Best Cabin Camping near Makanda, IL

Giant City State Park Campground and Touch of Nature Education Center provide cabin accommodations near Makanda, Illinois. Cabins at Giant City feature electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings with attached grills. The Shawnee Lodge at Touch of Nature Education Center offers lakeside accommodations with electricity, drinking water, and firewood supplied. "We stayed in Shawnee Lodge in camp campus. Camp amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/fireplaces all with wood supplied," notes one visitor. Most cabins are situated near hiking trails and fishing opportunities, with some offering views of Little Grassy Lake.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Giant City State Park offers cabin rentals through its CCC lodge, which also houses a restaurant. Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point provides cabin options with drinking water, picnic tables, and fire pits. Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months when occupancy rates are highest. Pet policies vary by location—some cabins welcome pets while others restrict them. A reviewer mentioned, "The cabin was a double bed and also had a set of bunks. So plenty of room." Most cabins remain open year-round, though availability may be limited during winter.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations—some cabins offer only basic amenities while others include refrigerators and microwaves. Firewood is typically provided at established cabin sites, particularly at Touch of Nature Education Center. Nearby Makanda offers limited grocery options, so campers should plan to bring essential supplies. Some campgrounds maintain small camp stores with basic provisions, though selection is typically limited to emergency items and snacks. Cabin guests should check specific amenity lists when booking to ensure appropriate packing.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Makanda, Illinois (28)

    1. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "Kind of a bare bones campground but this state park does offer rock climbing (if you have the expertise and your own gear)."

    "The picnic tables are old and seem to be spread around as camper are moving them around. The main bathhouse is older, but nice and clean! There is a vault only bathroom at the back of the campground."

    2. Touch of Nature Education Center

    5 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 453-1121

    "Camp Amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/ fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheater s, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set."

    3. Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    6 Reviews
    Bargerville, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 985-4983

    "Overall the campground was full but not very many people around. Appears many locals take spots on the weekends & then hold onto them during the week."

    "This is a quiet family campground, most spots are lake side. Very spacious and lots of trees. First come first serve, and the park was full most of the time we were here."

    4. Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Murphysboro, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 684-2867

    "We had pit toilets, but had to drive elsewhere for showers. I would come back again."

    "Regular state park stuff. The group camping area was very nice. It is a large, separate area. We had the whole area to ourselves each time we took the scouts."

    5. Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point

    1 Review
    Makanda, IL
    6 miles
    Website

    "The beach at the end of the loop opened up to a huge lake that wrapped around the corners. Others must have access because there were some early morning fishermen out there."

    6. Devils Backbone Park

    2 Reviews
    Grand Tower, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 684-6192

    "There are 21 miles of trails throughout the park and a large lake. The attractions are all relatively close to the road (cave, "hidden" spring, and trout streams)."

    7. Arrowhead Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Johnston City, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 983-3535

    "Very clean, level sites, large lake with a well maintained walking trail. Lake side sites, wooded sites and regular sites in the middle. Water, 30 and 50 amp, shower house, small laundry facility."

    "Campground was nice and clean, has a beautiful walking trail, the camp host was nice. The restrooms and showers were super clean. Enjoyed our stay will definitely be back."

    8. South Marcum Campground

    16 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $44 / night

    "South Marcum Campground is a Corp of Engineers campground just of I-57 in southern Illinois with over 100 reservable campsites. Sites have 30 & 50 amp Electric hookups."

    "This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."

    9. Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

    1 Review
    Ava, IL
    21 miles
    +1 (618) 763-5511

    "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."

    10. Gun Creek

    21 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $30 / night

    "There are sites with electric, water, and sewer. Several sites are right on Rend Lake. Most sites have concrete picnic tables and fire rings."

    "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."

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Recent Cabin Photos near Makanda, IL

11 Photos of 28 Makanda Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Makanda, IL

203 Reviews of 28 Makanda Campgrounds


  • Ashley Y.
    May. 22, 2017

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Wonderful southern illinois scenery

    Kind of a bare bones campground but this state park does offer rock climbing (if you have the expertise and your own gear). A few picnic shelters and an amazing CCC lodge that has a cabin rentals and a pretty good area restaurant. The park used to have an interp center but I believe the state closed it do to funding. The trails aren't always maintained it definitely depends on the season but the park itself is not to be missed.

  • AC
    May. 16, 2021

    Washington County State Recreation Area

    Shady Rest campground

    Really great campground. Good mix of tents and RVs. Bath house was very well kept and clean. Showers ran cold at first but after a few mins it gets warmer! There were plenty of pit toliets through out the campground and trash cans. My tent site was clean, good flat spot for tent, picnic table and fire pit with attached grill.

    The Concession building in the park is closing. No boat rentals, selling everything he has on the shelf.

    Caught a few bass and and good amount of hiking. Large trail around the whole lake, smaller trails lead to sites around the different campgrounds.

  • B
    Jun. 18, 2020

    Whippoorwill Lake Campground Resort

    Lake camping

    Small lake. Has tent camping or cabins. All roads are gravel. We have stayed in the cabins. It was a double bed and also had a set of bunks. So plenty of room. Lake has sandy beaches. Small playset I the water for kids.

  • James D.
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Devils Backbone Park

    Cool to see the Devil's Bake Oven and Tower Rock but otherwise blah

    Maybe it's because I am from WI and we tend to rip on IL a lot, but I really found this park sub-par. I am also spoiled from getting to see some of the larger parks in the country. Would probably be nice for a long weekend with the kids. But I don't have kids. It's more of a touristy place than a real campground in my opinion. If you are in the area check out the view of Tower Rock. There are a lot of campsites available for both tent and RV, and they do offer grills, tables, camp fire pits, toilets, and a playground. Pets are welcome. Part of a foundation of an old house built on a rock is still around and is a neat part of history.

  • Dana P.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Washington County State Recreation Area

    Cabin rental Washington County Lake IL

    It is overcrowded all through the week in the RV area with no great views of the lake, sadly. 2. cabins.but overpriced due to no running water or nearby ttoilet but more private and great lake views Awesome fishing here and boat rentals

  • C
    Oct. 6, 2019

    Gun Creek

    So beautiful

    There’s not a bad campsite here. There are sites with electric, water, and sewer. Several sites are right on Rend Lake. Most sites have concrete picnic tables and fire rings. The bath houses are really nice, they are individual shower houses that are clean and well lit. The grounds are very well maintained. The park was full while we stayed there, but was really quiet. You can tent camp or use a camper.

  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2019

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Nice Campground & Beautiful Park!

    We stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time. The campground is clean and maintained. Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt. Not sure if they are upgrading a little at a time?? There are plenty of trees for shade. Some sites are close together and some have more room in between them. The picnic tables are old and seem to be spread around as camper are moving them around. The main bathhouse is older, but nice and clean! There is a vault only bathroom at the back of the campground. No water hook up at each site, only electricity. . While you are here, check out the Lodge for dinner one night and climb to the top of the water tower observation deck for some amazing views! Make the quick drive to Makanda and explore the little hippy town. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the secret garden! . 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.

  • Wendy C.
    Oct. 9, 2018

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Great hiking! This area has so much to offer, a weekend won’t do!

    This wasn’t our first choice for a campground but Oak Point was full and sites were open here! I’m so glad that was the case as this definitely turned out to be an awesome campground. The sites are flat and open, but most are still shaded by a y’all tree canopy. The lodge and restaurant are a great way to escape the summer heat for a few hours! The Trillium Trail in the Park has beautiful views and rock formations. Get ice cream and walk the Secret Garden in Makanda. Lake Glendale is close by for swimming and kayak rentals. Of course you have to hike to the Garden of the Gods, but our favorite was the Little Grand Canyon. Both require some level of experience hiking and good hiking shoes/boots.

  • Barb N.
    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.


Guide to Makanda

Cabin camping near Makanda, Illinois offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, making it an ideal getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Explore Scenic Hiking Trails

  • Experience the beautiful trails at Giant City State Park Campground, where well-maintained paths wind through stunning landscapes, perfect for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes.
  • Just a short drive away, Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR features numerous trails that offer opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
  • For a more adventurous outing, Devils Backbone Park boasts 21 miles of trails, including access to caves and trout streams, ideal for a day of exploration.

Cabin Camping Prices

  • Prices for cabin camping can vary, with options like Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point offering affordable rates around $25 per night, making it a budget-friendly choice.
  • At Giant City State Park Campground, you can enjoy a cozy cabin experience with amenities that enhance your stay, typically ranging from $30 to $50 per night.
  • For a unique experience, Touch of Nature Education Center provides cabins with various amenities, often priced around $40 to $60 per night.

Family-Friendly Activities

  • Families will love the playground and nature trails at Giant City State Park Campground, which are perfect for kids to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Arrowhead Lake Campground offers a serene environment with a beautiful walking trail and opportunities for fishing, making it a great spot for family bonding.
  • At Camp Ondessonk, kids can engage in various outdoor activities, including hiking and canoeing, ensuring a fun-filled camping experience.

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 Campground 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 28 cabin camping locations near Makanda, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.