Johnson Creek Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from March 15 through December 15. The boat launch and picnic areas remain open year-round.

About

Johnson Creek Campground sits on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake within the Shawnee National Forest, offering a variety of outdoor activities for campers. This is one of the few Forest Service campgrounds in the region that welcomes equestrians and their stock animals, featuring large campsites with hitching posts and highline poles. The campground offers 20 sites in single, double, and triple configurations to accommodate groups of various sizes. Equestrian trails lead directly from the campground and link to the extensive Kinkaid Lake trail system, providing miles of riding opportunities through scenic southern Illinois landscape. Kinkaid Lake spans 2,750 acres and is popular for fishing, with species including largemouth and smallmouth bass, pure muskellunge, and crappie. The recreation area features a boat launch suitable for small watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, or small motorized boats. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Campers can enjoy hiking, biking scenic roads, wildlife viewing, and water activities. The day-use picnic area and boat launch remain open year-round, while overnight camping is seasonal. With vault toilets and large sites, Johnson Creek provides a rustic camping experience in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest.

Directions

From Chester, take Highway 3 south to Highway 151. Turn left onto Highway 151 and go 4 miles to the recreation area. From Route 151 south of Ava, turn into Johnson Creek Recreation Area. The campground is at the end of the drive.

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