Cabins near Makanda, Illinois offer access to the Shawnee National Forest at elevations ranging from 400 to 700 feet. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Most woodland cabin locations remain accessible year-round with unpaved access roads that can become muddy after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Several cabins provide direct access to hiking paths. At Giant City State Park Campground, "There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river," notes Michael M.
Rock climbing opportunities: The area offers climbing for various skill levels. "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," advises Josh M., who visited Giant City during winter.
Fishing access: Multiple cabin rental locations provide lake access. At Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR, "Nice campground, right on Crab Orchard Lake. Large sites, lots of room. We camped with several other families and everyone enjoyed this park," reports Joel R.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing. "Lots of deer and turkey!" mentions Garrett F. about their experience at South Marcum Campground.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some cabin areas offer more seclusion than others. "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," explains Joel R. about Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground.
Lake views: Waterfront cabins provide direct water access. "We stayed in site 30, located directly on the water in the Nighthawk campground. Site 29 is very close and the picnic bench is literally 8 feet away from the back of the pad of site 30," describes Susan L. at Gun Creek.
Campground amenities: Many locations offer group facilities beyond individual cabins. At Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point, one visitor explains, "With only one road in, we knew everybody there. The owners spent time with us and even donated the money from our reservation to our fundraising causes."
Night sky visibility: Rural cabin locations offer excellent stargazing. "Due to the somewhat rural location you could not beat the view of the stars at night," notes Josh M. about his winter cabin stay at Giant City.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking. At Arrowhead Lake Campground, "We called to secure a site last minute and are glad we found this campground. The grounds were nice, we walked a nature trail and down by the lake," shares Amy E.
Seasonal considerations: Winter brings different cabin camping experiences. "We stayed here during the winter while visiting my brother who was in college nearby. He and his friends seem to camp here quite often and it was a great choice. Even in the winter the sites were quite clear and clean," reports Josh M.
Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary widely between locations. "It's valuable to note that the worker said they close the bathhouse at 8," mentions Amy E. about Arrowhead Lake. Another camper noted, "Showers and restrooms are nice. Ones in Loop A are not new (Loop Bs are new) but still nice. Lots of hot water."
Limited cell service: Some cabin areas have minimal connectivity. Pack necessary information in printed form, especially trail maps and emergency contacts.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple cabins offer nearby play structures. At Giant City, "The attractions are all relatively close to the road (cave, 'hidden' spring, and trout streams). The campgrounds are easy to get to and close to a few trails," notes Atlanta D.
Educational opportunities: Some cabins offer learning experiences. As James M. explains about the Touch of Nature Education Center, "Camp Amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheaters, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set."
Swimming options: Several cabin areas offer lake swimming. "The campground is on Rend Lake with swimming, fishing and boating," notes Joel R. about South Marcum Campground.
Kid-friendly trails: Some cabin locations offer easier hiking options. "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," advises Shana D.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site descriptions carefully. "Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline, which seems ok for smaller rigs," warns a reviewer about Gun Creek.
Hookup variations: Water and electric access varies by location. "Sites have 30 & 50 amp Electric hookups. There is a dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking," reports Joel R. about South Marcum Campground.
Site spacing: Cabin and RV site proximity varies significantly. "The sites are set up to provide some privacy, and are not right on top of each other," notes Joel R. about South Marcum, while Susan L. warns about Gun Creek, "Don't expect much in the way of privacy."
Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. "Showers and restrooms are nice. Ones in Loop A are no new (Loop Bs are new) but still nice. Lots of hot water," reports Tracie E. about Crab Orchard Lake.
