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93% (1K) • 1,191 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ava
Big Muddy Brewing
1. Big Muddy Brewing
96%
(52)
12mi from Ava · 42 sites · Tents, RVs
Big Muddy Brewing is a production craft brewery and taproom offering over 25 beers on tap. Our taproom has beer tastings, pints and growlers as well as wine and craft spirits. We also have plenty of packaged beer to go.
Our kitchen has Bavarian pretzels, Flatbread pizzas and more.
Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, minutes from the Shawnee National Forest, Kinkaid Lake, Murphysboro State Park & Southern Illinois University.
Check our Facebook page for schedule of music and events.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pond Ridge Adventure
2. Pond Ridge Adventure
98%
(33)
12mi from Ava · 35 sites
We have 50 acres located in Southern Illinois 4 miles south of Murphysboro connected to 100 acres of Shawnee National forest.We set up a small family primitive campground for our family to enjoy every evening we ride our utv over from our house and watch the wildlife there are deer turkeys bobcats and many other small animals.There are several lakes just 15 minutes away kinkade spillway is a popular place to hike and swim and little Grand Canyon is an awesome spot
Learn more about this land:
Mostly suitable for Rv with generators and self contained units
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Wine Trail Wilderness
3. Wine Trail Wilderness
100%
(713)
19mi from Ava · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa".
Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest.
It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy.
Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes.
We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit.
We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers.
Wine Trail Wilderness HipCamp was just honored with the "Top 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America" this year! We're honored to receive that distinguished title, and look forward to seeing y'all come out and camp in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Shawnee National Forest
4. Shawnee National Forest
95%
(30)
National forest 64mi from Ava · 172 sites
Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Murphysboro State Park
5. Lake Murphysboro State Park
State park 9.8mi from Ava · 61 sites
Camp like a star at this lake and forested wilderness area in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking
6. Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking
100%
(16)
29mi from Ava · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our rural farm oasis, where two shaded RV/Camper spots await for you to park and enjoy yourself in nature and the fresh country air! Each spot features concrete pads and is shaded by mature trees, providing a comfortable setting for your stay. Please note that spots are available for parking only; camper/RV is not included. Just a short 5-minute drive away, is the Prairie State Power Plant if you're in the area for work. Sparta, IL is about 12 minutes away for any supplies you would need or Marissa, IL is about a 7 minute drive.
Enjoy convenient access to electric hookups, including 50 amp, 30 amp, and 110v options. Additionally, a sewer drop is located within 15 feet of each spot, along with a water hookup for your convenience.
Both spots are situated in close proximity to our farm and two other Airbnb homes. When booked, you have access to the lake and a small pond down the lane. Please stay to the right of the Y and head across the dam. **No access permitted after dark.** These spots are great for fishing and/or having a picnic enjoying a private wooded area.
Just a short 5-minute drive away, is the Prairie State Power Plant if you're in the area for work. Sparta, IL is about 12 minutes away for any supplies you would need or Marissa, IL is about a 7 minute drive.
Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and rural charm at our shaded RV/Camper spots, where the beauty of nature meets modern comfort.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
Monarch Hill Vineyard
7. Monarch Hill Vineyard
99%
(93)
39mi from Ava · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Monarch Hill! Tucked away in the hills of Ste. Genevieve County, we enjoy watching the sun rise and set over our secluded pastures and vineyards.
Our hilltop sites offer an open area with fire rings and picnic tables, great for groups or social butterflies. These offer well water at the nearby barn for drinking and showering.
The Seclusion sites are private escapes for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. Take in the chirps of frogs, birds and crickets at these isolated sites.
We offer a complimentary wood basket with every booking, and have additional fire-building supplies available. Be sure to check out our experiences to make the most of your stay, and don't forget to reserve a s'more kit!
*** April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse ***
We are excited to be located in the best viewing path for this year's total eclipse! We will be preparing additional sites as needed for this weekend, so if we are fully booked check back soon or message us to reserve a spot. More information to come as we approach the date.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Tall Tree Lake
8. Tall Tree Lake
98%
(48)
42mi from Ava · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Robyn M.’s Land
9. Robyn M.’s Land
90%
(10)
43mi from Ava · 80 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pyramid State Recreation Area
10. Pyramid State Recreation Area
100%
(4)
State park 10mi from Ava · 68 sites
Besides the rad name inherited from an old coal mine, Pyramid State Recreation Area’s 19,701 acres makes it the largest state recreation area in all of Illinois. There are also more than 500 acres of lakes on the property, ranging from a meager 0.1 acres to a substantial 276 acres. That bad boy is known as Super Lake and is held in high regard by anglers seeking largemouth bass and bluegill. Lost Lake (a hike-in lake) and some other small lakes contain a hybrid of green sunfish/bluegill.
Land lovers can take advantage of 16.5 miles of foot, horse and mountain bike trails where you’re bound to encounter a sampling of the wildlife that includes songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkeys, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, weasels, minks, woodchucks and waterfowl. Future plans are in place to add even more trails to the park.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Randolph County State Recreation Area
11. Randolph County State Recreation Area
State park 18mi from Ava · 38 sites
Gorgeous in winter too, Randolph County SRA horse trails welcome cross-country skiing enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Giant City State Park
12. Giant City State Park
83%
(3)
State park 26mi from Ava · 65 sites
Sandstone and forest converge for fantastic camping, climbing, and hiking in southern Illinois.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River
13. Mississippi River - Kaskaskia River
Park 28mi from Ava · 15 sites
Discover the scenic confluence of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
Ridge Camping Private
14. Ridge Camping Private
95%
(11)
43mi from Ava · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
You will hike to your private primitive destination. We ask that you please have an above ground firepit! Explore the property and enjoy a private stay!!!!!!!!!!!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sycamore Springs Campground
15. Sycamore Springs Campground
97%
(146)
43mi from Ava · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
The campsite sits alongside the Castor River, offering electric hookups at 5 sites as well as 5 primitive tent sites. Enjoy outdoor adventures just minutes away, at the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River, located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Harmony Hill Acres
16. Harmony Hill Acres
98%
(32)
49mi from Ava · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Ranch lands of a prior Horse Ranch at the edge of town is conveniently located. Most of the property is pasture area but plenty of yard for tent camping and LOTS of space for those who want to pitch a tent in the pastures. We have small goats, chickens, and turkeys on-site (please do not enter barn or animal pens). There are no hookups for water or power, but we can accommodate some use of water from our spigots.
We live about 2 miles from our local lake, which has boat access and paddling access.
The beautiful view of sunsets and sunrises are spectacular more times than not. We host large herd of deer traveling and sometimes bedding down in our pastures, so be sure to watch early mornings for them to be on the move.
We are very close to town, but the 18-acre site brings a serene aspect to the grounds.
***WE ARE BRINGING IN A PORTA-POTTY OR 2 FOR THE TENT CAMPERS OVER THE WEEKEND OF 4/6/24 SOLAR ECLIPSE. WE ALSO HAVE A COTTAGE KITCHEN AND WILL HAVE A FEW BREAKFAST ITEMS, BREADS, AND SWEET BREADS FOR ORDER.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Hidden Waters At Buttercup Ranch
17. Hidden Waters At Buttercup Ranch
91%
(16)
49mi from Ava · 3 sites
Camp on our farm! Canoeing, fishing, and farm tour are available while you relax in the great outdoors. Lush greenery, beautiful lakes, and friendly animals will surround you. Secluded primitive campsites also have firepits (wood included) for cooking. Shared flushable porta -potty for your convenience.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Ozark Highlands Ranch Retreat
18. Ozark Highlands Ranch Retreat
93%
(15)
50mi from Ava · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
We have five campsites in 235 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch. Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly). If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! We have a petting zoo, stovked fishing pond, creeks and springs.
This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands.
The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers!
We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
TnT’s Lake Cabin at Kinkaid
19. TnT’s Lake Cabin at Kinkaid
100%
(1)
8.1mi from Ava · 1 site
🌲 Cozy Cabin Near Kinkaid Lake – Murphysboro, IL 🌊
Our charming cabin is located just 1/4 mile from Kinkaid Lake, the marina, and public boat ramp, right outside Murphysboro, Illinois.
🏡 2 Bedrooms | 1½ Baths | Sleeps 6
Enjoy all the comforts of home, including:
✔️ WiFi
✔ Fully stocked kitchen with microwave, coffee & coffee pot
✔ Small back deck with BBQ grill & utensils
✔ Fire pit with wood provided
✔ Ample boat parking
Whether you’re boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, or simply relaxing in the heart of Southern Illinois and the beautiful Shawnee National Forest, our cabin is the perfect getaway.
Come stay with us and enjoy lake life at its best! 🌅
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Conant Crossing
20. Conant Crossing
100%
(1)
12mi from Ava · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover Conant Crossing, conveniently located across the street from Pyramid State Park. Just 11 minutes from Pinckneyville, IL, and 19 minutes from Sparta, IL, our site offers adjoining lots with 50 amp electric and potable county water hook-ups. Enjoy a common, covered picnic area with two picnic tables, fire pits, and electric access. Please note, we do not have wastewater dump facilities, but there is a Porta-Potty near the sites. A pond with fish is just a few hundred feet away, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
WE HAVE NO WASTEWATER DUMP FACILITIES. Pyramid State Park has a dump station and there is a $5 dump fee(cash through the drop slot).
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Clayton
1 week ago
Tent
Beautiful property and a fantastic host! We will be returning for sure!
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A
Azure
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
We stayed a week total this time and getting to wake up every day next to the river and spend a majority of my time in nature was so amazing! I love this place more every time!
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J
Jane
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Great spot! Harless is wonderful! I love bringing my kids here. Its such a great spot for the little ones who you dont want around fast moving water.
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p
pebbles
2 weeks ago
Tent
I absolutely loved it was absolutely beautiful an peaceful will be going back just dont drive through the river to fast
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K
Karen
2 weeks ago
Tent
Cheri gave me a warm welcome to her beautiful farm! I had a great time and saw some deer in the morning :)
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Azure
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Beautiful place to stay! Peaceful and healing ✨️. We love coming here sooo much!
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Derek
3 weeks ago
Tent
Great access to the river from our campsite. Short drive to Castor shut-ins which is why we were there. Owner stopped by to make sure we were set up ok and to see if we needed anything. Quiet enough, but we felt comfortable playing music so we could be ourselves (my wife and I)
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B
Brian
3 weeks ago
Tent
Harless is a great host. The area is some of the most beautiful land in Missouri. The sites are grass and some tree shelter. The camp is immediately adjacent to the Caster river and Amidon Memorial Conservation Area. There is a portable restroom that was stocked and as clean as one would expect.
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Brian
3 weeks ago
Tent
I have driven by this area for years and always wanted to stay there. The primitive camp areas are large and spread apart. The access to the castor river, and to Amidon Memorial Conservation Area are unparalleled. The sites are adjacent to a gravel road which could cause some dust in dry weather. The road is typically only used for people visiting the shut-ins so traffic is minimal. Harless is an attentive and kind host. The portable restroom was clean and well stocked.
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Paul
3 weeks ago
Dmitrii
July 2026
Tent
I really enjoyed staying at Jon's camp. The territory is huge, you can barely notice that there are others camping nearby, there is everything you may need for you comfort including shower. Jon was super nice to us, taught us how to play bocce (it was fun!). We spent a great weekend far from the city hassle.
P.S. If you love birds, the place is definitely worth a visit as it features a mix of forest and woodland with open patches of grassland, making the list of species quite impressive. Found yellow-breasted chats, blue grosbeaks, three species of vireos, many warblers, and many more around. And Mississippi kites are just numerous there (see photos)!
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J
Jennifer
July 2026
16 ft travel trailer
Very friendly family. The food and drinks were delicious! Sites behind the building had both electric and non-electric, no water hookups. No shade. There were 3 RV’s total while we were there including ours. There’s a nice patio area in the back with a large garage door size opening to enter the bar. The facility and restrooms are clean, but obviously not available when closed. We had an extra bonus of enjoying fireworks from the hosts and from the neighbors across the street. We enjoyed our stay here. Would stay again if we came back to the area in future travels.
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Carley
July 2026
Tent
With pets
I had an amazing experience camping on Harleys land! We will absolutely be coming back here. He was by far the best host of any campground so far.
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D
Dorea
July 2026
Tent
Great HipCamp! Great location! Superb hosts!
We arrived quite late, 11pm. Jon said no problem he would still be up to meet us. We opted to have the 9 person tent set up for us so we could just set up our cots and get to sleep. New big clean roomy tent for 2 people with big windows. We brought rechargeable fans with us as it was a 95 degree weekend. Enjoyed a day kayaking right down the road at Cedar Lake and was extremely grateful for the ice cold hose shower at Jon and Carla’s garage. Would be nice if there was a privacy screen but at the end of a very hot sweaty day the need for a cold shower before bed far outweighed any modesty.
The next day Jon and his pups made sure our 5 gal cooler of water was full, and chatted awhile giving us more information on things to see and do. We biked the Tunnel Hill Trail starting in Vienna. Mostly under a canopy. Another hot sweaty day but Jon had a portable hot shower machine and tent set up for us at our campsite. That thing is the bomb!!! Thank you Jon!!! Next day off hiking The Little Grand Canyon, again right down the road. And because we were not done hiking we drove over to Giant City State Park about 30 minutes away. Storms moved in across the area. Jon was so attentive to us that he closed all the windows and made sure our campsite was secure while we were out. Amazing!!!
There’s a reason this is a #1 HipCamp!!! Jon and Carla. Thank you a thousand times. We will definitely be back!!!
See moreD
Debbie Peek
July 2026
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
It’s a lovely cozy campground in nature on the Castor River. The water is nice for small children and adults as it is shallow at the beach, yet there are deeper swim holes to get to. Harless is the host with the most and made us feel welcome and happily answered any questions we had. We stayed at Campsite 5 for three nights and it was lovely. Made friends with other campers and it was a wonderful getaway. Thanks, Harless! We’re planing on coming back!
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Azure
July 2026
Tent
With pets
Amazing stay as always! Harless is always so helpful and kind! The scenery is beautiful!
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Rachel
June 2026
Tent
With pets
I had so much fun! My dog and I played in the water all day,sat by the fire at night. Will definitely be going back soon!
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Kristy
June 2026
19 ft truck camper
With pets
Great place, great location. The creek is beautiful, the site was clean.
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Lindsey
June 2026
Tent
Our stay was cancelled due to weather but Harless was very sweet and stayed in communication with us through it all. We will be booking again in the future!
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Lydia
June 2026
Tent
With kids
Beautiful, private, property. The owner
(I believe), Harley, was so sweet and welcoming he drove in to check on everyone who reserved sites and even offered us firewood because he saw that we got some unexpected rain and had none. It was so peaceful and clean and so close to the river banks. The water wasn’t very deep but it was clean and clear and cool. Will definitely be coming back again.
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