Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your stay at Shawnee Forest Cabins and Woodland Cabins.
Booking & Payments
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available for an additional fee based on availability.
How old do you have to be to rent a cabin?
Guests must be at least 21 years old to reserve a cabin.
How much is required to book a cabin?
A 50% deposit is required at booking for reservations made more than 21 days in advance. The remaining balance is automatically charged 21 days before arrival. Reservations booked within 21 days require full payment at booking.
A $150 security deposit is also required prior to arrival. If a credit card is used for the security deposit, a temporary authorization hold may be placed on the card prior to check-in — similar to what hotels and rental car companies commonly use. This is not an actual charge unless damages, missing items, excessive cleaning, or policy violations occur during the stay. If no issues are found, the hold is typically released shortly after check-out, though timing may vary by bank.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 21 days prior to arrival receive a refund minus $50 per cabin or a 3% processing fee, whichever is greater.
Reservations involving 2 or more cabins, or stays of 7 nights or longer, require at least 30 days notice.
No refunds are provided for no-shows, early departures, weather-related issues, or temporary outages or inoperable amenities. Travel insurance is recommended.
Are one-night stays allowed?
A two-night minimum is generally required. Single-night stays may be available between existing reservations, on select weekdays, or within 7 days of arrival. An additional fee may apply.
Is a rental agreement required?
Yes. Guests are required to sign a Rental Agreement prior to check-in. The agreement outlines important policies, property rules, liability limitations, occupancy requirements, and guest responsibilities during the stay.
Do guests need to complete ID verification?
Some reservations may require identity verification prior to check-in for fraud prevention and security purposes. The process is secure, automated, and takes less than a minute to complete.
Pet Policy
Are the cabins dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted only in designated pet-friendly cabins with prior approval and payment of applicable pet fees.
Shawnee Forest Cabins — dog friendly:
- Cabin 2
- Cabin 3
- Cabin 5
Woodland Cabins — dog friendly:
- Fern Glen
- Southern Comfort
- White Tail
- Wood Song
What are the pet fees and rules?
Pet fees:
- $75 for the first dog
- $50 for each additional dog
- Maximum of 2 dogs unless approved in writing
Additional policies:
- Dogs must be non-aggressive breeds
- Vaccinations must be current
- Pets must be on flea and tick prevention
- Pets must remain leashed outdoors
- Pets may not be left unattended unless crated
- Pets are not allowed on furniture or in hot tubs
Unauthorized pets may result in additional fees or eviction without refund. Guests with pets may also be required to sign a Pet Addendum prior to arrival.
Amenities & Property
What amenities are included?
Cabins may include:
- Hot tubs & fireplaces
- WiFi & Smart TVs
- Full kitchens (except Serenity & Tranquility)
- Coffee makers and filters
- Towels and linens
- Fire pits and firewood
- Charcoal or propane grills
- Central heat and air
- Lawn chairs
Shawnee Forest Cabins include an EV charger.
Is WiFi available?
Yes — most cabins include high-speed wireless internet. Some cabins (Fern Glen, Serenity, and Tranquility) have spotty service due to their proximity to the main satellite dish.
Are hot tubs guaranteed to be operational?
Hot tubs are serviced prior to guest arrival, but occasional maintenance, cleaning, refilling, or reheating time may be necessary. Please report any issues within 2 hours of arrival so we can address them promptly.
Temporary hot tub interruptions do not qualify for refunds or discounts. Pets are strictly prohibited in hot tubs.
What happens if amenities are temporarily unavailable?
We work hard to ensure all amenities are fully operational prior to arrival. However, because the cabins are in a rural setting, occasional maintenance issues, utility interruptions, weather-related outages, or unexpected equipment failures may occur.
Temporary interruptions involving hot tubs, WiFi, HVAC, appliances, fireplaces, EV chargers, satellite/streaming services, or power and water do not qualify for refunds, partial refunds, discounts, or relocation unless required by law. Please report any issues promptly so our team can resolve them as quickly as possible.
Are there security cameras on the property?
Some properties may have exterior security cameras for safety and monitoring purposes. No cameras are located inside cabins.
What are the closest stores for supplies?
Nearby country and convenience stores offer groceries, gas, firewood, and basic supplies within a short driving distance of most cabins.
Rules & Policies
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking, vaping, cannabis, and drug use are prohibited inside all cabins. Violations may result in immediate eviction and additional cleaning fees.
Smoking outdoors is permitted only in designated areas with proper disposal.
Are parties or events allowed?
No parties, gatherings, or events are permitted. Only registered guests are allowed on the property.
What should guests do before checking out?
Before departure, please:
- Wash dishes
- Place trash in outside receptacles
- Leave used towels in the shower or designated area
- Leave the cabin in reasonable condition
Additional cleaning charges may apply if excessive cleaning is required.
What happens if damage occurs during a stay?
Guests are responsible for any damages caused during their stay, including pet-related damages, excessive cleaning, or missing items. Charges may be applied to the card on file.
Are refunds given for weather, outages, or wildlife?
Because the cabins are located in wooded, rural settings, guests may encounter wildlife, insects, weather-related interruptions, or utility outages. No refunds are issued for events outside ownership control, including weather, power outages, internet interruptions, wildlife activity, and road conditions.
Please use caution outdoors and supervise children and pets at all times.
Can cabins be reassigned?
Management reserves the right to move guests to a comparable cabin if necessary due to maintenance, operational needs, or unforeseen circumstances.
What happens to lost items?
Lost items may be returned at the guest's expense. Unclaimed items may be discarded after a limited holding period.
Your Southern Illinois escape awaits.
Book your stay or reach out — we're happy to help you plan the perfect getaway.