Top 13 Cabins Near Makanda, Illinois - Updated 2024

Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 5 min read

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.

Stayed at this property?
Makanda, Illinois, United States
15.68 km (9.8 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
cabin 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

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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.

Stayed at this property?
Carbondale, Illinois, United States
25.31 km (15.8 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
cabin 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was cozy and comfortable and the setting is relaxing and beautiful
Cleanliness:
clean quiet and well equipped
the cabin was immaculately clean
the setting is peaceful the cabin perfectly clean
Host:
the cabin and the hosts were great
Location:
nice cabin location great
Read more reviews
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Cobden, Illinois, United States
20.5 km (12.8 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
cabin 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds were very comfortable
Cleanliness:
the property is clean and comfortable
this cabin was a gem immaculately clean and charming
secluded quiet and very clean
this place is quiet clean and has everything we need
the cabin was just as pictured no surprises everything was very clean & tastefully decorated
Host:
property owners made sure we had everything we needed
Location:
everything you need and great location
perfect place to get away and relax
it was a great cabin with a great location
a great place to enjoy a weekend
Read more reviews
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Makanda, Illinois, United States
24.7 km (15.4 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille
cabin 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a/c was wonderful as the temps hit the 90’s on a few of the days we stayed
excellent stay nice to relax in jacuzzi tubs and beautiful showers
Cleanliness:
very nice and clean property
this cabin was the cutest it was clean and stocked with everything we needed
Host:
the owner has great attention to detail and you can tell her really cares for his guests
steve was a good host
the property owner is amazing the property itself is gorgeous fully stocked and has the cutest cabin feel
Location:
the location was close to the highway and near some great trails
great location on southern illinois wine trail
the property is in a nice location and quiet for the most part
we loved the cabin it was a perfect weekend getaway for our family great location in the shawnee hills
quiet and peaceful property that backs to farm fields
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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.

Stayed at this property?

26.51 km (16.5 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
85 reviews  
cabin 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lots of great porch/patio space and the beds were super comfy
comfortable beds modern appliances and beautiful had crafted wood furniture
everything was as advertised and completely comfortable and warm during our winter visit
beautiful home and surroundings and lovely equipped kitchen where we never have issues cooking some fantastic meals
Cleanliness:
the cabin was clean comfortable and well-appointed
always clean i love the screened on porch especially on rainy days
very clean with all the amenities
highly recommend very comfortable and clean
Host:
our host made us feel welcome and at home in this well appointed home
host has thought of everything to make the stay enjoyable
communication with the owner was excellent
Location:
such a peaceful location with everything needed for a quick disconnect from city life
best of all the location is fantastic very private and great place to commune with nature
we would enjoyed the creek and woods and loved the location
this property had everything we were looking for the décor the location and the accommodations were fantastic
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Carbondale, Illinois, United States
9.52 km (6.0 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
cabin 4 Guests 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the hot tub is a great bonus my only complaint is the beds
Cleanliness:
extremely clean & very private
the cabin is clean and modern
the cabin was very clean and very nice inside
it’s clean beautiful and has everything you would need for a weekend away
it is super clean with great amenities
Location:
the location is quiet and secluded yet not too far from restaurants and entertainment
very good location for catching trails in the forest
this is a wonderful cabin for a couples weekend perfect size secluded quiet location and very clean
we loved our stay at the cabin it is in an ideal location super clean and well equipped
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Anna, Illinois, United States
23.97 km (14.9 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
cabin 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cabin was very cozy and had all of the modern amenities to make our stay comfortable
Cleanliness:
cabin was clean and great place to stay the night at
our bed was cozy and clean
Host:
great place and the owners are great
property has a small lake only shared by the owner who lives in the house next door
the property owner was very nice and extremely accommodating i will definitely be back
owner was very nice and met us shortly after we arrived
Location:
perfect place to get away
wonderful location the comfortable cabin is quaint and perfect for a getaway anytime
a great place to unwind
Read more reviews
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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.

Stayed at this property?

7.42 km (4.7 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
146 reviews  
cabin 6 Guests 1 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
if you need excellent cell service or wifi this isn’t the place for you
we loved the cozy stay amongst the autumn colors and crisp air
the main bed was very comfortable and there's thoughtful details in the house
Cleanliness:
very clean and exactly as described
cabin was very clean decorated nicely
cabin was clean overall
the cabin was clean and comfortable and had everything we needed
clean and secure place with a great campfire spot
Host:
our host was very responsive and helpful
the host was very responsive to anything we needed
communication with owner is best i’ve ever experienced
brian was easy to contact and super helpful when we had questions
Location:
location is remote quiet and beautiful
the cabin was really cute very comfortably furnished and it was close to the wine trail
beautiful location and close to the wineries and a small town
there's a walmart semi close (about 15ish minutes away) if you need to grab somethings which is helpful
location perfect for enjoying shawnee national forest—- equidistant from main sights
Read more reviews
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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.

Stayed at this property?

17.56 km (11.0 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
143 reviews  
cabin 12 Guests 6 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 12
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and well stocked
cabin was excellent clean and fully stocked
beautiful well stocked clean property
secluded quiet peaceful clean and plenty of space
every room was clean
Host:
the owners were easy to communicate with and left simple instructions for all possible questions while there
Location:
great place to stay along the wine trail
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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.

Stayed at this property?

21.68 km (13.5 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
64 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
my son was comfortable on the couch as well
lots of added amenities to make our stay more comfortable
even coffee very comfortable & loved having a bed & bath on different floors
the cabin was cozy comfortable very clean and janet was so friendly
Cleanliness:
the cabin was very clean and comfortable
cabin was very clean and comfortable
the cabin was very clean
well equipped and very clean
it was clean and well stocked with necessities
Host:
staff was very friendly
the setting is beautiful and the hosts were very friendly and responsive
thanks for hosting a great weekend
Location:
wonderful cabin in great location
close to good hikes golf and other fun
spacious and comfortable property close to many things
good location for visiting area parks in relaxing atmosphere
we were close to everything yet in a secluded and beautiful area
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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.

Stayed at this property?

8.57 km (5.4 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
72 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 16 Guests 5 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 16
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen is wonderful and can't imagine needing any equipment that was not available
lots of room for kids to play and for adults to spread out and relax
we had great game nights in the living room
Cleanliness:
very clean and well stocked on a beautiful piece oof land
everything was clean and there was ample outdoor seating for everyone
it's very clean and had just about everything you could want or need
gorgeous cabin very clean
comfortable beds and pillows clean property supplies stocked in the kitchen beautiful grounds
Host:
the property was the perfect place to host our family gathering
Read more reviews
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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.

Stayed at this property?

21.16 km (13.2 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
79 reviews  
cabin 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we found it quirky and comfortable
Cleanliness:
everything clean and in good condition
clean and comfortable would definitely stay here again
cabin 3 was a clean and cozy getaway for 2 people that work long hrs
the property is well kept and clean
the inside of the cabin was very clean
Host:
tom was a great host
accommodating and friendly host
tom you are a great host
the owner is always helpful and a pleasure to know
tom provided firewood for us and was a super host
Location:
great little get away spot close to the action in town
perfect location for exploring shawnee national forest and other local hikes
we really enjoyed our brief stay at this location
the cabin was great the pond was great the fishing was great and the location can't really be beat
but it was also close enough to town that we were able to restock groceries easily
Read more reviews
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Carbondale, Illinois, United States
21.16 km (13.2 mi) from Shawnee National Forest
Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 15 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place was nice and comfortable we wished there was wifi but that wasnt worth complaining over
Host:
we loved staying here and tom made everything perfect he was so kind and helpful
we loved the zip line pond woodsy aesthetic of the home and enjoyed meeting tom the owner
Location:
close to many places of interest
our dogs loved the pond we loved giant city park
great house good location nice pond and was pet friendly
Read more reviews
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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.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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