Cabins near Chandlerville, Illinois provide access to 46,000 acres of public land at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area. The area features rolling terrain with prairies, woodlands, and multiple lakes, with elevations ranging between 500-600 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Fishing access: From multiple locations: Sangchris Lake State Park Campground offers lakeside camping with excellent fishing opportunities. "We love camping here for the beauty of the lake. Had fun kayaking here too," shares a visitor who recommends reserving lake spots well in advance.
Hiking trails: Various difficulty levels: The trail system at Siloam Springs State Park Campground offers diverse terrain options. A hiker notes, "The trails are pretty well marked and are best in mid/late fall or early spring. We've redone them numerous times and still enjoy them. My favorite trails are the Red Oak and Hoot Owl!"
Water recreation: Multiple lakes: Several campgrounds offer water activities beyond fishing. At Buena Vista Farms Campground, "They offer kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats free to campers. There is an open cabin with games, books, and WiFi."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The tent sites at Primitive Campground are well-spaced for privacy. "There are 7 sites well spaced with a picnic table, fire ring, trash can and three sided shelter in each site. Pit toilets are in the middle. Each site is along the tree line with plenty of shade."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds host regular events. At Crazy Horse Campground, "Every weekend has an event. Bluegrass to crafts," mentions one reviewer who appreciates the variety of entertainment options throughout the camping season.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms. At Anderson Lake State Conservation Area, a reviewer notes, "Clean facilities, nice area right on Illinois River. Good campsites for tent camping... Wooded and shady, clean facilities, electric and water for tent camping."
What you should know
Limited shade at newer sites: Some campgrounds have newer sections with less mature trees. At Jim Edgar Panther Creek - Family Campground, sites can be exposed. A reviewer mentioned the Prairie Lake Campground has "3 facilities on the lake. FAMILY camp for RV, Tent and cabins. 1. 84 sites with Electric or 19 have FHU."
Weather considerations: Wind can be an issue at some locations. Multiple reviewers mention that Prairie Lake Campground can be "pretty windy" with one noting it's been "very windy on the few occasions we have stayed with an open field at entrance."
Reservation requirements: Springfield KOA (about 25 minutes from Springfield) offers cabin rentals with various amenities. A visitor notes, "Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Crazy Horse Campground is described as "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: For hot summer days, Evening Star Camping Resort offers swimming. A visitor shares, "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."
Safety considerations: Finding secure environments matters for families. One camper at Primitive Campground notes it "seemed well laid out and was affordable. It also felt like a safe environment for the family."
Tips from RVers
Site types and hookups: At Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, RVers will find electric-only sites. A camper explains, "Electric only but still love. Spaced out, gravel sites and asphalt roads. We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from."
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. For Springfield KOA, a visitor notes, "Lots of wonderful signs directing you to the campground once you exit the interstate. Secluded. Quite. Not crowded, even when it's full. The roads leading to the campground are narrow, luckily we didn't encounter someone coming the other way!"
Seasonal availability: Plan your cabin stay according to the season. Siloam Springs State Park Campground remains "open year round" according to a reviewer who plans to return for "snow camping later this year."
