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Entire cabin

The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest

Cabin in Elizabethtown with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest

TV, fireplace - The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Elizabethtown)
TV, fireplace - The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Elizabethtown)
Interior - The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Elizabethtown)
TV, fireplace - The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Elizabethtown)
Fridge, microwave, oven, coffee/tea maker - The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Elizabethtown)
Experience the charm of a genuine antique log cabin at Cottonwood, just minutes from Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest. This cozy retreat is equipped with modern conveniences like WiFi, an apartment-sized kitchen, and handmade quilts on the walls. Enjoy outdoor activities at Pounds Hollow lake and Rim Rock or unwind at the pavilion on-site with tether ball, horseshoes games and a catch-and-release pond.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 442 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
The current price is AU$217
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest

Experience a piece of history and stay in an authentic antique log cabin just minutes away from the famous Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest. This cabin was disassembled and rebuilt at Timber Ridge with all the modern conveniences. Hand made quilts hanging on the walls make this cozy little cabin a perfect retreat for couples or small families.

The kitchen is equipped with an apartment size refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and all the dishes you'll need. Mini bathroom with toilet and shower (Sink is in the Kitchenette area outside the bathroom)
We supply complimentary coffee, coffee filters, cream, sugar packets, salt, pepper, hand soap, dish soap, toilet paper, paper towels, firewood and camp chairs and of course, FREE WiFi.

Located just minutes from the famous Garden of the Gods Wilderness area, Pounds Hollow lake and Rim Rock in the Shawnee National Forest, this little gem is right where you want to be. There is a pavilion on the resort property, about 2 miles from the house, for all guests to enjoy with tether ball, horseshoes and bags (corn hole) games as well as a catch and release pond for fishing.



Cottonwood is affordably priced. This cabin is part of Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins. All guests will check in at our ice cream and gift store, Garden of the Gods Outpost.

Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins is ranked #1 in our area on TripAdvisor with over 200 FIVE STAR reviews. We have been featured in Better Homes and Garden (2021), Washington Post (2021), Life and Style in southern Illinois (2016), Chicago magazine, AAA travel magazine, Midwest Traveler magazine, The Saturday Evening Post (August 2016), Chicago Parent Going Places magazine (2012 and 2014 and 2017), on Cruisin' Illinois with Julian Cruz (WGN-TV spring 2013) as well as a long list of various blogs, regional publications and more.

Come see what all the fuss is about and go home with memories to last a lifetime!

Please note, you must include an accurate number of people with your reservation request , regardless of how many nights each person is staying. We do count children as well.

The base price is for 2 guests. Anymore than 2 guests is $10 per night per guest extra.

*** Pets and Kids:***
We are a Pet and Kid Friendly resort. We allow up to two pets per unit for no additional charge, however, we do require a credit card to be on file in the event there is any damage to the unit or its furnishings. To remain a pet friendly resort, pets that are aggressive towards other dogs, cats or people, will NOT be allowed. Pet owners assume ALL liability for their pets. We do have cats on our property so if your dog is aggressive or likes to chase cats, please leash them at all times or do not bring them. We love our pets too. Aggressive animals will be asked to leave immediately.

All pets are required to be current on shots and must be protected with Flea and Tick medicine BEFORE you arrive. If you forget, we do have some for sale in the Outpost. All pets must be crated if left unattended in the units. No exceptions please! For your convenience, we do rent crates of all sizes for $8 per visit (not per night) but it is BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket). Please call us in advance if you will need a crate in your unit. Please note, we will automatically charge your credit card for any damages done to the units, furnishings, linens or towels. Although we have never had to charge someone for damages, you will be required to sign a paper stating that you agree to these charges in advance. In the event this is ever necessary, we will provide photographs of the damages. PLEASE help us remain a pet friendly resort and just let us know if your pet had a bad day and accidentally chewed the towel or corner of the rug. We ask only that you reimburse us for the cost of the damaged item.

Even if your pet typically doesn't jump on the furniture, PLEASE bring thick blankets to cover the furniture with anyway! This goes a long way to helping the cleaning people get all the dog hair up before the next guests arrive. Thanks!

All guests MUST check in at our ice cream and gift shop Garden of the God's outpost at 281 Karber's ridge road. Once checked in you will be given your door code, wifi password, local information and a map to the cabin you are staying at. Currently the Outpost is open Monday-Thursday 10a-6p and Friday-Sunday 10a-8p, if you'll be arriving after hours please call the Outpost at 618-264-9091 to arrange after hours check in.

The Outpost serves as a sort of home base for all our guests with supplies, gifts, ice cream, to go food, t-shirts and more.

THE FIREPLACE IN THIS CABIN IS NON-OPERATIONAL

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: WiFi

Kitchen

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

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom

Bathroom

  • 0.5 bathroom
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Things to do

  • Kayaking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 457 square feet

Similar properties

Exterior
The Hickory Hollow Log Cabin by Garden of Gods in the Shawnee National Forest
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 112 reviews
The price is AU$217
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
The Hickory Hollow Log Cabin by Garden of Gods in the Shawnee National Forest

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

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

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
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

Property is also known as

40121

About the area

Map
Elizabethtown, IL

What's nearby

  • Shawnee National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Garden of the Gods Recreation Area - 12 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Rim Rock National Recreation Trailhead - 13 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Garden of the Gods Trailhead - 16 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Hitching Post Trailhead - 21 min drive - 17.6 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Gap - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Trails End Restaurant - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest?

As of 10 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest on 23 Dec 2025 start from AU$216.71, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest located?

Situated in Elizabethtown, this cabin is steps from Shawnee National Forest and within 6 mi (10 km) of Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and Rim Rock National Recreation Trailhead. Garden of the Gods Trailhead and Illinois Iron Furnace are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 45 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rickie G.

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

Amazing

Everything was amazing even though it rain off and on the whole time. Cabin was excellent and extremely clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

James K.

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

Nice cabin

We enjoyed the cabin and would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joshua P.

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

Great place to stay

Me and my husban had a wounderful stay. The cabin was clean and very cozy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marella M.

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

Beautiful stay

Loved it! So cozy. Beautiful spot. The cabin is beautifully built and so clean. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carlee H.

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

Quaint Cabin

Adorable cabin. Clean and well stocked. Super quiet and private. Great location. Garden of the God's was just a few minutes away. The loft was not as ideal for someone who gets up in the middle of the night. There were 2 kitties on the property that adopted us while we were there and that was a bonus.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tammy B.

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

Nice getaway spot.

The cabin was just what we expected, rustic and cozy. They did a very good job supplying everything we would need. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary L.

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

Very cool cabin!

This cabin was so nice! Very relaxing environment. We will difently stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deon P.

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

Diamond in the ruff

Absolutely wonderful place.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne G.

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

Mom and Dad’s weekend adventure

We were looking for a cozy place to escape to for some good old fashioned relaxation and some serious hiking! We found just the place! We loved it! We will recommend it to all of our family and friends!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

James A.

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

Cottonwood cabin

We had a great time! The place is very relaxing and really enjoyed the cabin and the amenities on the grounds. The cabin was very clean and well equipped. We would recommend this place to anyone looking to enjoy the national forest. Definitely will be coming back here!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

mesnikoff m.

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

Exploring the Shawnee

The cabin was perfectly located for some great day hikes. We missed directions about checking in at the Garden of the Gods outpost so remember that detail. The cabin was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marla P.

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

Cozy and relaxing

We originally booked the cabin so we could hike for the weekend. It ended up raining most of the time due to the effects of Hurricane Helene. We packed books and puzzles and had a wonderful time just relaxing away from all the noise. We were able to enjoy one afternoon out as well. Great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen L.

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

Cottonwood Cabin

Very nice cabin near everything we wanted to see in the Shawnee National Forest. The fire ring was great to have. All of us from 8 to 84 enjoyed. A great place to relax after hiking.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Madeline A.

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

Great for weekend

My partner and I stayed at the cottonwood and had a nice day at the cabin painting, cooking, and reading. Then the next day we went on a lovely hike at the Garden of the Gods right next door. Very nice
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

jackie h.

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

A quick little get away.

I thought the cabin was adorable. Plenty of yard to hang out in. Firepit, grill, firewood . Just about everything you would need except charcoal which we did bring. Plenty of hiking places. We even went to the lake for swimming.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

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

Amazing place--10 stars!!!

This place is great. It is an authentic cabin structure, with modern improvements. We loved it. The description of the property and cabin were spot on. All kitchen amenities were there, tv worked great, bed very comfortable. Would stay here again if/when we are back in this area. 10 stars!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

kelly f.

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

Best little getaway

This cabin was nicely tucked away in the Shawnee forest. It was exactly what we wanted to get away and enjoy nature for a little while away from the busy area we are normally from. The cabin was clean and perfectly cozy. It was close to many great hiking places and scenery. They provided lots of amenities and we even got to bring our pet. Can’t wait to come back here and stay again. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julianna P.

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

Great Place for a Hiking Weekend

I went with my daughter and mom for a long weekend and we loved the cabin. We hiked most of the day but it was the perfect place to relax and have a fire afterwards. They have a covered area with swings, bags and horse shoes. And a pond on the property to walk around. I would definitely come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

William

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

AWESOMELY AWESOME!!!!

Really loved the place. Very nicely appointed Could use some more pots and pans and such Tried to make spaghetti in one pot was different. Other then that we will come back again soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Nikki L.

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

Beautiful cabin

The property was beautiful. The only thing we didnt like was the empty liquor bottles that were on the shelf for decoration. My husband and I are sober. We came to the cabin for our 5 years anniversary and had they been full we may have relasped. Overall we plan on going back it was a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard O.

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

Nice old rehabbed log cabin

A true log cabin with air conditioning and a kitchen. The only issue I had was the lack of a sink in the bathroom. Because the original cabin was very old, it had dropped in one corner so the floor was sloped which was a little disorienting. Despite being pet friendly, It was pretty clean and the location in Shawnee National Forest was ideal for hiking.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

2/10 Terrible

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
There was a very large snake coiled above the door to the cabin. We only stayed for 2 hours and left.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin T., New Albany

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

Short romantic getaway

Looking for a special place, in the middle of nowhere? This is it. So close to Garden of the Gods, which was amazing. We had a cozy bonfire the first night, and it rained the next night but it was still amazing!!! The rainy night was perfect while up in the loft, laying in the comfy bed. I’m glad I made the decision to book this cabin. And we will be back!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline H.

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

Perfect weekend getaway

This cabin was perfect for just me and my husband. Perfect size and had all the necessities for a perfect anniversary weekend. The fireplace worked great, the patio with cornhole was a fun addition and the pond was nice too. Check in was easy The Outpost was a cute little spot to check in too. Literally not far from plenty of hiking spots and not too far from the town to get food and whatever else you may need. We will definitely be making this location an annual trip. We even agreed it would be a great couples weekend trip with the amount of space we had. I will definitely be recommending this cabin and the other Timber Ridge cabins.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

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

A. Perfect weekend retreat!

Even better than the pictures. The cabin is an 1850s cabin that was reassembled on the property. It was adorable. Had everything we needed. The area is beautiful. There are several cabins and tree houses on the property but each has more than enough privacy from the next. We came with our two young daughters and they had a blast. We had a resident kitty that hung out on our porch, and it was the friendliest cat I’ve ever met! Kids were in love and had so much fun playing with the cat all weekend. We only stayed two nights so next time we will stay at least 4 to enjoy the property a little longer. The owners are very friendly. They live on the other side of the property and they even let our kids meet their farm animals. The outpost that you check in at has a great gift shop to bring home a souvenir. Very close to garden of the gods. Grocery store about 30 minutes away. We will definitely be back again! We went to Garden of the Gods and Bell Smith Springs. Highly recommend both. Southern Illinois is a hidden gem and in my opinion and so was our cabin.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025