Johnson Creek Campground
Its sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations), and camping costs Single Site: $10 per night. Johnson Creek Campground is a National Forest campground near Ava, Illinois.
First-come, first-served
- National Forest
- Managed by
Johnson Creek Campground sits inside Shawnee National Forest. Its dispersed-camping rule, ranger offices, and boundary are on publiclandsdb.com.
Getting a site
- Managed by
- National Forest
- Reservations
- None, first-come
- Fee
- Single Site: $10 per night
Source: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-30
What's there
- ✓ Toilets
- ✓ Potable water
On site: Toilets and potable water.
Access and cell service
- Elevation
- 600 ft
37.8344, -89.5206 in Jackson. Open in OpenStreetMap. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Common questions
Do you need a reservation at Johnson Creek Campground?
No. Johnson Creek Campground is first-come, first-served: there is no reservation system, so arrive early to claim an open site.
How much does it cost to camp at Johnson Creek Campground?
Camping at Johnson Creek Campground costs Single Site: $10 per night.
Is there drinking water at Johnson Creek Campground?
Yes, Johnson Creek Campground has potable water. It also has toilets.
Who manages Johnson Creek Campground?
Johnson Creek Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Around Johnson Creek Campground
Public land within 15 miles: Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area (7.8 miles to its center) , Lake Murphysboro State Park (8.3 miles to its center) , and Pyramid State Recreation Area (13 miles to its center) ; publiclandsdb.com has each unit's camping rules and boundary.
Swimming nearby
The nearest swimming hole to Johnson Creek Campground, in a straight line: Giant City Lake (swimming hole, 24 miles). Each has its own page on swimholesmap.com.
More campgrounds: camping near Ava and campgrounds in Jackson.
Sources
- apps.fs.usda.gov (all fields), accessed 2026-09-30