Cabin rentals near Blue Mound, Illinois offer year-round access to Lake Shelbyville, a 11,100-acre reservoir created by damming the Kaskaskia River. Most cabins are positioned within state parks and private campgrounds at elevations ranging from 595-630 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-90°F with high humidity, while winter brings occasional snow with temperatures typically between 20-40°F.
What to do
Fishing from private docks: Wolf Creek State Park Campground offers cabins with exceptional lake access. "We love camping here for the beauty of the lake. Had fun kayaking here too," notes Rhonda W., who recommends booking lake spots well in advance.
Beach swimming: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area features an unusual swimming experience. "You will definitely want to bring a suit. The lake is surprisingly warm," explains Melissa B., who also mentions "hiking path all around the shore of the lake" with numerous access points.
Biking on paved trails: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers extensive paved roads for cycling. "Nice walk around paved campground road," notes Jason W., while Jessica N. adds that it's "great to ride a bike around, too" when not enjoying the fishing opportunities.
Wildlife viewing: Wolf Creek cabins provide excellent opportunities for animal sightings. "There are lots of hiking trails and deer run through the park in herds in the winter months," according to a visitor who recommends October when leaves change as an optimal time.
What campers like
Waterfront cabin access: Coon Creek cabins are positioned for direct water views. "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 Melissa B.
Clean facilities: The Kampground (formerly The Last Resort) offers well-maintained cabins. "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 maintained," explains Jay M.
Quiet atmosphere: Camp Lakewood provides a peaceful setting for cabin stays. "Nice, quiet campground. Very friendly hosts, great hours, and an on-site small bar," reports Russ G., while another visitor notes "everything is super clean here" and mentions on-site laundry facilities.
Lake views and fishing opportunities: Lake Taylorville City Campground offers basic but practical cabin accommodations. "It's not anything fancy but it has the basics," explains Jana C., who mentions having a "permanent lake lot" at the location just 10 minutes from home.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, particularly for premium locations. At Wolf Creek, "if you want a lake spot, make a reservation way in advance," advises Rhonda W.
Bathroom quality varies: Facilities range significantly by location. At Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, "the bathrooms are basic vault toilets but kept very clean," according to one camper, while another notes that at some locations "the bathrooms were dirty and weren't cleaned until Friday."
Seasonal differences: Clinton Lake maintains cabin availability throughout the year, with one visitor reporting they "had practically the whole campground to ourselves" during off-season stays, though winter visitors should note "water was turned off for winter... The RV fill was shutdown too."
Local supplies: Coon Creek features excellent access to essentials. Michael M. explains, "There is a very well stocked store at the entrance... that had lots of helpful, unexpected, and fun items," with ice and firewood available at most locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort offers excellent family-focused amenities. "Great campground for a chill entertaining weekend with kids. Beautiful new pool was perfectly maintained with plenty of tables and chairs," reports Sarah S., who also mentions "pavilion and picnic area near pool and playground perfect for family gatherings."
Swimming options: Clinton Lake offers family-friendly water activities. "They have a beach and a boat launch," reports a visitor who notes "the loops that allow alcohol can get a bit rowdy with weekend partiers, but the alcohol restricted loops can get loud from all the families."
Entertainment amenities: Robin Hood Woods provides additional family activities. "The pool very clean and never gets over crowded. Staff are knowledgeable and polite," explains one visitor who adds there are "weekend activities for the kids" and "a wonderful pirate ship playground."
Cabin capacity considerations: Most cabins in the area accommodate 4-6 people comfortably. "We stayed in the rental cabins," notes Janelle H., mentioning the location has "plenty of room for everyone, from tents to the massive RVs."
Tips from RVers
Site preferences: Springfield KOA features a mix of cabin and RV accommodations with thoughtfully designed sites. "Sites have power and water, you have to go to dump station on the way out as there aren't individual sewers. But there is grass, picnic table and fire ring at every site, trees all around," notes Grace D.
Power considerations: Temporary electrical issues can impact cabin stays during peak periods. One Sangchris Lake visitor reports, "I was supposed to stay in site 27, but after 3 attempts to get power at 3 different sites, number 24 was the winner and this was a great site!"
Weather preparedness: Springfield KOA remains accessible in changing weather. "Campground could use some extra gravel on their roads and in the sites, but still a nice place to relax and recharge," reports Mary G., who appreciates the location's seclusion.
Off-season limitations: Access to utilities changes seasonally. At Clinton Lake, a camper reported winter water availability was limited to "the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled. Not a big deal but something to be prepared for."
