Cabin accommodations near Bourbonnais, Illinois offer year-round access to the Kankakee River watershed, with elevations averaging around 650 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Most cabin facilities operate from April through October when precipitation averages 3-4 inches monthly.
What to do
Hiking trails along waterways: Kankakee River State Park features several miles of hiking paths through wooded areas. "I have frequented this park because it offers a lot of activities from primitive camping, RV parking, fishing, hiking, biking, backpacking, etc. They're are some rock cliffs that are suspended over the Kankakee river and also over a creek that feeds it," notes Andrea F. from Kankakee River State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Most cabin sites offer access to fishing spots within walking distance. A visitor to Illini State Park shared, "This place has a boat dock and lots of good fishing! Lots of wildlife too. We met a super cute raccoon." Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores.
Water activities: Several locations provide lake or river access for swimming or boating during summer months. "We were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)," mentions Linda N. about Kankakee River State Park. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental at some locations for $15-20 per hour.
What campers like
Spacious cabin layouts: Many sites offer cabins with room for families. "We tent camped with 8 small kiddos. One of the largest tent sites I've been on," reports Amanda K. about Pioneer Family Campground, which also offers cabin options. Most cabins accommodate 4-6 people comfortably.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention appreciation for well-maintained bathroom and shower buildings. Holly S. from Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park comments, "There's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering." Most cabin sites have shower facilities within 300 feet of accommodations.
Natural surroundings: Wooded settings provide privacy between many cabin locations. "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite," notes Phillip L. about Davis Creek at Kankakee River State Park. Sites typically include natural buffers of 20-30 feet between camping spots in wooded areas.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. "We came in without a reservation and got a nice spot for a camper, showers were decent and hosts were nice!!" shares Maya L. about Potowatomi Campground, though this experience is uncommon during busy periods.
Bathroom access: While cabins provide shelter, bathroom facilities are typically centralized. Emma H. from Kankakee River State Park reports, "There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!"
Seasonal variations: Some facilities close during winter months or offer limited services. "The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy (the toilet paper was completely out when I stopped by and it looked like some kids had a water balloon fight in there) but the team came out to clean up promptly," notes Linda N. about maintenance during peak times.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for cabin locations near play equipment for convenient entertainment. "We had four sites on Osage loop for tent camping. Two were very small (14&15), and little grass for tent setup, fine for RV or trailer campers. They were private with brush between sites. 16&17 were amazing for tents!! Open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade," advises Shannon H. from Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Swimming options: Several cabin campgrounds feature swimming areas appropriate for children. "Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!" shares Nadiehsda B. about Oak Lake RV Resort.
Evening activities: Many campgrounds organize family events during summer weekends. "We always go in October on one of their Halloween weekends and just have a blast. They provide scheduled activities, nightly movies, haunted hay rack rides and the owners even offer up a free dinner!" reports Tracy C. from Kankakee South KOA about special events.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking cabins, consider the surrounding terrain and amenities. "We stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn't mind that!" shares Emma H. about Potowatomi Campground.
Hookup variations: Cabins typically offer electric service but not always water connections. "Sites are full hookup up," notes Holly S. about Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, which is uncommon for standard cabins. Check specific amenities when booking accommodations.
Weather considerations: The Illinois-Indiana region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. "It rained a ton during our trip so we didn't explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity," advises Emma H. about preparing for variable conditions at Kankakee River State Park.
