  • J
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Beautiful Verizon works well

    Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too.

  • Jonathan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Weeke d at the lake

    Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing.


Guide to Ava

Dispersed camping options near Ava, Illinois span across the Shawnee National Forest with varied terrain and accessibility. These sites provide low-cost or free camping near Ava, Illinois with minimal amenities and seasonal considerations. Most areas receive less traffic during weekdays, especially in spring and fall when temperatures range from 40°F at night to 75°F during daytime.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Dutchman Lake Camp provides good bank fishing access with relatively easy setup. "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing," reports Jonathan H., who visited during summer months.

Overnight road trip stops: Several dispersed sites serve as convenient overnight breaks for travelers passing through southern Illinois. At Dutchman Lake Camp, Matthew Z. notes it's a "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway."

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities to spot local wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. The quiet camping atmosphere contributes to increased wildlife sightings, particularly at dawn.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the separation between camping areas at Trail of Tears State Forest, where Bob P. describes the experience as "Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude."

Lake views: Some sites at Dutchman Lake offer water views and direct lake access. Katie B. describes the options: "There's a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles... Close to the lake there is another spot for one or two vehicles."

Budget-friendly options: These dispersed sites offer affordable alternatives to developed campgrounds. Trail of Tears charges a modest $8 nightly fee while providing basic amenities like portable toilets at some sites.

What you should know

Water conditions: Surface water requires treatment before consumption. Katie noted at Dutchman Lake Camp: "The lake surface had a lot of bug activity - no thanks!" Campers should bring all drinking water or reliable filtration methods.

Cell service coverage: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. J.A. confirms "Verizon works well" at Dutchman Lake Camp, but service may be limited in more remote wilderness areas like Panther Den.

Registration requirements: Some dispersed sites in state forests require self-registration. Bill C. notes that Trail of Tears has "Potable water and camper registration" which involves filling out a form and paying the nightly fee.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for comfort: When camping with children, choose sites with more amenities. Bill C. found that Trail of Tears State Forest offers "nice picnic table and raised fire ring/grill" which provides convenient cooking options for family meals.

Bug prevention: During warmer months, insect activity increases near standing water. Katie B. observed at Dutchman Lake that some areas had "a lot of bug activity" while other spots were noticeably better with "Very peaceful! No bugs."

Proximity to towns: For family camping, consider the distance to nearby services. Bill C. notes Trail of Tears is "30 min into Cape Girardeau and 15 min to Anna" which allows for quick access to supplies if needed.

Tips from RVers

Turn-around space: Larger vehicles should assess site access before committing. Katie B. describes Dutchman Lake Camp's layout: "There's a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there."

Alternative parking options: When primary camping areas are occupied, look for secondary spots. At Dutchman Lake Camp, Katie B. found solutions: "We ended up choosing a grassy space next to the curve in the road in between our neighbors."

Limited amenities: RVers must be self-contained as these sites lack hookups. Bring sufficient water, manage waste properly, and prepare for minimal facilities throughout the Shawnee National Forest dispersed camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ava, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ava, IL is Trail of Tears State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ava, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Ava, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.