Cabin

Cabin in Southern Illinois - Hot Tub - Romantic Getaway -Shawnee National Forest

Lakefront cabin with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Cabin in Southern Illinois - Hot Tub - Romantic Getaway -Shawnee National Forest

Docs Cabin Hot Tub and Balcony favorite amenities for most guests
Docs Cabin looking down from balcony
Docs Cabin Relaxing spot on screened balcony
Doc's Lakeside Cabin living room with Premium Top Grain Sofa
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4790 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Giant City State Park
  • Place, Trail of Tears State Park
  • Place, Grassy Lake
  • Airport, Cape Girardeau, MO (CGI-Cape Girardeau Municipal)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Guest Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cabin in Southern Illinois - Hot Tub - Romantic Getaway -Shawnee National Forest

Doc's Lakeside Cabin is a great ADULT ONLY vacation destination to just getaway and relax.
We are located near the Shawnee National Forest along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, in Southern Illinois. Doc's getaway cabin is approximately 30 minutes south of Carbondale Illinois and 25 minutes East of Cape Girardeau Missouri, Historic Downtown Cape.
The Cabin overlooks a 6 acre lake where you will enjoy the spectacular lake view from our front screened in porch or Hot Tub. We also have built a stone patio with fire pit and seating.
Our cabin sits next to the Shawnee National Forest, Trail of Tears State Forest and LaRue Pine Hills which has thousands of acres for exploring.
You will find our personal cabin is beautifully decorated for any taste.
Cabin Includes spacious Living Room with electric fireplace with vaulted ceiling and Full kitchen with cooking utensils. A Full Bath and 2 Bedrooms Master Bedroom King Size Bed and Guest Bedroom Queen size bed.
Favorite spot - screened in front porch that runs the width of the cabin.
Doc's Cabin was built in 2012 and is located in beautiful southern Illinois, and has Starlink WiFi. Our personal cabin is designed as a romantic getaway for adults over the age of 25.

To access Doc's Lakeside Cabin you will come up the blacktop driveway, steep hill, you will pass our home, follow the driveway down around the lake to the cabin. This is the only way in, and the only way out, no thru traffic. If you need something you will know right where to find us. My family lives on the other side of the lake. We consider our guests part of the family.

Prospective guests must review and accept our Rental Policy complete and return it to us providing names of all guests who will be at the cabin. We must have an official signed Rental Policy send via email in order to confirm your reservation.

I like speak to every guest at the time they reserve our cabin to ensure our personal cabin is just the right fit.

It has been brought to my attention that the house rules and policy are not provided until after payment is submitted thru vrbo, so I am including overview of our rental policy. Most are just good ole common sense...

Doc’s Lakeside Cabin
• We require you read All Policies.
• By reserving your stay at Doc’s Lakeside Cabin, you are accepting our policy
• It is the responsibly of credit card holder to inform the others in their reservation about Doc’s Lakeside Cabin policy.
Names of All guests must be provided to be on property of Doc’s Lakeside Cabin.

At check out guest are required to leave the cabin/Hot Tub and property in the same general condition it was upon arrival. I know some of these are common sense but…
1. Wash/Dry and put away dishes, utensils etc.
2. Clean the stove/microwave from any grease of food residue left from cooking
3. Do NOT dispose of hot/used cooking grease in landscaping/grass/rocks or trash bag
4. Wipe off counter tops.
5. Wipe up any spills
6. Do Not remove linens from the beds, I will take care of that.
7. Clean out all food and beverage brought to the cabin.
8. Place all used towels and washcloths in bathtub.
9. Close all windows and outside doors
10. Please bag all trash and place in outside trash receptacle provided.
If you Do Not leave the Cabin/Hot Tub and it’s surroundings as it was upon arrival, or if you abuse the cabin or violate any of our policies, you will not be allowed to rent from us in the future.
• You must be 25 years or older to reserve a cabin.
• You must be at least 21 years or older to stay at Doc’s Cabin, this is an Adult only location.
• Only the specified number of guests is allowed at the cabin.
**
• Reservations are required to be on the property.
• If it is found that you have more that the number of specified guests at any time at the cabin, you will be charged an extra $100 per Hour per person and you will be asked to leave for breaking policy. No refunds.**
• We pride ourselves with our clean peaceful environment at Doc's Lakeside Cabin; Doc’s “is not a party place.”
• You are responsible for any damages to the cabin/Hot Tub or its contents during your stay
• In the event of a dispute prevailing party may ask for attorney fee cost.
• Doc's Lakeside Cabin is not responsible for any "Acts of God" or "Mother Nature"
• Please Do Not Cook Seafood of any kind in the cabin, also the use of Curry seasoning is NOT Allowed, the smell will absorb into the walls, a gas grill is provided for such strong smelling cuisines. $500 Fee No Exceptions!
• We do not allow you to bring your own electronics such as gaming systems, amplifiers or Apple TV to hook into our TV.
• Wax Candles, open flames are not permitted in the cabin;
Doc’s cabin provides battery-operated candles, and automatic aromatherapy.
• Please do not drive on the grass; we have an irrigation system installed just below the surface.
Free Wi-Fi:
• Doc’s Cabin realized that some guests must have internet access for their careers, so as a courtesy we started providing Free Wi-Fi for our guests
• Doc’s cabin does not offer refunds for “courtesy” Free Wi-Fi.
Smoking:
• Smoking and/or Vaping is Not allowed in the cabin, on the Screened in Balcony or in the Hot Tub.
• The person making the reservation will be responsible for a $500 cleaning fee, if a scent of smoking is detected in the cabin, on the Screened in Balcony or in the Hot Tub.
Pets:
• NO PETS ALLOWED.
With respect to other guest with allergies and health related issues our policy is NO pets. No exceptions.
• The person making the reservation is responsible for a $500 cleaning fee if pets are taken into the cabin

Hot Tub: IMPORTANT:
Doc's Lakeside Cabin is designed as an Adult relaxing romantic getaway with a Hot Tub.
We want our guests to be aware of what will contaminate the water in which they are responsible.
Here are a few things that will contaminate the water
• Swimwear only!!! Anything other than a swimsuit will still have detergent and fabric softener in them
which will leach out into the hot tub causing the water to either turn cloudy or foam or both.
• Shoes of any kind are not allowed in hot tub as this will scratch the tub and contaminate water.
• Makeup, body lotion, sun tan lotion, sunless tanning lotion, oils, hair gel or any other body
products will come off in the water turning the water cloudy and foam or both. You must take a shower with soap before entering the hot tub.
• If you have been down at the lake fishing the hot tub is not a place to wash off, you must take a shower and wash your hands before getting into the hot tub.
• NO Drinking, Smoking or eating in hot tub anyone of theses if dropped in will contaminate the water AND WILL cause it to cloud up and foam.
• Hot Tub use is Not permitted while it is sprinkling, raining, hailing or sleeting, the precipitation will change the balance of chemicals causing the water to be cloudy.
• Leaving the Hot Tub cover off of the hot tub while not in use will let bugs and flying particles get into the water.
• Lowering the Hot tub temperature below 99 degrees will cause the pump not to circulate, resulting in cloudy water.
• If you have had diarrhea/Vomiting in the last 24 hours or a open wound, DO NOT get in the Hot Tub!
• I recommend if 99 degree water is too hot, stay out of Hot Tub (this is Not a swimming pool)
Absolutely, NO GLASS containers near the hot tub; around the hot tub or even on the deck in which the hot tub is located.
There will be a Minimum $150 charge for misuse/Abuse of the hot tub during your stay such as a low water level, contamination, unusually dirty/cloudy/foamy water or foreign objects in hot tub. (i.e. grass, mud, residue from self tanning products, Make-Up, sprays and or Oils, ashes, food, beverages, gum etc)
• We ask that you bring robes or beach towels for the hot tub.
• Doc's Lakeside Cabin is not responsible for any injuries due to misuse/abuse of the hot tub or any other items located on the premises.
• CBC recommends 15min of soaking in a hot tub
• You must shower with soap before/after soaking in the hot tub
Hot tub cover must remain on the tub and latched while not in use.
Turn Off the lights in the hot tub, Close and Latch after getting out of the Hot Tub.
**DO NOT Leave Hot Tub Un-Covered
Fishing Policies:
• Guests are welcome to enjoy a leisure time of fishing in our lake.
• We ask that when you catch, you release back into the lake, so others may enjoy the same.
• Do NOT bring fish into the cabin.
• Absolutely, No cleaning of fish on/in or around our property.
Outdoor Activities and Policies:
• Please do not move outdoor furniture
• We encourage you to wear appropriate attire and use insect repellant while enjoying the outdoor environment.
• As wooded areas are prevalent to having chiggers, ticks, oak mites, etc.: we encourage you to shower after your outdoor activities for your comfort.
• Doc's Lakeside Cabin is not responsible for mosquitoes or any other type of insect.
• NO Swimming or Boating Permitted
Doc's Lakeside Cabin reserves the right to vacate the premises at any time.
Relevant penalties apply for violating policy.
Reservations:
Rates are based on reservations for 2 people.
Additional guest are per night are $100 each up to a maximum of 4 people total.

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Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
Our cabin is designed for adults.
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Events

No events allowed
This is NOT a Party location.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO EXCEPTIONS!
Guests are REQUIRED to SIGN The Doc's Lakeside Cabin rental agreement that is sent via email after reserving, also provide names of all guests.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Note from host: This is NOT a Party location.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Jonesboro

Located in Jonesboro, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Shawnee National Forest and Mississippi River. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Jonesboro, IL

What's nearby

  • Grassy Lake - 13 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Isle Casino Cape Girardeau - 39 min drive - 43.7 km
  • Southeast Missouri State University - 40 min drive - 44.5 km
  • Blue Sky Vineyards - 51 min drive - 44.3 km
  • Southern Illinois University - 51 min drive - 50.4 km

Getting around

  • Cape Girardeau, MO (CGI-Cape Girardeau Municipal) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Hebrews Coffeehouse - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cabin in Southern Illinois - Hot Tub - Romantic Getaway -Shawnee National Forest pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cabin in Southern Illinois - Hot Tub - Romantic Getaway -Shawnee National Forest?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cabin in Southern Illinois - Hot Tub - Romantic Getaway -Shawnee National Forest?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cabin in Southern Illinois - Hot Tub - Romantic Getaway -Shawnee National Forest located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Shawnee National Forest and within 6 mi (10 km) of Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area and Grassy Lake. Anna City Park and Mississippi River are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 258 out of 262 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 262 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 262 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 262 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 262 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kayla G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little cabin! Perfect for a couples get away along the wine trails of sourthern IL! Hot tub was fantastic, the property was very clean! The cabin had everything we needed!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer P.

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

Nice Stay.

Rented the cabin for a quiet getaway and got just that. Cabin is clean and has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah C.

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

Weekend Getaway

Wonderful property perfect for a quiet time away!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miriam Z.

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

Doc’s Lakeside Cabin

The cabin, property, and amenities were wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Doug M.

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

Exceptional cabin

Excellent cabin and perfect getaway
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Johnny P.

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

A southern Illinois jewel

My wife and I had an amazing time exploring the surrounding area on our weekend getaway. Hiking and wineries and relaxing in the hot tub was exactly what we wanted. There’s so much to explore and we’ve just scratched the surface. We hope to make it back for another adventure soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ebony T.

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

Lovely Quiet Getaway!

My partner and I had a great time here. The weather never went about 50F, but that made the hot tub very nice! We will have to visit again when the weather is better. You can tell Tanya and company care a great deal for this property and for your stay, and I appreciate them having us!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie F.

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

Relaxing and Romantic

We loved how quiet & private the cabin was. It was beautiful, clean, & we both loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

L. M.

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

Private retreat

Beautiful place. Decorated nicely. Caught some fish(and released).
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky L.

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

Perfect Getaway!

We loved our stay! Was perfect for my husband and I to celebrate our anniversary. House was as described and very clean. Property was peaceful. Just what we needed!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah N.

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

Relaxing getaway

Blow away with this property! Seriously could move in LOL. The property was extremely clean and the views were amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra B.

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

Quiet getaway

Just beautiful ❤️
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angella G.

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

Extended weekend

Beautiful property inside and out. Thank you for sharing your home with us. Highly recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C.

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

Great getaway

We spent out 5yr anneversary here. The property is amazing. The cottage is very cozy and perfect for 1 couple with plenty of space. The hot top was nice with a great view. We spent some time hiking at some of the local state parks and explored Cape Giradeau which we enjoyed very much. Lovely little city!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly B.

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

So Relaxing!

Tanya and Robert's cabin was so clean, comfortable and lovely. We were able to fully relax in the beautiful and well appointed setting. Even the constant rain during our January stay couldn't "dampen" our experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Denise P.

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

Rest and Relaxation

After an incredibly busy and stressful summer, I needed to reset before beginning a new position in less than a week. This was a perfect getaway. We love southern IL!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott R.

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

Very nice and clean house

Well taken care of. Very clean. Great views. Hot tub was wonderful. Very private. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lisa E.

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

Perfect

Beautiful property! Perfect romantic, quiet and relaxing setting. Even caught a small, large mouth bass. Bedding was wonderful and it had all of the amenities. Thanks for sharing your beautiful place! Lisa
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Aiden Z.

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

Beautiful and relaxing!

The cabin itself is stunning with a beautiful view, super clean and well decorated with all the household amenities you'd need! The hot tub was so nice to relax in under the starry night sky and there's some amazing nature spots nearby. If you're up for a hike or some adventure I'd highly suggest making the drive to see the Garden of the Gods rock formations in Herod, IL or check out the Devil's Standtable in Makanda, IL. The cabin is tucked away in the perfect spot, truly a romantic getaway and perfect for couples trips!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Austin N.

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

3 Day Getaway

Overall excellent place to get away for relaxation. We didn’t even get a chance to use the hot tub or fire pit since it was mid 90s when we were there. We plan to return in the future. My only suggestion would be to get a ceiling fan in the bedroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

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

S

Expectations for all the cabins are said high now
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host was very welcoming and the cabin was beautiful and comfortable! The rainy weather didn’t allow for much outdoor time but we enjoyed the beautiful view from the screened in porch while we sipped our coffee in the mornings.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan R. P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was amazing. Even though it rained some, it was perfect to sit out on the porch and watch/listen to the rain, nature, and the peace. Just an overall great location! We also got in a couple of good hikes not far from the cabin. Would 100% suggest to others, and we already have.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bryce K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great experience! Awesome little cabin! Loved the screened in porch over looking the lake, along with the hot tube. Place was well mantained and the owners are friendly. Really appreciated them reaching out to us during our stay to see if we needed anything. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julia T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect! That is the best way to describe our stay. We celebrated our 25th anniversary with a stay at Doc’s Lakeside Cabin. We only need two things for a get away to be enjoyable. 1. Clean accommodations. 2. Peaceful quiet solitude. Doc’s cabin did not disappoint. The cabin was immaculately clean to a level we’ve not experienced in a rental. The serenity of the screened-in deck in the morning with the sounds of nature cannot be described. What a great way for us to celebrate our life together and restore our souls and unwind from the craziness of everyday life. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Tanya Loveless Docs Lakeside Cabin

Host profile image
Tanya worked for Illinois Department of Corrections for 29 years and now is retired. Robert works at the #1 Golf Course in MO. We have been married for over 34 years.

Why they chose this property

Robert built our personal getaway cabin on our property, so we would be able to share the beautiful lake view with others. My grandpa Doc said 'That would be a perfect place for a cabin." So we named our cabin 'Doc's Lakeside Cabin' in honor and memory of him.

What makes this property unique

While staying at our cabin you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake. You will see fish, ducks, birds and possibly a bald eagle. You will definitely enjoy soaking in the spacious hot tub under the stars, or reading a book on the screened balcony.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests