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Best Cabin Camping near Chicago, IL

188 Reviews

Rustic log cabins and modern furnished cottages provide accommodations options near Chicago, within an hour's drive of the city. Camp Reinberg in Palatine offers cabins with electric hookups, heating, picnic tables and fire rings for year-round comfort. Camp Bullfrog Lake features lakeside cabins with bathroom facilities and bunk beds for families wanting water access. Michigan City Campground provides cabin rentals with cement patios, fire pits and access to a swimming pool. A camper wrote, "We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again. We also came back last weekend and stayed in one of the large cabins - game changer in the winter!" Most cabins include basic furnishings but vary in amenities from primitive to deluxe.

Depending on the location, cabin options range from rustic structures to fully furnished accommodations with private bathrooms. Cook County Forest Preserves manages several cabin facilities including Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest and Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland, both offering pet-friendly cabin options with varying levels of amenities. Sand Creek Campground near Indiana Dunes provides cabins as an alternative to tent camping, with easy access to the national park. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers seasonal cabin rentals from May through October. A review noted, "The campground is privately owned and was almost at the end of the season. The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in."

Most cabin rentals provide beds with mattresses but require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering only outdoor fire rings with cooking grates while others provide indoor kitchenettes. Camp stores at locations like Kankakee River State Park and Chicago Northwest KOA sell basic provisions including firewood, ice, and limited grocery items. Visitors staying at cabins near Chain O'Lakes State Park have access to a well-stocked general store with fishing supplies and a café. Cabins at Lakeshore Camp Resort and Michigan City Campground benefit from proximity to grocery stores within a 10-minute drive, allowing for easy supply runs.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Chicago, Illinois (19)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.

    Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."

    "We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

    There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad."

    2. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."

    "Wooded electric paved sites with fairly new bathhouse facilities. Pretty clean. Only one indoor water faucet working but this may be a COVID casualty."

    3. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again."

    "This campground is very well maintained with all the amenities you could need: a small camping store, communal kitchen, firepits, and clean bathrooms."

    4. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    5. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $49 - $57 / night

    "A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."

    "We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."

    6. Michigan City Campground

    22 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Park, IN
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 872-7600

    "This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter."

    "We stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger."

    7. Sand Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Chesterton, IN
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-7482

    $30 - $90 / night

    "Privately-owned and just a short distance from Indiana Dunes. The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in."

    "It was actually my first time ever staying at a private campground, so I don't have much to compare it to."

    8. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    14 Reviews
    Bourbonnais, IL
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite. This site is near a small cemetery that has tombstones that are hundreds of years old."

    "The campground manager was very friendly and helpful and our site was clean with a nice fire pit with built-in grill and very clean. Lots of shower stalls in the shower house."

    9. Chicago Northwest KOA

    16 Reviews
    Union, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 923-4206

    "Plus they have a quiet time at night.So people and kids can go to bed without a bunch of noise."

    "Cozy, small park with friendly staff and plenty of amenities. You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping."

    10. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Round Lake, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 546-2228

    $43 - $73 / night

    "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."

    "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side."

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Recent Cabin Photos near Chicago, IL

2 Photos of 19 Chicago Campgrounds

Cabin Reviews near Chicago, IL

188 Reviews of 19 Chicago Campgrounds

  • Katie A.
    Nov. 29, 2023

    Camp Reinberg

    Great little camp ground!

    Loved everything about this place. The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again. We also came back last weekend and stayed in one of the large cabins- game changer in the winter! It’s a perfect spot for a weekend away from Chicago, will definitely be back.

  • C
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Michigan City Campground

    Great campground, will return

    This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter. We stayed  in the premium sites which were 90ft pull thought with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite. The cement patio was large with a picnic table and an adjacent fire pit. There is swimming pool and a game room, and a small store with the essentials, and propane.

    You are close to Indiana Dunes and the downtown area of Michigan city. Good food, shops are close by. 

    By the way there are a number of cabins/mini homes to rent.

  • A
    May. 29, 2019

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Fantastic car camping close to Chicago

    Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.

    Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well.

    Beautiful forest surrounds the lake, lots of hiking in the surrounding enormous forest preserve. Lake has fishing and boats as well.

  • Meg
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Good For families, a few downsides

    *** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren’t very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best.

    Pros- easy pull in sites and lots of walk-in availability. Sites are almost all flat thankfully, so no weird slopes to sleep on and easy for babies/toddlers to stay safe. Also seemed pretty respectful in the evenings with people toning down the noise.

    Lots of electric sites, deep enough for 2 tents, 2 cars (although close to neighbors and no trees between sites), picnic table and fire pit.

    Bathroom shower houses were decent (we usually just have toddler use her travel potty, but this one was fine).

    Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks.

    Cons - SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people! Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair.

    Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it’s dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s’mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down.

  • H. K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Nice but very little shade

    We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

    There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad. There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender (the shower stall was spacious with plenty of hooks and benches). There were also vault toilets not too far away. The water spigot was pretty far away though. There were plenty of garbage cans.

    There were a few small trees but very little shade. On hot days I think a pop up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.

    Overall it was pretty quiet.

    The last night we were there a large group of people with their tents showed up. There were not enough tent pads or picnic tables for all of them. I don't know if it was the park that booked so many people or if it was the group that overbooked.

  • Hatie P.
    Apr. 19, 2018

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Lovely cabins, facilities and hiking!

    I visited Palos early this week (mid-April) for a very very chilly three days. The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc). There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold. The central bathrooms are clean, heated and offer showers. The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go. The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk. I will definitely be back!

  • Kelsey G.
    Aug. 23, 2019

    Camp Reinberg

    Clean & Safe Urban Campground On County Preserve

    This campground is very well maintained with all the amenities you could need: a small camping store, communal kitchen, firepits, and clean bathrooms. Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests. 

    Located in the Norwest suburb of Palatine, this campground is super accessible from Chicago and a fun getaway for suburban camping. Grocery stores and modern conveniences are minutes away. From the campground you have access to the entire Deer Park preserve and it's paved cycling and walking trails.

    Cook County residents get a nice discount, as do veterans. Rates go up on the weekends. A one week limit for all stays unless you get approval from higher-ups. 

    RV spots are concrete, flat, and easy to get into. 

    Overall, a very clean and well-loved sem-urban camping experience.

  • Katrin M.
    Oct. 2, 2022

    Sand Creek Campground

    Campground near the dunes

    We camped here for 3 nights to visit the Dunes National Park.

    The campground is privately owned and was almost at the end of the season. There is a check in station at the entrance.

    When we arrived we were the only tent campers, so we could pick our spot. Non of the tent sites have electricity or water. Only a few have a picnic table and /or a fire pit. It was basically just a long lawn with numbers on. Some of the sites are in the woods for more privacy.

    The RV sites have electricity and water access. Some campers are stored there over the winter months.

    The bathhouse was a little out dated but clean during our stay.

    You are surrounded by farmland, so we were greeted every morning by donkey braying. It didn't bother us. There are also noises of cars and the train coming through.

    The owners are very nice and laid back.

    The drive to the national park or state park is about 15 min. The dunes are very impressive and beautiful. If you need something, there are stores, gas stations or restaurants within 10 driving minutes.

    I think we would camp her again. No idea how it is during peak season but even with other tent campers around on the last 2 days, it was pretty quiet.

  • deb K.
    Jun. 23, 2022

    Chicago Northwest KOA

    Not a bad campground

    We had to leave a horrible CG to the south. Booked this site on app the day before. Which was a huge plus. This KOA has very limited full hook up sites. As far as KOA standards, it is not great. It is about an hour and half from Chicago and Milwaukee We paid for the deluxe patio site, which had no sewer. Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice. Had horrible WiFi, no cable and limited reception. One bathroom and shower was nice, the other had disgusting showers. Pool was ok, but tons of kids. CG was very kid friendly, with tons for them to do. The people running the place were still COVID crazy with restrictions for check in and everything else. But what do you expect in crazy Illinois. Makes you insane, when you come from the free parts of the US.

Guide to Chicago

Cabin camping near Chicago offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, allowing you to escape the city's hustle while enjoying the great outdoors.

Explore the Scenic Trails of Camp Reinberg

  • Experience the well-maintained trails at Camp Reinberg, ideal for hiking and biking enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
  • The campground features a variety of accommodations, including cozy cabins that provide a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure.
  • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to spot local wildlife while exploring the scenic paths.

Family-Friendly Activities at Lakeshore Camp Resort

  • Lakeshore Camp Resort is perfect for families, offering a range of activities such as fishing, swimming, and playgrounds to keep kids entertained.
  • The resort features a lake with water rentals and a floating water slide, making it a fun destination for all ages.
  • With clean facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an excellent choice for a family getaway.

Affordable Cabin Camping Options

  • Prices for cabin camping can vary, with options like Camp Bullfrog Lake offering affordable rates for a cozy stay near the water.
  • At Camp Sullivan, you can find reasonably priced cabins that provide a comfortable base for your outdoor adventures.
  • Expect to pay around $30 to $100 per night for cabin accommodations, depending on the location and amenities offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find cabin camping near Chicago?

Several excellent cabin options exist within driving distance of Chicago. Camp Bullfrog Lake offers small and medium cabins, some heated with private bathrooms, situated around a beautiful lake just outside the city. The surrounding forest preserve provides numerous hiking trails, fishing, and boating opportunities. Another great option is Camp Reinberg in Palatine, which features well-maintained cabins and is particularly suitable for winter stays. For those willing to travel a bit further, Chain O' Lakes State Park and Michigan City (Indiana) also offer cabin accommodations within 1-2 hours of Chicago.

How much do cabin rentals typically cost near Chicago?

Cabin rental prices near Chicago vary based on size, amenities, and season. Michigan City Campground offers premium sites with excellent amenities including 50A service, water, sewer, and reliable WiFi, with rates reflecting these upgraded features. Sand Creek Campground provides more budget-friendly options, especially during off-season periods. Generally, basic cabins start around $50-70 per night, while more deluxe options with private bathrooms, heating, and additional amenities can range from $100-150+ per night. Weekend rates are typically higher than weekdays, and many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays or during shoulder seasons.

When is the best time of year to stay in camping cabins near Chicago?

The ideal time for cabin camping near Chicago depends on your preferences and the experience you seek. Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most pleasant weather and full access to outdoor activities. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park features nice private sites that are particularly enjoyable during the warmer months. For a unique experience, consider winter cabin camping at Camp Shabbona Woods, where heated cabins provide a cozy retreat. Fall offers beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, while spring brings wildflowers and awakening wildlife. Summer provides the fullest range of activities but comes with higher occupancy and occasional heat and humidity.

What amenities are typically available at cabin campgrounds near Chicago?

Cabin campgrounds near Chicago typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. At Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park, you'll find access to playgrounds, lakes, and bathroom facilities. Some loops are strategically located near these amenities for convenience. Chicago Northwest KOA offers deluxe patio sites, full hookups, and convenient access to both Chicago and Milwaukee. Many cabin sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers. Some more premium cabins feature private bathrooms, heating for year-round comfort, and electricity. Campground stores, communal kitchens, and WiFi are also common at many locations.

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