This Illinois Campsite Has the Most Underrated Fishing Spot

Tucked along the shores of Shabbona Lake in northern Illinois are two basic camping cabins. Available for rent through the Shabbona Lake State Park Campground, these cabins stand side by side and are the perfect fishing spot. Little has changed since I began fishing from their shoreline in the ‘90s. I vividly remember many weekends spent learning how to fish from the campsites and even a water snake swimming by. I can still hear my dad listening to Carole King on the portable cassette player around the campfire while I fell asleep inside my bunk bed in the cabin.

Shabbona Lake State Park is a little-known park located about 70 miles west of Chicago. The lake spans more than 300 acres and reaches a depth of 40 feet. This man-made fishing lake is stocked with game fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, and muskies. If you forgot any of your fishing essentials, there's a bait and tackle shop within the state park's boundaries. The shop also offers motorized and non-motorized watercraft for rent. Plus, it’s connected to a dockside restaurant. While kayaking and paddle-boarding are permitted on the lake, swimming is not allowed anywhere in the state park.

The state park got its name from a chief of the Potawatomi people, Shabbona. He was known for his friendly relationship with the early settlers and played an important role in helping them understand the land and its resources. In March of 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that will formally return the 1,500 acres to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. A chairman for the nation said visitors won’t notice any disruption in their experience at the park.

The camping cabins are available from May through October. Each cabin can sleep up to six people in two basic rooms. The campsites come equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. Restroom and shower facilities are available just a short walk from the cabin. If the camping cabins aren't available for your visit, the park offers 150 campsites that include electricity. Reservations can be made for 90 of those sites, while the other 60 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

In addition to the campsite's great fishing spot, Shabbona Lake State Park offers more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore. The longest of which is the snowmobile trail that easily combines with the Shabbona Lake Loop Trail. There is also a playground for families to enjoy. Opportunities for dove, waterfowl, turkey, and archery deer hunting are possible during select seasons.

While I don't make it out to Shabbona Lake State Park too often anymore, it brings me joy to know that those two camping cabins are still providing a relaxing fishing spot to this day. If you're looking for a great way to spend a summer weekend, reserve a camping cabin at Shabbona Lake State Park and enjoy some quality time with nature.