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Owl's Nest is a perfect getaway in the woods with lakes nearby. Pet friendly!

Photo gallery for Owl's Nest is a perfect getaway in the woods with lakes nearby. Pet friendly!

A large, two-story house with a well-lit porch and a fire pit in the yard.
A wooden cabin with a dining area featuring a table and blue chairs, large windows, and a hanging light fixture.
A spacious living area with a kitchen, dining table, and a cozy seating area.
A wooden table with puzzle pieces, a framed photo, and a small device.
A modern living room with a sectional sofa, a dining area with a table and chairs, and a ceiling fan.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Bring your furry friends
    Top-rated for creating memorable stays with your pets.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Carbondale, IL
  • Place, Campground Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Giant City State Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Owl's Nest is a perfect getaway in the woods with lakes nearby. Pet friendly!

Owl's Nest is located in the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge. With a large open living space this perfect for family and friends! Just blocks away is a boat ramp for Devil's Kitchen Lake. Great fishing, hunting, hiking and kayaking are all minutes away! I can't forget to mention the wonderful wineries that are within 10 minutes.

No need to leave your best friend at home, furry friends are always welcome! We have a huge backyard for them to enjoy.

Black out curtains in the three bedrooms are perfect for sleeping in. The trundle bed in the living room with its twin bed on top and a second twin that pulls out is great for kids.

A short 15 minute drive will get you to Carbondale or Marion for all you shopping needs. A variety of restaurants are located in both towns.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3278349vb
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Carbondale

Carbondale is home to this holiday home. Shawnee National Forest and Giant City State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include The Science Center and Marion Cultural and Civic Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Williamson County Fairgrounds, or check out an event or a game at Banterra Center. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and hunting.
View more Holiday homes in CarbondaleOpens in a new window
Map
Carbondale, IL

What's nearby

  • Campground Beach - 9 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Spillway Road Ponds Trailhead - 9 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Giant City State Park - 11 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - 11 min drive - 18.0 km
  • Lake of Egypt - 12 min drive - 19.0 km

Getting around

  • Carbondale Station - 20 min drive
  • Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Giant City Lodge & Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Blue Sky Vineyard - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Honker Hill Winery - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Grassy General Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪On A Boat - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Owl's Nest is a perfect getaway in the woods with lakes nearby. Pet friendly! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Owl's Nest is a perfect getaway in the woods with lakes nearby. Pet friendly!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Owl's Nest is a perfect getaway in the woods with lakes nearby. Pet friendly!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Owl's Nest is a perfect getaway in the woods with lakes nearby. Pet friendly!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Owl's Nest is a perfect getaway in the woods with lakes nearby. Pet friendly! located?

Set in Carbondale, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Shawnee National Forest, Campground Beach and Spillway Road Ponds Trailhead. Giant City State Park and Jeremy Rochman Memorial Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Szekely Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was very clean, well stocked and roomy for 6 people. The fenced in yard was great for our dog and firepit to sit around at night: Would recommend to stay. It is close to trails in Shawnee National Forest as well.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2026
I’m always so pleased to get such a nice review, we work very hard to keep the highest of standards! Thank you for sharing.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jenna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Planning to stay here again in the Fall - everything we needed and more. Very clean, and beautiful home.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Apr 2026
We would be happy to have you stay again! Best, Laura
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host seemed to anticipate almost anything that we would need and had the appropriate item(s) available. The fenced-in yard was amazing for my dogs. The bed was comfortable, and I liked the extras, such as snacks and throws.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Todd E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time

Enjoyed our stay. Well furnished and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Crystal C G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cabin

We enjoyed our stay here for the weekend. The cabin was very clean and comfortable. Would book again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2024
Dear Crystal, Thank you for the great review and for leaving the house in great condition. Please come anytime! Best wishes, Laura
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nick H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was great! It had everything we needed and even treats for our pup! We enjoyed the nearby trails and picked up pizza from Carbondale and played games at the awesome table. We will be back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Nov 2025
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your stay and would love to welcome you back anytime. We’ve recently finished our basement, adding another living/bedroom and a full bath — so now we can comfortably host up to 12 guests! Warm regards, Laura
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything we needed

The property was clean and had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Darrin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

SIU visit

Very nice place and super dog friendly. Pretty easy ride to SIU from house. May visit again some day.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Sept 2024
Hi Darrin, I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to SIU. Please let us know what we do to improve Owls Nest. We are always striving to enhance our guests experiences. Best wishes, Laura
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lena P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short weekend getaway

My husband ran a half marathon i. Giant City State Park. Being a holiday weekend we were very lucky to find a place to stay. The house is on a dead end road so there was very little traffic and it was nice and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2024
Hi Lena, I’m happy to hear you found the house to be peaceful. Come back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

victor s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exellent

It was a pleasant experience because the place is clean, comfortable, accessible, and has everything necessary for the stay. We loved it. We would definitely return to this beautiful cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2024
Thank you for the rave review! Come back anytime 😊
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Terry H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall weekend

Traveled with my folks. My mother has walker and this house and decks are all on one floor. It has well equipped kitchen and easy access to Shawnee.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Hilary R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We took our 15 year old for the weekend. We hiked at Giant City SP and found some other location to check out another time. He loved having the games and we enjoyed playing Yahtzee and trivia :). Our 2 small dogs loved the back yard and the area. It’s very quiet and a comfy house. We will be back and since it’s one level, we can bring Grandma too!I loved watching the birds!
Loved the Owls! Kitchen has everything.
Back yard is fully fenced and safe for dogs.
We love Giant City SP. The lodge has a great restaurant fyi.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2025
Hi, So glad to hear you enjoyed your stay! Please come back with Grandma anytime 😊
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Meg B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Owl's nest over the 4th of July

We enjoyed our stay at the Owl's nest. Clean, comfortable three bedroom/one bath house with a fenced in yard for our dog. The house was very well stocked with everything you would need, and extras. Laura was very responsive to our emails and there wasn't a lot of noise with 4th of July fireworks. We went into Carbondale, Makanda and Ava, all within 30 minutes away, and found hikes only 5 minutes away.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Azucena

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Our outdoor plans were washed away by the remnants of Beryl, but the skies cleared our last day there, and Laura not only suggested a short hike nearby, but also allowed us to stay a few hours past check out. The home itself is charming and slightly rustic, with plenty of games and activities for when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with your plans. We hope to return to the Shawnee again, and will likely seek out the Owl’s Nest again. Thanks, Laura!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jill P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cabin type home on a quiet dead end road. The home is spacious with plenty of room for family in the open concept living area with cozy and comfortable bedrooms for privacy. The kitchen had everything we needed to prep and make our meals. Our family especially loved sitting around the table on the front porch sipping our morning coffee and watching all the birds. Especially the hummingbirds. We made use of the grill on the back patio and the screened in sitting area as well. Our dogs had plenty of room to roam in the fenced in backyard. Wish we had more time to explore the hiking trails and Shawnee National Forest. I made good use of the rocking chairs with my grandson though.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2025
Thanks for the lovely review! So glad you enjoyed your stay. Please come back anytime, there is so much to explore here.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alan J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved staying in the house with my family. Kids loved playing with the games and the kitchen was well equipped for cooking.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 June 2026
Charlotte, I am so happy to hear that your family enjoyed your stay, come back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amber H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
King size bed nice feature. Real close to quick hiking
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 June 2026
Amber, thank you for the nice review! Come back and see us anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Belinda W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We very much enjoyed our stay over the weekend. The house was spotless, and checkin was very easy.Bedrooms were roomy and the beds were all very comfortable. The fenced backyard was great for the pups to roam around and explore. There was treats and toys for the puts so they would enjoy their stay as well.Laura was very quick to respond to a question we had and that was very much appreciated. Only thing missing was the hot tub that was in description but not a big deal for us.Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 June 2026
Belinda, Thank you for your fantastic review, we are always so happy to hear when people enjoy their stay with us. Hope you come back to see us.

About the host

Hosted by Laura Olsen

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Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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