Best Cabin Camping near Shawnee National Forest in Illinois

Escape into nature and disconnect from your daily life with cabin camping near Shawnee National Forest. Find the best cabin camping near Shawnee National Forest. You're sure to find the perfect cabin for your Illinois cabin camping excursion.

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
    137 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
    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

    20 Reviews
    66 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.

    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.

    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
    128 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
    26 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
    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
    29 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

169 Reviews of 26 Shawnee National Forest Campgrounds


  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Nov. 8, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Beautiful Sunsets over the Lake

    What a beautiful campground, it’s our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them

  • Wil V.
    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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

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

  • Angela C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA
    Apr. 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!

  • Michelle K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
    Apr. 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

  • Logan W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Feb. 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!!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Aug. 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

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Birdsville Riverside RV Park
    Jul. 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.

  • B
    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.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Apr. 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.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 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.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Mar. 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.

  • Jeremy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Feb. 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

  • Donna B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA
    Feb. 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.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from The Art Farm Women’s Retreat
    Dec. 7, 2022

    The Art Farm Women’s Retreat

    Serene and private. Beautiful rolling farmland.

     Lots of choice camping spots! Serene and private. Beautiful rolling farmland, just minutes from town. They also offer tiny home rentals, yurt-style glamping tents, RV spots with 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 outlets, and The Art Barn for larger groups, retreats or family reunions.

  • Jeremy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA
    Nov. 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.

  • Jodi T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Sep. 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.

  • TJ G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR
    Jul. 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

  • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cave-in-Rock State Park
    Jul. 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

  • Mary T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Jul. 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.



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.