Best Cabin Camping near Fairbury, IL

Several rustic cabin options can be found within driving distance of Fairbury, Illinois, with Kishauwau Cabins offering the most dedicated cabin experience. Located near Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, Kishauwau features log cabins with full kitchens equipped with cooking utensils, silverware, and dishware. These cabins include heating, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and front porches with swinging benches or patio chairs. "Amenities for the cabins vary depending upon what size and level of deluxe accommodations you might be interested in," notes one visitor. Other cabin camping rentals can be found at Pleasant Creek Campground, which offers air-conditioned cabins approximately 5 miles from Starved Rock State Park, and at Kankakee South KOA, which provides cabin accommodations from April through October.

Pet-friendly cabins are available at most locations, though policies vary regarding size restrictions and additional fees. Kishauwau Cabins maintains 17 individual cabin sites in a forested setting with complete privacy between units. Starved Rock State Park offers cabin accommodations at its historic lodge, separate from the campground area, while Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides more basic cabin options. Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months when availability becomes limited. According to one camper at Starved Rock, "Whether you stay in a tent, cabin, or the resort, you're sure to find a treasure for the eyes and spirit. Just note that the peak season is really crowded these days!"

Most furnished cabins include beds with mattresses, but guests should verify whether linens are provided or if they need to bring their own sheets, pillows, and blankets. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations, with Kishauwau offering the most complete setups including pots, pans, and dishware. Other locations may provide only basic amenities like microwaves or outdoor grills. The Kishauwau camp store stocks essential items and offers a lending library of books, DVDs, puzzles, and board games. Grocery stores can be found in nearby towns, though cabin campers typically bring their own food supplies. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most cabin sites, with firewood available for purchase at campground offices or nearby vendors.

Best Cabin Sites Near Fairbury, Illinois (11)

    1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "With the car in the drive blocking the road, I had complete privacy. There was a short walk to porta potties and a nice walk to the modern, clean bath house."

    "Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding area has some of the most beautiful views in north central Illinois."

    2. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    30 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $12 - $55 / night

    "We bought fire wood from a locals front lawn at the entrance to the state park. Put 5$ in the bin and take a bundle. Its 30 mins away from Starved Rock and Matthiesson State Park. Good hiking."

    "Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."

    3. Pleasant Creek Campground

    28 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 431-0936

    "The largest and most open area is on top of the hill (the Highlands) but there are other areas that are shadier and more close to nature (Alcove way, Creekside, Oak Grove, the Glades). "

    "This is very close to Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks, both of which are absolutely breathtaking! The campground is decent; lots of tents."

    4. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Weldon, IL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-8722

    $10 - $30 / night

    "It is a large campground with well spaced campsites for tents and rvs. Almost every site has plenty of shade with lots of tree cover."

    "Sites were spacious but wasn’t much privacy, which didn’t bother us because it allowed for our kids to play with the other kids easily."

    5. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    16 Reviews
    Bourbonnais, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that!"

    "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite. This site is near a small cemetery that has tombstones that are hundreds of years old."

    6. Kankakee South KOA

    9 Reviews
    Kankakee, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 939-4603

    "We loved the dog park along with the many activities available. We come here at least once a year. Check out their information on their website."

    "Playground was nice and geared toward smaller kids. Staff was friendly and very nice. Firewood, ice, etc. could be ordered via text and delivered. Trash pick up daily."

    7. Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

    9 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $10 - $45 / night

    "And about an hour and a half from central Chicago is Illini State Park, a comfortable slice of wilderness."

    "While both campgrounds offer close proximity to the Illinois River, you will be challenged to actually see the river from Whitetail, unless you head far west on Hawk Road where there is a separate picnic"

    8. Timberline Campground

    5 Reviews
    Eureka, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 326-7226

    "My girlfriend rented us a cabin for the weekend and we had a blast great people and great staff"

    "Jumping pillow and a several playgrounds. Nice campstore. Would highly recommend."

    9. Kishauwau Cabins

    2 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 442-8453

    $129 - $499 / night

    "Perfectly perched far away from traffic, noise and the routine drudgery of day-to-day life, Kishauwau is situated far back in a thick-forested pristine patch of land that places you very near two of the"

    "Great cozy cabins to disconnect from reality. We visited as a family with a newborn and absolutely fell in love with the place."

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Cabin Reviews near Fairbury, IL

215 Reviews of 11 Fairbury Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2023

    Kishauwau Cabins

    Pristine Outdoor Cabin Campground Experience

    Whether you consider yourself a tent camper or an RV nomad, if you want to discover Kishauwau Cabins, you’ll have to give up both of these traditional outdoor camping experiences in favor of heading indoors to explore the best of what nature has to offer in this area. Perfectly perched far away from traffic, noise and the routine drudgery of day-to-day life, Kishauwau is situated far back in a thick-forested pristine patch of land that places you very near two of the best state parks that the Land ‘O Lincoln has to offer – Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks – with each positioned kitty-cornered from one another and only 3-4 miles away from where you will be laying your head hear in one of Kishauwau's pristine log cabins.

    Apart from getting a really sweet discount of 40% if you are Dyrt Pro, what I love most about Kishauwau is the extremely personal hospitality that you will experience here, where the wife (Terisa) & husband duo that run this rustic, premium log-cabin scattered campus, promote a very strong vibe of 'Ohana,' Hawaiian for 'family,' which I have to admit, sounds a little weird when describing this very distinct Midwestern vibe, but it's true.  If there's anything that you will coming here it's 'family.'  From the moment you enter this serene, wide-open natural playground, you will feel at home. You will feel surrounded by good folks that want you to enjoy the community that they have painstakingly created here.  There’s a special vibe here that makes one immediately feel relaxed and a million miles away from that last worry or deadline that you so eagerly left your 9-to-5 work mindset to escape to and put some distance between. 

    Amenities for the cabins vary depending upon what size and level of deluxe accommodations you might be interested in and can include the following: full kitchen w/ pots, pans, cooking utensils, silverware, glassware and dishware, flat-screen TV w/ DVD player, fire ring, picnic table, brand new Weber BBQ charcoal grills (or in a few exceptions, gas grills), bed linens, heating and A/C as well as, my personal favorite, a mighty sized great front porch complete with either swinging bench or patio chairs (or in some cases both). Of course, the greatest amenity you’ll discover here at Kishauwau is the wide-open expanse of the place, as well as the amazing quality nature experience that awaits you just outside your front door. 

    And whether you’ve come packing everything you need for your stay or decided to come spur of the moment and didn’t bring a single thing, Kishauwau has you covered with what is, quite possibly, the most and best well-stocked camp store and adjoining gift shop I have ever seen for a place that is such a modest size campground. From a lending library full of reading books, music CDs or an endless array of DVDs to puzzles, board games and many other distractions to borrow throughout your stay, this place is very well accommodated should you need any distraction other than what the amazing nature provides that you are surrounded by.  One of my favorite touches here?  Even if the camp store isn't being attended by Terisa or her husband, there's an honor envelope where you can just take what you'd like and leave your money in the pouch that is provided.  Now, if trust isn't core to being family, I don't know what it is.  

    Insider's tips?  Here's a few: (1) First and foremost, the owner and manager of this property, Terisa King, is one of the most passionate, friendly and accommodating owners I have ever met in all of my outdoor camping adventures - so rest assured, should you decide to stay here at Kishauwau Cabins, you will have a top-rate experience, well, because with Terisa looking after your every want and desire, an amazing experience here, trust me, is pretty much guaranteed!; (2) Once you get tired of staring into the fridge or your Cordova roto-molded cooler and don't want to think about what that next meal is going to be and want to try out some local fare, then I highly recommend the following options: Starved Rock Lodge main dining room where you enjoy some fairly traditional continental cuisine, wherein I recommend the fried Walleye, fried pork chops or blackened catfish, and while this legendary lodge offers up just OK fried chicken, if that's what you have your heart set on, then don't compromise and drive another 20 minutes away to Rip's in Ladd, where trust me, you'll have the best fried chicken of your entire life; (3) Should you come either with your own canoe or kayak or simply want to rent one, no worries, there's tons of opportunities for you to get on the water, which is really isolated in these parts to the Illinois River, of which my good friends over at Kayak Starved Rock Campground have you covered - at either one of their properties on either side of the Illinois River; (4) If you come towing your bicycles and want some great trails to hit, then look no further than the I&M Canal trek, which has more than 20 miles of really great scenic bike trails for you to hit; (5) Whether its days spent hiking, biking, running or kayaking, when you get to that point where you'd just like to find a hole in the wall and throw down some ice cold tall boys, then you could head over to nearby Utica where you would have a handful of options from a very nice outdoor biergarten at Lodi Tap Room, August Hill Winery for some very mediocre Illinois produced wine or Canal Port for some great shots and decent cocktails; and (6) Last, but not least, unlike many other properties, Kishauwau Cabins offers up unique packages like Cabins Campfire Cookin', S'mores & More and Stargazing packages that come with unique amenities, discounts and experiences - check out their website for more details.

    Happy Camping!

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Pleasant Creek Campground

    lives up to it's name, good option for Starved Rock area

    Because of it's layout, you never get a true sense of how big the whole campground is (50 acres). The largest and most open area is on top of the hill (the Highlands) but there are other areas that are shadier and more close to nature (Alcove way, Creekside, Oak Grove, the Glades). 
    Depending on the time of year, the creek may not be running, but the fishing pond is always full. Many activities in well maintained areas. It's a new campground and the general store hasn't built up much inventory yet. The firewood is dry and burns well. 

    Fire pits are basic steel circles, bring your own grill. 

    There's one central restroom with showers, clean and spacious, but it can be a walk from some areas (long hills too). 

    There are small cabins for rent and long-term sites are available.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2019

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Great Privacy in Great Park

    I set up in site 110 for the night at this nicely wooded campground. My site was very private, set back in the trees and very clean. I had large and small trees and underbrush making it impossible to see the site next to me in one direction, and no one occupying the site on the other side. With the car in the drive blocking the road, I had complete privacy. There was a short walk to porta potties and a nice walk to the modern, clean bath house. The site had the usual picnic table and fire pit and plenty of space to put my tent. There were some sites that sat in a meadow that completely lacked privacy, but with tons of space for kids to play. There is a camp store near the entrance to the campground, but I didn’t go in so I’m not sure what it’s stocked with (besides the ice in the cooler outside). Campers who like to imbibe beware: NO alcohol is permitted at this campground. There are some GREAT trails for hiking in the park, but be prepared for lots of stairs on the boardwalks that take you in and out of the canyons/ravines. I didn’t hike up to the actual “Starved Rock”, but you can observe it from the river bank.

  • William S.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

    Fall is here

    And about an hour and a half from central Chicago is Illini State Park, a comfortable slice of wilderness. Offering RV sites with electric and water hook-ups, as well as drive-in tent camping, the camp portion is divided into two different areas, with the Whitetail partially abutting a lock and dam. Each individual site features at least one picnic table and iron grill (fires only allowed in the grill)

    For $10 a night I got a semi-secluded spot for my tent (the RV sites by the Army Corp of Engineers lock and dam was much more crowded), and for $6 a bundle at the nearby ice cream store I got firewood. 

    After reserving the site with the camp host (cash or check only) and picking up my wood (cash or card), I settled in for the night, enjoying the beginning of fall, which lots of color on the ground, the cicadas singing their last, and squads of migrating geese bedding down for the night. Also a little traffic noise from the nearby highway, but c'est la vie.

  • J
    Sep. 18, 2019

    Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    Woods near the river

    Went tent camping here and reserved our spot in advance. We bought fire wood from a locals front lawn at the entrance to the state park. Put 5$ in the bin and take a bundle. Its 30 mins away from Starved Rock and Matthiesson State Park. Good hiking. The river spots are all booked by large RVs and the tent spots have grills over the fire pits and picnic tables. lots of tree cover which came in handy when it rained in the morning. Otherwise great weather and not buggy. Dogs allowed.

  • B
    May. 21, 2021

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Great views on every trail

    Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding area has some of the most beautiful views in north central Illinois. We’ve spent many days exploring trails for river views, bluffs and overlooks, even waterfalls! There is so much to see here! Whether you stay in a tent, cabin, or the resort, you’re sure to find a treasure for the eyes and spirit. Just note that the peak season is really crowded these days!

  • Jamie G.
    Jul. 19, 2020

    Pleasant Creek Campground

    Nice little campground

    This is very close to Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks, both of which are absolutely breathtaking! The campground is decent; lots of tents. Spots are pretty close together, but some have water & electricity; pull through spots available too. Nice camp store & small arcade. The fishing pond was NOT well kept, and the water tasted terrible—we ended up buying jugs of water because we couldn’t even stand to brush our teeth with it. Reasonable rates; we paid $44/night for pull through spot with water & electric. Fire ring & picnic table at each spot; firewood sold at camp store & outside firewood vending.

  • J
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    Decent State Park

    Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade. From map it looked like site 3 was isolated at end of loop - weeellll, it IS at the end of a loop - right across from camp host and adjacent to maintenance area for lock & dam - not very picturesque. Didn’t use bathhouse so can’t comment on that. Drink vending machines by bathhouse. Local guy across from entrance to park sells firewood. Site had fire ring and picnic table. One thing to note - trees drop some kinda “nuts” and when you drive over them they pop and it sounds just like you are dragging low hanging branches. I started to backing and swore I was hitting branches (even though I’d looked and knew it was clear) and DW said we were clear....

  • Amanda W.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Pleasant Creek Campground

    Nice Campground

    This campground is nice, but not our favorite. It’s really expensive. Most sites have no privacy at all. the kids loved going to the playground and they do have an arcade but other that that there’s not much to do. A little creek runs through the campground and you can walk along that. They sell firewood and the bathrooms are really nice. The staff is also very nice and live on site so are there to help whenever you need. RV and tent sites. fire pit and picnic table provided. Close to the state parks where they have tons of amazing hiking. Overall good campground just a little expensive.


Guide to Fairbury

Cabin accommodations near Fairbury, Illinois typically feature rustic settings while offering varying degrees of modern amenities. The region sits within central Illinois's prairie landscape at approximately 700 feet above sea level, with seasonal temperature fluctuations that influence cabin rental availability. Winter rentals can be limited with some properties closing from November through March due to freezing temperatures.

What to do

Hiking at Starved Rock State Park: Located about an hour from Fairbury, Starved Rock offers over 13 miles of trails with distinctive canyon formations and seasonal waterfalls. "The hiking in the general area is awesome! Lots of canyons, bluffs, and overlooks. Just be prepared to drive," notes Kim L., who camped at Starved Rock Campground.

Water activities on Clinton Lake: The unusually warm waters at Clinton Lake make it popular for swimming and boating from May through September. "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant," explains Stacia R. from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, adding "There is a beach and concession stand, group camping areas and lots of roads to bike around."

Fishing opportunities: Multiple cabin rental locations provide access to fishing spots along the Illinois River and nearby lakes. "This place has a boat dock and lots of good fishing! Lots of wildlife too," mentions Mike T., who stayed at Illini State Park.

What campers like

Secluded cabin settings: Many visitors appreciate the privacy found at cabin sites in the region. "White Tail camping is quiet, low-key, family friendly and good for a break from urban life," reports a visitor at Illini State Park, highlighting the appeal of woodland cabins.

Central location for regional exploration: Cabin rentals provide convenient bases for exploring multiple outdoor destinations. "We stayed here while visiting relatives in Marseilles, and this park was the closest. Things here were fine for our purposes," shares Karla J.B., who appreciated the functional base for regional activities.

Diverse accommodation options: The area offers everything from basic to premium cabin experiences. "Great cozy cabins to disconnect from reality. We visited as a family with a newborn and absolutely fell in love with the place," says Christian A. about Kishauwau Cabins, noting amenities like "Hot tub in our room" and "Very clean cabins."

What you should know

Reservation essentials: Cabins fill quickly, especially during summer months and weekends. Book 3-6 months ahead for prime dates. "Book early—reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full," advises a camper at Starved Rock.

Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall provide less crowded experiences with unique natural attractions. "Spring and fall camping is great here—waterfalls are rain fed and often dry in summer," mentions a visitor familiar with the region's seasonal patterns.

Bathroom and shower facilities: Quality varies significantly between locations, with some offering modern facilities and others more rustic options. "The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don't shut off," warns Lex D. from Pleasant Creek Campground.

Variable cell service: Connection quality depends on specific location and carrier. "Cell reception is spotty (could be a good thing)," notes Christian A. about Kishauwau Cabins, highlighting the digital disconnection that many cabin locations offer.

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Some cabin areas feature dedicated play areas for children. "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," shares Linda N. from Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.

Educational opportunities: Several locations offer nature centers with programming suitable for children. "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!" reports Linda N. at Kankakee River State Park.

Cabin selection for families: Research specific cabin layouts and proximities to amenities when traveling with children. "The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake. Filled with poison ivy, etc, so long pants recommended when waking thru," advises Melissa B., highlighting both benefits and potential hazards.

Tips from RVers

Hookup variations: Electric availability differs significantly between locations, with some offering 30-amp and others 50-amp service. "RV sites with electric and water hook-ups" are available at certain locations, while others may have "limited 50 Amp sites as it is old," according to Fred R. at Starved Rock.

Site dimensions: Many cabins share areas with RV sites of varying sizes. "For a 30 ft travel trailer, our campsite has just enough room for our slide out and awning," notes one camper, emphasizing the importance of checking site specifications before booking.

Dumping and water fill stations: Locations with both cabins and RV sites typically provide these facilities, though waiting times can vary. "Took about 45 min for us to dump being 5th in line at 10:30am," reports one camper about weekend departures, information valuable for those using cabin facilities alongside their RV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Fairbury, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Fairbury, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 99 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Fairbury, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 cabin camping locations near Fairbury, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.