Cabin camping options near Campbell Hill, Illinois provide opportunities for visitors to stay in the Shawnee National Forest region and explore southern Illinois waterways. Most cabins in this area sit at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, offering a moderate climate with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and cooler spring and fall camping seasons. Winter cabin camping remains possible with properly heated accommodations, though some facilities close seasonally.
What to do
Fishing at Rend Lake: Gun Creek campground offers direct lake access for fishing. "This is a great little campground with a fishing lake. Sites are gravel but well maintained. Sites are fairly close with most shaded," notes a camper at Randolph County State Recreation Area.
Hiking through forest trails: Giant City State Park Campground provides access to unique rock formations. "Lots of amazing, beautiful hikes in this park, especially if you're into bluffs and large boulders. Easy drive to many other picturesque and unique parks," shares a visitor.
Water activities: South Marcum Campground supports boating and swimming. "The campground is on Rend Lake with swimming, fishing and boating. Most sites are level. Some are pull-through. The sites are set up to provide some privacy, and are not right on top of each other," according to a reviewer.
What campers like
Quiet locations: Many cabin campers appreciate the peaceful settings. "Quiet and very quiet. Clean and very quiet," states a camper at Randolph County State Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: Washington County State Recreation Area offers nature observation opportunities. "We listened to Whip-por-will calls around the campfire. The campground is pretty far from any big metro area, so the sky was real dark, great for picking out constellations," one visitor notes.
Lake views: Several campgrounds feature premium waterfront cabin sites. "If I was in any other spot this would probably be a 4/5, but spot 56 has a crazy lake view and is on the tip of an outlook with pretty nice privacy!" shares a camper at South Marcum Campground.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. At Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground, "Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable. 50amp water fill available with frost free. And dump station at front."
Seasonal limitations: Many cabins have limited winter availability. "We stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time. The campground is clean and maintained. Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt. Not sure if they are upgrading a little at a time??"
Payment options: Not all campgrounds accept credit cards. "Note: no cards accepted. We had to run back to the town of Nashville to get some cash from the ATM," warns a visitor about Washington County State Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, "Stayed here a week with two toddlers and it was great! Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground."
Swimming options: Pools and beach areas provide water recreation. "The park used to have an interp center but I believe the state closed it due to funding. The trails aren't always maintained it definitely depends on the season but the park itself is not to be missed," notes a camper about Giant City State Park.
Wildlife spotting: Kids often enjoy observing local animals. "This campground is located on a small lake in Southern Illinois and managed by the department of natural resources. Good place for Camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and boating."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site descriptions carefully when booking cabin camping near Campbell Hill. At Gun Creek, "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for Smaller rigs."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical connections vary between campgrounds. "Electric only, no water or sewer hookups. Pit toilets. Nice and clean. People kept cutting through our campsite on their way to the playground, which is whatever, but some people are bothered by that kind of thing."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for sewage disposal needs. "Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there's no easy way to turn around if you miss it. It's approximately a mile before the campground on your left."
