Best Cabin Camping near Clinton, IL

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers rustic cabin accommodations as part of their year-round camping options. The cabin sites provide electric hookups and are situated near lake access points, allowing guests easy fishing and swimming opportunities. Most cabins are positioned within wooded areas that offer partial shade during summer months. Basic cabin amenities include picnic tables and fire rings, though interior furnishings vary by location. "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on," notes one visitor describing their cabin experience.

Rustic and KOA-style cabins can be found throughout the region, with additional options at The Kampground (formerly The Last Resort), Timberline Campground, and Springfield KOA. Most cabins accommodate 4-6 people with varying bedroom configurations. Reservation requirements differ by location, with Clinton Lake and other state facilities booking up quickly during summer weekends. One guest at Timberline Campground mentioned, "My girlfriend rented us a cabin for the weekend and we had a blast," highlighting the popularity of cabin rentals for special occasions. Pet policies vary significantly—Clinton Lake allows pets at cabin sites while some private facilities may restrict animals or charge additional fees.

Standard cabin furnishings typically include beds with mattresses, but guests should bring their own linens, pillows, and sleeping bags. Kitchen facilities range from basic counter space to small refrigerators depending on the cabin type. Cooking options generally include outdoor fire rings or grills rather than indoor stoves. Most campgrounds with cabins maintain on-site stores selling firewood, ice, and limited groceries. Bathroom facilities are usually shared, centrally-located buildings rather than in-cabin amenities. During peak summer season, particularly holiday weekends, cabins often require booking several months in advance.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Clinton, Illinois (12)

    1. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Weldon, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 935-8722

    $10 - $30 / night

    "It is a large campground with well spaced campsites for tents and rvs. Almost every site has plenty of shade with lots of tree cover."

    "Sites were spacious but wasn’t much privacy, which didn’t bother us because it allowed for our kids to play with the other kids easily."

    2. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Rochester, IL
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 498-9208

    "This is a beautiful state park, but hopefully you won’t have the same experience I did with the electric hookup."

    "These walk in sites check all the boxes.  At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from. "

    4. Coon Creek (IL)

    18 Reviews
    Shelbyville, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 774-3951

    $18 - $48 / night

    "Some even with lake views. The campground is really big, with tons of different sites. Some are closer to each other, but still very private. Nestled in trees."

    "They include restrooms and tap water. There is the usual fire ring and picnic tables"

    5. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Rochester, IL
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 498-9208

    "Have camped here a few times and have walked the trails for years. I camped at the primitive sites my first time. The sites were clean and fairly well maintained for primitive."

    "Bathrooms are basic and in the front of the camp loops so you have a walk if you stay in the back like I did.  Also, water is in the center of the loop so not very convenient. "

    6. Timberline Campground

    5 Reviews
    Eureka, IL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 326-7226

    "My girlfriend rented us a cabin for the weekend and we had a blast great people and great staff"

    "Jumping pillow and a several playgrounds. Nice campstore. Would highly recommend."

    7. Springfield KOA

    9 Reviews
    Rochester, IL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 498-7002

    "Shop has laundry, ice and oropane, there's free wifi. Sites have power and water, you have to go to dump station on the way out as there aren't individual sewers."

    "We called and the owner was willing to change our spot to a cabin with no notice. The cabins are nice and comfy and our friends camper spot was nice and spacious."

    8. Carl Spindler Campground

    11 Reviews
    Peoria Heights, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 699-3549

    "is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River."

    "Along the Illinois River. Includes showers and laundry house."

    9. Wolf Creek State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Findlay, IL
    48 miles
    Website

    "The park is huge and is one of the only state park's in Illinois with horse camping and horse trails."

    "We are tent people and love primitive camping in spots where we can really be away from everyone and at least pretend like we’re alone."

    10. The Kampground

    1 Review
    Rochester, IL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 416-6464

    $20 - $50 / night

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Recent Cabin Photos near Clinton, IL

4 Photos of 12 Clinton Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Clinton, IL

106 Reviews of 12 Clinton Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Carl Spindler Campground

    Waterfront Camping Bliss with City View

    This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River. For campers who want to get away from it all, while still being within close driving distance to civilization, Carl Spindler offers the convenience of a nearby major city (Peoria) while still providing a decent escape for some rest & relaxation within a fairly decent vicinity to nature. The best part about this lakefront getaway – apart from the incredibly cheap prices for an overnight stay – was hands down, the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality.

    This pet-friendly CG offers a lot of amenities including: FHUs featuring electric, water and sewage as well as playground, community fire pit, restroom and shower facility that are in pretty good (not pristine) condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi (although very poor connection) and a beachhead. All sites are very level here and come with a picnic table, fire ring and electric, while a good number of the RV slots have a combination of electric amp options in addition to water and sewage hook-ups. At the marina, you can purchase ice, small sundries and camping supplies and / or simply use this spot to launch your boat, kayak or canoe from. There’s also options to rent a slip, store your boat and / or trailer for the winter. There’s even a deluxe cabin to rent in case you don’t have a tent or RV.

    While most of Carl Spindler is designed more for the RV-driving or 5th Wheel toting kind – and to be honest, some of these look like longer-term residents and / or traveling professionals – offering up some 55 individual slots (some of which I would definitely describe as ‘very snug’), this outfit does provide 2 different options for decent camp sites with me tent pitchin’ bredren in mind, both of which sit right in front of the Illinois River. In these areas, and actually for the entire campground, there’s not much (if any) shade, tree cover or brush that contributes to an overall lack of privacy – so whatever your activities might be, you and your camping brood will be on full display to the rest of the campground. At least if you chose to set up your tent over in the primitive camping area, this area is still pretty underdeveloped (for now), so over in these parts, you’ll have a greater feeling of solitude, peace & quiet.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’d like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center; (2) Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park; (3) You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, you’ll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest all with a crackling bonfire keeping you warm and lit on a gorgeous Midwestern night; (4) While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I’ve never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away – so we got lucky; and (5) In the event that you grow weary of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge and want to check out some local flavor, there’s a handful of options, but all will require a bit of a drive, of which I highly recommend Avanti’s Ristorante for their excellent pizza and Italian subs, the Blue Duck BBQ Tavern for outstanding smoked brisket and Obed & Issacs Microbewery for the finest local taps as well as their signature dish, Kitchen Sink Pie (don’t ask, just order).

    Happy Camping!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Springfield KOA

    Spacious Green Grounds

    Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites. The campground is very nice, a lot of amenities for families like pool, little bikes, miniature golf and horseshoes. Shop has laundry, ice and oropane, there's free wifi. Sites have power and water, you have to go to dump station on the way out as there aren't individual sewers. But there is grass, picnic table and fire ring at every site, trees all around.

  • Susan L.
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    5 stars with a caveat

    This is a beautiful state park, but hopefully you won’t have the same experience I did with the electric hookup. I stayed here right after the fourth of July and because of the heat over this holiday weekend and a completely full campground, the electricity couldn’t meet the demand and a transformer blew. By the time I arrived the transformer was repaired, however the pedestals in the section I was supposed to stay in had a problem. I was supposed to stay in site 27, but after 3 attempts to get power at 3 different sites, number 24 was the winner and this was a great site! The campground hosts were fantastic in resolving the situation as well.

    Site 24 is huge and level with a picnic table and fire ring. Electric but no water at site. The site is totally private on one side because of a lake inlet and there’s a large back area right on the lake. The gravel pad is located right near a large, old bald cypress. 

    This park has multiple public use areas, 2 campgrounds, boat launches, fishing piers and a beach. I didn’t use the public restrooms because they were closed due to Covid-19. I was able to get internet with Verizon. 

    This state park felt like it was dropped into the middle of cornfields and made for a fun drive. The sunset views and stars were awesome!

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Carl Spindler Campground

    Good location to downtown Peoria

    If you want to visit Peoria, this is an ideal place to stay. The campground is part of a marina on the Illinois River and not too far from downtown. We wanted to stay here so we could visit the Caterpillar Visitor Center which is totally worth the visit.

    We visited the park in November and since it was the shoulder season the park was not very crowded. The park is open year-round and you will find more seasonal people during the off season. They close most of the park in the winter time which only leaves 22 paved sites available. Otherwise, they offer a mix of paved, full hook-up sites or electric only sites.  Sites that are close to the river have a great view of the skyline at night and if you don’t mind having just electric and being on sand these are great sites. There is a small beach area where you can access the water and a community fire pit which seemed to draw a lot of people in the evening.  

    The park has shower/bath house that was clean as were the laundry facilities. Wifi was non-existent but our Verizon 4G phone and hotspot worked well. We were able to get a decent number of antenna television channels. The roads are paved and easy for us to navigate in our 45’ RV. Our site was paved with a picnic table and fire pit and all the hook-ups worked well.

    We enjoyed the short nature trail that leaves directly from the area. The trail starts off as a boardwalk over an interesting marsh area and then transitions to a primitive trail eventually leading you to the lake shoreline. This was a great walk for our black lab who loves trails and water. Of the four times we walked the trail we only encountered people once. After a heavy rain, the low lying areas of the trail were pretty muddy so wear appropriate shoes. 

    The nice aspects of this park were the location to downtown Peoria, the pretty view of the skyline and the access to water if you want to kayak, fish, or swim. The price of $27/night for full hook-up was a great rate. The downside of this campground is that sites are close and there is a bit of road noise. There are a lot of seasonal people who were up and going to work in the morning which may bother late sleepers but meant for a quiet campground during the day.

  • Meg  S.
    Jun. 16, 2015

    Coon Creek (IL)

    Great Camping Experience, Perfect for Family Vacation

    We've been camping at Coon Creek, on a beautiful Lake Shelbyville, for a few years now, the place is perfect for family vacations. And that's exactly what we do. Gather 10-12 of us, reserve a buddy site, so we can all be on one campsite (big enough to fit 5 tents and an RV). If you have a small group and want to get a small site, there are plenty of those. Some even with lake views. The campground is really big, with tons of different sites. Some are closer to each other, but still very private. Nestled in trees. Equipped in fire pits, and lantern posts. Gravel surfaces, with grass around. The site we always get, is situated along the camp road, but once we are set up, it becomes very private. there is no one in a close proximity, just the road traffic. Which is not bad at all. Good overflow parking, perfectly hidden in the trees. Showers and toilets are in great condition, and usually very clean. Well maintained campground. Illinois is pretty boring, and I know this web site is for more remote camping, but all facts considered, if you're looking for a camping getaway, in Chicago area, only about 4 hours drive (south on I-57) - this is a perfect place for you. Lithia Springs Marina offers boat rentals, we usually get a 12 person pontoon boat for few days, to cruise the 26 mile long lake, or chill in one of many, many beautiful coves. Coon Creek is not too far from town of Shelbyville, where you can stock up on camping food, and beverages. Also few quick-bite restaurants in town. There might be some hiking and biking trails, visit the website for more information. You can book on reserveamerica.com.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Carl Spindler Campground

    Good for passing through

    General: City camping is generally challenging but this was a good place for us to land for the night as we were passing through. Very easy access as soon as you cross Peoria Lake to East Peoria. The flip side of this is that you will hear constant road noise and an occasional train. Reservations are made by phone and when I called to make mine, was told we would be in Site 33. Typical for us, we arrived after the office was closed and saw Site 33 was occupied. We took Site 36 and when I went to pay the following morning, I discovered this is where we had been moved to as site numbers are not supposed to be guaranteed. It appeared that there were many long-term campers staying here. The rate of $24 for an electric site was reasonable. Full hookup sites and a few tent sites are also available. 

    Site Quality: Site sizes are, for the most part, very generous and can accommodate a large RV and extra vehicle/s. Some are very close to each other (beach and overflow) and there is no physical separation between them. Each site has one (or two) picnic tables and a fire ring. Some sites have paved pads while the ones closest to the water are either gravel or sand. There are also several cabins.

    Bathhouse: Clean but the only downside is there is only one sink, and it is located in an awkward place (perpendicular to and close to one of the stalls). Showers were small and I did not use so cannot comment on how well they worked. Hot water was appreciated. 

    Activities/Amenities: If you are a boater, this is a great place for you as this is a marina! Small and outdated playground and a basketball stand but no basket or net. There is also a laundry room. 

    Conclusion: For us, passing through, this was an ideal place to land for the night but since we don’t have a boat, we wouldn’t stay longer than one night.

  • k
    Jun. 29, 2016

    Coon Creek (IL)

    coon creek

    This place is really shady and is not exposed to the sun. The sites here are really clean and well maintained. Its about 12 dollars for a campsite and is well worth it. They include restrooms and tap water. There is the usual fire ring and picnic tables

  • Jamie C.
    Jul. 14, 2020

    Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    Was a nice stay

    Have camped here a few times and have walked the trails for years. I camped at the primitive sites my first time. The sites were clean and fairly well maintained for primitive. Picnic table and fire pit were in good shape. Plenty of shade! Camp host were very nice and helpful. Non flushable restrooms were clean and stocked. It stormed pretty bad the second night there. Woke up to find my tent wasnt so waterproof. But made most of it that morning because I was also leaving that day. On my second most recent trip we stayed in the loop on an electrical site. Once again the sites were clean and the fireplace was clean and ready. Camp host were once again very helpful and polite. The kids had a great time even though due to covid-19 the playground was closed. The only reason I am giving 4 stars is the fact that the trails and bridges were in horrible condition. It was heartbreaking to see them in this condition as I've walked them since a child.

  • Kaitlin D.
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Coon Creek (IL)

    Beautiful campground with amenities

    Great campground. We really enjoyed it here. We got a pull thru 100ft site with full hookups and it was so nice. Gravel looked brand new, and brand new concrete pad for the fire pit. The picnic table was in great condition and xtra large too. My table cloth was too small. Not really any area of the campground to shore fish, but bring a boat and this site is for you. Plenty of room for your rig, vehicles and a boat. The beach for swimming was the kids favorite part.


Guide to Clinton

Clinton Lake's rustic cabin options feature various lodging types ranging from basic structures to furnished units. During winter, some cabin areas remain operational while providing limited access to lake amenities. Nearby Sangchris Lake State Park cabins offer alternative accommodations within a 35-mile radius of Clinton, providing year-round shelter options for visitors seeking non-tent camping experiences.

What to do

Fishing from private docks: At Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, cabins and camping sites provide excellent access to fishing. "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from," notes a visitor who frequently returns to the park for weekend getaways.

Explore Lincoln historical sites: The Springfield KOA offers cabin options within driving distance of historical attractions. "Springfield KOA is actually in Rochester, but it is only about 25 mins into Springfield and all the wonderful Lincoln historic sites," reports a camper who visited the area.

Winter camping: For off-season cabin visitors, Clinton Lake offers unique opportunities. "Had practically the whole campground to ourselves. Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too," reports one winter camper, highlighting the importance of bringing adequate water supplies during cold-weather stays.

What campers like

Warm swimming water: Lake temperatures at Clinton Lake are noticeably warmer than typical Illinois lakes. "The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach," explains a visitor who discovered the unexpected water conditions during their cabin stay.

Access to boating: Coon Creek offers excellent cabin accommodations for boaters who want easy water access. "There are many that have trails from the site right to the lake and people leave the boat near the campsite but still on the water," explains one reviewer describing the convenient setup for boat owners.

Secluded primitive sites: For those seeking more rustic cabin-style experiences, Wolf Creek State Park Campground provides alternatives. "We are tent people and love primitive camping in spots where we can really be away from everyone and at least pretend like we're alone," describes a visitor who appreciated the park's less developed areas.

What you should know

Booking policies vary: While state park cabins require advance reservation, private facilities may have different systems. At The Kampground (formerly The Last Resort), the property has undergone significant improvements. "The new owner has really done a fantastic job of restoring this property which was formerly a church kids camp," reports a visitor who noted improvements to cabin facilities and grounds.

Bathroom facilities differ significantly: State park cabin areas typically provide central bathhouses rather than private facilities. "Bathrooms were dirty and weren't cleaned until Friday," noted one camper at Wolf Creek State Park, highlighting the importance of timing your cabin stay around maintenance schedules.

Weekend crowds impact experience: During summer holidays, Clinton Lake cabins become extremely busy. "It's a nice campground but it's usually insanely busy. Holidays are crazy," warns one visitor who suggests avoiding peak times if seeking quiet accommodations.

Tips for camping with families

Beach proximity matters: When booking cabins with children, location relative to swimming areas makes a significant difference. At Carl Spindler Campground, waterfront options provide convenience for families. "There is a small beach area where you can access the water and a community fire pit which seemed to draw a lot of people in the evening," notes one visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Clinton, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Clinton, IL is Clinton Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 cabin camping locations near Clinton, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.