Top Cabins near Makanda, IL

Escape into nature and disconnect from your daily life with cabin camping near Makanda. Finding a place to cabin camp near Makanda is easier than ever. When you're looking for a quiet location in nature, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect cabin rental.

Best Cabin Sites Near Makanda, IL (27)

    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park

    1. Giant City State Park

    24 Reviews
    165 Photos
    137 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    2. Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    6 Reviews
    5 Photos
    48 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek

    3. Gun Creek

    19 Reviews
    63 Photos
    90 Saves

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground

    4. South Marcum Campground

    15 Reviews
    31 Photos
    64 Saves

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossu, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    South Marcum Campground sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With plenty of unobstructed views of the water, campers are able to take in scenic sunsets as well as enjoy activities such as bank fishing, right from the campground.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Dam

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $26 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Murphysboro State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Murphysboro State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Murphysboro State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Murphysboro State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Murphysboro State Park

    5. Lake Murphysboro State Park

    6 Reviews
    5 Photos
    18 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Touch of Nature Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Touch of Nature Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Touch of Nature Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Touch of Nature Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Touch of Nature Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Touch of Nature Education Center

    6. Touch of Nature Education Center

    2 Reviews
    26 Photos
    6 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA

    7. Benton KOA

    12 Reviews
    5 Photos
    8 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground

    8. Arrowhead Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    13 Photos
    25 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Forest

    9. Trail of Tears State Forest

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    75 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point

    10. Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    11 Saves

    A former Girl Scout camp of over 50 years, this 257-acre property now known as Camp Manitowa – Cedar Point is located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Camp Manitowa – Cedar Point offers beachfront access with a new swim dock to 1200-acre Little Grassy Lake. This expansive property includes a full commercial kitchen, a dining hall that seats several hundred, and air conditioned / heated bunkhouses with showers for around 80 people. There are three villages of hogans and two of platform tents complete with fireplaces and restrooms, as well as large spaces for tent camping on this property that offers outdoor retreat experiences for groups big and small. Camp Manitowa – Cedar Point is available for school groups, church groups, festivals, business and corporate retreats, family reunions, and weddings.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Recent Cabin Reviews In Makanda

175 Reviews of 27 Makanda Campgrounds


  • Wil V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    May. 30, 2024

    Benton KOA

    Loud

    1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    May. 13, 2024

    South Marcum Campground

    Great Campground

    Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    May. 8, 2024

    Archway RV Park

    Great campground

    Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

    Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

  • Michelle K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

    Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon

    You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
    Only 16 spots left!

    Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.

    The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"

    Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.

    #ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024

  • Logan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park
    Feb. 23, 2024

    Giant City State Park

    Great trails and well kept campsites

    We stayed at Giant City in February on a very cold weekend. It was still a fantastic trip! The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel. Definitely visit the Lodge!!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Aug. 23, 2023

    Benton KOA

    Good experience

    T-Mobile worked well- issues connecting to site Wi-Fi- staff pleasant- clean- didn’t use showers- small camp store available

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
    May. 24, 2023

    Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park

    Good Luck

    The stay was pleasant and the lake was very nice but the reservation system and finding a spot was overly complicated for a first timer. Basically people show up and throw a cooler or tent onto a site to claim it and then leave. They have to pay for the spot by 8pm. And people can stay as long as they want as long as they pay for the next day by then. But if they don’t pay they have to leave by 9am the next morning. So you never know when people are actually leaving or a spot was opening up. Every spot was taken when we go in and we heard from the check in lady that someone was leaving so we went and waited watching them pack up to get their spot. We were there for one night and had 5-6 people come to us asking what time we were leaving the next morning. It was crazy. This was also the week before memorial day weekend so that’s probably why. Primitive camping was closed. We were in a truck with a roofnest.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    May. 7, 2023

    Archway RV Park

    Rustic

    Very nice and easy laid back atmosphere, sweet little pond to walk the dog around so excited I got to see my first real life cardinal bird in the wild. The staff was great

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    May. 5, 2023

    Gun Creek

    Amazing Lake Views!! Bring a fishing pole.

    Excellent park but many sights aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic. Clean facilities. Self checkin. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Gun Creek

    Lots of space by a Lake

    RV or tent, book online at Recreation.Gov not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water. Campfire area and picnic table provided. Bathhouse is clean and park areas are all clean, dump station on site. We will be back and book closer to the lake in a level site.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Mar. 30, 2023

    South Marcum Campground

    Great campground

    We love this campground as it is on the water, quiet and the people and core of engineer workers are all very friendly. We camp here from April till October off and on.

  • Jeremy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Feb. 25, 2023

    Benton KOA

    Koa

    I was able to stay in a pull through with a really good rate being that it was the off season just call and ask for Karen.. Really GOOD ppl BTW they are very religious so be respectful

  • Matthew H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Randolph County State Conservation Area
    Jan. 2, 2023

    Randolph County State Conservation Area

    Best sites are walk in only

    Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable. 50amp water fill available with frost free. And dump station at front. $18 a night. Tight spots and harsh back up angles. Only 3 paved spots

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from The Art Farm Women’s Retreat
    Dec. 7, 2022

    The Art Farm Women’s Retreat

    Serene and private. Beautiful rolling farmland.

     Lots of choice camping spots! Serene and private. Beautiful rolling farmland, just minutes from town. They also offer tiny home rentals, yurt-style glamping tents, RV spots with 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 outlets, and The Art Barn for larger groups, retreats or family reunions.

  • Jodi T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Sep. 29, 2022

    Benton KOA

    Just passing through

    We’re just passing through so only staying one night but the place is cute and we’ll maintained as far as I can tell. We did come in around 8:30pm and it was a little difficult to see site markers but the hosts left us an envelope with a map along with their notes and drawings to get to the site so it was fine.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Aug. 18, 2022

    Archway RV Park

    Avoid this shabby campground

    This was our unfortunate experience at this park!

    While setting up on our lot I noticed that the park layout was such that your door opens up facing your neighbors door and you actually share about a 4 foot wide strip of grass between trailers,,absolutely no privacy if you wanted to sit outside! We could not even open our awning as it would have hit the awning next to us! Tiffany(the manager/owner)? happened to come by at that time and asked if everything was ok. I asked if there were any sites where the doors didn’t face each other. She got totally belligerent and asked if there was a problem with our neighbors. I said of course not, I just didn’t want to be eyeball to eyeball with them. She said“what do you expect for$45?”!!! And also said this was not uncommon@ proceeded to try and lecture me on how commonplace this was! We have been rving for over 25 years through at least 30 states and this is the first time I have ever encountered this situation! And the fact that I didn’t go to Tiffany with a complaint, she actually stopped and made the inquiry and then got very nasty when I raised the question. Apparently Tiffany is very personable as long as you don’t ask a question of her! A simple“all of our sites face each other” would have sufficed, but she chose to make it into a confrontational issue! This is a marginal park at best, I can’t imagine how it has a Good Sams designation, if for no other reason than the bizarre layout of the sites! I would never stay here again(or at any park where you actually share your neighbor’s only area for a minimum degree of privacy!) Our neighbors were lovely people but I’m sure they were not comfortable with being right on top of their neighbors either! In addition, these sites are VERY close together! Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere!

  • TJ G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    Cheap beautiful campground

    Cheap campground that is clean and quiet. The back in site we had overlooked the lake. For the price, you can’t beat the view. If I return to the area, I would stay here again

  • Mary T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Jul. 15, 2022

    Benton KOA

    Tale of 1 campground 2 different views

    OK we are here for 2 days. After the first night this mat have gotten a 2 if I was in a Generous mood. This side traffic noise, a little run down. Out campsite was not even a hundred yards off I57, thought all night one of those trucks would come into the campsite if they went off the road.

    We did find a great Mexican restaurant just down the road with great food, cheap and good Marguerites and that was the saving grace.

    There us another portion of this campground across the road you come in on. This morning thought as u was taking photos and videos I would walk over. I do have to say it is a totally different area. Quiet newer, some money spent on that side. A pond nice sites even pull through and tent sites. My thought was how much more do I have to pay to get on that side. Did I mention quiet you hardly heard I57.

    I am torn if that is the place we stayed it would be toward a 4 in stars.

    Internet on this side is non existent and I only have 1 or 2 bars on Verizon. On the other side I did see a few internet towers so they do boost over there wonder if the internet is better there.

    Anyway choose 3 stars as it s one campground but 2 different views.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Jun. 22, 2022

    Archway RV Park

    Overbooked so when we arrived there’s was only an electric site available

    We booked a full service site and arrived prior to the stipulated 7 pm checking in time. However, the manager stated that they overbooked that day so we were only offered to stay in an electric only site. Manager offered no apology or discount. Finally, and in the presence of the manager, Will gave us the site at a heavily discounted price and even gave us a couple bottles of water and $.50 to buy additional hugs of water at the water/ice machine on the property. Huge kudos to Will for that. I suggest management to follow Will’s lead and make this Good Sam club a place to stay. Otherwise, the place was nice, convenient, clean, etc.

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Springs State Park
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Dixon Springs State Park

    Solidly okay

    Very few other campers, campground was empty, no attendants. Pit toilets with no hand washing station or showers and no water hook ups. There is water at the entrance to fill up, however. There were electric hook ups and dump station. A few trails surrounding the campsite and a fun pool with a slide attached to the campground with an entrance fee of $6. Besides the pool none of the facilities were great and the site just had a weird vibe. You can shower at the pool— but those showers are truly, not good. Close to garden of the gods—which is why we went. And it honestly wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good either.

    Lots of ticks (pulled some off every day) and fireflies.



Guide to Makanda

Camping near Makanda, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails are beautiful, and not too crowded," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Gun Creek. A camper shared, "Excellent park but many sites aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic. Clean facilities."
  • Sightseeing: Visit the scenic overlooks at Trail of Tears State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River," perfect for photography enthusiasts.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. One visitor at Hawn State Park Campground said, "The park was very clean and family-friendly."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpfulness of the campground hosts. A reviewer at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned, "The staff are very friendly and helpful."
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the tranquility of the area. A visitor at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs said, "It was a great spot. Very quiet and peaceful."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jackson Falls, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "The bathroom was stocked with TP but you will want to bring hand sanitizer or water."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during holiday weekends."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Jackson Falls mentioned, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long and just a little bumpy."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Shawnee Forest Campground, which has been described as "very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Giant City State Park Campground enjoyed the "playground and the hiking trails, which were perfect for our young children."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "We had a peaceful stay with a view of the water!"

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Not all sites are flat. A visitor at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water."
  • Book in Advance: Many campgrounds require reservations. A camper at South Sandusky Campground said, "All campsites are reservable but reserved campsites are not marked on the post when you arrive."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A visitor at Pine Ridge mentioned, "The toilets were very clean for vault toilets, but there are no showers."

Camping near Makanda, Illinois, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Makanda, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Makanda, IL is Giant City State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find cabin camping near Makanda, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 27 cabin camping locations near Makanda, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.