Cabin camping options near Downs, Illinois offer accommodations within a 35-mile radius of town. The area sits in the heart of central Illinois prairie land with elevations around 750 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F, while spring and fall bring milder weather with occasional rainfall, making these seasons ideal for cabin stays.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area features various fishing spots along its shoreline. According to one visitor, "The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake. Filled with poison ivy, etc, so long pants recommended when waking thru."
Beach swimming: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area has a beach area open during summer months from 10am-7pm. "There is a beach and concession stand, group camping areas and lots of roads to bike around. We enjoy the boating/camping combo," notes one camper.
Boating access: The lake at Clinton is popular for water activities. "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant," explains a camper. The water temperature makes it comfortable for swimming even in cooler weather.
Family activities: Timberline Campground offers structured recreation for children. "Fun campground. Plenty of activities for kids! Camp ground slightly packed, but would still return back. Great for families with kids," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Millpoint Park gets high marks for site size. "Campsites are spacious and well-distanced," notes one camper. Another adds, "The sites were pretty spread out and easy pull through. It was full hookup with electric, water, and sewage."
Scenic views: Waterfront cabin locations offer views of lakes and rivers. At Carl Spindler Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The view of Peoria at night is beautiful," while another noted they enjoyed "sites that are close to the river have a great view of the skyline at night."
Privacy options: Some cabin locations offer more seclusion than others. At Clinton Lake, "The different loops have very different feels...some are very shaded in the trees, some more wide open with a prairie type view," according to one camper who visited multiple times.
Clean facilities: Carl Spindler Campground maintains its amenities well. "The shower houses are amazing! This campground is very well maintained and right on the Illinois river," reports a satisfied guest. Another notes, "Campground is very well kept with very clean showers and restrooms."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Several campgrounds have iron-rich water. At Millpoint Park, "The water here is very rusty," warns one camper. Another suggests, "The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in."
Reservation timing: Popular weekends fill quickly at most cabin locations. "Large campground that gets booked up most weekends," notes a Clinton Lake visitor. Holiday weekends are especially busy.
Site variations: Different cabin areas have distinct characteristics. At Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, "There are several different loops within the campground, some are alcohol free and others have direct access to the lake," explains a regular visitor.
Seasonal operations: Timberline Campground operates from April 1 to October 31, closing during winter months. Clinton Lake remains open year-round, though with limited services in winter. "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too," reports an off-season visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Loop selection matters: Choose cabin locations based on family needs. At Clinton Lake, "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on."
Entertainment options: Timberline Campground has family-focused facilities. "The management here has been amazing and there is plenty to do. Jumping pillow and several playgrounds. Nice campstore," notes a parent who visited.
Beach proximity: For families with children, waterfront locations add value. A Clinton Lake visitor shared, "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family."
Bathroom considerations: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. One Clinton Lake visitor noted, "We heard the toilets/shower house were in need of TLC so we brought a portable toilet since we have small kids who would not make it to the outhouse."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Millpoint, full hookup sites accommodate larger RVs. "Nice sized campsites. Everything was clean and well taken care of! Full hook ups at a reasonable price. Each site also has a picnic table and fire pit," notes one RVer.
Utility connections: Millpoint Park offers various hookup options. "We got a nice pull-through full hookup site that required minimal leveling," mentions an RV camper. Most sites feature water, sewer, and electric connections.
Pricing value: Carl Spindler Campground offers affordable rates. "Excellent value at $28 for full hookup. A lot of surface streets to get here from the freeway. Not much noise once you arrive. Good water pressure, cell service solid 2 bars," reports one satisfied RVer.
Seasonal considerations: Without mature trees at some locations, summer heat can be challenging. At newer cabin sites like Sankoty Lakes, "Since the grounds are newly setup, the trees are newly planted, so no shade yet. I imagine this will be a place we're more likely to stay at during early spring or fall, because of the lack of shade."
