Cabin camping options near Richmond, Illinois feature varying levels of comfort and amenities. The southern Wisconsin border region provides several cabin rental facilities within a 30-minute drive of Richmond. Most cabins require advance reservations and have specific check-in procedures.
What to do
Kayaking and wildlife viewing: At Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park, visitors can explore waterways and observe local wildlife. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes camper Cora M.
Hiking on preserved terrain: The Kettle Moraine South Camping area features glacial terrain and seasonal foliage. A visitor reported, "A local favorite to hike during the weekend, relax and get back in touch with nature. All seasons have their own beauty and especially here. If you enjoy ooing and ahhing over fall color leaves, mushrooms, native plants and the wonders of nature, hiking here won't disappoint."
Beach access and swimming: Cabin renters at Ottawa Lake can take advantage of the clean swimming area. "The lake is very clean and the site are a good size. Gets very busy on the weekends!" according to Neysha R. The beach provides a sandy swimming area with restroom facilities nearby.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: At Sunset Campground in the Richard Bong Recreation Area, cabins are situated with natural separation. "Each campsite is cut back into the trees so that most are at least semi-private. This was a nice feature given that many other campgrounds you are stacked in like cord wood," explains Tim H., who stayed at the site in 2025.
Budget-friendly options: For cost-conscious travelers, Turner Lake South provides lower-priced cabin alternatives. One camper noted, "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night."
Clean facilities: Camp Reinberg maintains high standards of cleanliness for their cabin units. A guest observed, "This campground is very well maintained with all the amenities you could need: a small camping store, communal kitchen, firepits, and clean bathrooms. Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin camping options exist but with limited amenities. At Ottawa Lake Campground, a camper reported, "No showers in winter but awesome." Winter cabin rentals typically require guests to bring additional supplies and prepare for colder conditions.
Road noise levels: Several cabins near highways experience traffic sounds. "It's a big park. The staff could be a friendlier and it's in better shape. Good for a weekend," notes Robert S. about Sunset Campground. At Ottawa Lake, another camper mentioned, "The road noise is absolutely noticeable. It was incredibly loud when we drove through the loop closest to the highway."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, particularly during peak periods. For Chicago Northwest KOA, a visitor commented, "We booked this site on app the day before. Which was a huge plus. This KOA has very limited full hook up sites." Summer weekend bookings often need to be made 2-3 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Child-focused amenities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers dedicated facilities for younger visitors. "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water. Clean bathrooms and shower," according to Leo V.
Wildlife encounters: Families should prepare for local wildlife interactions. At Honeysuckle Hollow, ticks require precautions. Similarly, at Sunset Campground, a visitor advised, "If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go." The preserve areas provide natural wildlife viewing opportunities for educational experiences.
Lakefront access: When selecting cabin sites, proximity to water features matters for families. One camper at Fish Lake Beach advised, "I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site! The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side."
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: Some older cabin and RV facilities have electrical limitations. A camper at Rock Cut State Park explained, "We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday. We called the Rangers and asked them to look at our site breaker since it kept tripping." Verify electrical capacity before booking.
Dump station protocols: For cabins with RV access, understand disposal procedures. At Happy Acres Kampground, a visitor noted, "Since there's no full hookup, they needed someone to control the traffic that comes from two different directions going to the dual dump stations. There's no honor system, especially on a holiday weekend."
Supply availability: Cabin campers should note varying amenity levels across facilities. At Chicago Northwest KOA, a reviewer mentioned, "This KOA has very limited full hook up sites. As far as KOA standards, it is not great." Local stores within 5-10 miles of most cabin sites provide supplies if needed during stays.