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Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc










Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc Overview
Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc Location & Map
IllinoisJackson CountyAvaCampground Road
Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc About
For Illinois residents seeking a genuine escape into the tranquility of nature, Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc presents a unique and captivating opportunity. Tucked away in a peaceful valley in Southern Illinois, this private campground offers a refreshing alternative to more crowded recreational areas. It's a place where the sounds of the city fade, replaced by the gentle murmur of a creek and the rustling of leaves in the Shawnee Forest Preserve. If you're looking to unplug, reconnect with loved ones, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region, Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc might just be your next favorite family getaway.
Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc is a beautiful, private campground nestled in a valley that borders the expansive Shawnee Forest Preserve. This unique location means that while you enjoy the comforts of a family-oriented campground, you're also just steps away from vast wilderness to explore. The campground's natural setting, influenced by water runoff from surrounding properties, feeds into a creek-like waterway that flows into the nearby Lake Kinkaid. This natural water flow not only adds to the scenic beauty but also provides a unique access point to the lake.
What truly sets Sharp Rock Falls apart, according to many who have experienced it, is its quiet, low-key, and family-oriented atmosphere. It’s designed for those who appreciate privacy and a genuine disconnect from the constant demands of digital life. The lack of reliable phone or data reception due to its "hollow" location is often highlighted as a feature, not a bug, for visitors seeking true relaxation and a chance to fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience. It's a place where families can bond around a campfire, children can explore safely, and everyone can breathe a little easier amidst the natural beauty.
Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc is conveniently located at 1 Campground Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA. This address places it firmly in Southern Illinois, making it an accessible destination for many residents across the state. Its proximity to the Shawnee Forest Preserve is a significant advantage, offering campers direct access to miles of trails and undisturbed natural landscapes.
Being "down in a valley" provides both its charm and a few practical considerations. While the secluded nature contributes to its peaceful ambiance and limited connectivity, visitors should be aware that some terrain within and around the campground might be rough, and coming into contact with water, especially near the creek-like waterway, is often part of the experience. The entrance to Lake Kinkaid from the campground's small boat ramp is noted to be extremely shallow, making it most suitable for kayaks or smaller fishing boats equipped with trolling motors, rather than larger vessels. This detail, however, contributes to its charm as a private, low-impact access point to the lake. The surrounding woods are state-owned ground, meaning motorized vehicles are restricted to within the campground area itself, preserving the natural state of the forest trails for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
- Private Campsites: Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc offers beautiful, private campsites that provide a sense of seclusion and tranquility, even when other campers are present. Each site is designed to offer a personal connection with the surrounding nature.
- Lake Access with Small Boat Ramp: The campground boasts a small boat ramp that provides direct, albeit shallow, access to Lake Kincaid. This is perfect for launching kayaks, canoes, or small fishing boats with trolling motors.
- Metered Running Water: While some amenities are rustic, the availability of metered running water at sites with year-long term rental agreements is a significant convenience.
- Electric Hookups: For those seeking a bit more comfort, electric hookups are available, primarily with year-long term rental agreements. This feature caters to campers looking for extended stays or a more "glamping" experience.
- Direct Access to Shawnee Forest Preserve: The campground directly abuts the Shawnee Forest Preserve, providing immediate access to a vast network of hiking trails. This is a major draw for nature lovers and adventurers.
- Family-Oriented Environment: The campground is described as a very pretty, quiet, low-key, and family-oriented place, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
- Proximity to Shawnee Forest Preserve: The standout feature is its direct border with the Shawnee Forest Preserve. This means campers have immediate access to exploring vast woodlands, enjoying the natural beauty, and discovering numerous hiking trails.
- Secluded Valley Location: Being situated "down in a valley" provides a unique sense of privacy and natural insulation from external noise and light pollution, making for genuinely peaceful nights under the stars.
- Access to Kinkaid Lake: Despite the shallow entry, the small boat ramp offers a direct connection to Lake Kinkaid, which is popular for fishing and small-craft boating. The waterway feeding into the lake adds to the charm.
- "Unplugged" Experience: A significant highlight for many is the limited or non-existent phone and data reception. This characteristic forces visitors to truly disconnect from digital distractions and fully engage with their surroundings and fellow campers, fostering deeper connections and relaxation.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Customer reviews consistently emphasize the "family and friends to enjoy" aspect, highlighting a community feel where people are "awesome," making it a safe and welcoming environment for children.
- Natural Water Features: The presence of a creek-like waterway fed by surrounding runoff adds to the natural ambiance and provides opportunities for exploration and interaction with the water, albeit with an understanding of potentially rough and wet terrain.
- Year-Long Rental Options: The availability of year-long term rental agreements for sites with metered water and electric offers a unique benefit for locals who wish to have a semi-permanent base for their outdoor adventures in Southern Illinois.
As a private campground, Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc's promotions and offers may vary and are best confirmed directly. Based on customer reviews, the emphasis appears to be on providing a quality, private, and family-friendly camping experience rather than frequent public discounts. However, the mention of "year long term rental agreement" for metered running water and electric suggests a special arrangement for those looking for extended or seasonal stays. This could be considered a form of "offer" for dedicated local campers.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability, pricing, or any potential seasonal offers, it is highly recommended to contact Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc directly using the provided phone number. Given the limited cell service in the area, it's wise to make these inquiries before heading out.
To plan your visit or inquire about the unique offerings at Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc, please use the following contact details:
- Address: 1 Campground Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA
- Phone: (618) 763-5511
It's important to remember that due to the "hollow" location, phone reception can be "hit and miss." If you have trouble getting through, persist or try at a later time. This characteristic is part of the appeal for those seeking a true disconnect, but it's a practical consideration when trying to make initial contact or confirm details.
Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc is an ideal destination for Illinois locals, particularly those in the southern part of the state, looking for an authentic and tranquil outdoor experience. Its private nature and secluded valley location provide a much-needed sanctuary from the fast pace of daily life, offering a truly "unplugged" environment that encourages genuine connection with family, friends, and nature itself.
For families, the campground's low-key and family-oriented atmosphere, coupled with direct access to hiking trails in the Shawnee Forest Preserve, creates endless opportunities for shared adventures and lasting memories. The ability to launch small boats into Lake Kincaid means fishing and gentle paddles are easily at hand, fostering a love for water activities. The sense of community among campers, as noted by visitors, makes it a welcoming place where friendships can blossom.
Furthermore, the option for year-long rental agreements with electric and metered water service is a significant draw for locals who desire a consistent and convenient base for their weekend getaways or longer retreats. This allows them to personalize their camping experience and truly make Sharp Rock Falls a "home away from home" without the commitment of property ownership.
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and constant connectivity, Sharp Rock Falls Rec Inc stands out as a precious gem in Southern Illinois. It’s a reminder of the simple joys of the outdoors, a place where the fresh air, natural beauty, and the company of loved ones take center stage. For Illinoisans seeking solace, adventure, or simply a quiet place to breathe, Sharp Rock Falls offers a perfect, accessible escape.
Customer Reviews
Beautiful, private campground that butts up to Shawnee Forest Preserve. Down in a valley so water runoff from surrounding properties feeds into creek-like waterway into Lake Kincaid. At one end of campground, there is small boat ramp for kayaks or smaller fish/ boats (trolling motor) can access as entrance to lake is extremely shallow. Woods that surround campsites is considered state ground. No motorized vehicles permitted in wooded areas; permitted only within campground. No data or phone reception (maybe hit and miss if you are lucky.) because the grounds are down in the hollow. Some terrain is rough and in some areas, coming into contact with water is inevitable. Metered running water, electric available with year long term rental agreement. Very pretty, quiet, low key and family-oriented campground makes this a nice little gem a perfect family weekend getaway.
Sharp Rock Falls is a place for family and friends to enjoy with a ramp to the lake and people there are awesome, there's alot of trails to hike just a great camp ground.
Went to the campgrounds just to check it out hadn't been there for about twenty years. Not to much going on there only saw one person. Looks like you have to have a lot there. Didn't see any open camp sites.
It's a wonderful campground, but there isn't any over night camping.
Love this place , there is no public camping all private lots
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