Cabins near Cypress, Illinois dot the Shawnee National Forest region, typically sitting at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level. Most cabin rentals remain accessible year-round, including winter months when temperatures average 35-45°F during daytime hours. Water sources can freeze between December and February, so campers should plan accordingly when booking cabin accommodations during colder seasons.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Multiple trails surround cabin locations with varying difficulty levels. At Giant City State Park Campground, "there are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river," notes one reviewer who tent camped in fall.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and dusk hours provide optimal wildlife spotting opportunities. The Crab Orchard Lake area offers lake access for wildlife observation. "So much to do here I'll just have to keep coming back to get everything in," mentions a visitor who appreciated the refuge's natural setting.
Climbing excursions: Several parks offer rock climbing options. "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else," advises a winter visitor to Giant City State Park.
Swimming activities: Seasonal swimming facilities operate at select locations. Dixon Springs offers "a fun pool with a slide attached to the campground with an entrance fee of $6," according to a recent visitor who found this amenity convenient despite other limitations of the campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many cabin-adjacent camping areas feature well-separated sites. At Dixon Springs State Park Campground, "Beautiful campground with plenty of room between sites. Most are shaded with rings or fire pits. Great family friendly place," notes one camper who valued the layout.
Night sky views: Limited light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "Due to the somewhat rural location you could not beat the view of the stars at night," shares a winter visitor to Giant City who was attending a nearby college.
Trail access: Numerous cabins provide direct trail connections. According to a Giant City visitor, "There is a nice trail across from the primitive camping site which also has a pond for fishing as well," highlighting the convenience of natural features near accommodations.
Educational opportunities: Some sites offer learning experiences alongside overnight stays. At Touch of Nature Education Center, "Camp Amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheaters, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails," lists a visitor who appreciated these educational resources.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak seasons (April-October). A visitor to Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground advises: "Campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs. High lines behind sites. Stalls can be reserved. Some sites are full hookup."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal variations. "We stayed in winter while visiting my brother who was in college nearby. He and his friends seem to camp here quite often and it was a great choice. Even in the winter the sites were quite clear and clean," reports a Giant City visitor.
Insect preparations: Ticks and poison ivy present challenges during warmer months. One camper at Dixon Springs warns: "LOTS of poison ivy and ticks. Luckily, we expected this and came prepared with tweezers, tick remover, insect repellant, and poison ivy wipes."
Water limitations: Some cabins lack water hookups. "Water available at dump station but not consumable," notes a Dixon Springs camper staying in a 29-foot trailer, highlighting that water planning requires attention at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks offer shorter hiking options suitable for younger children. Giant City features multiple trail difficulty levels as one visitor explains: "The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails."
Group accommodations: For larger family gatherings, specialized facilities exist. Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point provides substantial group space as described by a visitor: "If I were planning a family reunion or large group camping experience, I would definitely keep Camp Manitowa in mind. The owners cared about our experience and kept the place up beautifully."
Playground accessibility: Some cabin areas include play equipment. At Arrowhead Lake Campground, amenities include "Water, 30 and 50 amp, shower house, small laundry facility. Wifi fiber being installed, boat ramp, primitive cabin, tent camping, large childrens playground."
Nature trails: Walking paths suitable for all ages can be found at multiple locations. A visitor to Arrowhead describes: "The grounds were nice, we walked a nature trail and down by the lake. There were ducks and geese, and it was a lovely reprieve from our travels to walk along the edges of the lake."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Some cabin-adjacent RV sites present leveling challenges. At Dixon Springs, "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," notes one RVer who encountered setup difficulties.
Electrical options: Multiple amperage choices exist across different campgrounds. Arrowhead Lake Campground provides "Water, 30 and 50 amp" connections according to a repeat visitor who appreciates the consistent amenities.
Space constraints: Larger vehicles may face limitations at certain locations. Dixon Springs presents challenges as "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," according to an RVer who still enjoyed the natural beauty despite these constraints.
Seasonal availability: Several cabin areas maintain winter accessibility. Crab Orchard Lake campground remains functional during colder periods, with a visitor noting: "We spent 5 nights on Site A5 at Crab Orchard Campground. All sites are FC/FS. Full hookups are in Loop B & it was full."
