Covering over 280,000 acres of land in southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is the favorite spot for people seeking an escape from their regular lives. With its scenic beauty and unique tourist attractions, this place has everything a nature lover needs. Besides, if you are looking for a weekend camping and hiking trip with your friends, you must consider Shawnee National Forest lodging with Shawnee Forest Cabins, providing a comfortable stay and an experience you will never forget.
So, today, we will guide you through the best main attractions from Shawnee National Forest and how you can enhance your camping experience. Make sure to read till the end for expert tips, too!
Main Attraction:
The following are the main attractions you must not miss in Shawnee National Forest:
- Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular tourist spots in the area. Here, you can experience a grand collection of sandstone rock formations from ancient times and nature-made sculptures with unbelievable shapes and structures.
- Little Great Canyon
If you are looking for a mini adventure with your friends and family, the Little Great Canyon is a must-see. This 3.6-mile-long hiking trail covers cliffs, waterfalls, and greenery. It is a fantastic place to click scenery photos, plus you get to see unique rock formations along with towering walls.
- Bell Smith Springs
If you are obsessed with water streams, hold your breath for this one! Bell Smith Springs is a paradise on earth. It has clear water streams that make you lose control and take a dip in the water. Besides, it also has a bridge naturally made out of rocks, an absolutely stunning Instagram-perfect destination.
- Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
This is a 1.7-mile-long trail that is best for short hiking plans. It takes you through the natural rock formations, green forests, and the sandstone sculptures. In fact, on your way, you will also come across the place that was once considered the shelter for the native americans.
(Also read from our previous blogs: Rim Rock Recreational Trail: A Must-Visit Adventure Spot )
- Cave-in-rocks
Yep! It’s not just rocks, waterfalls, and forests; you will also find a mysterious limestone cave used by pirates and Native Americans centuries ago. This is a historic place to enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
Where to Wake Up to Nature
It is pretty obvious that you cannot cover the entire 280,000 acres of land in a day. So why not plan a weekend trip where you detox from the outside world and live a nomad life with modern-day amenities? Shawnee Forest Cabins is considered to be one of the best places to stay near Shawnee National Forest because of our accommodation services. What we offer:
- One-Bedroom Cabin
The one-bedroom cabin is perfect for small families or couples. It has a queen bed and sleeper sofa, large windows, and outdoor patios that allow you to experience the best view of nature. You can also enjoy a private hot tub while staying connected to the beautiful greenery.
Extra amenities: Fireplace, charcoal grill, wifi, and a kitchen
- Two-Bedroom Cabin
This is an excellent option for a big group of friends or families. This luxury accommodation offers two queen-size beds with a sleeper sofa. Its immense space lets you relax on the outdoor patio while admiring nature’s beauty. This two-bedroom cabin is also situated in the forest’s heart, giving you the ultimate experience.
Extra amenities: Fireplace, charcoal grill, wifi, kitchen, two hot tubs, and lawn chairs.
- Treehouse Cabin
You deserve a unique stay near Shawnee National Forest, so why settle for the basic cabins when you can experience an adventurous stay with Shawnee Forest Cabins’ treehouse Cabin? This is one of the most desired cabins because of its location, proximity, and accommodating amenities. It is near the Garden of the Gods so that you can have an aesthetic stay with breathtaking views.
Extra amenities: Queen bed, leather sleeping sofas, satellite TV, wifi, kitchen, and a fireplace.
Tips on Lodging Near Shawnee National Forest
If it is your first time visiting Shawnee National Forest, the following are a few tips for you:
- Advance Booking
By now, you must be aware of Shawnee National Forest’s immense popularity. This is why you should make bookings for Shawnee National Forest vacation rentals in advance to get the best spot for an enhanced experience.
- Camping
When going to Shawnee National Forest for vacation, you must try camping with your friends and family. You can opt for camping tents with washroom facilities provided by the forest authorities.
- Pet-friendly
You will find pet-friendly accommodations. However, they might charge extra fees. Make sure to read the terms and policies before taking your furbaby.
Conclusion
Shawnee National Forest is undoubtedly one of the best places to hike and spend quality time with your loved ones. It is about a six-hour road trip from Chicago, allowing you to breathe fresh air and enjoy a peaceful weekend with nature. This is why Shawnee Forest Cabins is the best place for you when looking for luxury Shawnee National Forest lodging. Not only do you enjoy nature from a close point of view, but you also have a comfy stay with modern amenities.
Click here to make your bookings today for a comfortable stay.
FAQs
- Can I find ATMs near Shawnee National Forest?
ATMs may not be available inside the forest, but there are multiple ATMs in the Shawnee National Forest gateway. - For how many days should we lodge in Shawnee National Forest?
There is no pressure when you experience the beauty of nature in Shawnee National Forest. You can lodge with us for as many days as you want to. Even so, plan a three-day and two-night trip to experience the best attractions.
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