How is the weather in Shawnee National Forest?

Shawnee National Forest experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers can be hot and humid, with average highs of around 85°F (29°C), while winters are usually cold with highs of about 39°F (4°C). The forest receives the most rainfall in spring, and occasional snow in winter.

What are some of the best things to do in Shawnee National Forest?

Visitors love bird-watching, hiking, and horseback riding in the forest. Water activities such as kayaking and canoeing in the Cache River are also popular. Camping under the stars and exploring the various trails make for a memorable experience.

What is the best time of year to visit Shawnee National Forest?

Spring and autumn are frequently suggested times to visit Shawnee National Forest due to mild weather and beautiful foliage. The spring migration at LaRue Pine Hills is a popular local event for bird-watching enthusiasts.

What are the best places to stay in Shawnee National Forest?

Diverse lodging options are available within and near the forest. Campsites such as Garden of the Gods and Pharaoh Campground offer a rustic experience. Nearby towns like Harrisburg and Marion have a range of hotels and vacation rentals.

What are the best places to visit in Shawnee National Forest?

Explore the Garden of the Gods, with its fascinating rock formations, or visit Cave-in-Rock State Park, a hideout for river pirates in the past. Discover the diverse bird species at LaRue Pine Hills, or walk through the cypress swamps of Cache River State Natural Area.

What are some hiking trails in Shawnee National Forest?

The forest is home to scenic trails such as the River to River Trail, Garden of the Gods Observation Trail, and the Rim Rock Recreational Trail. For a more challenging hike, consider the Little Grand Canyon Trail or the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area trails.

What are some family activities to do in Shawnee National Forest?

Families can enjoy a picnic at Pounds Hollow, explore the interpretive trails at Garden of the Gods, or take a scenic drive on the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Renting a canoe for a trip down the Cache River is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.

What are some of the best day trip ideas in Shawnee National Forest?

Consider a day of hiking at Little Grand Canyon, or a trek through Rim Rock Recreational Trail. Visit Bell Smith Springs for a scenic walk or enjoy a day of bird-watching at Heron Pond. Alternatively, explore the interesting rock formations at Jackson Falls.

Vacation rentals in Shawnee National Forest

Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in Shawnee National Forest

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Guest favorite

Cabin in Golconda

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

Shawnee Pines Lodging - #1 Loft Cabin

JamieRating, 5 stars6 days ago

We loved staying here! It was so nice and peaceful. We loved having access to the lake and surrounding trails. We used the fire pit every night. Tommi responded quickly to any questions we had and was super friendly and helpful. I would 100% stay here again!

Guest favorite

Cabin in Alto Pass

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 246 reviews

Ma's Cabin, Alto Pass, IL. Fine country lodging.

SharonRating, 5 stars1 day ago

This cabin was the most cozy and cleanest cabin we have ever stayed at and we have stayed in many cabins. Loved the decorations of antique and retro items. We will definately recommend this cabin to friends and family. Also, we plan on returning again.

Guest favorite

Home in Cobden

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 49 reviews

Skyline Getaways

LukeRating, 5 stars1 week ago

The Skyline Getaway was a perfect getaway for our group of 6. The home is well-kept and had adequate space for our group. We sat on the deck and took in the breathtaking view over the valley. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a comfortable place to stay while visiting Southern IL!

Superhost

Condo in Creal Springs

4.67 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews

Fish~Boat~Beach~Relax @ The Blue Heron

KeenynRating, 5 stars4 days ago

What a lovely, cozy home by the lake! We had a wonderful time here. Enjoyed cooking in the well stocked kitchen and the vintage touches in the dishes and games. Loved the lake view and the beautiful deck. We visited in the fall and had perfect weather for hiking. The house is situated right in the middle of Garden of the Gods and Little Grande (each is 1 hour away- great little day trips!) We hope to visit again in the summer to enjoy some water fun!

Guest favorite

Home in Carrier Mills

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews

The Red Barn Cottage

RachelRating, 5 stars1 week ago

This was a great location to explore Southern IL and Shawnee National Forest. We took our dog and loved the walking trails on the property. Sitting out on the deck was our favorite part of the stay. The tiny house on the property was occupied by other guests during part of our stay, but there is no direct line of sight between the two houses, which helped.

Guest favorite

Cottage in Marion

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 255 reviews

Lakefront cottage Lake of Egypt -Kayaks, breakfast

BreeRating, 5 stars6 months ago

Had a great family trip! Loved that Tricia and Randy provided fishing equipment and kayaks. Also bacon, eggs, and bread for breakfast. The fire pit area was so peaceful! Will stay here again when we can utilize the lake more!

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What guests are saying

Carbondale country home: Portas Caeli, 3

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 64 reviews2 weeks ago

We loved this place. It is conveniently located close to Carbondale (about a 10 minute drive) but far enough away to be peaceful. We stayed here for the Big Muddy Brew Fest. The loft area is nice and fun! The master bedroom was very spacious and comfortable. They had a bonfire pit set up for us, which we really appreciated because we ended up having one. The house was nice and clean. We did have trouble with locking/unlocking the door but just make sure to pull the door tight as indicated in the host's directions. The hosts are also great communicators and reached out to us during our stay. We will definitely be back! 10/10 would recommend to everyone!

Cottage in Carbondale

What guests are saying

A little slice of Heaven, Marion Il

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 91 reviews3 weeks ago

This cabin is a great place for a couple to stay! We were on a business trip to Marion and chose to stay here. It was located in a private area and the cabin was very, very nice. Simple arrangement that had much room. We will definitely stay here again in the future.

Cabin in Marion

What guests are saying

Lakehouse-indoor pool and hottub

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 28 reviews3 weeks ago

Weekend girls trip before I get married in a few weeks! This was the perfect place! Exactly what we were looking for- a place to get away and relax/hang out. Rhonda’s place was spacious and we never felt crowded. The large dining room table was perfect for game nights! The pool was also amazing. It rained our entire stay but it didn’t stop our fun, since the pool was indoors. We can’t wait to go back!

Home in Marion

What guests are saying

Alto Cabin-Enjoy the Area’s Fall Events!

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 38 reviews1 week ago

We (my mother and son) visited Southern Illinois to enjoy the fall foliage and to relax. Beth’s place delivered as promised! Her place was well appointed and had so many nice touches and decorations. You really feel like at home. We ate in every night and had everything we needed. The spice drawer was amazing! Thank you for attending to little details. We truly enjoyed our stay!

Home in Alto Pass

What guests are saying

Lake of Egypt Waterfront Cabin Fishing, Boating

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 14 reviews2 months ago

My husband and I were looking for a quiet getaway to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and this rental did not disappoint. We loved having breakfast while looking over the lake, watching the birds in the trees in the evening, and movies during dinner.

Home in Creal Springs

What guests are saying

Coastal Dreamin' near I-57, quiet community!

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 38 reviews5 days ago

Another superb stay at one of Megan's fine properties! This is definitely one of the most comfortable places we have stayed in Southern Illinois! It's located within a quiet community, with quick access to I-57, and we had complete privacy and relaxation during our entire three-night stay. We are amazed at the large size/excellent layout of this duplex home; it feels like an individual house and has the added convenience of an attached garage for parking (though we never used it since the driveway is more than adequate). There are two comfortable living-room spaces. The kitchen is very large and well-equipped (we prepared our breakfasts and one dinner there), there is a pleasant patio in the back where we saw and photographed the ATLAS Comet one night which was an amazing sight! The king bed in the main bedroom is very comfortable and we had no problem sleeping soundly. Megan has really thought of everything to make for a perfect stay. I highly recommend this property to others!

Home in Herrin

What guests are saying

Sun Chaser at the Lake of Egypt

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews2 months ago

We had a great time at Josh’s house! We loved the outdoor space and the living room was big enough for us to be able to all watch a movie together after a long day of boating! The downstairs bathroom was pretty cramped but it wasn’t too big of an issue. They had a very well stocked house which was so nice! Also, the beds were very comfortable! We usually have issues with Airbnb beds being terrible but I was not let down! Overall we had a great time and hope to come back!

Home in Tunnel Hill

What guests are saying

Havisham House - Main House

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 60 reviews3 months ago

The house is a wonderful combination of historic charm and modern convenience. It is beautiful while being comfortable and welcoming. We found the furniture comfortable and the provided supplies and amenities ready to meet all our needs. The grounds are gorgeous and although the house is conveniently located off a main road - you feel as though you have escaped to a beautiful haven. Jerri was a great host that helped answer all our question before and during our visit- Thank you Jerri! We had a few small issues when we were at the place, but these were all resolved quickly and did not impact our overall positive experience. When we arrived, the lock was not working and ultimately it needed batteries changed. This required a 20-30 min wait to get. We also had a few maintenance issues, but again Jerri was extremely responsive to these and got everything working quickly. We would not hesitate to stay here again or at any property managed by Jerri!

Home in Alto Pass

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Vacation rentals for every style

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Popular amenities for Shawnee National Forest vacation rentals

Kitchen

Wifi

Pool

Free parking on premises

Air conditioning

Other great vacation rentals in Shawnee National Forest

Superhost

Home in Murphysboro

4.7 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviews

2 Bedroom country craftsman

CharlesRating, 5 stars1 month ago

5 stars for accommodating me at such short notice. I drove in with my girlfriend, my brother and my pup. The place was great, had an old rustic feel to it which we all loved. Loved the layout had a nice enclosed patio with an outdoor deck and a nice huge yard for my pup to run around in. No complaints about the place especially since we booked it last minute. There were however multiple used bars of soap still left in the shower, the towels smelled damp as if they had just been used, multiple half used rolls of toilet paper were in the bathroom closet, there was half eaten food in the freezer, there were open boxes of cereal in the cabinets and when it started raining in the middle of the night I woke up to a huge leak in the master bedroom that leaked water all over the floor and bed. When I messaged the owner about it he never responded. The only time he messaged me was to let me know the place was ready and to give me the code to get in. Then I never heard from him again.

Guest favorite

Home in Carterville

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 36 reviews

Alta Home

RachaelRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago

This was a great weekend stay in a quiet neighborhood. It was spacious and accommodating for 8 people. I always appreciate a clean place to stay and it exceeded my expectations. Many of us even said it smelled clean when we first walked in! The kitchen had everything we needed and the beds were comfortable. I would stay here again if I were in the area again!

Guest favorite

Home in Alto Pass

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 61 reviews

Rhine Hilltop Inn

AmyRating, 5 stars1 week ago

My husband and I had a fantastic time at Rhine hilltop Inn. We spent every day on a different trail from trail of tears to snake road and little Grand Canyon we’ll definitely be back! 56,000 steps in three days!!! Thanks so much, Cheryl

Guest favorite

Cabin in Goreville

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviews

Double Down Cabin in the Woods (Upper Level)

HeatherRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago

The home was beautiful and lacked nothing! The bed was insanely comfortable. Lots of hiking to do nearby!

Guest favorite

Home in Carbondale

5 out of 5 average rating, 10 reviews

Owls Nest

MelRating, 5 stars2 months ago

We had another wonderful stay at The Owls Nest. Laura is a great host and makes us feel so welcomed when we stay with her. Our pup loves staying here too!

Guest favorite

Townhouse in Creal Springs

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 16 reviews

Beautiful lake house steps away from the lake!

AngelaRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago

Gorgeous views on a beautiful lake! The home was clean and the furniture was very comfortable. We had a wonderful, relaxing stay at Jr's place!

Superhost

Home in Creal Springs

4.69 out of 5 average rating, 35 reviews

Gone Fish’n is a 4 bed/2bath home w/large boatdock

MelissaRating, 5 stars2 months ago

We had a wonderful time during our stay! The dock area was absolutely perfect. We enjoyed kayaking, fishing and swimming. The house was a bit outdated but that part gave it a charm that made you feel right at home at the same time. You really don’t have to take anything to the house because it’s all there! Everything worked as expected and Donna was so nice and very responsive if we had questions. The back patio was also great! I give Donna and her property an A+!

Guest favorite

Home in Marion

5 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews

lakehome 2. 3 bed room. pontoon available to rent

DanaRating, 5 stars1 week ago

perfect clean place to stay great views

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is the weather in Shawnee National Forest?
Shawnee National Forest experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers can be hot and humid, with average highs of around 85°F (29°C), while winters are usually cold with highs of about 39°F (4°C). The forest receives the most rainfall in spring, and occasional snow in winter.
What are some of the best things to do in Shawnee National Forest?
Visitors love bird-watching, hiking, and horseback riding in the forest. Water activities such as kayaking and canoeing in the Cache River are also popular. Camping under the stars and exploring the various trails make for a memorable experience.
What is the best time of year to visit Shawnee National Forest?
Spring and autumn are frequently suggested times to visit Shawnee National Forest due to mild weather and beautiful foliage. The spring migration at LaRue Pine Hills is a popular local event for bird-watching enthusiasts.
What are the best places to stay in Shawnee National Forest?
Diverse lodging options are available within and near the forest. Campsites such as Garden of the Gods and Pharaoh Campground offer a rustic experience. Nearby towns like Harrisburg and Marion have a range of hotels and vacation rentals.
What are the best places to visit in Shawnee National Forest?
Explore the Garden of the Gods, with its fascinating rock formations, or visit Cave-in-Rock State Park, a hideout for river pirates in the past. Discover the diverse bird species at LaRue Pine Hills, or walk through the cypress swamps of Cache River State Natural Area.
What are some hiking trails in Shawnee National Forest?
The forest is home to scenic trails such as the River to River Trail, Garden of the Gods Observation Trail, and the Rim Rock Recreational Trail. For a more challenging hike, consider the Little Grand Canyon Trail or the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area trails.
What are some family activities to do in Shawnee National Forest?
Families can enjoy a picnic at Pounds Hollow, explore the interpretive trails at Garden of the Gods, or take a scenic drive on the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Renting a canoe for a trip down the Cache River is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Shawnee National Forest?
Consider a day of hiking at Little Grand Canyon, or a trek through Rim Rock Recreational Trail. Visit Bell Smith Springs for a scenic walk or enjoy a day of bird-watching at Heron Pond. Alternatively, explore the interesting rock formations at Jackson Falls.

Vacation rentals in Shawnee National Forest

Top-rated vacation rentals in Shawnee National Forest

Vacation rentals for every style

Cabins

Hotels

Unique stays

Popular amenities for Shawnee National Forest vacation rentals

Other great vacation rentals in Shawnee National Forest

Home in Murphysboro

Home in Carterville

Home in Alto Pass

Cabin in Goreville

Home in Carbondale

Townhouse in Creal Springs

Home in Creal Springs

Home in Marion

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the weather in Shawnee National Forest?

What are some of the best things to do in Shawnee National Forest?

What is the best time of year to visit Shawnee National Forest?

What are the best places to stay in Shawnee National Forest?

What are the best places to visit in Shawnee National Forest?

What are some hiking trails in Shawnee National Forest?

What are some family activities to do in Shawnee National Forest?

What are some of the best day trip ideas in Shawnee National Forest?

Destinations to explore