Best Cabin Camping near Patoka, IL

Several cabin accommodations await visitors near Patoka, Illinois, each offering distinctive amenities. Illini Campground at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area provides cabin rentals with electric hookups along the shores of Carlyle Lake, while Okaw Valley Kampground features cabin options in a more secluded setting. Basic cabin furnishings typically include beds, tables, and electric outlets, though amenities vary by location. According to one visitor, "This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours." Most cabins include electric service for heating and cooling needs, with some offering additional comforts like private bathrooms or kitchenettes.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area and Dam West Campground offer cabin accommodations that range from simple one-room structures to more developed units with separate sleeping areas. Reservations are particularly important during summer months when Carlyle Lake attracts families seeking water recreation. Most cabins remain open from April through October, though some like Archway RV Park offer year-round cabin rentals. Pet policies vary significantly between properties, with some allowing pets for an additional fee while others prohibit animals entirely in cabin accommodations.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities vary widely, from simple fire rings outside basic cabins to more equipped kitchenettes in deluxe units. Cedarbrook RV Park and Campground provides cabins with limited cooking amenities, making advance meal planning essential. On-site camp stores at some locations like Eldon Hazlet offer basic provisions, firewood, and camping supplies. The nearby town of Carlyle, approximately 7-10 minutes from several cabin locations, provides additional shopping options including a Walmart for more extensive grocery and supply needs.

Best Cabin Sites Near Patoka, Illinois (22)

    1. Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 594-3015

    $15 - $30 / night

    "This State Park is located outside Carlyle,Illinois. This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours."

    "while there are many full service sites available, this campground offers dozens of rustic tent sites right next to Carlyle Lake as well!"

    2. Okaw Valley Kampground

    26 Reviews
    Vandalia, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 427-5140

    "Family owned with a nice little fishing area (no license required catch and release) paddle boats and camp store. A nice pool with a big covered pavilion, clean restrooms and showers with hot water."

    "Cute camp store with very long pull through parking (no need to unhook). Campfire ring and picnic table. Nice area to walk, medium size lake that fish bight."

    3. Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Kinmundy, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 547-3381

    "Most of the sites are large and a good distance from the next one. Shower house is alright. The store/restaurant has been closed for a year or two now because of the Illinois budget."

    "It's a small campground that offers a playground,bathhouse, hiking trails, and a small swimming area. There is easy access walking down to the marina. With small towns close to this state park."

    4. Dam West Campground

    9 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 594-4410

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Full hookups, reservable sites, walk up sites, and all sites are large! Full hookup sites are booked solid so make sure you go online 6 months out or you are out of luck."

    "Decent spacing and sites look mostly level. Water not at many sites. Showers are great separate toilets/shower rooms."

    5. Carlyle lake

    5 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    17 miles
    Website

    "Awesome campground, fill hoses available for your rig, 30 amp power. Fun little trails, boat rentals and a swimming “beach” . On-site store and nicely groomed campgrounds."

    "The nearby Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area provides convenient camping and shoreline access, making it easy to turn your visit into a weekend trip. level devil](https://leveldevilgame.com/)"

    6. COE Lake Carlyle McNair Campground

    4 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 594-2484

    "Cleanest bathrooms ever and heated and air conditioner. Quiet and plenty of trees and a walking path. A beach to swim at and a dock to fish off. A playground for kids."

    "There's miles and miles of walking and biking trails! The sites are pretty generously sized. The host was nice and the price was fantastic! I paid $42 for 4 nights."

    7. Cedarbrook RV Park and Campground

    1 Review
    Greenville, IL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 326-8865

    8. MC Lodging

    Be the first to review!
    Patoka, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 980-3555

    9. Archway RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 244-0399

    $60 / night

    "This is primarily a RV park near I-64 and on a highway. Noisy!! Bad noisy. Camp site was nice. Grassy, level, near a picnic shelter with tables. Shade trees. But only about 2-3 such sites."

    "Stores nearby. Just staying one night as we headed back home. No complaints! There are some cute vintage campers and tiny cottages for rent as well. Nice doggie park area fenced off too!!"

    10. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Ramsey, IL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 423-2215

    "The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it’s somewhat far from supply stores"

    "Kid had a blast at playground with other kids. Cold showers but said they were looking into it. Shut down some karaoke party in a loop around 9pm. Will go back."

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Recent Cabin Photos near Patoka, IL

2 Photos of 22 Patoka Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Patoka, IL

227 Reviews of 22 Patoka Campgrounds


  • J
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    Cabins and more

    This State Park is located outside Carlyle,Illinois. This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours. This is one State Park i enjoy visiting. However there are times this park cannot be accessed because of flooding.

  • A
    May. 9, 2022

    Spring Creek Campground

    Quiet, serene spot

    Wonderful private campground surround by woods, an open field and a small pond. There is a small playground, covered patio, bathrooms with showers and plenty of lawn space! Pet friendly and looks very ADA accessible, I had a great time spending one night here with my dog. $15 for tent/primitive camping, $25 for electric!

  • Dawn W.
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Okaw Valley Kampground

    Nice clean and convenient

    Family owned with a nice little fishing area (no license required catch and release) paddle boats and camp store. A nice pool with a big covered pavilion, clean restrooms and showers with hot water. We had a level pull thru gravel site with a picnic table and small fire ring and didn’t have to unhook for our overnight. Walking/hiking wooded trails 2 cabins available- several seasonal folks. We were there on a Sunday evening and didn’t really see anyone. Little bit of road noise but so convenient! Thanks Barb!

  • Tara L.
    Jul. 25, 2019

    Country Bend Campground

    Great experience!

    Big things happening at Country Bend Campgrounds in Montrgromy Co, IL. This beautiful campground has many things to offer and is only a few minutes from the local drive in movie theater in Litchfield Illinois. It has a pool, swing sets, playground, cabins, ponds with stocked fish, beautiful walking trails, camping, welcome center, baseball field, volleyball, games, horseshoes, paddle boats, miniature golf, and so much more. This family run business is under new management and is welcoming new seasonal campers and day campers with competitive pricing. This beautiful campground is nestled in a scenic area in the country and is pet friendly. It has clean shower houses with warm water. We just purchased our seasonal campsite earlier in the season. Come check out this amazing campground and all it has to offer! Our rough collies will be joining us at this dog friendly campground! There is always something to do here and the owners strive to make it a family place by providing many activities on the weekends. The owners have done an amazing job on this campground and have made it one of the best campgrounds around to create that lasting experience with our children before they grow up!!!

  • AC
    May. 16, 2021

    Washington County State Recreation Area

    Shady Rest campground

    Really great campground. Good mix of tents and RVs. Bath house was very well kept and clean. Showers ran cold at first but after a few mins it gets warmer! There were plenty of pit toliets through out the campground and trash cans. My tent site was clean, good flat spot for tent, picnic table and fire pit with attached grill.

    The Concession building in the park is closing. No boat rentals, selling everything he has on the shelf.

    Caught a few bass and and good amount of hiking. Large trail around the whole lake, smaller trails lead to sites around the different campgrounds.

  • Debra M.
    Mar. 23, 2021

    Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground

    Many lakeside sites, extra long drives for boat trailers, quiet and scenic

    Rend Lake is a large COE recreation area with 4 campgrounds, some with full hook ups for $28 a night, two dams, 2 beaches, several boat launches, a marina, golf course and a restaurant.  Not all facilities were open when we visited in March.  Hiking and biking trails and close to town for gas and bait.  Each site has a stone picnic table and fire ring.  Showers, bathrooms and  playgrounds in multiple places and convenient locations.  Some sites do have steep grade, originally booked Bluejay 48 and moved.

    https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233504?tab=seasons

  • Sherry W.
    Jun. 11, 2020

    Country Bend Campground

    Great family friendly campground

    Great place to stay and feel part of the community.  Pretty scenery to walk around.  Plenty of lakes/ponds to fish.  We couldn't boat while there due to COVID but look forward to going back and taking our kayaks.  Attentive and Friendly camp hosts. Pet friendly. Close to town if you've forgotten anything or want to have a restaurant dinner. Close to the highway for easy access.  Full hookup available. Monthly or Season also available.

  • Dana P.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Washington County State Recreation Area

    Cabin rental Washington County Lake IL

    It is overcrowded all through the week in the RV area with no great views of the lake, sadly. 2. cabins.but overpriced due to no running water or nearby ttoilet but more private and great lake views Awesome fishing here and boat rentals

  • C
    Oct. 6, 2019

    Gun Creek

    So beautiful

    There’s not a bad campsite here. There are sites with electric, water, and sewer. Several sites are right on Rend Lake. Most sites have concrete picnic tables and fire rings. The bath houses are really nice, they are individual shower houses that are clean and well lit. The grounds are very well maintained. The park was full while we stayed there, but was really quiet. You can tent camp or use a camper.


Guide to Patoka

Cabin camping near Patoka, Illinois offers accommodations across six state recreation areas and private campgrounds situated in the state's central region, typically at elevations between 450-550 feet. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions with temperatures in the 60-70°F range. Most cabin facilities remain operational from April through October with limited winter availability.

What to do

Fishing at Carlyle Lake: The 26,000-acre lake provides habitat for bass, crappie, and catfish. At Dam West Campground, visitors can fish directly from shoreline sites. "We camped right on the lake with a great view. This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper," notes Cody S.

Wildlife viewing: The lake region attracts diverse bird species including migratory waterfowl. "This campground is heavenly and peaceful. Lots of migrant waterfowl. Pelicans, egrets, blue herons," reports Shawn at Dam West Campground.

Swimming at Forbes State Park: The recreation area maintains a swim beach, though maintenance varies seasonally. "Swim beach is not well maintained due to the budget but also doesn't cost anything since they can't pay anyone to man the gate, but it's not horrible," explains Jennifer G.

Seasonal events: Halloween celebrations at some campgrounds include decorated sites and organized activities. "They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites (pretty extensively) and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site."

What campers like

Peaceful lake views: Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area cabins offer water views in a quieter setting. "The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it's somewhat far from supply stores," mentions Jareth C.

Well-maintained facilities: Many cabin areas receive regular upkeep. "Clean and very nice campsites," reports Lon K. about Ramsey Lake accommodations.

Family-friendly atmosphere: Okaw Valley Kampground maintains recreational options for families. "We stayed for five days during Labor Day weekend on our way to Emporia Kansas for Unbound gravel bike ride. This turned out to be a lovely little vacation for us," shares Shirley M.

Site spacing and layout: Cabin sites at some locations provide adequate separation. "Most of the sites are large and a good distance from the next one," notes Jennifer G. about Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area.

What you should know

Water quality concerns: Some locations experience seasonal water quality issues. At Illini Campground, one camper reported: "Only complaint that I have was the potable water supply. I filled by trailer's tank at the drinking water supply when you enter the campground. It was extremely dirty with a lot of copper colored solids."

Reservation needs: Demand for cabins peaks during summer months. "We arrived at this campground at 11am on a Friday only to find that that the first-come, first-serve sites were already full," reports Brooke C. about Dam West Campground.

Bathroom facilities: Quality of restroom facilities varies significantly. "The pit toilets that were spread across the campground were in horrendous condition and had wasps, spiders, and other critters hanging out," notes one camper.

Weather considerations: Strong winds can affect lake-facing cabins. "Keep in mind that strong winds can sweep across the lake and pick things up if not secured," advises Cody S.

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area provides recreational areas for children. "It's a small campground that offers a playground, bathhouse, hiking trails, and a small swimming area. There is easy access walking down to the marina," notes Jake L.

Kid-friendly swimming: Several campgrounds maintain pool facilities for safer swimming options than lake access. "There is a swimming pool and campground store. The pool was closed when we were there but looked nice," reports Allen S.

Nature exploration opportunities: Some sites offer simple hiking options suitable for younger explorers. "There is a little pond where people fished, and a little walking path for little kid 'hikes'," shares Shirley M. about Okaw Valley Kampground.

Wildlife viewing with children: Evening wildlife watching can entertain families. "Oh and lots of deer bed down in the grassy areas at night, which was a fun thing to see!" observes Chelsea D.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: For cabin rentals at Archway RV Park, site configuration affects privacy. "Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front," cautions James N.

Supply proximity: Many cabin locations require driving for provisions. "The nearby town of Carlyle, approximately 7-10 minutes from several cabin locations, provides additional shopping options," notes one visitor.

Electrical connections: For cabins with hookups, adapter needs vary by location. "Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter," advises James N.

Weather protection: Shade availability differs significantly between sites and campgrounds. "This site and the site next to it are the best sites in the campground with a pull through layout for a great setup for a lake view from the side of your camper. There was not any shade on the site, so you will be dependent on an awning," reports Cody S.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Patoka, IL is Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 22 cabin camping locations near Patoka, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.