Camping cabins near Johnston City, Illinois are situated in the Shawnee Hills region, with elevations ranging from 400-800 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow. Most cabin rentals are concentrated around Rend Lake, a 19,000-acre reservoir with 162 miles of shoreline that serves as the central recreational feature for visitors.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: South Marcum Campground offers excellent fishing access to Rend Lake where campers can catch multiple species. "Great camp ground... loved Rend Lake," notes Kent F., who appreciated the easy lake access and well-maintained facilities.
Wildlife observation: Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park provides opportunities to view deer and wild turkeys in their natural habitat. "Never been to a CG with such abundant wildlife! Can sit at your spot and watch deer throughout the day," shares Lucas T., highlighting the park's rich biodiversity.
Hiking on maintained trails: Giant City State Park features sandstone formations and well-marked paths through mature forests. "Lots of amazing, beautiful hikes in this park, especially if you're into bluffs and large boulders," explains Kyle K., who found the nearby attractions equally accessible.
Lake swimming: North Marcum Day Use Area maintains a clean beach area for families. "This is a beautiful little beach on Rend Lake. The beach is also tidy and free of a lot of trash, perfect for the youngsters to play in," reports Jill R., who combined swimming with bird watching.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Gun Creek Campground offers waterfront camping with ample space between sites. "It was a good view, also pretty RV heavy, but tent friendly. Grassy area, fire pit, stone table," reports Brennan M., who enjoyed the sunset views over the lake.
Natural surroundings: South Marcum Campground provides a mix of wooded and lakeside sites with varied privacy levels. "The campground gives campers plenty of room to spread out, lots of open space for the kids to play, and not crowded when we stopped by late July," shares Chris B.
Clean facilities: Arrowhead Lake Campground maintains their bathhouses and common areas to high standards. "The restrooms and showers were super clean. Enjoyed our stay will definitely be back," notes Tonyi P., who also appreciated the beautiful walking trail.
Lake views: Many cabins at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park face directly onto Rend Lake. "Get there on Wednesday to get a spot on the water!" advises Lucas T., who found the waterfront sites rarely sold out except on weekends.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds like Whittington Woods require advance booking while others operate first-come-first-served. "We went on Labor Day weekend and there were a number of sites open. Many of the sites are walk up only," explains Cody S. about Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require careful assessment before setup. "Many sites are very off level. CHECK carefully," warns Kennon H., who stayed at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park.
Noise considerations: Proximity to interstate highways affects some locations. "Yes, there is highway noise. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs," explains Tom B. about Benton KOA.
Weather preparedness: Summer heat can be intense, with temperatures frequently reaching 90°F+ from June through August. "In July it's hot here, but trees help make it easier," shares Jim J. about Whittington Woods Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Arrowhead Lake Campground offers dedicated areas for children adjacent to camping loops. "We had a great stop at this campground. We called to secure a site last minute and are glad we found this campground... We walked a nature trail and down by the lake. There were ducks and geese," shares Amy E.
Fishing opportunities for children: Rend Lake has multiple shoreline access points suitable for young anglers. "Great camping, usual campground with clean facility's. My family & i enjoy the lake for fishing, boating, swimming & beach time! Close to town for the forgotten marshmallows!" shares Kelly B. about South Marcum.
Swimming safety: Designated beach areas have gradual entry points better suited for younger swimmers. "The lake is an important bird habitat making it a great place for my fellow bird watchers to go! The beach is also tidy and free of a lot of trash, perfect for the youngsters to play in," notes Jill R. about North Marcum.
Holiday activities: Many campgrounds offer special events during summer holiday weekends. "I really enjoyed staying there. It was a lot of fun. I went there for the Fourth of July for many years in a row. I loved the experience!" shares Brianna D. about South Marcum Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric-only sites are common at state parks while private campgrounds typically offer full hookups. "Sites have 30 & 50 amp Electric hookups. There is a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking. Most sites are level. Some are pull-through," explains Joel R. about South Marcum.
Site selection strategy: Lakefront sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. "South Marcum Campground is a Corp of Engineers campground just off I-57 in southern Illinois with over 100 reservable campsites," notes Joel R., highlighting the convenience factor.
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin rentals remain available year-round, but amenities may be reduced during winter months. "Just beautiful, the Corp of Engineering's really take care of these camp grounds, very clean, most have new showers," shares Jim L. about North Marcum.
Supply planning: Limited shopping options near campsites require advance preparation. "We are looking forward to a return trip to do some more exploring around the lake," mentions Chris B. about South Marcum, suggesting multiple visits may be needed to fully experience the area.
