Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc

For Illinois locals seeking a truly distinctive and serene camping experience, Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc in Ava offers a remarkable escape into nature. Nestled in a picturesque valley and bordering the expansive Shawnee Forest Preserve, this campground is a true hidden gem, providing a private and tranquil setting for families and friends. It’s a place where the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the gentle murmur of water and the rustle of leaves, creating an ideal environment for relaxation and outdoor adventure.

What makes Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc particularly appealing is its unique natural features and its emphasis on a low-key, family-oriented atmosphere. As one delighted visitor described it, it’s a "Beautiful, private campground that butts up to Shawnee Forest Preserve." This direct access to the vast forest opens up a world of exploration, from hiking trails to wildlife viewing. The campground itself is thoughtfully designed, with "water runoff from surrounding properties feeds into creek-like waterway into Lake Kincaid," adding to its natural charm and offering a distinctive aquatic environment.

The experience at Sharp Rock Falls is geared towards those who appreciate quiet solitude and intimate family time. It's described as "Very pretty, quiet, low key and family-oriented campground makes this a nice little gem a perfect family weekend getaway." This focus on tranquility means you can truly unplug and reconnect with nature and your loved ones, away from the distractions of daily life. While amenities are thoughtfully provided, the natural setting is the star here, inviting a more authentic outdoor experience.

For Illinois residents, finding a place that combines natural beauty, privacy, and a family-friendly atmosphere can be a challenge. Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc successfully delivers on all these fronts, making it a highly recommended destination for those yearning for a peaceful and memorable outdoor retreat in Southern Illinois. Its unique terrain and access to both the forest and Lake Kincaid offer diverse opportunities for exploration and relaxation, ensuring a truly enriching visit.

Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc is strategically located at 1 Campground Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA, positioning it in a beautiful, secluded valley in Southern Illinois. This unique geographical placement offers both a sense of privacy and direct access to significant natural features. The campground "butts up to Shawnee Forest Preserve," providing immediate entry to one of Illinois's most expansive and diverse natural landscapes.

Accessibility to Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc is generally good, although visitors should be aware of its valley setting. While it's "down in a valley," making phone reception potentially "hit and miss," the drive to Ava and then to the campground itself is manageable via well-established state and local routes. From larger hubs in Southern Illinois, such as Carbondale, the journey is relatively short and scenic, leading you into a truly rural and natural environment.

The location's unique terrain also means that "water runoff from surrounding properties feeds into creek-like waterway into Lake Kincaid." This natural waterway provides a distinct entrance to Lake Kincaid, a significant nearby body of water. At one end of the campground, there is a "small boat ramp for kayaks or smaller fish/ boats (trolling motor) can access," though it's noted that the "entrance to lake is extremely shallow." This suggests that while lake access is available, it is primarily suited for smaller, non-motorized or low-power boats. The surrounding "woods that surround campsites is considered state ground," but "no motorized vehicles permitted in wooded areas; permitted only within campground," ensuring the preservation of the natural environment and encouraging foot-based exploration of the forest. The seclusion created by its valley location and surrounding state grounds contributes to its quiet and peaceful ambiance, perfect for those truly looking to escape.

Services Offered:

• Campsites with metered running water.
• Electric hookups available with year-long term rental agreements.
• Small boat ramp for kayaks or smaller fish/trolling motor boats to access Lake Kincaid (note: lake entrance is extremely shallow).
• Access to hiking and walking trails within the campground and adjacent Shawnee Forest Preserve.
• Designated parking within the campground.
• Communal areas for family and friends to enjoy.
• Long-term rental agreements for extended stays.
• On-site personnel to assist campers.

Features / Highlights:

• Beautiful & Private Setting: Described as a "Beautiful, private campground," it offers a secluded escape from the crowds, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
• Direct Access to Shawnee Forest Preserve: The campground "butts up to Shawnee Forest Preserve," providing immediate entry to extensive hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and vast natural landscapes. Reviewers highlight "a lot of trails to hike," making it a great base for forest exploration.
• Unique Water Features & Lake Kincaid Access: Water runoff creates a "creek-like waterway into Lake Kincaid," offering a distinctive natural element. There's a "small boat ramp for kayaks or smaller fish/ boats (trolling motor) can access," providing limited but valuable entry to the lake, despite its "extremely shallow" entrance. Lake Kincaid itself allows all motor sizes but enforces speed limits.
• Quiet, Low-Key & Family-Oriented: It's celebrated as a "very pretty, quiet, low key and family-oriented campground," making it a perfect spot for a "family weekend getaway" where peace and connection are prioritized.
• Natural Terrain & Unplugged Experience: Being "down in a valley," the terrain can be "rough and in some areas, coming into contact with water is inevitable," adding to the rustic, natural feel. "No data or phone reception (maybe hit and miss if you are lucky)" provides an excellent opportunity to truly unplug and disconnect.
• Year-Long Rental Option: The availability of electric and metered running water with "year long term rental agreement" caters to those looking for extended or seasonal stays, offering a stable base for consistent outdoor enjoyment.
• Friendly Atmosphere: Reviewers mention "people there are awesome," indicating a welcoming and pleasant environment within the campground.

Contact Information:

Address: 1 Campground Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA

Phone: (618) 763-5511

Mobile Phone: +1 618-763-5511

For Illinois locals, Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc in Ava stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for several compelling reasons. Its primary appeal lies in its unique combination of seclusion and direct access to significant natural resources. For residents looking to truly escape the noise and demands of everyday life, the "private campground that butts up to Shawnee Forest Preserve" offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in nature without traveling vast distances. The "quiet, low key and family-oriented" atmosphere provides the perfect setting for relaxation and genuine connection with loved ones.

Furthermore, the distinct natural features, including the creek-like waterway leading to Lake Kincaid, offer unique recreational opportunities. While the lake access is best suited for "kayaks or smaller fish/ boats (trolling motor)" due to the shallow entrance, it provides a peaceful avenue for water-based activities. For avid hikers and nature enthusiasts, the immediate adjacency to the Shawnee Forest Preserve is a major draw, promising endless trails and opportunities for wildlife observation right from their campsite. The fact that "no motorized vehicles permitted in wooded areas" further preserves the natural tranquility and promotes foot-based exploration, which is ideal for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

The limited phone reception, while potentially a minor inconvenience for some, is actually a significant highlight for many seeking a true "unplugged" getaway. This allows Illinois locals to fully disconnect from digital distractions and embrace the present moment in nature. With "metered running water, electric available with year long term rental agreement," it also caters to those looking for extended stays, offering a comfortable and long-term base for enjoying the Southern Illinois outdoors. Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc truly represents a cherished "little gem" for those seeking a peaceful, family-focused, and naturally immersive camping experience within their home state.

Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc

1 Campground Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA