Best Cabin Camping near Marseilles, IL

Recent Cabin Reviews near Marseilles, Illinois

294 Reviews of 18 Marseilles Campgrounds

• 

  Christian A.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 8, 2021

  Kishauwau Cabins

  Disconnected and Relaxing

  Great cozy cabins to disconnect from reality. We visited as a family with a newborn and absolutely fell in love with the place. The owner of the facility definitely pays attention to details and keeps the location nice and updated.

  Pros:

  • Very quiet
  • Hot tub in our room
  • Thorough customer service
  • Very clean cabins

  Cons:

  • Cell reception is spotty (could be a good thing)
  • reservation site could be updated
• 

  Jeff G.

  Ranger

  

  May. 21, 2019

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook

  Plenty of activities, but expensive for the conditions

  We stay there once a year. The pool is nice as well as the hot tub. The hot tub is supposed to be adult only but it isn’t really enforced. That’s a little disappointing. The mini golf was really neat......when it was built in the 70’s probably. It hasn’t been updated since. The last time I was there most of the holes were dilapidated and shoddy. Too bad, because it could be great. The playground gets a thumbs up from my son. There is a large seasonal section that I presume pays the bills. Some of the permanent sure are pretty neat. The only problem with seasonal guests is that they like to use a gas powered pressure washer bright and early in the morning. Apparently everything he owned needed to be washed, went in for a couple hours. The staff didn’t think it was an issue. The next morning another resident decided to use his skill saw cutting about 1000 boards bright and early. Again, the staff was less than helpful. They employ a lot of teenager, which is good, but I don’t think they get a lot of training in customer service. I guessing they don’t dare make the cash cows mad. The hay ride is cool, and the outdoor movie is neat. Actually shows pretty current movies. The sites are full hookup, but several times we have been at sites where the sewer dump pipe sticks up over 8” above the ground. Higher than the outlet of my trailer. It doesn’t take Archimedes to see the problem here. What’s worse is the dump station I was forced to use. OMG what a disaster. It’s a relic from decades ago. Uneven and puddles of “water” all over the dump area. Really happy to track that into my coach and truck, not. With a little care and money it could be a terrific destination.

• l

  lynne M.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 4, 2017

  O'Connell's RV Campground

  Stay Away for a better getaway

  $77.00 a night for a horrible experience. Stayed here over Labor Day weekend 2017. Had 2 sites. Sites were adequate but most sites took quite a bit of maneuvering for anything over 25 ft. Almost every activity you have to pay extra for. If you are looking for a nice place to get away from it all STAY AWAY from here. All the campers in our section (all visiting guests) were quiet and courteous. Quiet hours are from 11:00 pm to 7 am and everyone abided by those except the park itself. Saturday night they had a DJ that was suppose to perform from 7-10 pm. It was loud banging music and it didn’t end at 10 he kept going until 11:30 and then we were all treated to the whooping and hollering by the people returning to there campsites. Finally quiet at midnight. With small children throughout the campground there were a lot of sleepless babies because of the loud noise. You would think it was an outdoor concert at Grant Park! Ridiculous. We tried to go swimming on Sunday but all 3 pools were so crowded you couldn’t get in. Capacity says 60 but there was a lot more than that and no one to enforce the rules. The drunken adults took up the hot tubs staking out their territories with their coolers full of alcoholic drinks. So we decided to go to the beach. The ranger station backs right up to the beach. We were inundated with boom box music that was so loud you couldn’t even carry on a conversation. No one from the staff came and asked them to turn it down. The rules state that you can’t have music, tv etc that is so loud it can be heard in the site next to you at any time. HA! Walking 200 feet down the lakeshore by the rental cabins you could still hear it.  Don’t tell me those “rangers” couldn’t hear it.   We were willing to pay the outrageous site fees because we thought it would be like Yogi Bear in WI. Not even close. Way too many golf carts speeding around driven by kids-it is dangerous on the roads throughout the park.  A very unpleasant weekend filled with noise. Not what you want while you are camping. Way too expensive for a rundown campground. Certainly NOT A RESORT experience.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  May. 31, 2023

  Kishauwau Cabins

  Pristine Outdoor Cabin Campground Experience

  Whether you consider yourself a tent camper or an RV nomad, if you want to discover Kishauwau Cabins, you’ll have to give up both of these traditional outdoor camping experiences in favor of heading indoors to explore the best of what nature has to offer in this area. Perfectly perched far away from traffic, noise and the routine drudgery of day-to-day life, Kishauwau is situated far back in a thick-forested pristine patch of land that places you very near two of the best state parks that the Land ‘O Lincoln has to offer – Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks – with each positioned kitty-cornered from one another and only 3-4 miles away from where you will be laying your head hear in one of Kishauwau's pristine log cabins.

  Apart from getting a really sweet discount of 40% if you are Dyrt Pro, what I love most about Kishauwau is the extremely personal hospitality that you will experience here, where the wife (Terisa) & husband duo that run this rustic, premium log-cabin scattered campus, promote a very strong vibe of 'Ohana,' Hawaiian for 'family,' which I have to admit, sounds a little weird when describing this very distinct Midwestern vibe, but it's true.  If there's anything that you will coming here it's 'family.'  From the moment you enter this serene, wide-open natural playground, you will feel at home. You will feel surrounded by good folks that want you to enjoy the community that they have painstakingly created here.  There’s a special vibe here that makes one immediately feel relaxed and a million miles away from that last worry or deadline that you so eagerly left your 9-to-5 work mindset to escape to and put some distance between. 

  Amenities for the cabins vary depending upon what size and level of deluxe accommodations you might be interested in and can include the following: full kitchen w/ pots, pans, cooking utensils, silverware, glassware and dishware, flat-screen TV w/ DVD player, fire ring, picnic table, brand new Weber BBQ charcoal grills (or in a few exceptions, gas grills), bed linens, heating and A/C as well as, my personal favorite, a mighty sized great front porch complete with either swinging bench or patio chairs (or in some cases both). Of course, the greatest amenity you’ll discover here at Kishauwau is the wide-open expanse of the place, as well as the amazing quality nature experience that awaits you just outside your front door. 

  And whether you’ve come packing everything you need for your stay or decided to come spur of the moment and didn’t bring a single thing, Kishauwau has you covered with what is, quite possibly, the most and best well-stocked camp store and adjoining gift shop I have ever seen for a place that is such a modest size campground. From a lending library full of reading books, music CDs or an endless array of DVDs to puzzles, board games and many other distractions to borrow throughout your stay, this place is very well accommodated should you need any distraction other than what the amazing nature provides that you are surrounded by.  One of my favorite touches here?  Even if the camp store isn't being attended by Terisa or her husband, there's an honor envelope where you can just take what you'd like and leave your money in the pouch that is provided.  Now, if trust isn't core to being family, I don't know what it is.  

  Insider's tips?  Here's a few: (1) First and foremost, the owner and manager of this property, Terisa King, is one of the most passionate, friendly and accommodating owners I have ever met in all of my outdoor camping adventures - so rest assured, should you decide to stay here at Kishauwau Cabins, you will have a top-rate experience, well, because with Terisa looking after your every want and desire, an amazing experience here, trust me, is pretty much guaranteed!; (2) Once you get tired of staring into the fridge or your Cordova roto-molded cooler and don't want to think about what that next meal is going to be and want to try out some local fare, then I highly recommend the following options: Starved Rock Lodge main dining room where you enjoy some fairly traditional continental cuisine, wherein I recommend the fried Walleye, fried pork chops or blackened catfish, and while this legendary lodge offers up just OK fried chicken, if that's what you have your heart set on, then don't compromise and drive another 20 minutes away to Rip's in Ladd, where trust me, you'll have the best fried chicken of your entire life; (3) Should you come either with your own canoe or kayak or simply want to rent one, no worries, there's tons of opportunities for you to get on the water, which is really isolated in these parts to the Illinois River, of which my good friends over at Kayak Starved Rock Campground have you covered - at either one of their properties on either side of the Illinois River; (4) If you come towing your bicycles and want some great trails to hit, then look no further than the I&M Canal trek, which has more than 20 miles of really great scenic bike trails for you to hit; (5) Whether its days spent hiking, biking, running or kayaking, when you get to that point where you'd just like to find a hole in the wall and throw down some ice cold tall boys, then you could head over to nearby Utica where you would have a handful of options from a very nice outdoor biergarten at Lodi Tap Room, August Hill Winery for some very mediocre Illinois produced wine or Canal Port for some great shots and decent cocktails; and (6) Last, but not least, unlike many other properties, Kishauwau Cabins offers up unique packages like Cabins Campfire Cookin', S'mores & More and Stargazing packages that come with unique amenities, discounts and experiences - check out their website for more details.

  Happy Camping!

• m

  mark B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 5, 2024

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  One night stay while traveling home

  Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for. Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!

• A

  Abbe

  Scout

  

  Jul. 4, 2023

  Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

  Closed Off Tent Camping

  Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view.

• 

  Loren G.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 9, 2018

  Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

  The forest among the corn fields

  Great campground with tent, rv, and cabin spots available. All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends. Numerous walking paths around the lake or smaller loops for those who prefer the land over the water. Can get very busy on holiday weekends during the summer.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 14, 2023

  Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

  Wooded Oasis in The Midst of Corn Patches

  If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem by accident OR you are incredibly knowledgeable already or resourceful.  Whatever drew you to this particular location, here's the fact of the matter - you have arrived at an absolute natural treasure trove, whether in the midst of a humid and hot Illinois summer or in the bitter cold of a snow white winter looking for great cross-country skiing trails.  So now that you've found yourself nearby or contemplating a stay at Shabbona Lake SP, let me just forewarn you - you are about to embark upon one of the most amazing outdoor camping experiences Illinois has to offer!

  As for this campground, PLEASE NOTE: there exists not 1, but 3 separate, individual campgrounds here at Shabbona Lake State Park: Teal Bay Campground (Sites#1– 60), Merganser Circle (Sites#61– 100) as well as Canvasback Cove (Sites#101– 150). In this review, I will be isolating my contributions towards the Shabbona Lake State Park – Teal Bay Campground.  That said, please do look at all the reviews that I leave behind here on TheDyrt, in order to find the absolute best campground for you and your family / friends, should that be arriving by RV / 5th Wheel, those looking for an existing wooden cabin by the sea (er, as it were, because we're in Illinois, a lake) or for mi tent-pitching bredren.

  The first of these three campgrounds is the first loop you will encounter after passing the Ranger Station at the front of the park, where you’ll drive about a half mile around the bend before reaching the first of three clearly marked Camp Host spots. At this point, you’ll want to hang a right, where there will be a slight left bend where sites #2–10 will be on your right, wherein site #1 is earmarked for the Camp Host, and at site #10, you’ll see opposite this spot a small water / privy facility, following which, you will see the rest of Teal Bay campground as it encircles a small loop (effectively sites #11–31 on the exterior of the loop, interrupted by another small water / privy facility between sites #29 and #30, with sites #32– 47 being plotted on the interior of this loop and finally, you’ll see sites #48– 50 upon your exit from the loop, where you’ll encounter that first small water / privy house, before coming across the final sites #51– 60 on the right as you exit Teal Bay. Immediately to the right, once you exit this campground, you’ll come across the lone Shower Building (more on this below). You will need to pass the Shower Building to access the second campground, Merganser Circle and to access the third campground, Canvasback Cove, where you would have turned left before passing the Shower Building as you head towards the lakefront and boat launch area. 

  With Shabbona Lake State Park specifically in mind… Holy Cow! (nod to Harry Carey and all my Cubs loving friends there!) are you in for a treat if you find yourself in north-central Illinois right off the I39 corridor and are rolling with either your RV, 5th wheel or are packing a tent and looking for an exceptional lakeside camping experience completely surrounded by God’s greatest natural prairie! To be blunt, Shabbona Lake State Park could be, quite possibly, one of the best, most pristine camping experiences that exists in this sweet corn riddled and drilled bean harvested farmland in the entire Land O’ Lincoln. 

  From a clandestine entrance, beset with golden tall grasses and strategically planted old Pines along with its superbly laid out and easily sign-posted inner roadway to the non-stop 3 meter wide natural hiking trails that are jam-packed in this luscious, picturesque state park along with its signature sparkling clear blue, man-made Shabbona Lake, this is one multi-campus campground that you must prepare yourself for, because it packs quite the punch! All in, there’s 150 Class A Premium campsites with 90 of these available for reservation with the remaining open on a first-come, first-served basis through the state’s online reservation system: ExploreMoreIL. 

  With amenities in mind, you will discover scattered spots that accommodate both RV and tent camping brethren alike, where half of the slots are nicely paved concrete, while the other half are cleverly laid small pebble-strewn platforms. All sites come with a fire ring, picnic table, water and electric hook-ups and no matter where you go, you are surrounded by some solid wilderness so there is never the chance that you will wake up or go for a hike and feel as though you are not being embraced by one of the best wilderness areas in the country. 

  Beyond the basics, and this is where Shabbona Lake SP shines brightest, you’ll discover that there are tons of additional bonus features such as: scattered picnic tables and sheltered pavilions, designated dump stations, (2) lakefront log cabins for rent (complete with their own balcony / veranda, grill and fire pit), Pokanoka’s Dockside Café with spectacular views of Shabbona Lake, concession store offering wood, groceries, bait & tackle, snacks, soda and camping items, over 8 miles of hiking in pristine wood- and grasslands, fishing piers (this is the Muskie Capitol of Illinois, BTW!) where you’ll find no shortage of bluegill, walleye, perch and many other fish. If you’re into hunting, Shabbona Lake SP has you covered too with 744 acres of land that allows for archery hunting of deer, dove and waterfowl (for those wanting to use firearms, there is discretionary times of the year where deer and pheasant hunting is allowed). 

  Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) This SP strictly enforces its ‘no alcohol’ policy, which is a massive bummer; (2) Tired of fixing beans and franks and want to sample some local fare? Well, you’re in luck because in the nearby hamlet of Shabbona, there’s a few options, top of which I recommend Shabbona Café, which is a no-frills local diner serving up burgers, sandwiches, skillets, salads and typical Midwestern fare followed by a few scoops at Screamers Ice Cream; (3) If you don’t mind a slight drive to arguably the best fried chicken in the universe, then check out Rip’s Chicken in Ladd and trust me, while a longer drive than you might expect, this place is legend in these parts; (4) When thinking about Winter activities, this is one of the very few SP’s that allow for snow-mobiling and cross-country skiing where trails are open between 8am to 4pm with at least 4” of snow. Ice fishing and ice skating are also allowed if the thickness of the ice is good enough; and (5) During the summer months especially, this place fills up, so I would definitely recommend calling ahead for those first-come, first served campsites. Call 815-824-2106 during the week or the campground check station at 815-824-2565 on weekends. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Farida S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 17, 2020

  Pleasant Creek Campground

  It's Abandon campground we lost our money.

  We booked for 9 people and Pleasant creek booked three Cabins 212, 213 and 312 they says these cabins were AC We paid $700. 

  Few in our group were hanicape.  after reservation and credit card charged we had few questions we made at least 20 calls no one picked. I live in Bolingbrook Illinois bcz I booked and was responsible drove to this place 2 hrs to check out. 

   Found out this place was abandant, no cabins, and looked scary and closed. I came back trying to ask my monhey back no answer or E mails replies. This place is a scam please be careful. I also, filed a police report lost my money not happy and very embrassed in front of my group.

  Please, do not trust this place and do not book on credit card I lost my money.

  Thanks,

  Soni

• B

  Bill M.

  Guide

  

  May. 21, 2021

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  Great views on every trail

  Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding area has some of the most beautiful views in north central Illinois. We’ve spent many days exploring trails for river views, bluffs and overlooks, even waterfalls! There is so much to see here! Whether you stay in a tent, cabin, or the resort, you’re sure to find a treasure for the eyes and spirit. Just note that the peak season is really crowded these days!

• 

  Georgeann D.

  Guide

  

  May. 16, 2019

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  Illinois favorite

  Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead. Historic lodge with good eating, huge fireplace, quaint rooms, and cabins, and a terrific Visitor's Center. However, none of these are near the campground. The campground is actually about a 10-15 minute drive outside the main park. It's a nice campground; sites have water and electric; showers and restrooms are adequate and clean. Sites are wooded and some seem crowded together. This is a very popular park; make a reservation or you might not get a site.

• 

  Tony G.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 23, 2022

  Lasalle/Peru KOA

  This is no longer a koa

  It's now called nature's way campground, it's quite nice,they have several cabins,tent sites, and nice pull thru rv sites.

• S

  SteveFagerhaug

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 17, 2022

  Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

  Nice quiet stay on the banks of the river

  Nice level electric only site. Had to run into town to get ice and wood. The nearby town of Marseilles is very quaint.

• A

  Andrew S.

  Traveler

  

  May. 29, 2019

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Fantastic car camping close to Chicago

  Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.

  Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well.

  Beautiful forest surrounds the lake, lots of hiking in the surrounding enormous forest preserve. Lake has fishing and boats as well.

• A

  AC H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 3, 2018

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Clean and cute

  This is a good place for people starting to camp. Good size lakeside sites and large, clean cabins on the inner road. Clean bathroom house. Firewood came with the site, which is awesome, and they rent gear, from tents to sleeping bags. Well stocked store and decent trails nearby. But keep your stuff locked and secured. We did and that's why the guy trying to open our car didn't make of with any of our stuff. Sigh... Cook County...

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  May. 1, 2019

  Pleasant Creek Campground

  Illinois Berkshire Feel

  This is an amazing full service type private campground. Everything you could want is here: there is a creek with tent sites along it, there are RV sites with full hookups, there are cute little cabins, and there are even yurts! There is a general store where you check in, and if you get there after it closes, they leave directions on the door for reserved sites and info on how to get a non reserved site. There is a nice pavilion, a game room/club house, basketball court, fishing pond, firewood for sale, and a few short trails. I felt like I was in the Berkshires instead of northern Illinois since most of the buildings down by the creek were whitewashed with green trim. Even though sites are close together, it still felt a bit private at the tent only sites on the creek. Up top it was more open with kids running around and playing everywhere. The rates are somewhat pricey ($28 for primitive sites), but include showers in the super clean (looks brand new!) bath house.

• T

  Tori P.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 29, 2023

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook

  Perfect for the kids

  I’ve been to this site a handful of times growing up and it’s a good campsite for the kids. Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day. RV, tent, and cabins make it easy for everyone to enjoy their stay. Bathrooms need some attention and hotter showers would be wonderful. Always came here for trick or treating and it’s a fun event for the camp ground with plenty of spooky things to do. Might come here when I have kids of my own, but I know there are better camp sites out there!

• 

  Paul G.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 18, 2020

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Awesome campground

  Had a great time in a large cabin with my wife, son, great buddy, his wife, and son. Perfect for family camping. And I'm handicapped and the bathroom was wonderful. I used to be in a wheelchair and that bathroom was the best handicapped broom I was ever in. A lot of room astound the John and a great open shower. No tub. You can shower in a wheelchair! Great fishing and the fire pit at night just topped it off. After the covid scare has passed, I'm heading there. And there's fishing boats at maple lake.

• J

  Jason P.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2018

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  camping in your own backyard

  kudos goes to CCFPD for making an incredible campground on what was once just a weed-ridden pond. the campground offers up Cabin, RV and tent sites. Power to some sites esp hook ups for RVs. we stood at the tent pad sight and I was impressed by how spacious and clean it was. We were lucky enough to camp with a full moon which lit up the park and heard coyotes howling across the woods. This was a great experience for my twin brothers who are 16 years old and first time camping. defiantly will be back here because it’s so close too home and was a great experience

• 

  Lola K.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 25, 2021

  Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

  Something for Everyone

  Spent two nights in Great Falls Campground on site#30.  Beautiful spot, but it was directly across from a playground, which I failed to read about when booking.  If you have kids, this is perfect for you.  The showers and bathrooms are old and dusty, but not unexpected at an old park. I drove thru the other campgrounds before leaving, and wished I would have reserved #20.  It's set back just enough, with a view of the water & a little cabin next door.  The firepits have grates, but I had trouble flipping mine over the logs, might be a 2 person job. Whitetail has some really great secluded sites. For those looking for camaraderie, there's plenty of those as well.  I would advise to look at the map closely when choosing your spot.  Overall, beautiful park, would definitely visit again.

• D

  Dawn T.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 26, 2018

  O'Connell's RV Campground

  Nice big campground

  This was a great campground.

  3 pools,water slide,outdoor movie theatre,gaga ball,mini golf,fishing,boat rental,golf cart rental

  The grounds were spacious,LG pull through site.Well maintained.

• 

  Hatie P.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 19, 2018

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Lovely cabins, facilities and hiking!

  I visited Palos early this week (mid-April) for a very very chilly three days. The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc). There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold. The central bathrooms are clean, heated and offer showers. The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go. The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk. I will definitely be back!

• 

  Eric R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  beautiful

  campground is located a couple miles from the main lodge, miles of hiking trails, kayak rental available. the sites range from primitive to fill rv.

• 

  Deanna B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 27, 2018

  Camp Bullfrog Lake

  Clean

  Awesome place to stay when you live in the city and wanna get away

• 

  Michael R.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 18, 2020

  Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

  Great place

  Been camping here a couple times! Really fun, the have boat rentals, and fishing. Only down fall is the sites were too close to each other

• J

  John B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 27, 2020

  Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

  Beautiful State Park

  The park is beautiful with trails through canyons and lots of history. Many of the sites are wooded with decent privacy. The facilities are clean but in bad need of updating. I like that it’s short get away from Chicago.

• 

  Mike C.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 9, 2019

  Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

  seinic overlooking lake

  Has rustic tent sites along with camper sites with water and electric. Privies can get ripe in summertime but depending on your site you could walk to laundry shower building. Camp store has everything you forgot to bring along with boat canoe and pontoon rentals bait and tackle