Cabins near Scales Mound, Illinois range from primitive to full-service accommodations across several camping areas. Located in the hilly Driftless Region, Scales Mound sits at an elevation of 997 feet, creating unique terrain and vistas different from the typical Illinois landscape. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures reaching 85°F and winter lows dropping to 15°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking and exploration: Blue Mound State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks through varied terrain. "The hike to the caves is about 3 miles with gorgeous landscapes/colors in October. The caves are incredibly well maintained and organized with fun themed tours," notes one visitor who enjoyed the Halloween-themed activities at the park.
Water activities: Crazy Horse Campground provides river recreation options during summer months. "They provide at no charge kayaks and a shuttle to a drop-off point which you can kayak back down to the campground which takes about an hour and a half," explains a camper who appreciated the well-organized system.
Family games: Palace Campground features mini-golf and extensive outdoor recreation space. "They have a lot of property you can't see from the road," comments a visitor, adding that the campground offers "the ability to play mini golf on a very nice course, walk through the trees and property, and get ice-cream from culvers."
What campers like
Cabin amenities: Seven Eagles RV Resort & Campground cabins provide access to natural surroundings while offering comfort. "Nature reserve accessible from campground. We took several walks and bike rides around it. There is also a pool and a club house on property," mentions a guest who stayed at one of their four non-seasonal sites.
Swimming facilities: Blue Mound State Park Campground offers a pool and splash pad that campers consistently rate highly. "The pool is very nice and very clean. There is a pool section and a splash section. There are chairs and lounges around both and shade awnings," notes a visitor who paid $3 for adults and $2 for children to use the facilities.
Spacing between sites: Lena KOA receives praise for its site layout. "This campground is absolutely wonderful. Spots are spaced apart nicely. Many activities for kids and adults," says a satisfied camper who appreciated the well-designed camping areas.
What you should know
Train noise: Be prepared for potential train disruptions at Blanding Landing. "The toilets in the back part by the electric campsites are pit toilets. Flush toilets, sink, and showers up by the check in area," shares one camper who noted that "trains are noisy" but they "slept through them" since they're "used to living by a train station."
Booking requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance planning, especially during peak seasons. Seasonal sites are common, with Seven Eagles noting that they "mostly [have] seasonal campground, only has 4 sites that are for weekenders."
Shower facilities: Shower availability and costs vary across campgrounds. Tom's Campground has coin-operated showers that cost "25 cents for a 7 minute shower" according to a visitor who found this acceptable but noted the facilities "could be updated."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Palace Campground offers family-oriented recreation spaces. "If you aren't worried about sharing a conversation with your neighbor then you can pick anything," notes one camper who observed a creative "girls weekend where they had turned the bed of a pickup into their own pool."
Playground access: Blanding Landing includes child-specific facilities. "There's a playground for kids," states a visitor who selected site 24 because "it's the last site in that part of the driveway and I recommend it because you have a lot of open space to one side plus not far from water or bathrooms."
Pool and splash pad: During warm weather, Blue Mound State Park Campground provides water recreation for children. "It is a beautiful park with tons of trees. Beautiful hiking trails everywhere for different levels of hiker. The pool is awesome, and the splash pad is absolutely incredible. This is a great place to camp with little kids," reports a family visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Off Shore RV Park offers paved pads that simplify setup. "Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric. No shade since trees have not been planted as of this date," notes a camper who appreciated the resort's amenities including a "restaurant, playground, water park."
Seasonal considerations: Crazy Horse Campground has different experiences depending on when you visit. "We made this trip mid-May during the Covid social distancing. The camp ground was on point with their preparedness... All activities were down as expected and was reflected in the price," mentions a visitor who was "very happy with the size and condition of the site."
Arrival advice: Get to Timber Lake Resort early if possible. "The rise angle to our space was almost too much to back in without dragging the bumper. Once in, the concrete pad was level," reports an RVer who found the site access challenging but manageable.
