Cabin accommodations near Altamont include options at state parks and privately-owned campgrounds across a 40-mile radius. The region sits within Illinois' lake country, with most cabin rentals positioned near Lake Shelbyville, Carlyle Lake, and smaller fishing lakes. Most cabin facilities maintain availability year-round, though specific amenities vary significantly depending on property location and seasonal weather patterns.
What to do
Fishing from your site: At Camp Lakewood, waterfront sites offer direct fishing access. "We stayed in site #2 waterfront pull through with full hook up and shaded till late afternoon. The sun sets behind the camper," notes one visitor who enjoyed the convenience of fishing right from their site.
Explore hiking trails: Wolf Creek State Park Campground features multiple trail systems suitable for various skill levels. "The main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike," explains a reviewer who hiked the park's main trail system.
Visit nearby attractions: The area offers unique day trips within 30 minutes of most cabin locations. "One day when we were bored we went to Casey the little town of big things and got a kick out of seeing the world's largest rocking chair, wind chime etc. And we got a kick out of the fire breathing dragon in Vandalia," shares a visitor who stayed at Okaw Valley Kampground.
Bird watching opportunities: Cabins positioned near Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area provide access to diverse bird species. "Absolutely beautiful. Sites overlooking the lake. Geese, herons, and owls!" reports one nature enthusiast who stayed at a lakeside site.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Spring Creek Campground receives consistent praise for its well-maintained facilities. "There are clean restrooms with free showers. Very good fire pits with cooking grates. Every spot has a picnic table and trash can," mentions one satisfied visitor.
Concrete camping pads: Cabin and RV sites at some properties feature level concrete pads for easier setup. "Sites are quite large & all have very level concrete pads. Didn't even have to put out our big rug @ the door because concrete extends all the way to the fire pit & picnic table," notes a guest describing the convenient site layout.
Privacy and seclusion: Several cabin areas provide natural separation between units. "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've been in in a long time. It's small, owned by an older farmer, has electricity and bathrooms. It's on a couple of small lakes and the bird sounds, the frogs, ducks, the whole natural environment is just wonderful," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Spring Creek Campground.
On-site food options: Select properties near Altamont offer food service, eliminating the need to prepare every meal. "We had pizza in their bar it was locally made chicken, bacon, ranch and Butch's sweet hot sauce. Good music on the jukebox," explains a Camp Lakewood visitor who enjoyed the convenience.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Access to amenities varies by season. "There is a swimming beach here and lots of boat traffic, but quiet hours are observed, so you can get a good night's sleep before an action packed day on the lake. The fishing is good if you have a boat, but there is very little bank fishing areas available. Part of the campground is open after Labor Day, but the main season is Memorial day to Labor day," notes a visitor to Coon Creek Campground.
Limited cell service: Some cabin areas have restricted connectivity. "There is very little cell service so it is a great place to be unplugged and enjoy time with friends and family!" explains a visitor to Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area.
Water quality concerns: Some properties have inconsistent water quality. "I filled my trailer's tank at the drinking water supply when you enter the campground. It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids. I drained the tank and filled with a spicket next to our site and had the same dirty water," reports one camper.
Road access considerations: Many cabins require navigating narrow campground roads. "The road to our site had a tight turn and required a little maneuvering but not terrible," explains a visitor to Camp Lakewood.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve buddy sites: Larger family groups should look for specific buddy site configurations. "We chose a buddy site even though we weren't camping with another family because we like the location. It was right at the end of the peninsula, and it is by far the biggest and beautiful site we have ever stayed in," shares a Coon Creek visitor traveling with family.
Playground facilities: Eldon Hazlet State Park offers multiple play areas. "There are three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball and a pool during summer months. Lots of families with kids, bike rides and plenty of other lake and outdoor activities in the area," notes a family who appreciated the recreational options.
Swimming options: Several properties feature designated swimming areas. "The swimming area is basically just a dock you can jump off of but it's not crowded at all so plenty of room for my family," explains one visitor describing their experience.
Seasonal family events: Check for special family programming during holidays. "They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites (pretty extensively) and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site. The campground also provides pumpkin painting contests and other fun activities," shares an Eldon Hazlet visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for cabin rentals: Robin Hood Woods Campground offers cabin options with varied layouts. "We stayed in the rental cabins, but are in the waiting list for a seasonal site. Right next to the lake. Plenty of room for everyone, from tents to the massive RVs," notes one visitor comparing accommodation types.
Water connection planning: "Water available to fill tank. Only half the sites were occupied when we stayed," explains a camper who visited Sam Parr, highlighting the need to understand water access points for cabin stays requiring water tank fills.
Electric service options: Most cabin rentals include electric service, but amperage varies. "30 amp, spacious sites. Water available to fill tank. Shower house/bathrooms. Everything very clean. Nice fishing pond. Quiet. We had 30ft travel trailer, no site issues," shares one visitor describing the electric setup at Spring Creek Campground.
Site spacing awareness: RVers note proximity concerns at some properties. "Sites are a little to close. Trees in the shaded spots don't allow you to put your awning out," cautions a visitor to Robin Hood Woods, something to consider when selecting cabin locations that might be tightly spaced in wooded areas.
