Cabin camping near Ashland, Illinois offers diverse options within central Illinois's flat prairie landscape, where summer temperatures can reach the 90s and winter brings freezing conditions. Most cabins in this rural region are situated on lakes or ponds, providing access to fishing while offering shelter from the region's often unpredictable weather patterns.
What to do
Fishing from private docks: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground features waterfront sites with personal fishing access. One camper notes, "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from. Spotty reception but it's great to unplug."
Kayaking on Prairie Lake: Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area provides water recreation options on its 210-acre lake. A visitor describes, "Primitive Camp has seven three-sided shelters to camp near or in for a fee of $6 per night" with access to kayaking opportunities.
Mini golf and outdoor games: Buena Vista Farms Campground offers various recreational activities beyond fishing. A camper explains, "They offer kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats free to campers. There is an open cabin with games, books, and WiFi. Basketball court, play area, and outdoor games."
Hiking local trails: The region offers hiking opportunities through prairie and woodland habitats. One primitive camper at Jim Edgar Panther Creek advises, "Watch out for the poison ivy and get a map from an employee to hike the trails. They can be hard to find but camping is fantastic!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Family Campground offers well-spaced primitive sites. One visitor describes, "Primitive sites were walk in. Other sites had electric. There were some cabins available."
Clean shower facilities: Most campgrounds maintain their bathroom facilities regularly. At Sangchris Lake, a camper reports, "Bathhouse clean. Campground hosts very helpful. Electric only but water available and nice dump station."
Peaceful atmosphere: Springfield KOA provides a quiet environment despite being near Springfield attractions. A visitor states, "This KOA is in a rural area. The signage to get there was very good, plus we had our GPS to help out. This area is QUIET! No trains, no interstate noise."
Fishing opportunities: Most cabin locations provide lake access. One camper at Sangchris Lake State Park shares, "We love camping here for the beauty of the lake. Had fun kayaking here too."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Prairie winds can affect camping comfort. At Jim Edgar Panther Creek, campers note it "hasn't been around that long so few trees in the campground proper" and can be "super windy too!"
Limited cell service: Crazy Horse Campground has connectivity challenges. A visitor warns, "No Verizon wireless service here or anywhere for about a 45 mile radius."
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Springfield KOA cabins come with basic comforts. A visitor reports their experience: "We called and the owner was willing to change our spot to a cabin with no notice. The cabins are nice and comfy."
Weather preparedness: Spring rain can affect camping conditions. At Buena Vista Farms, one camper shares, "My family and I went mid April during quarantine because we needed to get out of house with kids. Campground was a perfect escape from reality for a weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers recreational facilities for children. A visitor mentions, "It does have a great play area but nothing else for kids. Good shower houses. Surrounded by nothing but trees and stars."
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds have paved roads suitable for children's bikes. A Sangchris Lake camper describes, "Nice walk around paved campground road."
Family-oriented activities: Crazy Horse Campground creates programming for all ages. A regular visitor shares, "This is our favorite campground in central Illinios. It is family and pet friendly. The owners are fantastic, friendly and caring. They keep the grounds in great shape and always have fun activities to participate in."
Swimming options: Some locations offer swimming pools during summer months. At Evening Star Camping Resort, a camper mentions they "Love to swim in the pool, play in the bags tournaments, enjoy the fundraiser in July for St. Jude Children's Hospital, mini golf, basketball and theme weekends."
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: The Kampground (formerly The Last Resort) offers improved facilities under new ownership. A visitor reports, "The new owner has really done a fantastic job of restoring this property which was formerly a church kids camp. The bathrooms were really clean, property well maintain, staff was extremely nice and hospitable."
Road access: Some campgrounds have narrow approach roads. At Springfield KOA, campers note, "The roads leading to the campground are narrow, luckily we didn't encounter someone coming the other way!"
Electrical reliability: During peak season, electrical systems may be strained. At Sangchris Lake, one RVer describes: "Because of the heat over this holiday weekend and a completely full campground, the electricity couldn't meet the demand and a transformer blew."
Campsite surfaces: Weather affects site conditions. Springfield KOA visitors caution, "Campground could use some extra gravel on their roads and in the sites, but, still a nice place to relax and recharge."
