Best Cabin Camping near North Utica, IL

Rustic log cabins and furnished cabin rentals provide comfortable accommodations near Starved Rock State Park and throughout the North Utica region. Kishauwau Cabins offers 17 private log cabins set within a forested area, featuring full kitchens with cooking utensils, silverware, and dishware. Cabins at Starved Rock Campground include basic amenities with electric hookups and climate control. "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," according to one visitor. Nature's Way RV Park provides cabin rentals with small porches, benches, brand new grills, fire pits and picnic tables, while Lasalle/Peru KOA maintains cabin options with standard KOA amenities.

Depending on the location, cabin styles range from basic rustic structures to deluxe accommodations with modern conveniences. Kishauwau Cabins provides premium log cabins with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and front porches complete with swinging benches or patio chairs. Most cabins in the area require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months when Starved Rock State Park attracts numerous visitors. Pet policies vary by location—Kishauwau Cabins and Nature's Way RV Park both welcome pets in their cabin accommodations. A camper noted that Kishauwau offers "a mighty sized great front porch complete with either swinging bench or patio chairs" and maintains "the most and best well-stocked camp store and adjoining gift shop" they had ever seen for a modest-sized campground.

Most cabin rentals in the North Utica area provide beds and basic furniture, but guests typically need to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. As one reviewer cautioned about cabin rentals in the region, "If you do end up renting one of the cabins, be sure to remember to bring your own bed linens, towels, toiletries and anything you need to make use of the kitchen." Kitchen facilities vary widely—Kishauwau Cabins offers full kitchens with cookware and utensils, while other locations may provide only basic refrigeration and microwave access. On-site camp stores at several locations stock essential items, firewood, and some groceries, though selection is limited. For more substantial grocery needs, visitors should plan to bring supplies or shop in nearby towns before arrival at their cabin.

Best Cabin Sites Near North Utica, Illinois (24)

    1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    99 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "With the car in the drive blocking the road, I had complete privacy. There was a short walk to porta potties and a nice walk to the modern, clean bath house."

    "Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding area has some of the most beautiful views in north central Illinois."

    2. Pleasant Creek Campground

    27 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 431-0936

    "This is very close to Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks, both of which are absolutely breathtaking! The campground is decent; lots of tents."

    "Most sites have no privacy at all. the kids loved going to the playground and they do have an arcade but other that that there’s not much to do."

    3. Lasalle/Peru KOA

    14 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4988

    "The front of this park is the typical KOA. Trailer spots, pool, general store. Showers and bathroom are VERY clean and the staff is on top of things."

    "Heaven for tenters as you can be in the larger groups or some very secluded areas as well. RV/Trailers are a little tight on space but we tend to be away from the site when we are there."

    4. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    30 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $12 - $55 / night

    "We bought fire wood from a locals front lawn at the entrance to the state park. Put 5$ in the bin and take a bundle. Its 30 mins away from Starved Rock and Matthiesson State Park. Good hiking."

    "Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."

    5. Nature’s Way RV Park

    6 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4988

    $30 - $125 / night

    "Over in these parts, just past the bridge that you would need to cross to reach this primitive camping area, there’s a K9 dog park as well as plenty of scattered picnic tables, in-ground raised BBQ pits"

    "Just 5 minutes to Starved Rock state park and one mile from interstate 80. Great country setting with full hook ups, pool, laundry, camp store and showers."

    6. Kishauwau Cabins

    2 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 442-8453

    $129 - $499 / night

    "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"

    "Great cozy cabins to disconnect from reality. We visited as a family with a newborn and absolutely fell in love with the place."

    7. Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

    9 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $10 - $45 / night

    "And about an hour and a half from central Chicago is Illini State Park, a comfortable slice of wilderness."

    "While both campgrounds offer close proximity to the Illinois River, you will be challenged to actually see the river from Whitetail, unless you head far west on Hawk Road where there is a separate picnic"

    8. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 824-2565

    $25 / night

    "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"

    "Beautiful shady campground with large private sites.  Sites 111 - 139 are more open with less privacy, but they have lake views and are near the concession stand and boat launch. "

    9. Hi-Tide Recreation

    6 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 495-9032

    "bordering Lake Michigan, right?"

    "The camping is not the best but the lake is amazing! Campsites are really cramped, no privacy at all. The lake has huge inflatables and a trampoline so it’s unique and fun."

    10. Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Somonauk, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 495-9032

    "bordering Lake Michigan – other than this, finding a proper beachhead is impossible."

    "Tent sites are right across from a park with a back drop creek that runs through the camp. Fish are very abundant. When the lake is open it’s great to bring kids for the water sports."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Cabin Reviews near North Utica, IL

326 Reviews of 24 North Utica Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Hickory Grove Campground

    Midwest Pasture Camping @ Its Finest

    Located just due north of Sheffield, right off I80 (2 miles to be exact), and due west of Princeton by about 20 minutes, Hickory Grove Campground, on the one hand, is so far off the grid that you will really feel as though you are truly ‘getting away from it all,’ yet on other hand, this place is just a couple stone’s throw from one of the busiest highways that runs through the great state of Illinois, making it incredibly accessible. What I love most about Hickory Grove Campground is that it is run by good folks (husband and wife duo, Dave & Joan) that have been in this particular area of north central Illinois for a very long time. On your way to Hickory Grove, you won’t help but notice that there is a supreme amount of gorgeous farmland that you will bear witness to, complete with golden rows of sweet corn or fields of drilled beans. Any way you look at it, enroute to Hickory Grove, you will feel right at home here in the heartland of the Midwest, where we take great pride in our hospitality.

    As for this pet-friendly campground itself, upon entry, you will discover that there is a main house, immediately followed by the main office, which is where you will check in. Once doing so, you’ll be able to access your slot, depending upon which one you have selected (and there is nearly 100 to choose from), whether that be an RV or 5th Wheeler slab, deluxe cabin rental or primitive camping site. There are 15 pull-through sites (all with 50 amp electric) with all RV and Trailer sites offering full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) most with shaded lots. Other amenities include a doggie park, ice for sale, scattered picnic tables, designated trash dumpsters, BBQ grills, boat launch, pedal cart rental, restroom and shower facilities, ramp and dock on the Hennepin Canal horseshoe pit and 3 miles of hiking trails.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re a biker like me, you better come bringing the cycles as from this vantage point, you’ll be able to access the 80 mile long bike trail that you’ll find is easy to access from Hickory Grove Campground; (2) As a fellow kayak enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the nearby access at Hennepin Canal; (3) After a good day of hiking, biking and kayaking, likely you’ll want to ‘whet that whistle’ and if so, nearby Psycho Silo Saloon has you covered in spades (April until October that is) with a full stocked bar of spirits, live music and some nice iced tall boys, but be sure to bring cash because this watering hole doesn’t know how to make credit cards work yet; (4) For those looking for a nice, easy and economical seasonal rental, Hickory Grove is quite affordable offering up sites for as little as $1,400 / season; (5) Specific sites that I recommend include: (a) those on the river’s edge of the Hennepin Canal: #30A, #30B, #34 – 39, #80R; (b) those on the western edge of the property: #12A – B, #13, #16 –19, #30A – B, #34 – 39; as well as (c) those sites that fall against the eastern treeline: #80, #82, #86A – C, #97 – 99; (6) When I head out camping, I like to bring 2-3 choice cuts of rare, sometimes exotic meats and whatever you might be into, should you want some fresh cut meats, check out nearby Wyanet Meat Locker, which will have the standards (NY Strip, Ribeye, hamburger patties) as well as some nice cuts from the top-shelf, including: buffalo, lamb chops and duck; and (7) For a slice of pure Midwestern joy, check out Myrtle’s Pie, which have some amazing selections including banana cream, salted caramel, lemon meringue, carrot cake cheesecake and my favorite, the coconut cream – but everyday Myrtle runs out of pies by early-to-mid-afternoon, so call ahead to order your pie or just get in there as soon as she opens for some freshly baked cinnamon roles and brewed coffee.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2023

    Nature’s Way RV Park

    Splendid Countryside Campground Experience

    If you find yourself either stuck in the middle of nowhere here in north central Illinois or actually looking to escape the hustle & bustle to find peace, serenity and a tranquil encounter with nature, then look no further than Nature’s Way RV Park, which is set amongst the golden rows of sweet corn that you’ll find out in these parts. From the winding blacktop that you’ll have to maneuver to get here, just a few minutes north of I80 and east of I39, while you will feel as though you are completely isolated, and for the most part you are, what I like most about Nature’s Way is that if you know where you are at and the surroundings, there’s actually an awful lot to explore and enjoy, but if you don’t want to go anywhere, you can simply set up camp here and allow nature to envelope you in a way that only she can. 

    As for the campground, what makes Nature’s Way pretty amazing is that there’s a tremendous amount of infrastructure and a ton of amenities that most private campgrounds don’t offer. Upon entry, you’ll veer left and arrive at the main office where you’ll check-in. Here also is a quaint community room chalk full of books, DVDs and VHS tapes (for anyone still using these) and board games as well as a small alcove kitchen area complete with microwave, sink, dining table & chairs along with 2 driers and 3 washers, both coin-operated. Beyond this, there’s also a seating room with two oversized dollies with freshly cut wood bundles available for purchase as well as yet another room that is the campground market store and has everything from souvenirs to camping supplies, ice, beverages and snacks to charcoal and lighter fluid, BBQ tool sets and roasting forks and just about anything else you could think that you’ll need during your stay here. Just outside and behind this main building, you’ll discover a rather large, covered pavilion which is great for larger groups or for anyone wanting to picnic under some shade. 

    Another reason why I love Nature’s Way RV Park so much is how they have organized the living arrangements. For mi tent pitching bredren, this campground IMHO has set aside the best spots for us – clear in the back, completely surrounded by God’s green nature, you’ll be able to pitch a tent just about anywhere under this shaded forest and will feel a world away from the caravan camping types that, rest assured, are on the other side of the careening creek that cuts this campground nearly in half. Over in these parts, just past the bridge that you would need to cross to reach this primitive camping area, there’s a K9 dog park as well as plenty of scattered picnic tables, in-ground raised BBQ pits as well as water spigots. For the RV driving / 5th Wheel toting crowd, Nature’s Way has spots reserved on its front porch lawn that you will encounter upon first arriving to the entrance. There’s about 20 or so designated RV spots here that offer full hook-ups including 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage. Apart from being located right in front of the main office / market, you’ll be straddled next to the main road, which really should be a problem as this is just a quiet, small country road with not much traffic on it. Just due east of these RV slots are 4 cabins available for rent along with small porches complete with benches, brand new grills, fire pits and picnic tables, which is great for anyone not packing a tent or hauling a makeshift campground with them. Due south of these cabins as well as west of the main building are additional RV slots, but these only offer electric and water, so if you need sewage, you’ll have to book slots #1– 19. 

    From an amenities standpoint, apart from what has already been covered, the ‘crown jewel’ asset here is the in-ground heated swimming pool, completely fenced in preventing the young kiddos from straying too far. Above and beyond this, there’s a designated propane refilling station, very well-maintained restroom and shower facilities, basketball court, scattered picnic tables and stand-up BBQ grills, WiFi and cable access, kid’s playground, community fire rings as well as designated dumpsters and dump stations. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s but a few: (1) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge, then check out some of the local establishments, of which I highly recommend nearby Cajun Connection, which has some pretty amazing deep fried alligator tail as well as somewhat mediocre Jambalaya (but ask yourself the question: who else is serving up this dish so far away from Louisiana?!); (2) If you are a hiker and looking for some trails to blaze, then check out either Starved Rock SP, which as more than 13 miles of hiking trails awaiting you, or better, the lesser known Matthiessen SP, which has 5-6 of fairly decent challenging, but completely isolated, non-touristy-laden trails to plant your steps on; (3) Should you be wanting to get that beak of your watercraft wet on your outdoors expedition, then look no further than the Illinois River, which is literally less than 5 miles away from Nature’s Way, where you’ll be able to oar your way to some pretty epic wildlife encounters as well as some fairly decent currents as well as amazing fishing holes; and (4) Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t warn you – within just a 20 minute drive of where you have camped out, you’ll discover Rip’s Chicken, which is hand’s down, unequivocally, and judged by experts in more than 40 nations (mmm, OK, that last one may be a stretch) as the best fried chicken in the known universe. Oh, and they have Schlitz on tap. But this place only takes cash, so come prepared. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2023

    Lake LaDonna Family Campground

    Lakefront Pasture Family Campground Getaway

    Let’s begin by highlighting what an amazing family-oriented, mega-campground compound this is, perfectly situated on Lake LaDonna, which offers up non-stop fun for every member of your family - young and old alike. And it doesn’t matter if you’re driving an RV, hauling a 5th Wheel or looking to pitch a tent – whatever you are bringing to camp out underneath the stars out here in the Midwest prairieland, no worries, Lake LaDonna Family Campground has a spot for you. And even if you don’t have anything, it’s not a problem, as this campground will easily rent you one of their A/C-equipped cabins (either Primitive of Deluxe) that offer up a stove-top, oven, refrigerator, wet bar and full-sized bathroom with shower. 

    Throughout the entire campground, you’ll find there’s tons of shade with ample amounts of giant oaks lining the pathways and roads along with 2 meandering streams that create a really cool natural vibe. The most consequential amenity here at LaDonna is, of course, the lake itself, which provides a pretty amazing white sand beachhead. This is unusual because of, well, let's be frank, here smack dab in the middle of north central Illinois, there should not be any beachheads, so you’ve got to appreciate this man-made convenience that offers up a perfect spot for sunbathing, sipping Mai Tais or building a sandcastle. There’s tons of water toys here including two oversized Funbrellas that offer a decent amount of shade during a hot summer day. You’ll discover there’s a rope swing deck that sits atop a pirate ship, where you can plunge through 30 foot tall waterfalls before hitting the nice cold lake water. Waterslides, trampoline, floating innertubes and water spray cannons are also a blast for the kids that will be sure to keep them entertained all day long. As a parent, what I appreciated most of all is the fact that LaDonna has very well-trained, certified lifeguards who remain constantly vigilant about keeping an eye on your kid’s safety, leaving us parents to enjoy our time worry-free. 

    Off the water, the amenities don’t stop, and also include: basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, kids playground, outdoor stage and pavilion, live music, themed weekends, full-service lodge and market selling snacks, beverages, groceries, ice, candy, sundries, beach toys and firewood. Let’s just say, if you forgot anything, it’s definitely a drive from here back to civilization, but LaDonna has you covered, once again. For RVers, there’s full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric and water) along with flat pads that are easy to get set-up on for just about any size of RV. There’s a designated dump station in the corner of the campground that you would have passed just as you crossed the railroad tracks to access the entrance of LaDonna right on Harmony Road. Most all sites come with a BBQ grill, fire ring and picnic table. 

    As for the downsides, there are really just two to be aware of. First of all, if you are just a day camper or looking for a nice long weekend to enjoy out in the midst of nature, you will feel like a second-class citizen here at Lake LaDonna, who places much more focus and provides greater service and access to those RVers who are seasonal. And from a business standpoint, while I understand it, as a weekend tent camper, it’s certainly a draw back. What do I mean? Well, if you book a weekend like we did, you are only allowed certain spaces to choose from that are earmarked for overnight or non-seasonal campers, which have basically been isolated right next to the train tracks. This is the second, but arguably, the biggest negative for LaDonna – if you are located right next to the train tracks, at least once a night, if not 2-3 times a night, you will be startled awake by the blaring horn of the train and after it passes, a good 10-15 minutes of a roaring train, which our kids were certainly frightened of. So if you do come, a simple solution is to bring ear buds, if your negotiation efforts aren’t good enough to land you a spot somewhere far enough from the tracks where the commotion won’t disturb you. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you do end up renting one of the cabins, be sure to remember to bring your own bed linens, towels, toiletries and anything you need to make use of the kitchen. I have to admit, when I heard that the cabins didn’t come furnished with this stuff, I wasn’t as interested; (2) While the Pioneer cabins are moderately priced at $75-$85, I thought the Deluxe cabins were a bit pricey at $129-$149 for what they offered; (3) Should you be interested in getting some good hiking in, head back east to Route 2, where you can access the decent trails at Castle Rock State Park, including Pond Trail with 2 miles of easy-to-moderate trails and Oak Ridge Trail, which is a bit more challenging, but only a single mile in length, with Fox Trail the shortest at a half mile, but quite scenic. These 3 trails make up the South Trails; (4) The far better and more challenging hiking over at Castle Rock SP can be found with the North Trails, where there’s a total of 5 trails to choose from: River Bluff (.5 mile), Wildlife Viewing (1 mile), Heather Valley (2 miles), Timber Edge (1/4 mile) and Forest Ridge (1 Mile). These make up the North Trails; (5) There’s also a sweet little picnic area up here in the North Trails area called Aspen Ridge that is nice, and closer to the river, near River Bluff trail, you’ll see the picturesque Old Orchard picnic area, which I highly recommend; and (6) When you get tired of trying to figure out that next meal from your on-board mini-fridge or from the depths of your roto-molded Cordova cooler, head east to Oregon (the town, not the state, mind you) and try out Jay’s Drive-In, which will take you back to the 1950’s where you can pull up, stay seated in your car and have a server take your order from the parking lot, or head on inside, where you can put some quarters in the juke box while munching on any of the traditional burgers and hot dog combinations you might imagine, although I HIGHLY recommend trying out one of their pork tenderloin sandwiches and washing it all down with a chocolate cake shake.  Yeah.  A cake shake.  Go ahead, just process that!

    Happy Camping!

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2019

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    Great Privacy in Great Park

    I set up in site 110 for the night at this nicely wooded campground. My site was very private, set back in the trees and very clean. I had large and small trees and underbrush making it impossible to see the site next to me in one direction, and no one occupying the site on the other side. With the car in the drive blocking the road, I had complete privacy. There was a short walk to porta potties and a nice walk to the modern, clean bath house. The site had the usual picnic table and fire pit and plenty of space to put my tent. There were some sites that sat in a meadow that completely lacked privacy, but with tons of space for kids to play. There is a camp store near the entrance to the campground, but I didn’t go in so I’m not sure what it’s stocked with (besides the ice in the cooler outside). Campers who like to imbibe beware: NO alcohol is permitted at this campground. There are some GREAT trails for hiking in the park, but be prepared for lots of stairs on the boardwalks that take you in and out of the canyons/ravines. I didn’t hike up to the actual “Starved Rock”, but you can observe it from the river bank.

  • J
    Sep. 18, 2019

    Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    Woods near the river

    Went tent camping here and reserved our spot in advance. We bought fire wood from a locals front lawn at the entrance to the state park. Put 5$ in the bin and take a bundle. Its 30 mins away from Starved Rock and Matthiesson State Park. Good hiking. The river spots are all booked by large RVs and the tent spots have grills over the fire pits and picnic tables. lots of tree cover which came in handy when it rained in the morning. Otherwise great weather and not buggy. Dogs allowed.

  • William S.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Whitetail Campground — Illini State Park

    Fall is here

    And about an hour and a half from central Chicago is Illini State Park, a comfortable slice of wilderness. Offering RV sites with electric and water hook-ups, as well as drive-in tent camping, the camp portion is divided into two different areas, with the Whitetail partially abutting a lock and dam. Each individual site features at least one picnic table and iron grill (fires only allowed in the grill)

    For $10 a night I got a semi-secluded spot for my tent (the RV sites by the Army Corp of Engineers lock and dam was much more crowded), and for $6 a bundle at the nearby ice cream store I got firewood. 

    After reserving the site with the camp host (cash or check only) and picking up my wood (cash or card), I settled in for the night, enjoying the beginning of fall, which lots of color on the ground, the cicadas singing their last, and squads of migrating geese bedding down for the night. Also a little traffic noise from the nearby highway, but c'est la vie.

  • B
    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!


Guide to North Utica

Cabin accommodations near North Utica offer a range of experiences within close proximity to the Illinois River and surrounding state parks. The region sits at an elevation between 450-600 feet, with a four-season climate that brings humid summers with temperatures typically reaching 85°F and winters that often drop below freezing. Most camping cabins in this area provide year-round access, though water systems may be winterized from November through March.

What to do

Hiking at Starved Rock State Park: Located just minutes from most cabin rentals, Starved Rock offers 13 miles of trails. "The hiking in the general area is awesome! Lots of canyons, bluffs, and overlooks. Just be prepared to drive," notes Kim L. about Starved Rock Campground.

Fishing opportunities: The Illinois River provides excellent fishing spots accessible from several cabin locations. "The lake has produced a lot of trophy fish, if that's your thing. Otherwise it's quiet and peaceful. We like to go just to chill and read out in the woods," explains Scott C. about Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area.

Kayaking and water recreation: The Illinois River offers paddling options for all skill levels. "Kayak starved rock getting their landing finished up," mentions Eric R., highlighting the growing water recreation infrastructure near cabin accommodations.

Winter activities: Unlike some camping options, many cabin rentals remain open year-round. "People get down on Illinois. And I get it. It's a typical Midwest state and it's mostly pretty flat. But...then there's Starved Rock! Easily accessible to most of IL residents, Starved Rock is a great half-day for anyone looking for hiking, waterfalls, and views," shares Brannon M.

What campers like

Privacy levels: Some cabin properties offer more seclusion than others. "This campground is nice, but not our favorite. It's really expensive. Most sites have no privacy at all," explains Amanda W. about Pleasant Creek Campground, which provides both cabins and other accommodations.

Modern amenities: Many cabins provide unexpected comforts despite their rustic settings. "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," shares Christian A. about Kishauwau Country Cabins.

Location proximity: Cabin rentals offer strategic access to multiple natural attractions. "This is a nice, quiet little campground. The sites up on the hill are nicely spaced out and deep," notes Rodney D. about camping accommodations in the area.

Staff responsiveness: Management quality varies between properties. "Very nice and polite staff. Had a nice site close to bath house which was spotless!" reports Douglas L. about Lasalle/Peru KOA, which includes cabin options.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, especially during peak periods. "Book early- reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full," advises Kim L.

Supply needs: Cabin rentals typically require guests to bring specific items. "If you do end up renting one of the cabins, be sure to remember to bring your own bed linens, towels, toiletries and anything you need to make use of the kitchen," one camper advised about accommodations in the region.

Weather considerations: Spring offers the best waterfall viewing at nearby parks. "Beautiful in the spring!" notes Hannah S., while Amber A. advises, "Gets really busy in the summer season, look to go in fall/spring when it's chillier or when it's raining."

Cellular connectivity: Reception varies significantly between properties. "Cell reception is spotty (could be a good thing)," mentions Christian A. about Kishauwau Cabins.

Tips for camping with families

Entertainment options: Some properties offer more family activities than others. "The lake has huge inflatables and a trampoline so it's unique and fun. They do have a very poor mini golf course but the kids still enjoyed it. They are always hosting movie nights and fun events. This place is all about the kids so it makes the overcrowded camping worth it," shares Amanda W. about Hi-Tide Recreation.

Safety precautions: Parents should research specific cabin locations for child-appropriate features. "Biking nearby would be an extreme sport, the roads are very narrow with extreme drop offs and no shoulder. Not for kids," cautions Kim L.

Meal planning: Most cabin kitchens have varying levels of equipment. "Quick tip: We enjoyed a quick trail mix snack at the bottom of the steep inclines. Gave the kiddos the energy they needed to make it to the top," suggests Brannon M.

Space considerations: Family-sized cabins require early booking. "We stayed in site 5 which is a full hookup but best for a small camper. I have a 14 foot travel trailer and it just fit with my SUV in front," notes Laura R.

Tips from RVers

Access challenges: Some cabin and RV locations have difficult approaches. "The sites up on the hill are nicely spaced out and deep. We will definitely be back. The only issue we had was the narrow road up the hill, I would hate to be half way up and meet another camper coming down," warns Rodney D. about Nature's Way RV Park.

Utility limitations: Check which utilities are available at your specific cabin. "This park does NOT have water and sewer hook ups. You will have to fill your water tank, before parking. The facilities on site are terrible," cautions Lex D.

Shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between properties. "The showers on site TRICKLED, not even enough to wash your hair. The sinks constantly run, they don't shut off," explains Lex D. about facilities at some locations.

Spacing between units: Site privacy differs dramatically between properties. "The spots are very tight and you have very little room between you and your neighbor," notes Laura R.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near North Utica, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near North Utica, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 99 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near North Utica, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 cabin camping locations near North Utica, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.