Best Cabin Camping in Illinois

There’s a lot more to Illinois than the great city of Chicago. Along with this exciting urban hub there are many natural areas where locals and residents alike enjoy getting outside. With 141 parks it’s no wonder the DNR created the motto, “State Parks, Great Parks” in 2013. This phrase is the title of their initiative to continue improvements on local natural areas with upgraded campgrounds and additional staff to cater to the more than 44 million yearly visitors looking for hiking and camping in Illinois.

People from all over the state – and even outside the country – take the short 1.5-hour drive from Chicago to Starved Rock State Park, where they can hike 13 miles of trails offering elevation gains on wooded pathways along the Illinois River. The 18 canyons serve as great places to spot waterfalls after a rain and families love ending the day with s’mores around the bonfire at the nearby Starved Rock State Park campsites.

Those looking to learn about the state’s heritage while camping in Illinois may head farther south to Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park & Memorial. This 162-acre park is 12 miles southwest of Decatur near Harristown, IL, and features the land where Abraham Lincoln first resided in the state. If you visit be sure to check out the memorials commemorating this important president.

People who want to mountain bike in this Midwestern state will enjoy heading to Palos Park, a forest preserve known for its excellent biking, hiking and equestrian trails that cover over 50 miles of terrain. When it comes to camping in Illinois, this locale offers beautiful facilities at Camp Bullfrog Lake where you can put up a tent next to a lake and hike short or long loops that end up back at your campsite.

If you want to check out the beautiful Lake Michigan drive to Illinois Beach State Park to spend time in the water along the 6.5 miles of sandy shoreline. The park is 4,160 acres offering ample opportunities for hiking, watersports, picnicking, fishing and camping. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Illinois during your stay in the Prairie State.

Best Cabin Sites in Illinois (133)

    1. Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    97 Reviews
    North Utica, IL
    Website
    +1 (815) 667-4726

    $25 - $35 / night

    "With the car in the drive blocking the road, I had complete privacy. There was a short walk to porta potties and a nice walk to the modern, clean bath house."

    "Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding area has some of the most beautiful views in north central Illinois."

    2. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

    77 Reviews
    Machesney Park, IL
    Website
    +1 (815) 885-3311

    $12 - $50 / night

    "There are some sites out in the open and some that are totally private and secluded. "

    "Just outside of the sprawling metropolitan area of Rockford, Illinois, the recreational oasis of Rock Cut State Park awaits."

    3. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Shabbona, IL
    Website
    +1 (815) 824-2565

    $25 / night

    "So now that you've found yourself nearby or contemplating a stay at Shabbona Lake SP, let me just forewarn you - you are about to embark upon one of the most amazing outdoor camping experiences Illinois"

    "Has rustic tent sites along with camper sites with water and electric. Privies can get ripe in summertime but depending on your site you could walk to laundry shower building."

    4. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    28 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

    There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad."

    "The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc)."

    5. Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    27 Reviews
    Marseilles, IL
    Website
    +1 (815) 795-2448

    $12 - $55 / night

    "We bought fire wood from a locals front lawn at the entrance to the state park. Put 5$ in the bin and take a bundle. Its 30 mins away from Starved Rock and Matthiesson State Park. Good hiking."

    "Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."

    6. Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Carlyle, IL
    Website
    +1 (618) 594-3015

    $15 - $30 / night

    "This State Park is located outside Carlyle,Illinois. This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours."

    "Has electric sites only. Water and dump at the entrance. Shower houses. Very nice pool and camp store. Hosts scattered and occasionally hard to find to pay for your spot. Wildlife galore."

    7. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "Kind of a bare bones campground but this state park does offer rock climbing (if you have the expertise and your own gear)."

    "The picnic tables are old and seem to be spread around as camper are moving them around. The main bathhouse is older, but nice and clean! There is a vault only bathroom at the back of the campground."

    8. Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    Mineral, IL
    +1 (308) 853-2425

    "There’s plenty of picnic tables and in-ground fire rings w/ fold-over BBQ grills. Beyond this, be prepared to bring what you need with you. "

    "Rented the one cabin they have $45 has heat/ac and a secluded view of the lake. Bathrooms were a walk and were porta potties. Full toilets and showers were other side of campground."

    9. Pleasant Creek Campground

    26 Reviews
    Oglesby, IL
    Website
    +1 (815) 431-0936

    "This is very close to Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks, both of which are absolutely breathtaking! The campground is decent; lots of tents."

    "Most sites have no privacy at all. the kids loved going to the playground and they do have an arcade but other that that there’s not much to do."

    10. Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

    21 Reviews
    Chandlerville, IL
    Website
    +1 (217) 452-7741

    $6 / night

    "It was March, it was cold at night, but this ADA cabin had heat & electric, 5 beds with mattresses, beds with mattresses (2 pr bunks beds in the second room)."

    "We certainly didn’t expect the Prairie Lake Campground to be full in late October! Both loops were full, but there was just enough space for us to squeeze in for 2 nights!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 133 campgrounds

Cabin Reviews in Illinois

1187 Reviews of 133 Illinois Campgrounds



Guide to Illinois

Cabin camping in Illinois offers a unique blend of nature and comfort, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Cabin campers appreciate these amenities

Some prices for cabin camping range from $20 to $60

Cabin campers like these nearby activities

  • Visitors at Rock Cut State Park Campground can enjoy hiking, fishing, and biking along scenic trails, making it a perfect spot for outdoor adventures.
  • Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and picnicking, ensuring a fun-filled family outing.
  • Guests at Gun Creek can explore the beautiful lake views and enjoy biking paths, making it a great destination for both relaxation and recreation.