Cabins near Shelbyville, Illinois sit at the edge of Lake Shelbyville, a 11,100-acre reservoir created in 1970 by damming the Kaskaskia River. The surrounding area features rolling hills and oak-hickory forests that provide natural shade for most cabin accommodations. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Shelbyville offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. At Coon Creek, one visitor noted, "Lake Shelbyville has never disappointed us as a family... plenty of little hiking, tons of Geocaching, and a great little beach That my son really like to swim and even if we thought it was a little dirty."
Local attractions: Small towns near cabin rentals offer budget-friendly entertainment options. One camper at Coon Creek mentioned, "Lake Shelbyville has everything: biking, hiking, a beach, fishing and the town has a small movie theater showing current movies for $4.00."
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, the lake supports boating, swimming, and kayaking. A visitor to Sangchris Lake State Park Campground shared, "Had fun kayaking here too. If you want a lake spot, make a reservation way in advance."
What campers like
Private shoreline access: Many cabins provide direct access to the lake for fishing or relaxation. At Wolf Creek State Park Campground, a camper noted, "This is a wonderful campground with drive in availability, equestrian camp and reservable sites! This campground also has boat access and a beach and hiking trails."
Pool facilities: Some private campgrounds with cabin rentals maintain swimming pools for guests. A visitor to Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort stated, "Beautiful new pool was perfectly maintained with plenty of tables and chairs to make a day of the time at the pool. Pavilion and picnic area near pool and playground perfect for family gatherings or kids birthdays."
Secluded settings: Cabins often feature private locations with natural surroundings. At Spring Creek Campground, one camper remarked, "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've been in in a long time. It's small, owned by an older farmer, has electricity and bathrooms. It's on a couple of small lakes and the bird sounds, the frogs, ducks, the whole natural environment is just wonderful."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most cabin rentals in the area have limited winter availability. Fox Ridge State Park Campground operates year-round but with reduced services during winter months.
Varying electricity options: Cabins have different electrical setups. A visitor to Sangchris Lake State Park Campground noted, "Electric only but still love. Spaced out, gravel sites and asphalt roads. We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from. Spotty reception but it's great to unplug."
Reservation requirements: Particularly for lakefront cabins, early booking is essential. A camper at Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area advised, "Clean and very nice campsites. All spots are back in. All have electricity but only a few have water."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience higher weekend activity levels. At Robin Hood Woods, one visitor mentioned, "A lot of golf carts driving around all day and night. Sites are a little to close. Trees in the shaded spots don't allow you to put your awning out."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds with cabin rentals offer dedicated children's facilities. At Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort, a camper shared, "Great campground for a chill entertaining weekend with kids. Beautiful new pool was perfectly maintained with plenty of tables and chairs. Even a small game room. Dog friendly too! Small pond to fish (catch/release)."
Educational opportunities: The area offers learning experiences for children. Fox Ridge State Park Campground features interpretive trails, and one visitor noted, "I visited Fox Ridge frequently as a student of nearby Eastern Illinois University... Each site is Isolated by trees and growth and the entire campground is shaded. There are plenty of trails in the park and things to do in the area."
Water safety: Lakes can have unpredictable conditions for young swimmers. At Camp Lakewood, a visitor observed, "My son came to fish so make sure your site isn't on a hill where you can't fish from the site. Fishing is good though, the bass are biting! The swimming area is basically just a dock you can jump off of but it's not crowded at all so plenty of room for my family."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for cabin alternatives: Those considering RVs instead of cabins should note site configurations. At Okaw Valley Kampground, one visitor mentioned, "Small park but very long, narrow pull through sites on the full hook up side, there were some smaller water/electric sites that looked to be more of a parking lot that sites, but well spaced out and adequate."
Water hookups: Cabins and RV sites have varying water access. A camper at Wolf Creek State Park Campground advised, "Nice park, spacious sites, bring plenty of water hose. The water faucets for fill up can be a bit far away. Shower house was older but was heated and water was hot."
Reservation flexibility: Some campgrounds offer convenient booking options for those deciding between cabins and RVs. At Spring Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "We stopped for an over night, arrived late. Owners very accommodating and very nice. No reservation was needed, just stop in, find a site and we'll find you in the morning."
