Camping cabins near Evanston, Illinois typically operate from April through October, with a few locations offering year-round accommodations. Located 14 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanston sits at an elevation of 600 feet above sea level along Lake Michigan's western shore. The region experiences cold winters with average lows of 18°F and warm summers with highs around 84°F, making late spring through early fall the prime season for cabin rentals.
What to do
Water activities at lakes and rivers: Sand Creek Campground provides quick access to Lake Michigan beaches and Indiana Dunes National Park, just a 15-minute drive away. According to one visitor, "The dunes are very impressive and beautiful. If you need something, there are stores, gas stations or restaurants within 10 driving minutes" (Katrin M.).
Hiking trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers extensive trail networks directly from campsites. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," notes Josh M., who adds, "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week."
Wildlife viewing: Sunset Campground at Richard Bong State Recreation Area features wetland habitats with abundant wildlife. "If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go," shares Tim H. "I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two."
What campers like
Proximity to Chicago: Camp Reinberg offers an accessible escape from the city. "This gem of a campground is run by the Cook County Forest Preserve District and the care they have for it shows," reports Susan L. "The campground is centrally located to the major roads (Quentin/NW Hwy) and about 10 minutes from the Palatine Metra train station."
Private sites: Turner Lake South at Chain O' Lakes State Park provides more secluded options. "The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East," explains Marisa A. "The campsites are a little bigger in Turner Lake South, I feel, but both have campsites circled by woods with a level place to pitch a tent."
Family-friendly amenities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort caters to families with various recreational options. "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids," recommends Chloe N.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most cabin rentals close between October and April, with exceptions like Camp Reinberg which offers heated cabins year-round. Check seasonal schedules when planning.
Reservation requirements: Cabins book quickly, especially during summer weekends. At Chicago Northwest KOA, one camper noted, "We had to leave a horrible CG to the south. Booked this site on app the day before, which was a huge plus."
Insect preparedness: Ticks and mosquitoes are common, particularly in wooded areas. "It's a wetland, mosquitoes are happening, but the trade off is just about worth it," reports Tim H. from Sunset Campground. "Thankfully we had a pop-up screened gazebo that made sitting outside our tent much more enjoyable."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Plan for various weather conditions with indoor and outdoor options. "The kids were fans of Wild West Town which is directly next door [to Chicago Northwest KOA]. There is a charge for daily entry but it was something different for the kids to enjoy," shares Marc W.
Check bathroom facilities: Look for family-friendly bathrooms when booking cabins without private facilities. At Honeysuckle Hollow, one parent advises, "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms... Bathroom shower houses were decent (we usually just have toddler use her travel potty, but this one was fine)."
Wildlife encounters: Camp Sullivan offers kids opportunities to spot local animals. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)," notes Dane S.
Tips from RVers
Site access information: Call ahead for exact measurements and hookup distances. At Honeysuckle Hollow, one RVer warns, "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance."
Booking strategies: Consider weekdays for better availability and quieter stays. "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," observed Tina at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Local supplies: Most cabin locations have limited on-site supplies, requiring trips to nearby towns. "Spring Grove is a tiny town nearby with a little corner bar called 'The Grove'. They serve amazing food with great service," suggests one camper who stayed at Honeysuckle Hollow.
