Title: The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=500001&destination=North+America&selected=88731134&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest ## Photo gallery for The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest ![Interior - The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Herod)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88740000/88731200/88731134/0a367fc4.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![2 bedrooms, WiFi - The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Herod)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88740000/88731200/88731134/c2f45082.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![TV - The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Herod)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88740000/88731200/88731134/ae436bb9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Bathroom - The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Herod)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88740000/88731200/88731134/5279850d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Games room - The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest (Herod)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88740000/88731200/88731134/98d5e0f1.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Nestled near the Garden of the Gods wilderness area, Chestnut is a cozy two-bedroom retreat. This newly remodeled home comes with high-speed fiber optic internet and Dish TV. Enjoy amenities like a fully equipped kitchen, complimentary coffee, and firewood for chilly evenings. ## Reviews 9.6 Exceptional ### Entire home 2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 61220 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Washing machine - Dryer - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space - Barbecue grill ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest This two bedroom one bath home is located only 1-1/2 miles from the entrance to Garden of the Gods wilderness area making it one of the closest vacation rentals to Garden of the Gods. This newly remodeled home sleeps up to 6 comfortably and comes with high speed fiber optic internet and Dish TV. The kitchen is equipped with a full size refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and all the dishes you'll need. We supply complimentary coffee, coffee filters, cream, sugar packets, salt, pepper, hand soap, dish soap, toilet paper, paper towels, firewood and camp chairs and of course, FREE WiFi. Chestnut is affordably priced. This home is part of Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins. All guests will check in at our ice cream and gift store, Garden of the Gods Outpost. Located just minutes from the famous Garden of the Gods Wilderness area, Pounds Hollow lake and Rim Rock in the Shawnee National Forest, this little gem is right where you want to be. There is a pavilion on the resort property, about 2 miles from the house, for all guests to enjoy with tether ball, horseshoes and bags (corn hole) games as well as a catch and release pond for fishing. Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins is ranked #1 in our area on TripAdvisor with over 200 FIVE STAR reviews. We have been featured in Better Homes and Garden (2021), Washington Post (2021), Life and Style in southern Illinois (2016), Chicago magazine, AAA travel magazine, Midwest Traveler magazine, The Saturday Evening Post (August 2016), Chicago Parent Going Places magazine (2012 and 2014 and 2017), on Cruisin' Illinois with Julian Cruz (WGN-TV spring 2013) as well as a long list of various blogs, regional publications and more. Come see what all the fuss is about and go home with memories to last a lifetime! Please note, you must include an accurate number of people with your reservation request , regardless of how many nights each person is staying. We do count children as well. The base price is for 2 guests. Anymore than 2 guests is $10 per night per guest extra. \*\*\* Pets and Kids:\*\*\* We are a Pet and Kid Friendly resort. We allow up to two pets per unit for no additional charge, however, we do require a credit card to be on file in the event there is any damage to the unit or its furnishings. To remain a pet friendly resort, pets that are aggressive towards other dogs, cats or people, will NOT be allowed. Pet owners assume ALL liability for their pets. We do have cats on our property so if your dog is aggressive or likes to chase cats, please leash them at all times or do not bring them. We love our pets too. Aggressive animals will be asked to leave immediately. All pets are required to be current on shots and must be protected with Flea and Tick medicine BEFORE you arrive. If you forget, we do have some for sale in the Outpost. All pets must be crated if left unattended in the units. No exceptions please! For your convenience, we do rent crates of all sizes for $8 per visit (not per night) but it is BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket). Please call us in advance if you will need a crate in your unit. Please note, we will automatically charge your credit card for any damages done to the units, furnishings, linens or towels. Although we have never had to charge someone for damages, you will be required to sign a paper stating that you agree to these charges in advance. In the event this is ever necessary, we will provide photographs of the damages. PLEASE help us remain a pet friendly resort and just let us know if your pet had a bad day and accidentally chewed the towel or corner of the rug. We ask only that you reimburse us for the cost of the damaged item. Even if your pet typically doesn't jump on the furniture, PLEASE bring thick blankets to cover the furniture with anyway! This goes a long way to helping the cleaning people get all the dog hair up before the next guests arrive. Thanks! All guests MUST check in at our ice cream and gift shop Garden of the God's outpost at 281 Karber's ridge road. Once checked in you will be given your door code, wifi password, local information and a map to the cabin you are staying at. Currently the Outpost is open Monday-Thursday 10a-6p and Friday-Sunday 10a-8p, if you'll be arriving after hours please call the Outpost at 618-264-9091 to arrange after hours check in. The Outpost serves as a sort of home base for all our guests with supplies, gifts, ice cream, to go food, t-shirts and more. ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in the house: WiFi ### Food and drink - Coffee/tea maker ### Bedrooms - 2 bedrooms ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom ### Entertainment - TV with cable/satellite channels ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill - Firepit - Patio ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Comfort - Air conditioning ### Pets - Pet friendly ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoke-free property ### Things to do - Kayaking nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) - Fire extinguisher - Deadbolt lock ### General - Unit size: 1,220 square feet ## Similar properties ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88740000/88731100/88731093/83fe21e4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Maple Oak Tree House by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest Elizabethtown - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning 9.6 Exceptional 10 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-20&endDate=2026-04-21&selected=88731093&PinnedHotelID=88731093&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior detail](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88740000/88731200/88731115/97e42252.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Hickory Hollow Log Cabin by Garden of Gods in the Shawnee National Forest Elizabethtown - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space 9.8 Exceptional 114 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-20&endDate=2026-04-21&selected=88731115&PinnedHotelID=88731115&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![TV, fireplace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88740000/88731200/88731132/328b568a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Cottonwood cabin by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest Elizabethtown - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space 9.6 Exceptional 46 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-20&endDate=2026-04-21&selected=88731132&PinnedHotelID=88731132&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88740000/88731100/88731082/1c8d6d2e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### White Oak Tree House by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest Elizabethtown - Pet-friendly - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space 10 Exceptional 12 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-20&endDate=2026-04-21&selected=88731082&PinnedHotelID=88731082&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [Compare similar properties](/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-20&endDate=2026-04-21&selected=88731134&PinnedHotelID=88731134&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2&comparePropertyIds=88731134,88731093,88731115,88731132,88731082) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM Minimum check-in age - 21 ### Check-out Check-out before 11:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools ### Pets Pets are allowed Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### Property is also known as 45760 ## About the area [Visit our North America travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/North-America.dx500001) [View more Holiday homes in North America](https://www.expedia.co.uk/North-America-Private-Holiday-Homes.d500001-aaPrivateHolidayHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C37.58196%2C-88.36296&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=BIoby7ioNvOSKriQE85WigXVl5U=) Herod, IL ### What's nearby - ![A summer sunset over Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois; Shutterstock ID 356954318; Purchase Order: -](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621566122752/e56f5a7e-5267-451b-8437-ae6ec36813c9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Garden of the Gods Recreation Area 5 min drive \- 1.6 miles - Garden of the Gods Trailhead 9 min drive \- 2.8 miles - Rim Rock National Recreation Trailhead 11 min drive \- 6.8 miles - Hitching Post Trailhead 14 min drive \- 7.7 miles - Hardin County Court House 22 min drive \- 19.7 miles ### Restaurants - The Gap 8 min drive - Trails End Restaurant 22 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest pet-friendly? ### What time is check-in at The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest? ### What time is check-out at The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## The Chestnut Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest Reviews ## Reviews ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative. [More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 26 8 - Good 2 6 - Okay 1 4 - Poor 1 2 - Terrible 0 ### 10 Cleanliness ### 9.4 Location ## Reviews Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ryan 27 Mar 2026 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy Very easy check-in and checkout process. Great location to garden of the gods ##### Ryan Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jeanette P. 31 Oct 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy It was great! We enjoyed staying there with our kids and they liked the toys. ##### Jeanette P. Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Rosanne A. 14 May 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Nice place nice stay. My husband and I took a long weekend to visit the area. Great location. Not too far from several places we wanted to hike/bike. We would recommend staying here. ##### Rosanne A. Stayed 5 nights in May 2025 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Alison F. 24 Oct 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great place to stay to visit Garden of the Gods! Very clean and in perfect location to visit the Garden of the Gods. Loved that it was dog friendly. ##### Alison F. Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jennifer H. 26 May 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great Place To Stay The Chestnut is perfectly located for great hiking and outdoor adventures. Clean and roomy. Large back yard, easy to find. Property managers communicate well. Highly recommend and would love to come back! ##### Jennifer H. Stayed 2 nights in May 2025 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Michelle E. 14 Apr 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great Location Cute and clean little house close to all the hiking. Beds very comfy. I loved our stay because so many beautiful spots close by. only downfall is on aain road. If made backyard a little nicer this would be a big deal. ##### Michelle E. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025 Verified ### 8/10 Good #### Joe Y. 31 Jul 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great location If you're planning to visit Garden of the Gods/Shawnee National Park, then this is the place to stay. Very close to multiple trail heads. ##### Joe Y. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Drew L. 14 Apr 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Hike Trip Me and my buddy stayed at this property for our annual Shawnee hike trip. The house was as described and only a short 1 minute drive from the Garden of the Gods outpost and only two miles from the Garden of the Gods entrance. We will definitely stay here again! ##### Drew L. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Christopher M. 3 Sept 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Very comfortable, very clean The check-in process was very easy - at the store right next door. The property was very clean, comfortable and pleasant. Bed was comfortable. No complaints at all. ##### Christopher M. Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Patricia S. 4 Oct 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Cozy Comfortable Home Great location for Garden of the Gods. Outpost right nearby. Clean house with plenty of room. Porch in the front great in the mornings; back porch for the evening with the grill and fire pit. We were happy campers with our dog. ##### Patricia S. Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Catherine B. 12 Aug 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Family Vacation We booked this property for a week. It was very clean. The pictures don’t do it justice. The beds were super comfy and we all had a nice relaxing time. ##### Catherine B. Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Sheridan S. 7 Oct 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Perfectly Quaint Cozy, charming home that is well maintained. Very clean and comfortable. The beds and linens were fantastic. The Ice cream shop had incredible treats, and the staff was very friendly. We would absolutely stay in The Chestnut house again! Thank you for the extended stay offer as well. Unfortunately, we had to get back to work. ##### Sheridan S. Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ryan P. 29 Mar 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great stay Great stay and great hosts ##### Ryan P. Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Sandy M. 31 Aug 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy We loved the Chestnut house. Very spacious and well equipped. It does not have a handicap rail in the shower, which we would have really appreciated. We will definitely book this next year. ##### Sandy M. Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025 Verified ### 8/10 Good #### Andrea D. 18 Apr 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Good location, nice place It was close to a lot of beautiful spots. I wish they had tvs in the bedrooms. ##### Andrea D. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jason E. 19 Mar 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Amazing property! This property was perfect and met all of our needs. Everything needed was provided and it was a beautiful residence! We wish we had booked a longer stay. ##### Jason E. Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Dan W. 1 Jun 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Clean and Comfortable Convenient location for exploring parks and trails. Very clean, newly remodeled kitchen and bathroom. Highly recommend. Had a wonderful time. ##### Dan W. Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Matthew T. 30 Sept 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Chestnut House This was the perfect place to go back to after a day of hiking. Such a great location for garden of the gods! Made good use of the fire pit every night. The grill was also great to have! Appreciated all the amenities. Would 100% rent this place again. ##### Matthew T. Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022 Verified ### 4/10 Poor #### Bess M. 24 Dec 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy Disliked: Check-in, communication Per the host's instructions, we were to check in at the Timber Ridge Outpost Store. They told us they were open until 8 PM on Sundays. However, when we arrived at 7 PM there was no one there. The outpost is in the country, and we hadn't had cell service for the last thirty minutes of our drive, so there was no way to call, and no note left. Thankfully there was another rental next door with a ring cam. We were able to call those hosts, who called the Outpost, who let us know that they'd left our check in information hidden on the porch of the outpost. If we hadn't been able to do that we would have had to drive thirty minutes to get cell signal, call them, and then drive back. All of this with three young kids who'd been in the car all day, at bedtime. In the future I hope the host contacts guests to tell them if they won't be at the outpost at the stated hours, and makes plans for the fact that most people won't have cell service in their area. The house itself was great, so hopefully this is something they can correct in future. ##### Bess M. Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025 Verified ### 6/10 Okay #### Paul W. 13 Jun 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication Disliked: Location #### Andrew ( Property manager) was great We expected that our cabin was in a wooded area, but it was located on a major road. We asked Andrew to cancel our reservation , which he did, and we only stayed the first night. We appreciate Andrew's understanding and cooperation. ##### Paul W. Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Savannah S. 1 Apr 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great Experience My husband and I loved getting out and exploring Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, and Cave in the Rock which are all in very close distance to this property. The house was clean and comfortable. Just a note for future renters, there is nothing in a pantry (ie butter or oil) so make sure to bring most things from home. Also the water in the shower is luke warm. Other than those few things, we absolutely loved our stay and would stay there again! ##### Savannah S. Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller 29 Oct 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Perfect! Perfect for a quiet, relaxing Southern Illinois vaca! So close to all the beautiful, natural hiking places. Thanks for a great stay! ##### Verified traveller Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jasonl C. 17 Oct 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Garden of the gods vacation If you are looking to stay close to garden of the gods and lots of other cool sites in the forest then this is the place for you. Location is perfect. place is pleasant. we had a good idea with no hassles here ##### Jasonl C. Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Doreen R. 8 Oct 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### perfect location Clean, comfortable, and close to everything. ##### Doreen R. Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022 Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### E P. 28 Aug 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Just right Excellent location so close to Garden of the Gods. ##### E P. Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022 ---