Frequently Asked Questions

You can book directly through our website by selecting your desired cabin, choosing your dates, and completing the reservation form. You can also call us at (618) 771-6868 or email us to book. We recommend booking early, especially for weekends and peak season (fall foliage and summer).

Our standard minimum stay is 2 nights. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year's) require a 3-night minimum. Weekly discounts are available for stays of 7+ nights.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Full payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. All payments are processed securely.

Yes. A $200 security deposit is collected at the time of booking and is fully refundable within 14 days after checkout, provided no damage to the property is found and all house rules have been followed.

The primary guest making the reservation must be at least 25 years of age and must be present for the entire stay. A valid government-issued photo ID matching the reservation name is required.

Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request, subject to availability. We use a self check-in system with a keyless entry code, which is sent to you the day before your arrival.

Detailed driving directions and a GPS pin are sent with your booking confirmation email. Since some cabin locations have limited cell service, we recommend downloading the directions before your trip. We also provide landmarks and photos to help guide you.

Each cabin has a posted maximum occupancy listed on its booking page. The number of guests may not exceed this limit at any time, including daytime visitors. All guests must be registered at the time of booking. Exceeding the maximum occupancy will result in immediate cancellation of your reservation without refund.

No. Parties, events, and gatherings that exceed the listed occupancy of the cabin are strictly prohibited. This includes receptions, reunions, and any organized gathering. Violations will result in immediate termination of your stay without refund and forfeiture of your security deposit.

Yes. Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. During these hours, please keep noise to a minimum out of respect for neighboring properties and the natural surroundings. Excessive noise complaints may result in early termination of your stay.

Before checkout, we ask that guests: take out all trash and place it in the designated bins, load and start the dishwasher, strip the beds and leave linens in a pile, turn off all lights and fans, lock all doors and windows, and return the thermostat to 72°F. A cleaning fee is included in your booking, so professional cleaning is not expected.

30+ days before check-in: Full refund of the nightly rate and cleaning fee.
7–30 days before check-in: 50% refund of the nightly rate. Cleaning fee is fully refunded.
Less than 7 days before check-in: No refund.
The service fee is non-refundable in all cases. We strongly recommend travel insurance for your trip. In case of severe weather events, we will work with you on rescheduling.

Please report any damage or breakage to us as soon as possible. Accidental damage will be assessed and may be deducted from your security deposit. If damage exceeds the deposit amount, you will be responsible for the additional cost. Intentional damage or damage resulting from violation of house rules may result in additional charges and loss of future booking privileges.

All cabins come fully equipped with: bed linens and towels, a fully stocked kitchen (pots, pans, dishes, utensils, coffee maker), basic toiletries (soap, shampoo), paper products (toilet paper, paper towels), dish soap and sponge, firewood (one bundle), and cable/streaming TV. You'll just need to bring your food, beverages, and personal items.

Wi-Fi availability varies by cabin and is noted on each listing. Cell service varies by carrier, but generally AT&T and Verizon have the best coverage in the Shawnee Forest area. Some carriers may have limited or no service. We recommend downloading any needed maps or directions before your trip.

Some cabins are pet-friendly with prior approval. A pet fee of $50 per pet per stay applies. Pets must be disclosed at the time of booking. Pets must be kept off furniture, should not be left unattended in the cabin, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals on the property. Undisclosed pets will result in a $150 charge deducted from your security deposit.

All cabins are strictly non-smoking indoors. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and candles. A designated outdoor smoking area is provided at each cabin. A $300 cleaning fee will be charged if evidence of indoor smoking is found, deducted from your security deposit.

Yes. Free on-site parking is available at each cabin. Parking is limited to 2 vehicles per reservation. Additional vehicles must be approved in advance. Please do not park on the grass or block access roads.

Our cabins are approximately 15 minutes by car from Garden of the Gods Observation Trail, one of the most popular and photographed locations in Shawnee National Forest. We provide detailed directions and insider tips for visiting.

The nearest grocery stores and restaurants are approximately 15-20 minutes away in the surrounding towns. We provide a guest guide with our recommendations for restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and other essentials. We recommend stocking up on groceries on your way in.

Shawnee National Forest is generally very safe. Standard outdoor precautions apply: watch for uneven terrain on trails, bring plenty of water on hikes, be aware of ticks (especially spring/summer), and store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife. We provide a detailed safety and tips sheet with your booking confirmation.