Cabin accommodations near Loda, Illinois operate differently between warm and cold seasons. Most area campgrounds offer cabins from spring through fall, with Clinton Lake State Recreation Area providing year-round cabin access. Winter cabin campers benefit from significantly lower crowds, though water systems at some locations may be winterized with limited facilities available.
What to do
Lakeside recreation: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area features unusually warm waters due to the nuclear plant discharge, making it popular for swimming and boating. The beach area includes a concession stand and costs $2 for entry between 10-7 pm. As one visitor notes, "Clinton Lake is a boating destination as the waters are unusually warm due to the discharge from the nearby nuclear plant."
Fishing spots: The Kankakee River provides fishing opportunities for cabin campers willing to venture from their lodging. However, swimming is not permitted in the river itself. One camper mentions, "The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)."
Wildlife education: Take advantage of the nature center at Kankakee River State Park, where children can interact with native wildlife. According to one visitor, "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!"
Historical exploration: Visit the small historic cemetery near the Potowatomi Campground with tombstones hundreds of years old. The hiking trails cross bridges along the river, providing scenic views of the natural landscape.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabin campers appreciate the space between accommodations at certain loops. At Potowatomi Campground, "The sites are straightforward and vary quite a bit: some are huge with open green space and others I feel like just for a car and a tent. Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around."
Clean facilities: Kankakee South KOA maintains well-kept shower facilities and has convenient service options. One reviewer mentioned, "Firewood, ice, etc. could be ordered via text and delivered. Trash pick up daily."
Loop selection: Different camping loops offer varied experiences at Clinton Lake. "There are several different loops within the campground, some are alcohol free and others have direct access to the lake. The different loops have very different feels...some are very shaded in the trees, some more open with a prairie type view."
Practical amenities: Cabin sites typically include electricity and fire pits, though amenity levels vary by location. A Clinton Lake camper noted, "Sites were somewhat open but there were tons of trees and grass behind each spot so it didn't feel so exposed."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: While Clinton Lake operates year-round, winter campers should prepare for limited water access. "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water option we're the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled."
Weekend crowds: Many cabin locations get busy, particularly during summer and holidays. One camper at Clinton Lake observed, "It's a nice campground but it's usually insanely busy. Holidays are crazy. I've heard people say you can sometimes get a nice, fairly secluded spot but I haven't had the patience to try."
Site variations: Off The Trail Campground offers buddy sites for groups traveling together. "Buddy sites are large, have full hookup, fire pits, and picnic tables. Pricing was about $50 a night per site."
Advance planning: Due to limited cabin availability, reservations are essential, especially during peak season. "The sites are really limited around here so I recommend reserving weeks earlier or just come early."
Tips for camping with families
Loop selection for kids: When booking cabins for families, select locations that offer convenience for multiple trips to recreation areas. "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 to go back and forth on."
Playground considerations: Hot summer days can limit playground use at some locations due to lack of shade. "Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had."
Biking opportunities: Kankakee River State Park offers excellent paved paths for family bike rides. "Bike path/hike path is long and wide and very nice. We had kids under age 8."
Site selection for tents: If combining cabin and tent camping, choose your sites carefully. "16&17 were amazing for tents!! Open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade. Grass for tents."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal sites: Some cabin campgrounds allow extended stays with monthly rates, though policies and experiences vary. At Kankakee South KOA, one long-term camper reported, "We couldn't find another site for a long way around. Without another good option, we checked in for an extended stay."
Shower facilities: Clinton Lake's bathroom cleanliness receives mixed reviews depending on usage levels. "The showers/bathrooms are kept up well given the massive amount of people served."
Site hookups: Many cabins offer electrical hookups for appliances, but full hookups are less common and harder to reserve. "We have only stayed in the electric only sites as the full hookup sites are hard to come by."
