Johnson Creek Campground
Open for the season from March 15 through December 15. First-come, first-served only; no reservations accepted. No potable water available on site.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 1:40PM CDT until July 3 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with daily heat index values peaking up to around 110 degrees. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged extreme heat and high humidity events.
Lane reduction on bridge near IL Iron Furnace
Big Creek BridgeBig Creek Bridge, which carries County Road 12 over Big Creek, near the Iron Furnace recreation site in Hardin County, is reduced to a single central lane due to deteriorating bridge conditions. Motorists should slow down when approaching and traveling over the bridge. For your…
Trigg Tower temporarily closed
Trigg Tower on the Shawnee National Forest will temporarily close this month for necessary repairs. Weather permitting, contractors will begin work May 11, temporarily closing the tower and parking area to visitors. Repairs are expected to take approximately one month, no more than 90 days.Repairs…
About
Johnson Creek Campground occupies a scenic spot on a northwest finger of Kinkaid Lake within Shawnee National Forest. As one of the few USFS campgrounds specifically designed for equestrians, it provides hitching posts and highline poles at campsites, along with a trailhead parking lot large enough for horse trailers. Overnight parking is permitted at both the trailhead and boat launch area. The campground offers single, double, and triple sites to accommodate various group sizes. Several trails lead directly from the campground and link to the extensive Kinkaid Lake trail system, making it an ideal base camp for multi-day riding or hiking trips. A boat launch provides lake access for fishing and paddling. This is a first-come, first-served campground with no reservations accepted. Vault toilets are available, but campers must bring their own drinking water as potable water is not provided. Trash receptacles are on site. Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times.
Directions
From Route 151 south of Ava, turn into Johnson Creek Recreation Area. The campground is at the end of the drive.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (618) 833-8576 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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