Cabin camping near Evergreen Park, Illinois offers year-round options within 30-50 miles of the urban area. Average temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer, with camping typically busiest from May through September. Forest preserve cabins require advance planning, with weekend reservations filling 2-3 months ahead during peak season.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Camp Reinberg provides direct access to multiple trails through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. "The bike path/hike path is long and wide and very nice. We had kids under age 8. River is fast, tried to fish. Stars were out," shares a Kankakee River State Park visitor.
Recreational water activities: Some cabin locations offer seasonal water activities from spring through fall. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports a reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
City access with outdoor retreat: Many cabin sites serve as urban-adjacent retreats. "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails. Camp Sullivan is used a lot by scouting groups. There are lots of trees and it is somewhat woodsy," notes a Camp Sullivan visitor.
What campers like
Secure accommodations: Several cabin campgrounds provide enhanced security measures. A visitor at Michigan City Campground appreciates the "secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean, although the bathroom could use a slight update."
Clean modern facilities: Many campers mention facility quality as a deciding factor. "The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly. There are vault toilets, water, and trash cans in each loop," notes a camper from Kankakee River State Park.
Cabin diversity: Options range from rustic to full-service cabins. "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," explains a Michigan City Campground guest.
What you should know
Check-in procedures vary: Different locations have different arrival protocols. "It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter. We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull through with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite," reports a Michigan City Campground visitor.
Gate closures at some locations: Some preserves restrict after-hours access. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning!" notes a Camp Sullivan reviewer.
Cabin pet restrictions: Most cabins don't allow pets inside structures. A visitor at Camp Shabbona Woods confirms that "dogs are not allowed inside the cabins" though they are permitted at most campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility for groups: Several locations accommodate multiple families. "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). Highly recommend," shares a Camp Sullivan visitor.
Kid-friendly activities: On-site structured activities make family visits easier. "There is a activities barn with a rock climbing wall. There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," notes a Camp Sullivan reviewer.
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer nature programs. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares a Kankakee River State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: RVers emphasize selecting appropriate sites. "Our camp site was #2. For the most part, all of the 30/50 amp sites are very similar. Can't really say one appears to be better than the rest. Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," notes a Camp Bullfrog Lake reviewer.
Site size variations: Space constraints can be significant. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," explains a Camp Sullivan visitor.
Winter accommodation options: Some locations offer extended-season RV options. "They also have many monthly sites available with winter water, as well as seasonal and overnight spots," reports a Michigan City Campground camper, which helps RVers plan for cold-weather trips.
