Campgrounds and RV parks near Ava, IL

Ava sits in Jackson County in southern Illinois, surrounded by Shawnee National Forest country and a cluster of state-run recreation areas that draw RV travelers year-round. The town works well as a base for anglers, hikers, and families willing to trade full-hookup resorts for shaded, lake-focused state park camping. The closest large public campground is Pyramid State Recreation Area, the largest IDNR-managed site in Illinois at 19,701 acres, with camping spread across three Class C areas: Pyramid North, Boulder Lake, and the Jim Batson Camping Trailer Area. About 20 minutes south, Lake Murphysboro State Park covers 1,022 acres around a star-shaped lake with electric RV sites. To the northwest, Randolph County State Conservation Area encompasses 1,101 acres of rolling hill country five miles northeast of Chester, with Class BE sites offering electric hookups and Class C sites providing additional amenities. Smaller private options round out the area, including Lake Campalot and Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park and Campground, which fit travelers who need hookups or a simpler overnight stop between longer legs of a trip.

Reservation rules differ by park. Illinois state parks use the state's reservation portal at ExploreMoreIL, which replaced the older ReserveAmerica system. Reservations open six months in advance at Lake Murphysboro and Randolph County. Campers need an ExploreMoreIL account and an active state park pass on file before completing a reservation. Pyramid is different. Campsites at Pyramid State Recreation Area are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations cannot be made online or by phone. Arriving early on Fridays helps during peak months. For private options like Lake Campalot and Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park and Campground, book directly with the operator and confirm rig length and hookup type before arrival.