Makanda is a charming village in Jackson County, Illinois. It is a playground for adventurers and a haven for nature lovers, offering many exciting and relaxing things to do. One of the most-loved things about this destination is the majestic Shawnee Hills which has rolling hills and gigantic rock bluffs. The Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park, and Cache River State Natural Area are the perfect places for some outdoor thrills. When it comes to fishing and boating, Cedar Lake, Little Grassy Lake, and Lake of Egypt are your best options. Of course, there are also shopping and eclectic eateries to try. Just head to the famous Makanda Boardwalk, and you can shop and dine to your heart’s content. For comfortable accommodation, check out this list of the top cabins near Makanda, Illinois.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Luxury log cabin with a game room (from USD 406)
Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this cabin offers many nearby and on-site activities for a fun vacation! First, the property features a games room with a ping-pong table, a dart board, and a ring toss. You can even bring a boat to enjoy boating in Cedar Lake, with the Cedar Lake Beach and boat ramp only seven minutes away. You can start your days with a nice cup of coffee on the front porch overlooking the 5-acre (2.02 hectare) property.
2. The Couple Retreat (from USD 164)
Designed especially for couples, this cabin features a hot tub for two so you can soothe your muscles and relax. The front porch features rocking chairs where you can enjoy the surrounding landscapes side by side. You might even catch a deer grazing on the property if you’re lucky. It also ha sa fully equipped kitchen and an indoor fireplace to keep you warm during winter. If you like to stay active, the Spillway Road Ponds Trailhead is an eight-minute drive away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was cozy and comfortable and the setting is relaxing and beautifulCleanliness:
clean quiet and well equippedthe cabin was immaculately cleanthe setting is peaceful the cabin perfectly cleanHost:
the cabin and the hosts were greatRead more reviewsLocation:
nice cabin location great
3. Lovely cabin in Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Carbondale (from USD 173)
Southern Illinois Wine Trail is home to several local wineries and hiking trails, and nestled within the exciting area is this fully furnished cabin. The charming home’s crowning feature is its outdoor area which comprises a large covered porch, fire pit, and an inviting hot tub. Leisurely spend quality time in this open-air setting that transforms into a gorgeous scene when the lights illuminate the space at night.
When staying in, you can curl up by the fireplace or catch up with your favorite online shows on the smart TV. You also don’t need to venture far to enjoy a meal as the property has an equipped kitchen and dining area. And for days when you want to get out of the house, you can embark on wine tasting, local dining, and hiking activities.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds were very comfortableCleanliness:
the property is clean and comfortablethis cabin was a gem immaculately clean and charmingsecluded quiet and very cleanthis place is quiet clean and has everything we needthe cabin was just as pictured no surprises everything was very clean & tastefully decoratedHost:
property owners made sure we had everything we neededRead more reviewsLocation:
everything you need and great locationperfect place to get away and relaxit was a great cabin with a great locationa great place to enjoy a weekend
4. Rustic retreat with views of the hills, Makanda (from USD 141)
When you book this cabin in Carbondale, you’ll be less than a 15-minute drive away from Lake of Egypt, Ferne Cliff State Park, and Giant City State Park. It comes with two bedrooms and can host up to six people. There’s also a well-equipped kitchen to showcase your culinary skills, two full bathrooms, and a cozy living room.
Best of all, you can take a relaxing soak in the jetted tub after a long day of exploring the nearby attractions. There’s also a porch, where you can enjoy your evening libation while taking in the views of the surrounding hills.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a/c was wonderful as the temps hit the 90’s on a few of the days we stayedexcellent stay nice to relax in jacuzzi tubs and beautiful showersCleanliness:
very nice and clean propertythis cabin was the cutest it was clean and stocked with everything we neededHost:
the owner has great attention to detail and you can tell her really cares for his guestssteve was a good hostthe property owner is amazing the property itself is gorgeous fully stocked and has the cutest cabin feelRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was close to the highway and near some great trailsgreat location on southern illinois wine trailthe property is in a nice location and quiet for the most partwe loved the cabin it was a perfect weekend getaway for our family great location in the shawnee hillsquiet and peaceful property that backs to farm fields
5. Hillside abode with meadow views, Makanda (from USD 225)
Make the most of your Makanda holiday by staying in this serene and scenic retreat nestled in Shawnee National Forest. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy the lush scenery from the confines of this two-bedroom cabin. Featuring an open-plan layout, this Makanda, Illinois lodging has a living space with a fireplace and a wide-screen TV and a kitchen with granite countertops and a breakfast counter.
As soon as you step out, you’ll find a fire pit with chairs. If you’re up for some outdoor adventure, head to Giant City State Park, which is 4 mi (6.4 km) away from the cabin.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lots of great porch/patio space and the beds were super comfycomfortable beds modern appliances and beautiful had crafted wood furnitureeverything was as advertised and completely comfortable and warm during our winter visitbeautiful home and surroundings and lovely equipped kitchen where we never have issues cooking some fantastic mealsCleanliness:
the cabin was clean comfortable and well-appointedalways clean i love the screened on porch especially on rainy daysvery clean with all the amenitieshighly recommend very comfortable and cleanHost:
our host made us feel welcome and at home in this well appointed homehost has thought of everything to make the stay enjoyablecommunication with the owner was excellentRead more reviewsLocation:
such a peaceful location with everything needed for a quick disconnect from city lifebest of all the location is fantastic very private and great place to commune with naturewe would enjoyed the creek and woods and loved the locationthis property had everything we were looking for the décor the location and the accommodations were fantastic
6. Cozy cabin with hot tub, Pomona Township (from USD 165)
This cabin in the woods makes an excellent spot for couples and lone travelers alike. It has a full kitchen, so you can curate your daily meals with ease. There’s a television and a DVD player for indoor entertainment. Plus, the outdoor is your playground.
You can take a scenic stroll in the Shawnee Forest, enjoy wildlife viewing, and even join in winery tours. The cabin also has a hot tub if you fancy a muscle-soothing soak after a long day out.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the hot tub is a great bonus my only complaint is the bedsCleanliness:
extremely clean & very privatethe cabin is clean and modernthe cabin was very clean and very nice insideit’s clean beautiful and has everything you would need for a weekend awayit is super clean with great amenitiesRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is quiet and secluded yet not too far from restaurants and entertainmentvery good location for catching trails in the forestthis is a wonderful cabin for a couples weekend perfect size secluded quiet location and very cleanwe loved our stay at the cabin it is in an ideal location super clean and well equipped
7. Waterfront cabin with hot tub, Lick Creek (from USD 117)
If ever you find yourself needing a break from the big city, consider this lovely cabin in Carbondale. It is close to the Southern Illinois Wine Trail and Shawnee National Forest, giving you plenty of opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Aside from its idyllic location, the property itself is beautiful.
It comes complete with a cozy bedroom, a living area with a sleeper sofa, and a kitchenette with coffee-making facilities. A 32-inch flat-screen television, a DVD player, and WiFi are also available for your convenience.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cabin was very cozy and had all of the modern amenities to make our stay comfortableHost:
great place and the owners are greatproperty has a small lake only shared by the owner who lives in the house next doorthe property owner was very nice and extremely accommodating i will definitely be backowner was very nice and met us shortly after we arrivedRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect place to get awaywonderful location the comfortable cabin is quaint and perfect for a getaway anytimea great place to unwind
8. Private hideaway with nature views, Union County (from USD 132)
This secluded cabin is perfect for couples or groups of friends. The interior complements its wood setting, complete with pine floors and big-framed windows that afford you nature views. It has two lovely bedrooms and can sleep up to six guests. It has an open-plan concept featuring a full kitchen and living room.
In the morning, you can drink your coffee at the screened porch or outdoor deck and take in the views of the surrounding area. At night, you can watch the starry skies without worrying about the cold, thanks to the outdoor fire pit.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
if you need excellent cell service or wifi this isn’t the place for youwe loved the cozy stay amongst the autumn colors and crisp airthe main bed was very comfortable and there's thoughtful details in the houseCleanliness:
very clean and exactly as describedcabin was very clean decorated nicelycabin was clean overallthe cabin was clean and comfortable and had everything we neededclean and secure place with a great campfire spotHost:
our host was very responsive and helpfulthe host was very responsive to anything we neededcommunication with owner is best i’ve ever experiencedbrian was easy to contact and super helpful when we had questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
location is remote quiet and beautifulthe cabin was really cute very comfortably furnished and it was close to the wine trailbeautiful location and close to the wineries and a small townthere's a walmart semi close (about 15ish minutes away) if you need to grab somethings which is helpfullocation perfect for enjoying shawnee national forest—- equidistant from main sights
9. Spacious sanctuary with outdoor hot tub, Murphysboro Township (from USD 280)
Situated only 8 mi (13 km) from Carbondale, this spacious cabin in Murphysboro Township can happily accommodate big groups of travelers. 12 people can sleep across its 6 bedrooms. The cabin also has an elegant living space with dark neutral tones and dim lighting. Moreover, there is an expansive front porch with rocking chairs and a hot tub on the back porch. On top of that, the kitchen is updated with modern appliances.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and well stockedcabin was excellent clean and fully stockedbeautiful well stocked clean propertysecluded quiet peaceful clean and plenty of spaceevery room was cleanHost:
the owners were easy to communicate with and left simple instructions for all possible questions while thereRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to stay along the wine trail
10. Lakefront haven with wooded views, Carbondale (from USD 169)
Surrounded by lush trees, this rustic cabin guarantees travelers a relaxing stay. It houses two bedrooms, two baths, a covered porch, and a well-equipped kitchen, making it an ideal home base for families. When not lounging in the living room or having fun at the nearby lake, you can enjoy a refreshing soak in the hot tub. Boasting proximity to Giant City State Park, this cabin affords vacationers quick access to wineries, golf courses, and dining spots.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
my son was comfortable on the couch as welllots of added amenities to make our stay more comfortableeven coffee very comfortable & loved having a bed & bath on different floorsthe cabin was cozy comfortable very clean and janet was so friendlyCleanliness:
the cabin was very clean and comfortablecabin was very clean and comfortablethe cabin was very cleanwell equipped and very cleanit was clean and well stocked with necessitiesHost:
staff was very friendlythe setting is beautiful and the hosts were very friendly and responsivethanks for hosting a great weekendRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful cabin in great locationclose to good hikes golf and other funspacious and comfortable property close to many thingsgood location for visiting area parks in relaxing atmospherewe were close to everything yet in a secluded and beautiful area
11. Elegant cabin best for families, Pomona (from USD 349)
For tourists on the hunt for extra spacious accommodations, this five-bedroom cabin is the right fit for you. Sixteen guests are welcome here, and children are allowed. It has three baths, a kitchen complete with up-to-date cooking appliances, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. With barbecue facilities, you can plan an impromptu grill night under the star-filled skies.
The kids are sure to love the playground with swings and a slide. Nestled in Shawnee National Forest, this holiday haven treats vacationers to an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and more.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen is wonderful and can't imagine needing any equipment that was not availablelots of room for kids to play and for adults to spread out and relaxwe had great game nights in the living roomCleanliness:
very clean and well stocked on a beautiful piece oof landeverything was clean and there was ample outdoor seating for everyoneit's very clean and had just about everything you could want or needgorgeous cabin very cleancomfortable beds and pillows clean property supplies stocked in the kitchen beautiful groundsRead more reviewsHost:
the property was the perfect place to host our family gathering
12. Charming cabin near a pond, Carbondale (from USD 131)
Planning to indulge in a three-night holiday (or more) in Carbondale? If so, you might want to check out this rustic cabin tucked in the woods. It is full of character, from its wooden furnishings to its stone fireplace and leather seats. More so, this one-bedroom cabin houses a well-equipped kitchen, entertainment facilities, and a private bath.
A short walk from the property will take you to a pond, where you can enjoy fishing. You can cap off the day by cozying up to the outdoor fire pit while downing some drinks and enjoying s'mores.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we found it quirky and comfortableCleanliness:
everything clean and in good conditionclean and comfortable would definitely stay here againcabin 3 was a clean and cozy getaway for 2 people that work long hrsthe property is well kept and cleanthe inside of the cabin was very cleanHost:
tom was a great hostaccommodating and friendly hosttom you are a great hostthe owner is always helpful and a pleasure to knowtom provided firewood for us and was a super hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great little get away spot close to the action in townperfect location for exploring shawnee national forest and other local hikeswe really enjoyed our brief stay at this locationthe cabin was great the pond was great the fishing was great and the location can't really be beatbut it was also close enough to town that we were able to restock groceries easily
13. Pet-friendly home with private beach, Carbondale (from USD 444)
Boasting a private beach area, this vacation rental is a fantastic getaway destination for beach-lovers and water sports enthusiasts. On bad weather days, you can stay indoors, curl up in any of the four bedrooms or while away the time in the recreational room with arcade games and a pool table.
This cabin features an open-plan design that sets the living room next to the kitchen with a breakfast counter and a dining set. A laundry room is available for guests’ convenience. Pets are allowed on the property for a small fee.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place was nice and comfortable we wished there was wifi but that wasnt worth complaining overHost:
we loved staying here and tom made everything perfect he was so kind and helpfulwe loved the zip line pond woodsy aesthetic of the home and enjoyed meeting tom the ownerRead more reviewsLocation:
close to many places of interestour dogs loved the pond we loved giant city parkgreat house good location nice pond and was pet friendly
Have a memorable trip to Makanda
Located in the Midwestern region of the USA, the village of Makanda has everything you’ll need for a fun vacation. Nature, adventure, shopping, and restaurants — everything is within your reach. If you’re convinced and looking for Airbnb cabins in Illinois, book a stay in any of our recommended cabin rentals near Makanda, Illinois.
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