With the theme of staycations in Central Illinois this summer, more residents may choose to go camping close to home.

Local residents have a new option for camping at Spindler Marina in East Peoria.

A new cabin erected at the campground gives people a rustic atmosphere in which to camp.
Fon du Lac Park District police chief Mike Johnson said the cabin idea came from the community.

“We just had a lot of requests from the general public if we had camping cabins available. With folks staying home more for vacation, this gives them access to the river and trails,” he said.

After receiving several requests, park officials did some research about cabins online. They learned they could save money by constructing their own, rather than ordering a pre-fab cabin at a cost of about $10,000. Johnson said Rick Hiatt, their police chaplain and carpenter, built their cabin on site for about $3,000.

“I think it’s going to be an in-demand type of item,” Johnson said. “We’re going to try to expand it if we can, provided the river cooperates with us.”

The goal, Johnson said, was to construct three cabins this year, but the flood waters from the river dampened those plans. However, Johnson said they will likely build one more cabin this year and two next year.

The cabin features simulated hardwood floors, a stained interior and handmade bunk beds to give it a more rustic look.

“We learned a lot building this one,” Johnson said.

The cabin is set up on 6-by-6 skids due to flood waters, so when the river rises, the structure can be moved.

Currently, the 12 by 12 cabin is situated in a predominant spot — near the full hook up area for campers.

“We wanted to use this one more of as a show piece just to let people know we have it, and the rest of them will be built in the campground in a wooded area,” Johnson said.

The cabin is being offered at a reduced rate of $25 per night this year to get the word out. It sleeps four people on twin bed bunks.

The amenities of home are provided via a fridge, an outdoor grill, a bath house and laundry facilities nearby.

“It’s an alternative for people who were tent camping in the past. This is something different for them,” Johnson said.

Some of the most recent inhabitants of the cabin were security officers who were in town for the Titanic exhibit that was in Peoria last weekend.

“They actually used it instead of a hotel to save money,” Johnson said.

In the future, the cabin rates may increase $10.

“Goodfield charges $55 to $70 a night. I really don’t want to do that. I want to keep this predominantly middle class or lower class so they can experience the outdoors and still be closer to home,” Johnson said.

Spindler Marina can accommodate 80 RV campers with hookups — 28 of which have electric, water and sewer and 52 which supply water and electric.

There is no limit for tents.

“People like it here. This is where we have the station for the park police, so it’s a very safe community,” he said.