Stay in a secluded cabin in Illinois outside the Garden of the Gods

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Oct 3, 2022

Posted in Illinois
Nature October 03, 2022
by Rachel Raimondi

Spending time in nature is a great way to disconnect and relax. And in Illinois, there are 4.9 million acres of forest to visit. What’s better than getting out in nature? Extend your excursion by spending the night in nature. In Herod you will find the 3,318 acre Wild Garden of the Garden of the Gods. And just a short distance away in Harrisburg, you’ll find a perfectly secluded Illinois cabin where you can rest your weary head and feet for the night.

Although located in the much larger Shawnee National Forest, which spans 249,000 acres, the Garden of the Gods in southern Illinois is one of the most popular hiking areas.

Garden of the Gods Rd, Garden of the Gods Rd, Illinois, USA

Once you understand these particular views and rock formations, you’ll more than likely agree.

Everything around you was created by Mother Nature. More than 300 million years ago, this scenery was completely different.

There are 5.5 miles of hiking trails as well as several lovely spots for a picnic. You can even rent one of the 12 camping pitches there or sleep a little more comfortably in a well-equipped forest cabin.

Equestrian trails are also available. Each trail has a different color, so you will find them very easy to follow.

If you are looking for something short and very sweet, you can do the 0.5 mile lookout trail. From this vantage point, you will have an amazing view of the Shawnee Forest.

Be sure to check out the most popular formation, Camel Rock.

Now that you’ve explored nature, it’s time to relax for the night (or nights!) in its surroundings.

In this one-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin, you’ll find gorgeous new furnishings as well as everything you’ll need to spend the night, including linens, towels, and even a washer and dryer.

The kitchen is fully equipped for any type of cooking and includes seating.

The bedroom is located in a small attic. However, if you prefer not to climb to bed, you can also use a queen-size air mattress.

Not only are there no neighbors here, there is also no WiFi available, making it a truly unplugged getaway.

Visit the site for Garden of the Gods for the latest information. Check the Airbnb listing for the little cabin in the big woods for photos and rental information.

What’s your favorite outdoor excursion in southern Illinois? Tell us in the comments!

Looking to extend your time outdoors in this area? Here are some more hikes in the Shawnee National Forest.

Address: Harrisburg, IL 62946, USA

Address: Garden of the Gods Rd, Garden of the Gods Rd, Illinois, USA