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Camping · Illinois

Johnson Creek Campground

USFS · Campground · Fee

Fast facts

Cost
Fee charged
Managed by
USFS
Type
Campground
Hours
Campground open from 3/15 - 12/15 Boat Launch & picnic area - Open year-round.
Reservations
fs.usda.gov
Coordinates
37.8345, -89.5206
Last verified
September 18, 2026
37.8345° N · 89.5206° W
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Last verifiedSeptember 18, 2026

About this place

Located on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities. Here you will find something for everyone in the family, from camping and kayaking to hiking along the lake, biking the scenic roads and horseback riding. Camping trailer: non-electric Picnic tables Tent camping: non-electric Parking Toilets: vault toilets Boat ramp: suitable for small watercrafts

From the USFS.

Is Johnson Creek Campground free?

No. Johnson Creek Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through fs.usda.gov.

How do I get to Johnson Creek Campground?

From Murphysboro: Take Highway 149 west 7 miles to Highway 3; then north 4.5 miles on Highway 3 to Highway 151. Turn right onto Highway 151 and go 4 miles to recreation area. From St. Louis: Take either Highway 3 or Highway 4 south to Chester, IL. Then south 18 miles on Highway 3; turn left onto Highway 151 and go 4 miles to recreation area.

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What are the rules at Johnson Creek Campground?

Pets are alowed only on a leash. Picnic areas open 6am-10pm. Use trash receptacles Camp only at designated campsites. Stay on the designated trails. Please Pack It In, Pack it Out when on trails. Camp at least 150 feet from the lakeshore if dispersed camping outside of rec area. No horseback riding is allowed in the day-use areas such as boat launch and picnic areas. Johnson Creek Campground featuring large campsites, hitching posts and highline poles, it is one of the few Forest Service campgrounds that allows equestrians and their stock. Double and triple campsites accommodate larger groups. Equestrian trails lead from the campground and link to the extensive Kinkaid Lake trail system. Sorry there are no boat rentals at Johnson Creek.Campground is first come-first serve. No reservations.

Nearby

No other services within 50 mi on the record.

SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.

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Disclaimer TerrainKit is an independent product with no affiliation with, sponsorship from or endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service or any other public agency. Site and access information is compiled from publicly available sources and can go out of date without notice. Confirm current rules, closures, fire restrictions and stay limits with the managing ranger district or field office before you camp.
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47.5053° N · 111.3008° W
Johnson Creek Campground, Camping in Illinois - TerrainKit