Cabin accommodations near Maywood, Illinois operate in varied terrain with flat sites throughout Cook County's forest preserves. Within a 45-minute drive, several cabin options become available during all four seasons. Winter cabin camping remains viable at most facilities, though amenities differ significantly depending on heating systems and insulation quality.
What to do
Kayaking at Turner Lake: The Turner Lake South camping area offers water activities with rentals available. "We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," reports Julia B.
Horseback riding and archery: Chain O' Lakes State Park cabins provide access to multiple recreational activities beyond typical camping. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," notes Meg K. about her experience at Turner Lake.
Mountain biking on singletrack: The cabin accommodations at Camp Bullfrog Lake offer direct access to mountain biking trails for all skill levels. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," says Josh M.
What campers like
Clean, heated bathhouses: Year-round cabins near Maywood include access to well-maintained facilities. "The bathhouses are newer and kept fairly clean. I don't think they're checked everyday though because the ladies stalls were out of toilet paper our second morning," notes Lisa S. about her experience at Camp Sullivan.
Free firewood: Several Cook County cabin sites provide complimentary wood with reservations. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," mentions Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Similarly, at Camp Reinberg, campers appreciate that "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5," according to Leo V.
Privacy options: Some cabin locations offer more secluded settings than others. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East," advises Marisa A. The cabins follow similar patterns with some offering more separation from neighboring sites.
What you should know
Ticks and mosquitoes: Summer cabin camping requires preparation for insects. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. They literally fall out of the trees into people!" warns Meg about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Seasonal variations: Not all cabin facilities operate year-round. The cabin rentals at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort run seasonally. "We stayed for 4 nights in June in a pull thru FHU. The mosquitos were pretty vicious... a couple of the regulars said it was the worst they'd been in years," shares Jenifer K.
Gate hours: Most cabin areas enforce strict entry/exit times. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning!" reports Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan. Similarly, at other locations, "the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in," notes Brian O.
Tips for camping with families
Raccoon prevention measures: Wildlife interactions require preparation when staying in cabins. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down," advises Meg at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Cabin selection for privacy: Family groups should research specific cabin locations. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)," shares Dane S. about Camp Sullivan, highlighting the option for more wooded cabin sites.
Noise considerations: Sand Creek Campground cabins provide an alternative to forest preserve options. "The noise is quite jarring for a campground that seems like it would be pretty quiet - constant train traffic, airplane noise, and if it's windy and you're near the trees that really adds to it," notes Stefanie Z.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Cabin campers should assess space requirements carefully. "I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade," shares Layla P. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, highlighting the variability between locations.
Water access challenges: Some cabin areas have limited water hookups. "The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them," explains a review from The School for Y. about Camp Reinberg.
Weekend booking strategies: "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites for the weekends," advises Marisa A. regarding Turner Lake South cabins.
