Camping cabins near Cave-In-Rock, Illinois sit along the Ohio River at approximately 500 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Cabin options range from primitive to deluxe across multiple state parks and private campgrounds within a 50-mile radius.
What to do
Cave exploration: 2-mile loop trail leads to the 55-foot wide limestone cave that gave the park its name. "We took a 2 mile loop hike across to the lodge, along the cliff face and down to the cave. A lot of history here and some nice views," shares a camper from Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Ferry crossing: Free river transport connects Illinois to Kentucky's Amish Country. "If you're coming from the Kentucky side first there is Amish country to visit. Check in Marion for what's available and where. Next there is the ferry ride across. If you've done it a lot no big deal, but my kids used to love it every time," notes a visitor to Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Fishing: Multiple ponds and river access available for anglers. At Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA, visitors appreciate "gorgeous grounds" with "beautiful ponds" where they "enjoyed watching the kids fish!"
River watching: Observation points along the Ohio River. One camper at Birdsville Riverside RV Park described "nice shaded lot on the Ohio river. Right after getting set up, we got to see a big barge go by."
What campers like
Secluded settings: Wooded campsites offer privacy. "Very secluded camping," reports a camper from Moffitt Rec Area, adding "You should bring what you need with you so you don't have to leave the campground."
Spacious campsites: Room for groups at several parks. A visitor to Harmonie State Park Campground notes, "Campsites are spacious. Many places for large groups to camp when they put multiple sites together."
Quiet environment: Limited crowds outside peak season. "We are the only campers here in a very well kept campground. The bathrooms are clean and the only sound is from the birds. $20 for a state park site with electricity is incredible," according to a Cave-in-Rock State Park camper.
Wildlife viewing: Natural habitats throughout the region. Visitors report seeing foxes, deer, and abundant birdlife. "We saw a baby fox," shared one camper at Dixon Springs State Park who appreciated the natural surroundings.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Signal gaps throughout the region. A Cave-in-Rock visitor advises, "Write your directions down for this whole area, the cell phone coverage is spotty and it will keep frustration down."
Seasonal closures: Pool facilities typically close after Labor Day. A Dixon Springs camper noted, "Pool was closed on Labor Day weekend??? Pretty wooded campground on the side of a hill has a lot of shade but most sites are not level for larger RVs."
Ticks and poison ivy: Prepare for insects particularly in warmer months. "Lots of ticks (pulled some off every day) and fireflies," warns a Dixon Springs State Park Campground visitor.
Limited shopping: Bring supplies as rural stores have restricted inventory. "There is no place to buy ice or firewood nearby. We crossed the ferry and went to Marion Kentucky and found some there," shares a Cave-in-Rock camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options for children. A visitor to Harmonie State Park notes, "Peaceful, family friendly-playgrounds, pool, hiking trails, picnic areas, large camp sites. Cabins available."
Swimming alternatives: Public pool available during summer. "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," reports a camper at Harmonie State Park.
Halloween events: Special programming during fall. "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating," according to a Harmonie visitor, who adds "There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire."
Educational opportunities: Nature center with regular programs. One visitor mentioned, "They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer. They have various events through the summer season with a big Halloween event in the fall."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request level spots when booking. "Our reserved site #6 was so sloped for our 24' C class that we had to give up on it and move to a vacant more level spot," advises a Dixon Springs camper.
Utility placement: Check hookup locations before selecting sites. At Birdsville Riverside, "the electric poles and water are shared between each site (you have your own plug but it's in the middle of the two sites) which means the odd number sites are back in, even numbers are pull in."
Size restrictions: Measure your rig before booking at smaller parks. "We have a 29 foot camper: the sites and roads are snug for it. At site 6 it goes downhill so it is difficult to get your camper level," reports a Dixon Springs visitor.
Dump station access: Limited facilities at some parks. "RV tank dump site does not have running water," notes one Dixon Springs camper, highlighting the need to plan waste disposal carefully.
