Cabin accommodations near Eddyville, Illinois provide access to the diverse terrain of Shawnee National Forest at elevations ranging from 375 to 1,064 feet. Located within the unglaciated region of southern Illinois, the area features significant rock formations, waterways, and hardwood forests. Winter temperatures typically range from 24°F to 43°F, while summer brings averages of 65°F to 90°F with moderate humidity levels.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Most cabin rentals near Eddyville position visitors near hiking opportunities. At Dixon Springs State Park Campground, "Ghost Dance Canyon Trail is .7 miles long and an interesting, picture worthy hike." The park "sits on a block of rock along a fault line" with "huge rocks to wander through," making it suitable for various skill levels.
Swimming options: Several cabin accommodations offer water recreation access during warmer months. Dixon Springs State Park includes "a waterfall and covered spring" plus a swimming pool in the same area. At Giant City State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy "a pond for fishing as well" across from the primitive camping areas.
Wildlife viewing: The forests surrounding cabin rentals support diverse wildlife. "We saw a baby fox," reports one camper at Dixon Springs State Park. Giant City State Park offers "great hiking and wildlife viewing" with trails that make you "think you are in the mountains here" despite the Midwest location.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many cabin guests appreciate well-maintained amenities. Gun Creek offers "nice hot water" with "bathrooms onsite that are pretty clean." A reviewer noted Dixon Springs has "a very clean, well maintained campground, the hosts were very friendly and helpful."
Peaceful settings: Several cabins provide quiet surroundings. Birdsville Riverside RV Park features cabins with river views where campers enjoy "a quiet and relaxing stay" watching "barges go up and down the river along with an occasional recreational boat or 2."
Historic features: Some cabin locations include cultural points of interest. Cave-in-Rock State Park sits near the historic cave that "has some pretty interesting history" as "it was once a hideout for river pirates." The park includes hiking "along the cliff face and down to the cave."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabin availability varies significantly by season. According to campers at Arrowhead Lake Campground, last-minute bookings can sometimes work, but one visitor noted, "We called to secure a site last minute and are glad we found this campground." Prices typically start around $25 per night for basic cabins.
Pest considerations: The southern Illinois climate supports insects and ticks. One camper at Dixon Springs warned about "LOTS of poison ivy and ticks" and recommended coming "prepared with tweezers, tick remover, insect repellant, and poison ivy wipes."
Cabin condition varies: Quality differences exist between cabin offerings. One visitor at Bear Branch Campground described a cabin as having a "floor in the cabin was soft(rotted)" with "broken tables," while others reported more positive experiences at the same facility.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campgrounds with cabins include play areas for children. Gun Creek offers "great family friendly place" status with "lots of grassy areas for the kids to run around." Dixon Springs State Park is described as "nice basic camping area" that's good "if you have young children or just want to relax."
Activity planning: Families should research nearby attractions. Hayes Canyon Campground provides "great trails and maps available" along with "very neat riding and views" for those interested in horseback activities.
Meal preparation: Kitchen facilities vary widely between cabins. Little Lusk Lodge offers some cabins with cooking facilities while others require outdoor cooking. One visitor at Arrowhead Lake Campground recommended bringing "basic cooking equipment" as amenities differ significantly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers staying at cabins should verify access roads and parking. At Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground, "campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs" with some sites offering full hookup capabilities.
Utility planning: Some cabins have limited power capacity. At Gun Creek, "every site has electric (a plus), and every site looked well maintained," but RVers should verify amperage before booking if they have high power needs.
Site leveling: Many cabin areas in this region have uneven terrain. Gun Creek has sites with "over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for smaller rigs" but can challenge larger vehicles. Dixon Springs campsites sit on hillier terrain where "at site 6 it goes downhill so it is difficult to get your camper level."
