Cabins near Karnak, Illinois are situated within the Shawnee National Forest region, which spans across the southernmost tip of Illinois where the terrain transitions from flatlands to rugged hills. Winter temperatures range from 20-40°F, while summer temperatures consistently exceed 85°F with high humidity. Most cabin rentals close for winter from December through February, though a few operate year-round with limited services.
What to do
Hiking on canyon trails: Giant City State Park offers sandstone formations and well-marked routes. One camper noted, "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."
Fishing access: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge provides lakeside cabins with direct water access. A visitor mentioned, "Fishing was good (especially catfish and crappie). Went into Carbondale a few times."
Rock climbing: For more adventurous visitors staying in rental cabins, Giant City offers sport climbing options. "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else."
Swimming options: Dixon Springs State Park cabins provide access to their swimming pool from Memorial Day to Labor Day for a $6 entrance fee. "Fun pool with a slide attached to the campground with an entrance fee of $6."
What campers like
Quiet winter stays: Giant City State Park Campground cabins provide off-season solitude from November to March. One review highlighted, "Quiet, perfect for spring or autumn. In addition to campgrounds, there's a very nice lodge with a good restaurant, and the cabins here are pretty good too."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple cabin areas offer chances to spot local fauna. A camper at Giant City shared, "Due to the somewhat rural location you could not beat the view of the stars at night."
Hot tub amenities: Some private cabin rentals like The Art Farm Women's Retreat offer unexpected luxuries. A visitor mentioned, "Laura was quick to reply to questions and was waiting for us when we arrived. Spot was easy to get into. Quiet and peaceful. Hot tub was great!"
River views: Cabin options near rivers provide unique perspectives. One guest at Birdsville Riverside RV Park wrote, "We found a jewel of an RV park on the Ohio River in Kentucky. Our campsite was right on the river bank. We enjoyed watching the barges go up and down the river."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak season. Dixon Springs State Park Campground has a reservation system that sometimes has glitches: "Their system for reservation is flawed - when we arrived the campsite we booked had a family already all settled in."
Pest precautions: Poison ivy and ticks are common near cabin areas from April through October. One camper advised, "LOTS of poison ivy and ticks. Luckily, we expected this and came prepared with tweezers, tick remover, insect repellant, and poison ivy wipes."
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between cabin rental properties. A Dixon Springs visitor noted, "Pit toilets leave a lot to be desired and the lack of showers on site is reprehensible. You can shower at the pool—but those showers are truly not good."
Limited cell service: Many cabin areas have minimal connectivity. Bring printed directions and download offline maps before arrival, especially for cabins in the more remote southern areas of Shawnee National Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Touch of Nature Education Center offers structured activities for children. "Camp amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheaters, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set."
Kid-friendly trails: Several cabin locations offer easy hiking suitable for children. At Giant City, one parent shared, "The campsite was good and we loved that it backed up to some woods, which our kids explored often."
Space considerations: Select cabins with adequate outdoor space. A camper at Dixon Springs noted, "There were plenty of trees for hanging out hammocks, and lots of grassy areas for the kids to run around."
Group accommodations: For family reunions, Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground offers multi-cabin options. "Little Lusk is the most spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL. Event barn can be reserved for weddings."
Tips from RVers
Site access: Most cabin areas with RV accommodations have specific size limitations. At Bear Branch Campground, "Under new ownership with many cabins from $40 a night on up. Electric sewer and water at a lot of sites."
Parking configurations: The layout varies significantly between properties. At Birdsville Riverside RV Park, "The spaces are big enough for anything you can drive. We have a 27' Class A and a Jeep in tow."
Hookup options: When comparing cabin and RV options, check specific amenities. Dixon Springs campsites "are on the smaller side. At site 6 it goes downhill so it is difficult to get your camper level. Water available at dump station but not consumable."
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin facilities with RV options close or offer limited services between November and March due to freezing temperatures affecting water systems.
