We all need a quick break every once in a while—a place to relax and recharge. Shawnee National Forest is the best place to get away from it all! This place has amazing nature sights, different ecosystems, and unique attractions. There are many activities to do around Shawnee National Forest cabins that will make your trip unforgettable, from hiking and waterfall trails with beautiful views to discovering secret gems in nearby towns.
- Hike with Your Family
There are many miles of trails for hiking near cabins in Shawnee National Forest, allowing you to have adventures around nearly every curve.
Shawnee National Forest has many hiking trails. The Rim Rock National Recreational Trail has beautiful views and the historic Ox-lot Cave. The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is harder to hike, but it has incredible views and rock formations like Camel Rock and Table Rock. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area is a quiet place where people like swimming, fishing, and hiking on peaceful trails. You can walk to an interesting limestone cave in Cave-In-Rock State Park, with a long history of pirates and settlers. There is a great trail for every hiker in this beautiful place.
- Watch the Wildlife and Take Pictures
Are you a nature lover? One of the best things to do in Southern Illinois during your cabin stay is to see animals like white-tailed deer, bald eagles, red foxes, wild turkeys, and more. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the forest’s scenery and wildlife!
Additional Read: The Most Scenic Lodging Near Shawnee National Forest: Where to Wake Up to Nature
- Camp Out!
You can have the best outdoor adventures near Shawnee National Forest by camping.
In Shawnee National Forest, there are many places to camp, such as
- Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area: This beautiful part of the forest features hidden springs, sandstone cliffs, and canyons with streams. An eight-mile trail system with rock formations and a natural rock bridge connects the various locations.
- Lake Glendale Recreation Center: Lake Glendale is in the middle of Shawnee National Forest and has a big picnic shelter with grills. You can swim, fish, hike, ride bikes, and go boating (the lake has a boat ramp)!
- Pine Ridge Campground: Pine Ridge is part of Pounds Hollow Recreation Centre. It is above the lake and has campsites with power, a fire pit, a lantern pole, and a picnic table.
- Pharaoh’s Campground: This camping is in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and has sites with picnic tables, fire rings with grills, drinking water, and bathrooms.
Additionally, Shawnee has a number of RV camping spots, such as:
- Oak Point Campground: Oak Point, part of Lake Glendale Recreation Centre, accommodates large RVs.
- Tower Rock Campground: This Ohio River campground offers fishing and boating.
- Pine Ridge Campground: Located above Pounds Hollow Lake, this campground is part of Pounds Hollow Recreation Centre and welcomes pop-up campsites and compact RVs.
- Shawnee Forest Camp: This year-round park has big RV sites with water, sewer, electricity, fire rings, and picnic tables.
- Enjoy Water Activities
If you’re looking for water sports and fishing near cabin rentals, booking your stay in Shawnee National Forest is the perfect choice! It has so many lakes and rivers that are great for outdoor activities.
- You can kayak or canoe on Lake Glendale, Cedar Lake, or Pounds Hollow Lake and enjoy the calm water.
- The Ohio River and Kinkaid Lake are both great places to fish. You can find bass, catfish, and bluegill there.
- Feeling hot? There are places to swim, or you can rent a small boat and spend the day resting on the water.
Summing Up
A stay in a cabin in Shawnee National Forest is the best way to relax and have fun at the same time. There are a lot of activities to do around Shawnee National Forest cabins, like hiking through beautiful rock formations, visiting charming small towns, or relaxing in a hot tub with a view of the forest. Next time you want to get away, check out Southern Illinois’ best-kept secret!
Book your stay with Shawnee Forest Cabins. Contact us for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best outdoor activities to enjoy during my cabin stay in Shawnee National Forest?
You can hike, bike, birdwatch, fish, horseback ride, and drive in Shawnee National Forest during your cabin stay. You can visit popular places like Garden of the Gods, Jackson Falls, and Rim Rock Trail.
- What amenities can I expect in a cabin rental in Shawnee National Forest?
Cabin rentals usually have a full kitchen and bathroom, heating and cooling, comfortable furnishings, and a fireplace. Some cabins also have Wi-Fi, hot tubs, and outside barbeques.
- Is there a place for campfires at the cabin?
Many cabins have fire pits or outdoor fireplaces for campfires. These are great ways to relax after a day of exploring. Ask the lodging provider about campfire rules.
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