Cabin camping near Grantsburg, Illinois sits within the eastern edge of the Shawnee National Forest at approximately 400-600 feet elevation. The region features sandstone formations, rolling hills, and access to the Ohio River. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snow and ice.
What to do
Hiking to geological formations: Cave-in-Rock State Park offers a 2-mile loop trail to its namesake cave and along scenic cliff faces. "We took a 2 mile loop hike across to the lodge, along the cliff face and down to the cave. A lot of history here and some nice views," notes one visitor at Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Water recreation: Touch of Nature Education Center provides access to Little Grassy Lake for fishing and water activities. According to a camper, the center includes "lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheaters, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set."
Educational activities: Giant City State Park includes multiple well-marked trails of varying difficulty. A visitor explains, "There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river."
What campers like
Scenic river views: Birdsville Riverside RV Park offers waterfront cabin camping with views of passing river traffic. One camper shared, "Our campsite was right on the river bank. We enjoyed a quiet and relaxing stay at this wonderful park. Watching the barges go up and down the river along with an occasional recreational boat or 2."
Privacy between sites: Giant City State Park Campground offers cabin accommodations with good spacing. A visitor noted that the campground has "both electric sites for campers and primitive sites for tents. All are shaded and quiet. Showers/bathrooms are really nice and clean."
Year-round accessibility: Dixon Springs State Park Campground remains open throughout winter, though with limited services. A camper observed, "Beautiful campground with plenty of room between sites. Most are shaded with rings or fire pits. Great family friendly place. Trails and roads maintained well."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: While some parks offer full facilities, others have primitive options. At Dixon Springs State Park Campground, "Toilets in campground are vault type. RV tank dump site does not have running water site. Park staff states updates and budget minimal at this time."
Water availability limitations: Many campgrounds require filling tanks before setting up. A camper at Dixon Springs noted, "Water available at dump station but not consumable. The area is very beautiful and quiet. Perfect for those with smaller campers."
Pest management: The region has significant insect and plant hazards requiring preparation. A visitor at Dixon Springs warned, "LOTS of poison ivy and ticks. Luckily, we expected this and came prepared with tweezers, tick remover, insect repellant, and poison ivy wipes."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Dixon Springs State Park Campground features a public pool with slide during summer months. "There is a fun pool with a slide attached to the campground with an entrance fee of $6," reports one camper, providing a welcome activity option during hot weather.
Budget-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer complimentary extras that appeal to families. A visitor at Dixon Springs mentioned, "They also offer free firewood for campers, which was such a treat! We have already scheduled our next visit for next weekend."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide habitat for local wildlife viewing. A Dixon Springs visitor noted, "Oh and we saw a baby fox, and enjoyed the chocolate factory right across the street."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this hilly region have uneven sites. At Cave-in-Rock State Park, "Very spacious sites, and there was hardly anyone there, so it seemed like we had the campground to ourselves. So peaceful."
Supply availability: Limited shopping options mean planning ahead. A Cave-in-Rock camper advised, "Also note that there is no place to buy ice or firewood nearby. We crossed the ferry and went to Marion Kentucky and found some there."
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs while others are better suited for smaller setups. A Dixon Springs visitor cautioned, "We have a 29 foot camper: the sites and roads are snug for it. At site 6 it goes downhill so it is difficult to get your camper level."
