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. 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
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
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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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown is home to this cabin. Shawnee Hills Country Club and Ross Cottom Lanes are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shawnee National Forest and Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as kayaking.
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area - 12 min drive - 8.3 km
Rim Rock National Recreation Trailhead - 13 min drive - 10.7 km
Garden of the Gods Trailhead - 18 min drive - 11.1 km
Hitching Post Trailhead - 20 min drive - 17.6 km
Cave in Rock State Park - 35 min drive - 40.9 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 May 10, 2026, 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 May 11, 2026 start from $179, 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?
Check-out 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 mi (10 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
The Cottonwood Cabin was adorable. We had an amazing, relaxing time. So many beautiful trails and beautiful places to visit for nature enthusiast. Highly recommend!
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Such a cute little rustic cabin! My husband and I had the most relaxing, peaceful stay. The place was so clean and comfortable. We had everything thing we needed. The steps going up to the loft are something to consider, but the couch-bed is also pretty comfortable. The location is convenient as well. Cose to Garden of the Gods and other points of interest. Very much recommended for a nice break from the everyday.
Loved the cabin. Clean. Loved being in walking distance to a farm pond, and activities in the pavilion area. Wasn’t far away from our hiking locations. I like that it is pet-friendly if we choose. Had everything we needed including dry wood for firepit. We had special guests (cats in the area) hung with us on the porch and around the fire. Overall great location. Great experience!
Jacob E.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 21, 2025
Thank you so much for staying with us. We hope that you will return.
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.
Tammy B.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 29, 2023
Thank you so much for staying with us Tammy. So happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and we hope you'll return.
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!
Joanne G.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 17, 2024
Thank you so much Joanne. We hope you'll stay with us again.
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!
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.
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.
Carlee H.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on May 16, 2025
Thank you Carlee, we hope you'll visit us again soon.
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.
Kathleen L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 29, 2023
So Happy to hear your family enjoyed the cabin Kathleen. Thank you for staying with us and we hope you'll all return soon.
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
Madeline A.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 5, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. Happy to hear you enjoyed your stay. Please come back soon.
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!
Marla P.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 4, 2024
Thank you so much for staying with us and for your review. So sorry that hurricane Helene messed up your stay. Happy to hear you still enjoyed your stay and we invite you back anytime!
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!!!!
Lisa D.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 21, 2023
Thank you so much for staying with us. We're so happy that you enjoyed your stay. We would love to have you back anytime.
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.
kelly f.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 20, 2023
Thank you so much. We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay and would love to have you return!
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.
Julianna P.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on May 6, 2023
Thank you so much Julianna. Happy to hear your family had a great time. We would love to have you all stay with us again.
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.
jackie h.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 1, 2024
Thank you so much Jackie. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your stay. We would love to host you again.
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.
William
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 29, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We hope that you will return again.
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.
Nikki L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 7, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We're very sorry you didn't enjoy the decorations. All of the bottles have been emptied and cleaned prior to being placed on the shelves. We would never leave full bottles out, for this reason. Congratulations on 5 years. We hope you will return and if you do please leave us a note or give us a call and we will remove the bottles prior to your arrival.
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.
Richard O.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 3, 2024
Thank you for staying with us Richard. We hope you will return again.
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