Tent camping options near Ava, Illinois are nestled within the Shawnee National Forest region where elevations range from 340 to 1,060 feet. The area receives approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall, creating seasonal waterfalls throughout the forested hills. Weekday camping from March through May offers optimal conditions with temperatures between 55-75°F and lower humidity than summer months.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Turkey Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park offers access to multiple waterfall trails. "Really, this state park is a must for anyone who lives nearby or is driving through. It's just that gorgeous! There are lots of well maintained trails to hike... hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc. Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail," reports Dani B., who visited with children who "explored the caves for hours."
Fishing opportunities: Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt provides access to 2,300-acre Lake of Egypt for anglers seeking bass, crappie and catfish. The lake maintains stable water levels year-round as it serves as cooling water for a power plant. "Lake Egypt so peaceful and relaxing," notes Robbin C., though recent visitors should be aware of access changes.
Bird watching: North Marcum Day Use Area on Rend Lake serves as an important bird habitat approximately 45 miles northeast of Ava. "The lake is an important bird habitat making it a great place for my fellow bird watchers to go," writes Jill R., who also mentions the "tidy" beach area that remains "free of a lot of trash."
What campers like
Private campsites: Dutchman Lake Camp offers dispersed camping with multiple secluded spots around the 35-acre lake, located about 30 miles southeast of Ava. Katie B. describes, "There's a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles... There's a space for a vehicle to pull off and walk around some boulders to set up a camp, complete with a fire ring."
Shade coverage: Campsites throughout the Shawnee National Forest region benefit from extensive tree canopy. At Backpack Campground, Tye K. notes, "Nice wooded primitive sites with easy access to water and toilets. Had my pups with, and no problems at all. Nice trails for different hiking skill sets."
Cellular service: Connectivity varies throughout the region but some camping areas maintain reliable service. At Dutchman Lake Camp, one camper reports, "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too. Verizon works well," making it suitable for remote workers needing occasional connectivity.
What you should know
Site availability patterns: For the best tent camping near Ava, Illinois, timing affects crowding significantly. At Backpack Campground in Ferne Clyffe State Park, weekdays offer significantly more solitude. Joel R. describes the overall facilities: "There are several campgrounds: modern, primitive, youth groups, backpack or equestrian. Shower facilities are available at some campgrounds."
Water access considerations: Natural water sources fluctuate seasonally, with spring offering the most reliable creek flows. Standing water in lakes can have heavy insect activity, as Katie B. observed at Dutchman Lake: "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."
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote campsites deteriorate after rain. One camper described their attempt to reach Buck Ridge Campground: "The road is deceptively smooth. Ruts and water crossings appear suddenly. The creek looks like it overflowed."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly trails: Turkey Ridge Campground connects to hiking trails suitable for various ages. "Rebman trail is good for anyone including little kids," notes David H., who stayed for multiple nights. The campground provides a good base for exploring Ferne Clyffe State Park's accessible natural features.
Swimming options: North Marcum Day Use Area includes a swimming beach with gradual entry points suitable for younger children. According to Jill R., the beach is "perfect for the youngsters to play in" and remains cleaner than many public swimming areas.
Bathroom access: Family camping requires consideration of facilities. Gina J. notes about Turkey Ridge: "The tent camping accommodations were less than stellar, simply because of the 'outhouses'" but still gave the experience 4 stars due to wildlife viewing opportunities, mentioning "it was really neat to listen to all the different species throughout the night."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: World Shooting and Recreational Complex near Sparta provides full hookup sites approximately 45 miles northwest of Ava. "This site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue," reports Chip, who visited during a less busy period and found "only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night."
Campsite spacing: RV sites throughout the region vary in privacy. David H. notes specific site recommendations at Turkey Ridge: "#35 is a nice location. Large yard and not super close to other campers. #53 is smaller but very private."
Campground facilities: RV campers should verify shower availability before arrival. As Chip mentions about the World Shooting Complex, "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."
