Cabin camping near Goreville, Illinois sits at the edge of the Shawnee National Forest, which spans over 280,000 acres across southern Illinois. The region features sandstone bluffs and rocky outcroppings with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,064 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s with high humidity while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making cabin accommodations particularly appealing during colder months.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Several cabin-friendly campgrounds connect to extensive trail networks. At Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground, "Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge. Ride or hike in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. High lines behind sites. Stalls can be reserved," explains a reviewer.
Water recreation at Rend Lake: Many cabins are situated near Rend Lake, allowing for easy water access. "Camping, clean and really nice place," notes a visitor to South Marcum Campground. The lake offers swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities with particularly good catfish and crappie catches.
Hiking options: Goreville-area cabins provide access to multiple trail systems. A camper at Giant City State Park Campground reports, "The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails."
What campers like
Fishing opportunities: Lakes surrounding Goreville offer excellent fishing near cabin accommodations. "We were in vans, tents and teardrop campers. We just drove right up onto the grass and set up camp. The beach at the end of the loop opened up to a huge lake that wrapped around the corners. Others must have access because there were some early morning fishermen out there," notes a visitor at Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point.
Privacy levels: Cabin placement varies greatly between properties. Some offer more secluded settings while others prioritize community. "We stayed in the primitive camp site, while there were others there, everyone was dispersed far enough that it felt private. Camp grounds were clean, quiet, and the camp host and park ranger were very kind," explains a camper at Giant City State Park.
Year-round access: Unlike tent camping, cabin options remain viable throughout winter. "We stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time. The campground is clean and maintained. Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt," notes a spring visitor to Giant City State Park, highlighting the extended cabin camping season.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during summer and holidays. At Arrowhead Lake Campground, a camper advises: "We called to secure a site last minute and are glad we found this campground. The grounds were nice, we walked a nature trail and down by the lake."
Amenity variations: Cabin facilities differ significantly between properties. "Due to the somewhat rural location you could not beat the view of the stars at night," says a winter visitor to Giant City State Park, while another notes, "Most are shaded with rings or fire pits. Great family friendly place. Trails and roads maintained well."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts cabin stays differently throughout the year. A visitor warns: "Lots of poison ivy and ticks. Luckily, we expected this and came prepared with tweezers, tick remover, insect repellant, and poison ivy wipes," an important consideration for spring and summer cabin stays.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Some cabin facilities include swimming pools, a welcome amenity for families with children. At Dixon Springs State Park Campground, "There is a fun pool with a slide attached to the campground with an entrance fee of $6." Another visitor adds, "The pool is in the same area."
Playground availability: Several campgrounds offer play areas near cabin sites. "Also, there is a playground in the Whispering Pines loop," notes a visitor to South Marcum Campground, while at Camp Manitowa, a camper mentions, "Since this is used as a summer camp, there are a variety of activities around."
Educational opportunities: Cabin camping provides hands-on nature learning. "We saw a baby fox, and enjoyed the chocolate factory right across the street," reports a Dixon Springs visitor, highlighting wildlife viewing opportunities combined with nearby attractions.
Tips for RVers with cabin options
Site selection importance: When booking cabins at campgrounds that also accommodate RVs, location matters. "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for smaller rigs," advises a visitor to Gun Creek.
Mixed-use facilities: Many properties offer both cabin and RV accommodations. "Sites have 30 & 50 amp Electric hookups. There is a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking," notes a South Marcum visitor, describing facilities that serve both cabin guests and RVers.
Off-season availability: Cabins remain viable when RV camping becomes challenging. "We stayed here during the winter while visiting my brother who was in college nearby. He and his friends seem to camp here quite often and it was a great choice. Even in the winter the sites were quite clear and clean," reports a Giant City State Park visitor.
