Camping cabins near Shawnee National Forest are the charming alternative to a tent or a yurt. Cabin camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find your own little secluded paradise in nature. The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect camping cabin rental.
Giant City State Park Campground is a gem nestled near Makanda, IL. This place is a haven for campers who appreciate a mix of comfort and nature. The campground is open all year, so you can enjoy its beauty in any season. With amenities like electric hookups, showers, and toilets, it caters well to both tent and RV campers. Pets are welcome, and you can even enjoy a cold one by the fire since alcohol is allowed.
The campground is known for its well-maintained sites and friendly camp hosts. Visitors often rave about the cleanliness of the facilities, including the fire pits and pit toilets. The park itself is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with several hiking trails that showcase stunning sandstone formations and lush forest scenery. Even in winter, the trails offer a serene and picturesque experience.
One of the highlights of staying here is the Giant City Lodge. It’s a cozy spot with excellent food and panoramic views that make for a memorable dining experience. The family-style fried chicken dinner comes highly recommended.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the park offers various trails, some of which are perfect for families with young children. The playground and picnic areas add to the family-friendly vibe. If you're into fishing, there's a pond near the primitive camping site.
In summary, Giant City State Park Campground offers a blend of convenience and natural beauty, making it a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Whether you're hiking, relaxing by the fire, or exploring the nearby wineries, there's something here for everyone.
Dixon Springs State Park Campground, nestled near Golconda, IL, offers a mix of natural beauty and practical amenities. This spot is open year-round and caters to tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those looking for cabin stays. The campground is big rig friendly and provides electric hookups, making it a convenient choice for RV travelers.
One of the standout features here is the swimming pool with a slide, which is a hit with families, especially during the warmer months. There's a small fee to use the pool, but it's worth it for a refreshing dip. The campground also has a sanitary dump station and allows campfires, so you can enjoy a classic camping experience with s'mores and stories around the fire.
The surrounding area is rich with hiking trails, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna. The tall trees provide ample shade, making it a pleasant place to set up camp even in the summer heat. For those traveling with pets, you'll be glad to know that pets are welcome here.
Visitors have noted that the campground is generally clean and well-maintained, with friendly and helpful hosts. However, it's a good idea to know your campsite number before you arrive to make navigation easier. The nearby town of Golconda is just a short drive away, offering a grocery store and gas station for any last-minute needs.
Overall, Dixon Springs State Park Campground is a solid choice for a family-friendly camping trip with plenty of natural beauty and convenient amenities. Just watch out for ticks and poison ivy, and you'll have a great time.
Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.
$30 / night
Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossu, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.
South Marcum Campground sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With plenty of unobstructed views of the water, campers are able to take in scenic sunsets as well as enjoy activities such as bank fishing, right from the campground.
Rend Lake Dam
$26 / night
Welcome to Cave-in-Rock State Park, a fantastic spot nestled near the town of Cave-In-Rock, Illinois. This campground is open year-round and offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and even glamping options.
One of the standout features here is the electric hookups available at many sites, making it a convenient choice for RV campers. The campground is also big-rig friendly, so you won't have to worry about maneuvering larger vehicles. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
Visitors often rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the friendly campground host, Steve. The shower house is noted for being clean with hot water and good pressure, although the drainage could use a bit of work. If you're close to the bathhouse, be prepared for some noise from the generator, but it usually quiets down at night.
The campground is a short walk from the famous Cave-in-Rock, a fascinating natural cave that’s perfect for a quick exploration. There's also a playground and picnic shelter for families to enjoy. If you're up for a bit of a drive, the nearby Garden of the Gods offers stunning rock formations and hiking trails.
For those who enjoy a bit of local flavor, the on-site restaurant comes highly recommended. It's a great spot to grab a meal if you want a break from campfire cooking. And don't miss the chance to take the ferry across the river to Kentucky for a little extra adventure.
In summary, Cave-in-Rock State Park offers a laid-back, relaxing camping experience with plenty of amenities and activities to keep you entertained. Whether you're here for a night or a week, you're sure to have a memorable stay.
$30 / night
Benton KOA, located near Benton, IL, is a convenient spot for campers looking for a mix of comfort and accessibility. This campground operates year-round and offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and even glamping options.
One of the standout features here is its big rig-friendly setup, making it a breeze for those with larger RVs to find a suitable spot. The campground also provides essential amenities like electric and sewer hookups, drinking water, and showers. Pets are welcome, and there's a small camp store on-site for any last-minute needs.
Visitors have noted the campground's proximity to I-57, which makes it an easy stopover for travelers. However, this also means you might hear some traffic noise, especially if you're a light sleeper. On the plus side, the campground is well-maintained, with clean facilities and friendly staff.
For those who enjoy a bit of nature, there's a pond on the quieter side of the campground, which offers a more serene setting. It's a great spot for a longer stay if you prefer a peaceful environment. The campground also has a sanitary dump station and allows campfires, adding to the camping experience.
If you're passing through or planning a short stay, Benton KOA is a solid choice with its convenient location and range of amenities. Just be prepared for some noise if you're close to the freeway, and make sure to check out the quieter side of the campground for a more relaxing experience.
At Hayes Canyon Campground we have 34 RV campsites available for rent for a day, weekend, week, or longer!
We offer 2 cabins and 3 rental RVs. There is a rental available for all budgets so book now! They go fast!
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons and holiday weekends, when we often are fully booked months in advance.
We specialize in catering to campers with horses who want to enjoy trail riding on the many scenic trails in the Shawnee National Forest. Other campers, backpackers, hikers, and hunters are always welcome. To view a trail map online . . .
$15 - $32 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Shawnee National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Shawnee National Forest is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Shawnee National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 cabin camping locations near Shawnee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
