5 Best Treehouse Cabins In Shawnee National Forest, Illinois - Updated 2024

Alyssandra Raiza
Alyssandra Raiza 
Updated
| 2 min read

Shawnee National Forest is a treasure in the state of Illinois. Filled with majestic views, towering trees, and a wide array of wildlife, it is a popular weekend trip destination among those who love being in the great outdoors. Some of the most exciting activities to enjoy here include hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking. At the same time, you can enjoy a lovely picnic with your kids or go birdwatching by Heron Pond. Ready for your next outdoor adventure? You can enhance the nature experience when you stay in the luxury cabins near Shawnee National Forest. However, you can make your trip more unforgettable by booking a stay at the beautiful and rustic treehouses. Read on to learn more about the best treehouse cabins in Shawnee National Forest, 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 11, 2024.

1. Panthers Inn Treehouse (from USD 135)

Enjoy solitude in this elevated cabin on the borders of the Shawnee National Forest. The property has a kitchen, a dedicated workspace, and comfortable living and sleeping spaces. As with most cabin getaways, the outdoors is the true highlight of the trip, with the cabin featuring a private patio where you can sit and enjoy the forest around you with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

You can also enjoy the fire pit on the grounds with plenty of eating areas. If you want to completely relax, you can lie down in the hammock while reading a book or just enjoying the atmosphere.

Stayed at this property?
Makanda, Illinois, United States
12.09 km (7.6 mi) from Ferne Clyffe State Park
173 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Treehouse 2 Beds 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
oh also--zero phone or wifi reception but it states that clearly in the listing
nicely stocked kitchen and easily controlled fans and heater as well as a gas fireplace
sleeps three or more three upstairs and possibly two downstairs on a reasonably comfortable convertable couch
Cleanliness:
were in excellent shape; everything was very clean and functional
the space was spotless and well furnished with comfort in mind
beautiful space with so much wildlife and wildflowers all over the property space was clean and peaceful
we really enjoyed this space as it felt very welcoming well equipped clean and safe
bed was comfortable home was clean
Host:
derick was a great host and was very helpful
had anything we needed and derick was extremely helpful
host was very responsive and helpful during the stay
derick's recommendations (on the website) were informative and helpful
derrick is an amazing host and we can’t wait to get back again
Location:
beautiful treehouse located in a peaceful and serene location
wonderful location and very nice house
it’s perfect location between many of the wonderful wineries
the location is perfect walking distance to one winery yet you feel all alone in the woods
location is perfect for hiking and wineries
Read more reviews

2. Samson’s Mountain Treehouse (from USD 134)

This cabin, surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, will give you the occasional glimpse of an elk or a deer freely roaming the woods. Probably one the best features of the property is the access to a private lake where you can fish or swim anytime you like! You can also go kayaking or have a picnic by the beach. If you want to stay indoors but still enjoy the outdoors, the spacious balcony is the perfect spot for you!

The cabin also offers a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a fire pit.

Stayed at this property?
Vienna, Illinois, United States
19.81 km (12.4 mi) from Ferne Clyffe State Park
96 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 3 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
rarely is airbnb furniture as comfortable as this place
Cleanliness:
the cabin is beautiful the beds are comfortable and the cabin smelled freshly cleaned
when we got to the treehouse it was very clean
was also very clean will be back next year for sure
a great little escape this cabin was very clean and exactly as pictured
Host:
jerry was a great host
host was very responsive
Location:
loved the location loved the space
beautiful location with nice basic cabin
location was perfect for my sons taekwondo tournament
we went for a walk at sunrise to see the elk eating near the pond it was beautiful
we loved the remote quiet location and all of the wildlife when we pulled in
Read more reviews

3. Shawnee Forest Cabins

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Shawnee Forest Cabins on Thursday, April 22, 2021

Shawnee Forest Cabins offers a cozy abode within the verdant woods of the forest. The rustic treehouse is sure to make you and your loved ones feel right at home, with comforts such as air conditioning, heating, high-speed Wi-Fi, and even a fireplace to keep warm. You can enjoy a good night’s sleep on the queen-sized beds. Preparing homecooked meals will also be a breeze as this treehouse rental in Shawnee National Forest has a kitchen that’s equipped with a microwave, a stove, as well as pots and pans.

Shawnee Forest Cabins

Address: 745 Garden of Gods, Herod, IL 62947, United States

Price: from 249 USD

Number of Guests: 4

Book Now

Stayed at this property?

Nearby treehouse options

4. Family-friendly retreat with sunset views and herb garden (from USD 164)

This airy treehouse is a great option for larger families or groups looking for an outdoor retreat. As it comes with two bedrooms, a plush queen-size bed, and two twin beds, a group of up to six guests can sleep comfortably in the cabin. The treehouse features a cozy living area with a large TV, where you can lounge and enjoy a movie. You can also enjoy the view of the sunset by the deck while grilling up a nice barbecue. If you wish to prepare meals in the kitchen, you’re free to make use of the fragrant herbs growing in the mini garden, as well.

Stayed at this property?

6.52 km (4.1 mi) from Ferne Clyffe State Park
10 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

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

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the property is clean and modern with warm and friendly decor
Location:
this was a great way to close out 2020
the lake was a short walk away and we loved the paddle boat and canoe
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
Goreville, Illinois, United States
6.44 km (4.0 mi) from Ferne Clyffe State Park
cabin 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

5. Pet-friendly treehouse with nature views (from USD 210)

Garden of The Gods is one of the most popular hikes in Shawnee National Forest Park and is probably one of the best hiking and trekking spots in Illinois. You can make your next trip unforgettable by renting this lovely treehouse, sitting 24 feet (7.3 miles) atop a towering white oak tree, right at the heart of Garden of The Gods. The treehouse is both kid and pet-friendly, with enough space to sleep four to six guests. With a kitchenette and a deck, it has plenty of space to prepare and enjoy homecooked meals.

Guests can also head to the nearby pavilion and pond to play games or fish, making it a great accommodation for those who are looking for places to stay near Shawnee National Forest.

Stayed at this property?

56.72 km (35.3 mi) from Ferne Clyffe State Park
9 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 6 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 0
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the treehouse is well maintained and clean
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

Feel close to nature in Shawnee National Forest

If you need to spend some time in the great outdoors - whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or try new and exciting activities - a visit to Shawnee National Forest would be your best bet. These treehouse cabins provide comfort and convenience while still making you feel close to nature, so be sure to book a stay at these top-notch accommodations.

Frequently asked questions about the best treehouse cabins in Shawnee National Forest, 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.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Aly is an ever-curious wanderer who enjoys constantly learning and exploring the world. With more than five years of experience as a travel writer based in Manila, she enjoys writing about her...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Illinois
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.