Camping cabins near Mason, Illinois range from rustic structures to equipped vacation rentals throughout the Shawnee National Forest region. Located at approximately 400 feet elevation, the area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters. Cabin availability at most locations becomes extremely limited between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, with many facilities requiring reservations 6-12 months in advance for summer dates.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Murphysboro State Park offers multiple fishing spots for various species. "There were pit toilets, but the guys didn't care. Also lots of free fire wood, hiking, fishing and canoeing!" notes a visitor at the park's group camping area.
Rock climbing access: Giant City State Park provides climbing routes for experienced climbers. "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," explains a reviewer who visited during winter.
Bird watching seasons: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge hosts over 200 bird species during migration periods. A regular visitor mentions, "So much to do here I'll just have to keep coming back to get everything in," highlighting the extensive wildlife viewing opportunities across the 44,000-acre refuge.
Winter trail exploration: Giant City stays open year-round with fewer crowds during colder months. "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," notes a visitor who explored the park's trails during early spring.
What campers like
Proximity to water: South Marcum Campground sites offer direct lake access from some sites. "If I was in any other spot this would probably be a 4/5, but spot 56 has a crazy lake view and is on the tip of an outlook with pretty nice privacy!" explains a camper who found an exceptional waterfront location.
Equestrian facilities: Giant City State Park maintains dedicated horse camping separate from standard sites. "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground," shares an equestrian camper who visited during trail improvements.
Wildlife viewing: Gun Creek Campground provides opportunities to see native animals. "There was also a little skunk walking around this morning," mentions one tent camper, while others frequently report deer and wild turkey sightings throughout the camping areas.
Community experiences: Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point hosts group events and retreats. A visitor explains their experience: "Imagine a place where peace seeps in to your soul and no worries can find their way in. This sanctuary gave all of us a private setting to relax and enjoy our community."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Arrowhead Lake Campground accepts phone reservations even for last-minute stays. A reviewer noted, "We called to secure a site last minute and are glad we found this campground," indicating flexibility not available at other area facilities.
Site levelness varies significantly: Many lakefront sites throughout the region feature slopes. At Gun Creek, a reviewer warns, "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."
Shower house hours: Some facilities close bathhouses early. At Arrowhead Lake, "it's valuable to note that the worker said they close the bathhouse at 8," according to a summer visitor.
Seasonal maintenance: Expect morning noise during spring cleanup. At Gun Creek, "Early in the morning the sawing and woodchipping began. To make matters worse it was windy. All the woodchopping and sawdust was flying in the air which required us to close windows."
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies by provider and location. The Landing Point RV Park offers reliable connectivity, with a visitor noting "ATT & Verizon both worked fine. Wifi & cable included in the price."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Arrowhead City Campground features child-friendly facilities near camping areas. "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. Wifi fiber being installed, boat ramp, primitive cabin, tent camping, large childrens playground."
Youth group accommodations: Camp Manitowa offers structured settings for large family gatherings. A reviewer shared, "If I were planning a family reunion or large group camping experience, I would definitely keep Camp Manitowa in mind. The owners cared about our experience and kept the place up beautifully."
Campground layout considerations: South Marcum provides spacious sites for families. "The campground gives campers plenty of room to spread out, lots of open space for the kids to play, and not crowded when we stopped by late July," notes a family that appreciated the design.
Swimming options: Rend Lake offers designated swimming areas near camping. As one South Marcum visitor explains, "My family & i enjoy the lake for fishing, boating, swimming & beach time! Close to town for the forgotten marshmallows!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Gun Creek Campground, waterfront sites have tradeoffs. "I was 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," reports an RVer noting the lack of privacy.
Hookup variations: The Landing Point RV Park provides full-service connections. "Real nice RV park orientated toward rigs of all sizes. Easy to navigate the roads, with every site level concrete," states a visitor who appreciated the dedicated RV facilities.
Discount programs: Several campgrounds offer reduced rates. The Landing Point provides "10% discount for Good Sam, military & seniors," making longer stays more economical.
Dump station access: South Marcum Campground facilitates easy departures. A visitor notes, "50 amp service, some with water and some with Full hookup... Dump stations are EZ access on the way out."
