Top Cabins near Shawnee National Forest

Camping cabins near Shawnee National Forest are the charming alternative to a tent or a yurt. Find the best information on cabin camping near Shawnee National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each cabin rental offers quick access to one or more of Shawnee National Forest's most popular destinations.

Best Cabin Sites Near Shawnee National Forest, IL (26)

    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground

    1.

    Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    165 Photos
    136 Saves
    Makanda, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Springs State Park Campground

    2.

    Dixon Springs State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    42 Photos
    44 Saves
    Grantsburg, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek

    3.

    Gun Creek

    19 Reviews
    63 Photos
    90 Saves
    Whittington, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground

    4.

    South Marcum Campground

    15 Reviews
    31 Photos
    64 Saves
    Benton, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossu, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    South Marcum Campground sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With plenty of unobstructed views of the water, campers are able to take in scenic sunsets as well as enjoy activities such as bank fishing, right from the campground.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Dam

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $26 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cave-in-Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cave-in-Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cave-in-Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cave-in-Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cave-in-Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cave-in-Rock State Park

    5.

    Cave-in-Rock State Park

    13 Reviews
    68 Photos
    124 Saves
    Cave-In-Rock, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Lake Campground

    6.

    Arrowhead Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    13 Photos
    25 Saves
    Johnston City, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    7.

    Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    6 Reviews
    5 Photos
    47 Saves
    Bargerville, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground

    8.

    Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    8 Saves
    Eddyville, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA

    9.

    Benton KOA

    12 Reviews
    5 Photos
    8 Saves
    Benton, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayes Canyon Campground

    10.

    Hayes Canyon Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    28 Saves
    Eddyville, Illinois

    At Hayes Canyon Campground we have 34 RV campsites available for rent for a day, weekend, week, or longer!

    We offer 2 cabins and 3 rental RVs. There is a rental available for all budgets so book now! They go fast!

    Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons and holiday weekends, when we often are fully booked months in advance.

    We specialize in catering to campers with horses who want to enjoy trail riding on the many scenic trails in the Shawnee National Forest. Other campers, backpackers, hikers, and hunters are always welcome. To view a trail map online . . .

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $32 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Recent Cabin Reviews In Shawnee National Forest

167 Reviews of 26 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    May 30, 2024

    Benton KOA

    Loud

    1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    May 13, 2024

    South Marcum Campground

    Great Campground

    Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    April 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

    Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA
    April 8, 2024

    Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    Great overnight!

    We called from the road to get an overnight stop - the staff were super nice both on the phone and in person. When we arrived, the lady who checked us in gave me a coupon for the drive-in movie theater that was literally down the road. Normally, when we camp we arrive so late it’s impossible to take advantage of area attractions so we decided to go and can I tell you, it was awesome!!! The theater accommodated our camper and the food (cheese fries especially) at the snack stand was great. As far as the campground, our site was a bit hilly but we had a nice view of the lake and close proximity to the playground. My kids also enjoyed the pool. Solid place to overnight!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
    April 4, 2024

    Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

    Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon

    You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
    Only 16 spots left!

    Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.

    The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"

    Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.

    #ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024

  • Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    February 23, 2024

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Great trails and well kept campsites

    We stayed at Giant City in February on a very cold weekend. It was still a fantastic trip! The campsites, fire pits and pit toilets were well maintained. The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter. The Lodge also had excellent food and a very cozy feel. Definitely visit the Lodge!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    September 23, 2023

    Gun Creek

    Beautifull

    Only reason for not 5 star was it is a little to close to the interstate.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    August 23, 2023

    Benton KOA

    Good experience

    T-Mobile worked well- issues connecting to site Wi-Fi- staff pleasant- clean- didn’t use showers- small camp store available

  • Camper-submitted photo from Birdsville Riverside RV Park
    July 2, 2023

    Birdsville Riverside RV Park

    Great Stay!

    Very great stay. Nice well kept rv park. All the spots are full hook up and are right next to the river for a great view. It’s very quiet and peaceful. Nice place off the beaten path. All the spots are spaced out too.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground
    May 24, 2023

    Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    Good Luck

    The stay was pleasant and the lake was very nice but the reservation system and finding a spot was overly complicated for a first timer. Basically people show up and throw a cooler or tent onto a site to claim it and then leave. They have to pay for the spot by 8pm. And people can stay as long as they want as long as they pay for the next day by then. But if they don’t pay they have to leave by 9am the next morning. So you never know when people are actually leaving or a spot was opening up. Every spot was taken when we go in and we heard from the check in lady that someone was leaving so we went and waited watching them pack up to get their spot. We were there for one night and had 5-6 people come to us asking what time we were leaving the next morning. It was crazy. This was also the week before memorial day weekend so that’s probably why. Primitive camping was closed. We were in a truck with a roofnest.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    May 5, 2023

    Gun Creek

    Amazing Lake Views!! Bring a fishing pole.

    Excellent park but many sights aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic. Clean facilities. Self checkin. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    April 18, 2023

    Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    Early April Nice Weather

    We spent 5 nights on Site A5 at Crab Orchard Campground. All sites are FC/FS. Full hookups are in Loop B & it was full. Overall the campground was full but not very many people around. Appears many locals take spots on the weekends & then hold onto them during the week. The 2 nearest to us we saw on Sunday (Easter) and the only 1 more time during the 5 days. Someone in one of the sites by the late (A9, A11 or A13 I think) said they saw snakes but we never saw any and our dogs would have noticed.

    Showers and restrooms are nice. Ones in Loop A are no new (Loop Bs are new) but still nice. Lots of hot water.

    Lots of trails (within 10-30 minute drive). Fishing was good (especially catfish and crappie). Went into Carbondale a few times. Also went South to Alto Pass but wineries all closed on Tuesday; locals told us they are open more hours during summer.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    April 5, 2023

    Gun Creek

    Lots of space by a Lake

    RV or tent, book online at Recreation.Gov not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water. Campfire area and picnic table provided. Bathhouse is clean and park areas are all clean, dump station on site. We will be back and book closer to the lake in a level site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    March 30, 2023

    South Marcum Campground

    Great campground

    We love this campground as it is on the water, quiet and the people and core of engineer workers are all very friendly. We camp here from April till October off and on.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    February 25, 2023

    Benton KOA

    Koa

    I was able to stay in a pull through with a really good rate being that it was the off season just call and ask for Karen.. Really GOOD ppl BTW they are very religious so be respectful

  • Camper-submitted photo from Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA
    February 20, 2023

    Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    Very nice little KOA

    We only stayed one night but staff was very pleasant and sites are reasonable size. There is a nice dog park with disposable bags. Our site overlooks a nice little pond. There is a clean laundry facility and heated restroom and showers. We did not need to use the facilities so I cannot comment on those. Campground is easily accessible from I24. We would definitely stay here again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA
    November 8, 2022

    Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    Nice little campground

    Stayed 4 nights visiting the area. Close to roads so there is lots of road noise. Clean. Very super friendly helpful staff.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    September 29, 2022

    Benton KOA

    Just passing through

    We’re just passing through so only staying one night but the place is cute and we’ll maintained as far as I can tell. We did come in around 8:30pm and it was a little difficult to see site markers but the hosts left us an envelope with a map along with their notes and drawings to get to the site so it was fine.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    July 24, 2022

    Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR

    Cheap beautiful campground

    Cheap campground that is clean and quiet. The back in site we had overlooked the lake. For the price, you can’t beat the view. If I return to the area, I would stay here again

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cave-in-Rock State Park
    July 18, 2022

    Cave-in-Rock State Park

    Nice and quiet

    Quiet campground. Nice shower house. Quick walk to cave in rock or the cave in rock restaurant. Very few campers. Large open grassy areas. Lots of deer…and ticks. Campground host is really nice but the ranger is a pain

  • Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    July 15, 2022

    Benton KOA

    Tale of 1 campground 2 different views

    OK we are here for 2 days. After the first night this mat have gotten a 2 if I was in a Generous mood. This side traffic noise, a little run down. Out campsite was not even a hundred yards off I57, thought all night one of those trucks would come into the campsite if they went off the road.

    We did find a great Mexican restaurant just down the road with great food, cheap and good Marguerites and that was the saving grace.

    There us another portion of this campground across the road you come in on. This morning thought as u was taking photos and videos I would walk over. I do have to say it is a totally different area. Quiet newer, some money spent on that side. A pond nice sites even pull through and tent sites. My thought was how much more do I have to pay to get on that side. Did I mention quiet you hardly heard I57.

    I am torn if that is the place we stayed it would be toward a 4 in stars.

    Internet on this side is non existent and I only have 1 or 2 bars on Verizon. On the other side I did see a few internet towers so they do boost over there wonder if the internet is better there.

    Anyway choose 3 stars as it s one campground but 2 different views.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Springs State Park Campground
    June 12, 2022

    Dixon Springs State Park Campground

    Solidly okay

    Very few other campers, campground was empty, no attendants. Pit toilets with no hand washing station or showers and no water hook ups. There is water at the entrance to fill up, however. There were electric hook ups and dump station. A few trails surrounding the campsite and a fun pool with a slide attached to the campground with an entrance fee of $6. Besides the pool none of the facilities were great and the site just had a weird vibe. You can shower at the pool— but those showers are truly, not good. Close to garden of the gods—which is why we went. And it honestly wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good either.

    Lots of ticks (pulled some off every day) and fireflies.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    June 7, 2022

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Great Camping

    Came here for a weekend getaway, to camp, hike and visit wineries, and was not disappointed. The campground is good, and camp hosts very friendly and helpful. Lots of trees for shade. Narrow roads with tight curves, along with the trees, made for a bit of a challenge. The hiking trails are beautiful, and not too crowded. There are many wineries within a short drive of the camp, which made for a fun afternoon. Really enjoyed our weekend here, and plan to return.



Guide to Shawnee National Forest

Camping near Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the area. Many campers rave about the trails at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground, with one visitor saying, "Easy walking distance to the observation trail that is the highlight of this park."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, head to Gun Creek. A reviewer mentioned, "Clean facilities. Self check-in. Golf onsite, clubhouse with food," making it a great spot for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, Jackson Falls is known for its climbing spots. One camper noted, "Great place to backwoods camp. It can be busy on the weekends and can be difficult to find an open site at times."

What campers like:

  • Cleanliness: Campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. At Shawnee Forest Campground, one visitor said, "The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful."
  • Seclusion: Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. A reviewer at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs mentioned, "Very quiet and peaceful," highlighting the campground's charm.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. At Giant City State Park Campground, one guest shared, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities. Shawnee Forest Campground has paved trails, making it easier for families to explore together. One reviewer said, "The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys. A family at Giant City State Park Campground enjoyed the playground, stating, "The playground was good."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled for adventures. A camper at Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs mentioned, "Great hiking and scenery and it was very quiet at night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Not all sites are level or spacious. A reviewer at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are flat. Clean facilities."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "All campsites are reservable but reserved campsites are not marked on the post when you arrive."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds lack certain amenities. A visitor at Pine Ridge said, "There is no sanitary dump station, and the water spigot does not have a way to hook up a hose to fill your tank."

Camping near Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Shawnee National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Shawnee National Forest is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find cabin camping near Shawnee National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 26 cabin camping locations near Shawnee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.