Johnson Creek Recreation Area
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.
Johnson Creek Recreation Area brochure
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | Campground open from 3/15 - 12/15 Boat Launch & picnic area - Open year-round. |
---|---|
Reservations: | Campground is first come-first serve. No reservations. |
Area Amenities: | Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
Fees: | Single Campsite - $10/night - 8 people & 2 vehicle max Double Campsite - $12/night Triple Campsite - $15/night Payment cash or check only. |
Restrictions: |
|
Closest Towns: | Murphysboro, IL 62966 |
Water: | No |
Restroom: | Vault toilet |
Information Center: | Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District (618) 833-8576 |
General Information
Directions: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.
General Notes:
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.
Boat Launch: Recommended for small water craft, such as canoes, kayaks or small boat with motor. It is located in the large parking lot on the left upon entering the recreation area.
Water Activities: One of the larger lakes (2750 acres) in southern Illinois, Kinkaid Lake is popular for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, water skiing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and waterfowl hunting.
Fishing Regulations: Lg./Smallmouth bass -16” min. Daily limit=3
Pure Muskellunge – 48” minimum length
White/Black or Hybrid Crappie – 9: min. Daily limit=25
For site specific regulations or to obtain a fishing license go to Illinois fishing regulations.
Watercraft Motor Restrictions: None.
Parking:
Trailhead parking lot accommodates horse trailers. Overnight parking allowed at trailhead and boat launch area.
Activities
Campground Camping
Group Camping
Dispersed Camping
Lake and Pond Fishing
Day Hiking
Horse Camping
Horse Riding
Viewing Wildlife
Picnicking
Group Picnicking
Boating - Motorized
Boating - Non-Motorized
Windsurfing
Amenities
Camping trailer: | non-electric |
---|---|
Tent camping: | non-electric |
Toilets: | vault toilets |
Boat ramp: | suitable for small watercrafts |