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Johnson Creek Recreation Area


Johnson Creek Swimming area
Johnson Creek Recreation Area is a great place to go for a day or a weekend get away.Tucked away on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake in Southen Illinois, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities. At Johnson Creek Recreation area you will find something for everyone in the family, from camping and swimming to hiking along the lake, biking the scenic roads or horseback riding the trail 

Due to concerns about public health and safety with the water system at Johnson Creek Recreation Area, water will not be available throughout the recreation area until the system can be repaired. This includes potable and non-potable water at the campground, trailhead, beach and boat launch.

Johnson Creek Recreation Area  Operational Hours: 
 Picnic area is open 6am – 10pm.
 Beach area is open 10am to dusk (Mem. Day -Labor Day)
 Swimming Area - Memorial Day - Labor Day - Dawn to Dusk
 Boat Launch - All year
 Camping 3/15 - 12/15
 Fees Camping Fee - $10 - $15
 Single campsite is $10
 Double is $12 Triple is $15
 Water: Not Potable
 Restroom: Vault/Flush
Camping Area:
 The Johnson Creek Recreation Area has 20 Campsites with Water - not potable Restrooms ,Dumping Stations,Hiking,Horse Riding & Horse Camping, high lines and hitching racks Provided.
 Follow the National Forest Camping Rules
Johnson Creek Recreation beach and picnic area has plenty of grassy areas for play and relaxation. There are no lifeguards at the beach. No glass or metal containers are allowed on the beach or in the water. Swimming is allowed only in designated swim area.  The Swimming area has 2 Accessible Picnic Shelters 10 Picnic Units Accessible Restrooms and Water - not potable.
Fishing is also allowed around the swimming area.
Regulations:
Picnic area is open 6am – 10pm.
Beach area is open 10am to dusk (Mem. Day -Labor Day)
Swimming allowed at beach only.
Pets must be leashed, and are not allowed on the beach or in the designated swim area.
Use trash receptacles in developed areas.
Remember to Leave no Trace
Camp only at designated sites.
No reservations, campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
No horseback riding is allowed in the day-use areas.

Directions:

Johnson Creek Rec area

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.
Trail Markings: Hiker/Equestrian Trails - white diamond with trail numbers
Surrounding Area
Kinkaid Lake and trails, Lake Murphysboro State Park, Big Muddy River, Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir and Fountain Bluff.