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Private Shawnee National Forest Retreat , Near Garden of the Gods

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Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
A covered porch with wooden flooring, two wicker chairs with cushions, a small table, and a view of a yard with trees.
Smart TV
Exterior
A grassy yard with a house and a covered porch.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Elizabethtown, IL
  • Place, Hardin County Court House
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Rosiclare Memorial Public Library
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Cave in Rock State Park
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Elizabethtown

This vacation home places you next to Shawnee National Forest and within a 5-minute walk of Ohio River Valley. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.
View more Vacation Homes in ElizabethtownOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Hardin County Court House - 3 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Rosiclare Memorial Public Library - 9 min drive - 8.2 miles
  • Bill Cook Memorial Park - 9 min drive - 8.2 miles
  • Cave in Rock State Park - 13 min drive - 12.0 miles
  • Illinois Iron Furnace - 15 min drive - 5.6 miles

Getting around

  • Paducah, KY (PAH-Barkley Regional) - 64 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪E-Town River Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Lucy's Diner - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Town & Country - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪e-town tap - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Private Shawnee National Forest Retreat , Near Garden of the Gods

Escape to nature at this secluded 3-bedroom, 2-bath vacation rental near Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. Nestled on nearly 3 private acres with over 40 acres of Illinois state land directly behind the property, this off-the-grid retreat is perfect for hunters, hikers, families, and outdoor adventurers.

Surrounded by 12,000+ contiguous acres of Shawnee National Forest, the home offers unbeatable access to hunting land, hiking trails, scenic views, and wildlife. The Ohio River is just 2 miles away, and Garden of the Gods—one of Southern Illinois’ most popular attractions—is only 15 miles from the home.

The Space

This fully renovated and freshly painted home comfortably accommodates large families and groups. Inside, you’ll find:
• 3 bedrooms with 3 bunk beds and 2 queen beds
• Brand-new linens and towels included
• 2 full bathrooms, including one with a large soaker tub
• Spacious living area with 3 couches and a new TV
• Full kitchen with coffee maker, dishwasher, crockpots, and cooking essentials
• Laundry on site for extended stays

Outdoor Amenities

Step outside and enjoy:
• Charcoal grill for outdoor meals
• Fire pit for evenings under the stars
• Expansive open land to roam, explore, or relax

Perfect For

✔ Hunting trips
✔ Hiking & nature lovers
✔ Family getaways
✔ Outdoor enthusiasts
✔ Guests seeking privacy & seclusion

Whether you’re planning a hunting trip in Shawnee National Forest, a hike at Garden of the Gods, or a quiet escape surrounded by nature, this Southern Illinois vacation rental offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and adventure.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and a travel crib.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see close to this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Elizabethtown, just steps from Shawnee National Forest. You'll also find Ohio River Valley and Ohio River within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Private Shawnee National Forest Retreat , Near Garden of the Gods?

No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Private Shawnee National Forest Retreat , Near Garden of the Gods?

Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a smart TV and a kitchen as well as a firepit.

Does Private Shawnee National Forest Retreat , Near Garden of the Gods have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Does Private Shawnee National Forest Retreat , Near Garden of the Gods have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this vacation home.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Private Shawnee National Forest Retreat , Near Garden of the Gods?

Yes, every house at Private Shawnee National Forest Retreat , Near Garden of the Gods comes with a patio.

Private Shawnee National Forest Retreat , Near Garden of the Gods Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Luke

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Stayed here twice now! Room was super clean, cozy, and just an overall relaxing place to stay. Especially after hiking the national forest which was super close to the property. Stars were beautiful there as well. Great place to stay, well taken care of. Definitely will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samatha F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great stay

house was clean
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Staci S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was in a nice area close to parks for outdoor hikes. It was very clean and had pretty much everything you needed for cooking.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Perfect spot for some downtime in the Shawnee.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Excellent home for my big family to stay! Only minutes from Garden of the Gods & Cave in Rock! Plus the local history and beautiful town. We’re already planning our next trip here and it’ll be soon!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Abby C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was great
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice & clean

Nicest "hunting cabin" I've stayed at. Great location, close to hunting and convenience store. Had a wonderful time.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice property

Exactly as it seems in pictures. Nice place!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ramona R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing get away

The home was perfect for the four of us (two couples) The home was as described and well stocked with towels, beddings, dishes and kitchen supplies. The deck and patio were perfect to relax on after a day of hiking in the Shawnee National Forest. We will definitely stay again if we are in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ERIC C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just what we needed

This VRBO worked great during our hunting trip. Would highly suggest if you are in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Salvador

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Exellent
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jjennie t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Went for family reunion

Nice experience
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Retreat

A quiet retreat for our work crew, host very friendly and communicative. Much appreciated!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hoffmann A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family hike

We had wonderful hikes in Shawne National Forest. Our stay was comfortable, the house is well equipped and the owners are easy to communicate with. There was a power outage and they took care of it quickly. Do not try the jacuzzi because there is not enough hot water to fill it.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Seth O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break

Nice, quiet and clean. That’s number one.Very close to parks: Cave In Rock 10-11 minutes; Giant City 11-12 minutes; Garden of the Gods 20-22 minutes.Venture in with supplies although place is also close to Dollar General about 10-11 minutes and Walmart about 30-40 minutes. It’s the country side, I don’t mind driving. Kids enjoyed our stay. Roamed around the property. Property owner is also easy to communicate with, very accommodating. We will be back for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Katy B.

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Not worth the money

The rental was not clean at all. Some of the listed items did not work properly either. Check in was easy and the property stands alone by itself which was nice. But overall, would have stayed somewhere else after seeing the inside of the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024