Camping cabins in the Sumner, Illinois region offer access to the Embarras and Wabash river valleys, with an average elevation of 515 feet above sea level. The area features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making cabin camping viable year-round though most visitors prefer spring through fall. Winter cabin camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing, with January averaging 18°F lows.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fox Ridge State Park Campground features excellent bass fishing in multiple ponds throughout the 2,000-acre park. "Great walking woods. but the restaurant is awesome. plenty of fish in the lake," notes a visitor to Red Hills Lake State Park, which allows electric motors only on its 40-acre lake.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems exist near cabin accommodations. Fox Ridge offers some of the most varied terrain in the region despite being surrounded by flat farmland. "The hiking trails are some of the best in the state because the glaciers dropped off mountains of soil in the area where this park is located. The surrounding farm land is flat as can be, but the forested hills and creek beds in the park are almost mountainous," according to a camper.
Swimming access: Harmonie State Park Campground features an Olympic-sized pool with water slides and a separate baby pool with shade awning, open during summer months. "Great place to camp. They have a swimming pool... has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Spacious sites: The camping cabins at Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area offer well-designed concrete pads. A recent visitor noted, "Love the sites at Sam Parr. Only 33 sites overall (only 1st 10 reservable) but sites are quite large & all have very level concrete pads. Didn't even have to put out our big rug @ the door because concrete extends all the way to the fire pit & picnic table."
Clean facilities: Camp Lakewood maintains high standards for their shower and bathroom facilities near cabin rentals. "Everything is super clean here, staff is friendly. There is laundry on site and the showers are some of the cleanest I've seen," mentioned a camper who stayed at their cabin accommodations.
Wildlife viewing: Stephen A. Forbes State Park provides cabin campers with ample wildlife viewing opportunities. "Lots of squirrels for the dogs to chase and lots of wood in & around the campground," reports one visitor, while another mentions the "beautiful wildlife" as a highlight of their stay.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season cabin reservations fill quickly, especially for holiday weekends. At Shakamak State Park Campground, one visitor noted about their Halloween weekend: "Apparently that weekend has to be reserved the day reservations open for it."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly between cabin locations. At Sam Parr, a camper reported "4 bars on Verizon" while Stephen A. Forbes cabins offer "very little cell service so it is a great place to be unplugged and enjoy time with friends and family."
Seasonal availability: Winter cabin camping options are limited. Spring Creek Campground provides year-round cabin access but with reduced amenities during winter. "We stayed there for one night. The park superintendent was so polite and helpful. He even told us where they had been stacking wood from clearing out some trees near the campground and encouraged us to use all we need," reports a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Multiple cabin locations offer designated play areas. "Very nice and well maintained playground in the middle of the campground," reports a visitor to Sam Parr, while another at Ouabache Trails County Park mentions "There are two different play areas as well."
Entertainment options: Ouabache Trails County Park provides family-friendly cabins with nearby attractions. "Oubache is super close to home and a regular spot that I take my 3 kiddos to hike and play on the different playgrounds! It is also adjacent to Fort Knox II for any history buffs as well!"
Special accommodations: Some cabin locations provide special accessibility options. At Ouabache Trails County Park, "The campground hosts do a great job of accommodating special needs. We have stayed here three times in the last year and have required extra space/accommodations to bring a wheelchair-bound family member to our campsite."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Many cabin areas share infrastructure with RV sites, allowing comparison between options. At Fox Ridge, a visitor notes, "2000 acres of lush park. Good paved road, big sites, but unfortunately all back in sites. No pull throughs. After unhooking our car, here was plenty of room for our 31 ft motorhome, slide, awning and all."
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend specific cabin and site numbers based on reviews. At Camp Lakewood, "We reserved a spot on the waterfront this time #2," notes a repeat visitor, while another advises, "Beautiful view from site 19! My son came to fish so make sure your site isn't on a hill where you can't fish from the site."
Seasonal considerations: Cabin rentals during shoulder seasons offer different experiences. A Fox Ridge camper explained, "We came in on a Saturday in June and have available sites. $20 per night isn't bad for a nice campground with nice showers and facilities."
