Cabins near Windsor, Illinois provide access to Lake Shelbyville, a 11,100-acre reservoir created in 1970 when the Kaskaskia River was dammed. The surrounding shoreline stretches approximately 172 miles through hardwood forests and prairie landscapes. Winter cabin accommodations typically require advance planning as many facilities reduce services from November through March, though several parks maintain year-round operations.
What to do
Fishing from private docks: At Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, sites positioned on the lakeshore offer dedicated fishing access. "We always get sites with our own private dock to fish from," shares one camper at Sangchris. The area provides opportunities to catch bass, bluegill and catfish in the stocked waters.
Hiking wooded trails: Fox Ridge State Park Campground features unique terrain compared to surrounding farmland. "The hiking trails are some of the best in the state because the glaciers dropped of 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," explains a reviewer.
Swimming options: Wolf Creek State Park Campground includes a beach area that typically closes after Labor Day. "There is a beach that closes after Labor Day, but there are lots of sites available all year round," notes one visitor. For cabin guests preferring pool swimming, Robin Hood Woods Campground & Cottage Resort features "a beautiful new pool was perfectly maintained with plenty of tables and chairs."
Family activities: Weekend organized events occur regularly at Robin Hood Woods. "We went 4th of July weekend and they even had a golf cart parade and through candy which was so fun for our son," reports a family who stayed in the cabins.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: While cabin areas vary in spacing, Coon Creek offers more secluded options. "This site was forested enough to provide seclusion from our neighbors, which we loved!" states one camper. Another visitor notes, "Some are closer to each other, but still very private. Nestled in trees."
Lake views: Many cabin guests appreciate waterfront perspectives. "We chose a buddy site even though we weren't camping with another family because we like the location. It was right at the end of the peninsula, and it is by far the biggest and beautiful site we have ever stayed in," mentions a Coon Creek visitor.
Nearby attractions: Some cabin locations provide access to area points of interest. "Lake Shelbyville has everything: biking, hiking, a beach, fishing and the town has a small movie theater showing current movies for $4.00," shares a visitor to Coon Creek. For those willing to travel slightly farther, "we went to Casey the little town of big things and got a kick out of seeing the world's largest rocking chair, wind chime etc."
Clean facilities: Cabins with shared bathroom access benefit from well-maintained facilities. "Bathrooms are clean. I just can't praise this place enough," reports a visitor to Okaw Valley Kampground. Another camper notes their cabin area "is very shady and is not exposed to the sun. The sites here are really clean and well maintained."
What you should know
Site reservation timing: For prime cabin locations, especially during summer, reserve well in advance. "If you want a lake spot, make a reservation way in advance," advises a camper at Sangchris Lake State Park. During peak season at Wolf Creek, expect limited first-come availability as "most all are reservable and only a handful are firstcome, first served."
Off-season considerations: Water systems at some facilities shut down in colder months. "Bring plenty of water hose. The water faucets for fill up can be a bit far away," notes a Wolf Creek visitor. Cabin guests should confirm which amenities remain operational during their planned visit dates.
Bathroom proximity: At Camp Lakewood, cabins share facilities that may require walking. "Only one bathhouse (toilet, shower) is a bit far from our site," mentions one visitor. This consideration becomes more important for those staying during colder seasons.
Connectivity varies: Cell service fluctuates throughout the area. A Sangchris Lake visitor reports "Spotty reception but it's great to unplug," while another notes "Decent AT&T cellular coverage (it varies but able to stream, etc)."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas for children: Robin Hood Woods provides family-focused aquatic options. "The pool is a huge plus, it's so incredibly nice. There's a small game room and little camp store with firewood and ice," explains a family visitor. For lake swimming, Coon Creek offers "a great little beach That my son really like to swim."
Playground facilities: Several cabin locations maintain play structures. Spring Creek Campground features "a nice playground in the shade next to a pavilion." Robin Hood Woods offers "a wonderful pirate ship playground. Weekend activities for the kids."
Nature exploration opportunities: Trails suited for younger explorers exist throughout the region. Camp Lakewood includes "a little walking path for little kid 'hikes'." At Coon Creek, families report "there are several paths down to the waters edge and the beach, lots of little hiking, tons of Geocaching."
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Cabins near fishing ponds provide easy access for beginning anglers. Spring Creek maintains "a pond for fishing, no boating or swimming," which allows for simplified fishing experiences without boat traffic concerns.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some cabin areas share roads with RV traffic and feature tight turns. Camp Lakewood visitors note "lots are tight with winding roads to sites." At Okaw Valley Kampground, guests report the facility "is an old KOA frozen in time. It's clean but dated."
Electrical service reliability: During peak usage periods, systems can become strained. At Sangchris Lake State Park, a visitor experienced electrical issues: "Because of the heat over this holiday weekend and a completely full campground, the electricity couldn't meet the demand and a transformer blew." Cabin guests sharing facilities with RV areas may experience similar challenges.
Supply access: Most cabin locations require bringing provisions. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area visitors note "the only downside is that it's somewhat far from supply stores." Plan accordingly for grocery and equipment needs, especially for extended stays.
