Johnson Creek Recreation Area

For Illinois residents yearning to truly unplug and reconnect with nature, Johnson Creek Recreation Area in Ava, IL, presents an ideal rustic camping experience within the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. This tranquil campground offers a refreshing escape from the constant demands of daily life, providing a sanctuary where the sounds of the forest replace the ringing of phones. If your perfect getaway involves quiet nights under the stars, simple amenities, and abundant outdoor activities, Johnson Creek is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Johnson Creek Recreation Area is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Southern Illinois. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this area is known for its quiet, large campsites and its welcoming atmosphere for both tent campers and equestrians. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's a place to "get away and unplug where no service can find me." While it lacks some modern conveniences like widespread electric hookups or full water hookups at every site, its basic facilities are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable yet authentic primitive camping adventure. It’s a destination that encourages self-reliance and a deep appreciation for the serene outdoors.

Johnson Creek Recreation Area is situated on Johnson Creek Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA, positioning it firmly within the expansive and picturesque Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. Specifically, it lies on a northwest finger of the beautiful Kinkaid Lake, a significant recreational hub in the region.

Access to Johnson Creek is relatively straightforward. From Murphysboro, you can take Highway 149 west for 7 miles to Highway 3, then north 4.5 miles on Highway 3 to Highway 151. A right turn onto Highway 151 for 4 miles will lead you to the recreation area. For those traveling from St. Louis, taking either Highway 3 or Highway 4 south to Chester, IL, then south 18 miles on Highway 3, followed by a left onto Highway 151 for 4 miles, will bring you to the destination. The roads leading to the area are generally well-maintained, accommodating various vehicles including RVs, though some interior campground roads may be gravel and can have low-hanging branches.

The campground's location within the Shawnee National Forest means it is surrounded by diverse plant and animal life, offering a truly immersive natural experience. Its setting on Kinkaid Lake provides easy access to water-based activities, while extensive trail systems branch directly from the campground, inviting exploration on foot or horseback.

Johnson Creek Recreation Area is designed to provide a rustic camping experience with essential amenities for comfort and convenience. While it emphasizes getting back to basics, it ensures necessary facilities are available:

• Campsites: The campground offers developed campsites for both recreational vehicles and tent campers. Sites vary, including single, double, and triple spots, accommodating different group sizes. Each site typically includes a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring with a cooking grill.
• Electric Hookups: While many sites are non-electric, there are developed campsites that offer electricity, particularly for RVs. It's advisable to check specific site details or bring a generator if power is a necessity, keeping generator rules in mind.
• Water Access: Potable (drinking) water is available at the entrance to the campground, typically via a hand pump or spigots. Visitors are advised to bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, especially if specific water systems are temporarily unavailable.
• Vault Toilets/Restrooms: Vault toilets are frequently available throughout the campground loops and are generally well-maintained. Additionally, some sources indicate that certain areas within Johnson Creek Recreation Area (such as the day-use area or a central bathhouse) may have flush toilets and showers, which would be a significant plus for campers. It's recommended to confirm these specific amenities directly.
• RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is available near the campground entrance for disposal of sewage and gray water.
• Boat Launch: The recreation area includes a multi-lane concrete boat ramp suitable for small watercraft, offering direct access to Kinkaid Lake for campers. Another ramp is available in the day-use area for public use.
• Group Camping Area: A designated group camping area with a pavilion is available, which can be reserved in advance through the project office. This pavilion may include picnic tables, a covered cooking grill, and electricity.
• Equestrian Facilities: For horse campers, some sites within Johnson Creek Campground feature large campsites, hitching posts, and highline poles, making it one of the few Forest Service campgrounds in the area that specifically allows equestrians and their stock.
• Trash Receptacles: Trash receptacles are accessible throughout the campground, encouraging visitors to keep their campsites clean.
• Gate Attendant Station: Access into the campground is controlled by a gate attendant station, with attendants on duty during specified hours (e.g., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.). The gate is closed during quiet hours (11 p.m. to 6 a.m.).

These services provide a functional and enjoyable framework for a rustic camping trip, balancing outdoor immersion with essential conveniences.

Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a desirable destination for campers in Illinois:

• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Many visitors praise the campground for its quiet environment and secluded feel, providing a true escape from noise and crowds. This makes it an ideal "sanctuary" for those looking to "unplug."
• Access to Kinkaid Lake: The campground is located on a finger of the beautiful Kinkaid Lake, one of the larger lakes (2750 acres) in Southern Illinois. This offers excellent opportunities for fishing (known for Muskellunge, bass, crappie), swimming (in designated areas), boating (motorized and non-motorized), and water skiing.
• Equestrian-Friendly: Johnson Creek is a primary basecamp for equestrians exploring the Kinkaid Lake trail system. It offers sites with horse facilities and direct access to extensive equestrian trails.
• Extensive Trail System: Beyond equestrian trails, the area boasts a variety of hiking and biking trails, including portions of the Kinkaid Lake Trail which winds along the lake shore. This provides diverse options for exploring the forested terrain and unique rock formations of the Shawnee National Forest.
• Affordable Rates: With reasonable nightly fees (e.g., $10 for a single site, $12 for a double, $15 for a triple), Johnson Creek offers a great value for a peaceful and amenity-light camping experience.
• "Dark Sky" Potential: As a relatively remote location within the national forest, it offers good opportunities for stargazing, as implied by a reviewer finding it a place to get away from distractions.
• Well-Spaced Campsites: Reviewers mention "large campsites" and "generous spots," indicating ample space and privacy between individual sites.
• Year-Round Activities: While the developed campground is seasonal (typically March 15 - December 15), the boat launch and picnic areas are open year-round, allowing for off-season enjoyment of Kinkaid Lake.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting within the Shawnee National Forest means abundant opportunities for nature viewing, including listening for owls at night as one camper noted.

These highlights combine to create a compelling offering for campers who prioritize tranquility, outdoor activities, and a back-to-basics approach to camping within a beautiful natural setting.

For more information or inquiries regarding Johnson Creek Recreation Area, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Johnson Creek Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA

Phone: (618) 833-8576 (This is typically the number for the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District, which manages this area within the Shawnee National Forest).

Mobile Phone: +1 618-833-8576

Please note that Johnson Creek Campground generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most sites, meaning reservations are usually not accepted for individual campsites. However, the Group Camping Area with a pavilion may be reserved by contacting the project office directly. It is always advisable to check the official Shawnee National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/shawnee) for the most current information regarding operational hours, fees, alerts (such as water system status or trail closures), and detailed rules before planning your trip. Park rangers make periodic patrols, and visitor protection is also provided by local law enforcement.

For Illinois residents, Johnson Creek Recreation Area serves as an outstanding and highly suitable destination for those seeking an authentic outdoor escape within their home state. Its rustic charm, combined with its prime location in the Shawnee National Forest and on the beautiful Kinkaid Lake, offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility that is perfect for a local getaway.

One of the most compelling reasons for Illinoisans to choose Johnson Creek is its ability to facilitate a true "unplugged" experience. In a world of constant digital connection, the limited cell service provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from screens and truly engage with the natural environment and one another. This makes it an ideal sanctuary for mental rejuvenation, allowing locals to find peace and quiet amidst the beauty of Southern Illinois.

Furthermore, the variety of recreational activities available directly from the campground caters to diverse interests. Whether you're an avid angler keen on catching muskies in Kinkaid Lake, a passionate equestrian ready to hit the extensive trail system, or a family simply looking to enjoy a quiet picnic and explore nature on foot, Johnson Creek provides the perfect backdrop. The large, well-spaced campsites, complete with fire rings and picnic tables, offer comfortable bases for these adventures.

The affordability of the campsites also makes it an accessible option for many Illinois families and individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors without a hefty price tag. It’s a testament to the value offered by the Shawnee National Forest. By choosing Johnson Creek, Illinois residents can support their local public lands while creating lasting memories, experiencing the rich biodiversity of their state, and truly embracing the spirit of outdoor adventure right here at home.

Johnson Creek Recreation Area

Johnson Creek Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA