This was our first time staying here. We actually spotted these rentals about two years ago while driving by on our way to a hike and said, "We need to come back and stay there." So glad we finally did. We stayed in the White Oak Treehouse and it was solid. Such a cool experience being up in the trees but still completely comfortable. Clean, cozy, and everything worked the way it should. Peaceful without feeling rough or overly rustic. We made use of the fire pit and the grill, which really added to the stay. Sitting outside near the treehouse in the evening, surrounded by trees, felt incredibly private. Honestly, I think the White Oak is probably the most private rental on the property. It's in the middle of so many great trails. Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, and Pounds Hollow are all close by. Just a note......Pounds Hollow is only accessible to foot traffic from December through mid-March. We spotted a bald eagle, heard coyotes at night, and I got to sit on the porch with coffee listening to a rooster crow somewhere in the distance (no roosters on site, which made it even funnier). The staff are great and very responsive. From booking to check-in, it's been a really pleasant experience. I received a gift card for my birthday...just a heads up, if you're using a gift card you'll need to call the office to make your reservation so they can apply it. Otherwise, you can book directly on their website. The outpost where you check in has tons of resources for hiking and trails, plus a lot of other helpful amenities. There were also a couple of sweet surprise kitty visitors during our stay, which just added to the charm. This has been a really great stay. Would absolutely come back. read more

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This review is for Chestnut. Nice, clean place, close to Garden of the Gods. Kitchen is spartan but workable. Not much for dining or groceries in the area; bring what you need. Also, bring hangers. read more

this is the best place to stay in Elizabeth town and the surrounding area. Great location and awesome if you want to really get away. Beware, there is no cell reception (very spotty) and that can be a good thing or bad thing..depending how connected you need to be. ;) owners are great, and the units are all new and very well kept. The grounds are awesome and set you up for a very relaxing stay. Make sure you pack your own food, and bring plenty, because not alot near there. So do it before you get to the grounds.You are basically 20 to 30 minutes away from any stores. But if you want to hike, etc..this is the place. read more

We stayed with them in early May 2021. Loved being at Pine Ridge Home. It was perfect for us. Just my husband and I - and our pooch! Great location for lots of hiking and fun. We absolutely appreciated (and used) the hot tub. It rained every day so soaking after hours of hiking in the rain was just about as perfect as it gets. Already planning a return trip. read more

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Stayed 4 times now. Owners are very very down to earth. If something isn't right they go above and beyond to make it right. Last stay was in January at their new rental with the jacuzzi. While the weather didn't want to cooperate, it was still a great stay as always. read more

Seriously, if staying in a treehouse sounds like something you would like to do...you will want to check this place out. We planned this trip about about 4 months in advance and I'm sure you'll find you will need to do the same. Upon arrival, we spoke with the female owner who was very friendly. She explained the basics. White Oak is the larger of the two treehouse's available, and the more secluded. We surprised our kids with this trip and they were so excited once they saw where we were staying! There really is everything you need for your stay...bathroom with shower, two-burner cooktop, two beds in the loft plus a sofa which converts into a bed and wifi. Outside a hammock, two balconies, a tree swing and fire pit with chairs make it easy to relax a number of ways. You may even hear the cows or horses that live nearby. Things you should know about the area: Be prepared and bring all the food you will need for the duration of your stay. We stayed two nights and planned on finding a dinner spot our second night. This was a mistake, as we spent a long day out hiking and exploring, so by the time we were ready for dinner we weren't interested in trying to find the one restaurant in the area, and instead made due with sandwiches. When we return, we will bring more than enough food and we will book more than two nights! read more

We stayed here for a week in the Walnut Hill Home, which was great. The house was clean and so accommodating, it had everything we might've needed. It was peaceful and quiet. Elizabeth was very nice and helpful when we checked in. The cabins and treehouses looked very cute. Cell reception was sketchy, but who needs their phone when they have all this peace and outdoors to enjoy? There is a Wal-Mart about 20-30 minutes away and a little gas station about 10-15 minutes away that has some of the basics. You might want to hit the Wal-Mart for food prior to getting there. There are some ponds/creeks for fishing, just ask Elizabeth. I think anywhere you choose to stay here, treehouse, cabin, or the house, you are going to enjoy it. We are definitely coming back again next year. read more

I stayed with my husband at Walnut Hill and it was beautiful! They have a whirlpool tub in the master bedroom and it was very relaxing after a hike in the cold. Garden of the Gods is breathtaking and I was glad that it was no more than a 10 minute drive from the house. The facility is pet friendly but you would never know that someone had their animals in the house! It was very clean and the bed was very comfortable. I wanted to see another home they rented and the owner took me to Pine Ridge while they were cleaning it, and I would love to stay in that house next time. They take great care of the hot tub and the house is in a private location for family gatherings. It's just a nice place to visit and the owners are very personable. Make sure to get the ice cream at their Garden of the Gods Outpost, too! It's is so fresh and thick I am craving another cone already! I can't thank Marty and Elizabeth enough for their hospitality and I can't wait to come back in the summer! read more

My husband and I stayed at Twin Oaks cabin. This cabin is from 1852. The history is kept alive with the restoration and period specific pieces. The added modern amenities are all you need to be comfortable. The area is beautiful with great hiking and sightseeing. The owners are wonderful so friendly and helpful. We will go back. read more

We stayed at the Twin Oaks cabin, and I wish it was longer. We planned to arrive late at night, so the owner gave me the helpful check-in speech by phone. I couldn't believe how cozy yet spacious (and clean!) a restored 1800s log cabin could be. I absolutely love the unique aesthetic the owners were able to create, which was simple and open. There were a few photographs, great fireplace, bedding that was comfortable but seemed period-appropriate, copper sinks, a lovely claw-foot tub, very cute and functional little modern kitchen area, etc. Although our stay was on a March night, I thought I could hear frog song in the back on the night we arrived; the location seemed like the perfect amount of remoteness. Had a great sleep but the soft sound of rain on the metal roof when I did get up was blissful. Our two dogs also seemed very happy there. read more

We loved this place! We spent one night in the Sassafras cabin. It is a perfect place to stay in the Shawnee National Forest, close to Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Pounds Hollow, and High Knob. It is a great way to experience staying in the forest but with all the amenities of home. The cabins are new and clean and well appointed. Owners Elizabeth and Marty are great people and want you to really enjoy your stay. Helped us on places to go and even which trails to take, along with a map. They provided all the firewood we needed to make a campfire, a hammock to lounge in down by the fire pit, nice fluffy towels in a very nice bathroom with a claw foot rub/shower, a small but modern kitchen with all the basics you need for food prep and cooking, even a flat screen TV with DVDs. We loved watching the hummingbirds at the feeder on the porch as we sat on the porch swing. Make sure to bring in your food, as the nearest grocery store (we suggest going to Wal-Mart--most selection) is in Harrisburg about 30 minutes away. You can get a few basics at the outpost on site (including marshmallows!) and there is a small gas station/store not far away with a few more basics like milk, bread, cooking oil, etc. and they serve sandwiches and a hot lunch. We only wish we could have stayed longer. Book well in advance, especially during the summer months. We will definitely be back!! read more

Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins - Sassafras cabin - Vacation Rentals Near Me - Elizabethtown, Illinois

Elizabeth and Marty have a real hidden Gem - but not for long. The Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins offer it all. Currently they have two beautiful cabins and a tree house with a 2nd tree house being built in a 100 year old white oak tree. The cabin we stayed in came fully stocked (minus food) :-) Only minutes away from the Garden of The Gods and other Shawnee National Forest landmarks and hiking trails. Plenty to do and then come back in the evening and enjoy the porch swing, the grill and the fire pit. Not to mention the night sky views. A great place to visit for hiking, sightseeing or just to recharge and relax. I know we will be going back. I am glad I did my research and found Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins. read more

My husband and I stayed in the Maple Oak Treehouse at Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins for our honeymoon. We stayed 3 nights back in July, and it was such a perfect place. The treehouse itself had two mattresses upstairs in the loft (one Queen, one Full size). Downstairs, there was a bathroom/shower, couch, TV, and small kitchen. The treehouse was also stocked with a small selection of movies and games. It rained one afternoon, so after an adventurous morning of hiking in the nearby Shawnee National Forest, we were able to relax in the treehouse, reading our books and watching TV. The nearby trails of Garden of the Gods and Pounds Hollow were very scenic. We live in Chicago, and it felt like we escaped Illinois when we were in Karbers Ridge. As the other reviews suggestion, bring food for all of your meals with you. There is a small gas station about 15 minutes away with snacks, ice cream, hotdogs, drinks, etc. that you can purchase, but other than that, there is nothing really close by in terms of food. Be sure to visit Rim Rock, and if you have time for a day trip, go to Cave in Rock State Park. There, you can take a free water taxi across the Ohio River to Marion, Kentucky. My husband and I went to the Ben E Clement Mineral Museum, a unique place on its own. We also visited Elizabethtown... Be sure to visit the E-Town River Restaurant for some fresh catfish. Overall, if you are looking to visit Southern Illinois, Timber Ridge is the place to stay! read more

Stayed at the Hickory Hollow Cabin with a cute porch swing, extremely clean and nicely decorated. The owners Elizabeth and Marty have thought of everything to make a camping trip stress free. The cabins are fully stocked with everything you need, just bring your food and charcoal. Hammocks located in the best places within their property, and a very nice pond for the kids to fish. They even have firewood chopped and ready for your bonfire! I can go on forever, as to how happy I was and am for finding such a great place to return to for many years to come. Last but not least their attentiveness and friendly personalities made it even better! Truly a place I'll recommend to everyone I know. read more