The terms that govern the use of our website and our cabin rentals.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of shawneeforestrentalcabins.com (the "Site") and any reservation you make with Ground Zero Lodging ("we," "us," or "our"). By using the Site or booking a stay, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site or book with us.
You may use the Site for lawful, personal, and non-commercial purposes. You agree not to interfere with the Site's operation, attempt to gain unauthorized access, scrape content for resale, or use the Site to transmit harmful code or unsolicited communications. All Site content, including text, photos, logos, and graphics, is owned by Ground Zero Lodging or licensed to us and is protected by copyright and trademark law. You may not reproduce or redistribute content without our written permission.
The primary guest making the reservation must be at least 25 years of age and must be physically present for the entire stay. A valid government-issued photo ID matching the reservation name is required. Reservations are confirmed only after payment is received and you receive a written confirmation from us. Submitting false information may result in immediate cancellation without refund.
Total charges include the nightly rate, cleaning fee, applicable state and local taxes, and a refundable security deposit. Payment is due at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed in writing. We accept major credit cards through our secure payment processor. You authorize us to charge the card on file for any damages, missing items, excessive cleaning, or unauthorized fees as described in these Terms or your booking confirmation.
Our cancellation policy is provided at the time of booking and on our FAQ page. In general, cancellations made more than 30 days before check-in receive a full refund of nightly charges; cancellations within 30 days are subject to forfeiture of part or all of the booking total. Refunds are not provided for early departures, weather, road conditions, power outages, or events beyond our control. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM unless other arrangements have been made in writing. The number of guests may not exceed the maximum occupancy listed for each cabin. Unauthorized guests, parties, or events are prohibited and may result in immediate termination of the rental without refund and additional fees.
A security deposit is collected at the time of booking and refunded within 14 days after checkout, provided no damage to the property is found and all house rules have been followed. You agree to report accidental damage promptly. You are responsible for the full cost of repairs or replacement of any items damaged beyond normal wear and tear, even if the cost exceeds the security deposit.
Cabin stays involve activities that carry inherent risk, including but not limited to use of decks, hot tubs, fire pits, stairways, and outdoor areas in a rural forest environment. By booking, you acknowledge these risks for yourself and all members of your party and agree to use the property responsibly. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ground Zero Lodging is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, or for any loss of property, personal injury, or illness arising out of your stay or use of the Site. Our total liability under these Terms will not exceed the amount you paid for the reservation in question. Some jurisdictions do not allow these limitations; in that case, the limitations apply to the maximum extent permitted.
You agree to indemnify and hold Ground Zero Lodging, its owners, employees, and agents harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Site or property, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of the rights of any third party.
We are not responsible for failure to perform due to events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, fire, government action, utility outages, or public health emergencies. In such cases, we will work in good faith to reschedule your stay or issue a credit when possible.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute arising out of these Terms or your stay will be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Pope County, Illinois, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.
We may update these Terms from time to time. The "Last updated" date above reflects when changes take effect. Reservations made before a change are governed by the Terms in effect at the time of booking; reservations made after a change are governed by the updated Terms.
Questions about these Terms? We're happy to help.