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Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors.

Photo gallery for Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors.

Living room/breakfast bar area
Living room
Living room
Living room
Living room

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Carrier Mills, IL
  • Place, Saline County Area Museum
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Harrisburg Township Park District
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Shawnee Hills Country Club
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Double Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

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

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors.

Located conveniently near the Shawnee National Forest. Hunting, fishing, and hiking (400+ miles of trails) are all easily accessible activities. Our property is on the Tunnel Hill State Trail for cycling enthusiasts. Garden of the Gods, Stone Face, Jackson Falls, Dixon Springs, Rim Rock, and Ferne Clyffe are just a few of the must see sites. Venture to Bald Knob Cross of Peace for breathtaking views that overlook 3 states. Along these roads you can also find many local wineries, micro breweries and antique shops.

Our home is set up for short term stays with a washer and dryer, as well as cooking needs and small appliances. There are 2 Roku TVs in the living room and master bedroom to stream shows on the free WiFi.

We have exterior security cameras. The cameras are at both the front and back porches. They record the front and back porches, driveway and the front and back yards. We have access to recorded footage at all times. We receive notifications from the exterior cameras 24/7. We have a zero tolerance party regarding unauthorized parties, illegal behavior and allowing unregistered guests onto our property.

There are many options for dining out depending on your palate and price level. Shopping for essentials is easily accessible at several local markets if you prefer to dine in.

Make yourself at home and enjoy the quiet relaxing surroundings. Come and explore all that Southern Illinois has to offer. It is a perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Add dates for prices

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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (26 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Lock the doors and return the keys
Close windows
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
The base rate includes up to 4 guests, an extra $10 per night is charged for each additional guest. All guests must be registered.
Parking is designated to the gravel area only.
Smoking inside the home will result in a $200 extra cleaning charge.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3617531vb
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
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock

About the area

Carrier Mills

Carrier Mills is home to Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors.. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Shawnee National Forest and Harrisburg Township Park District, while Saline County Area Museum and Williamson County Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Ross Cottom Lanes and Williamson County Fairgrounds are also worth visiting.
Map
Carrier Mills, IL

What's nearby

  • Saline County Area Museum - 7 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Harrisburg Township Park District - 9 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Shawnee Hills Country Club - 12 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Ross Cottom Lanes - 13 min drive - 17.4 km
  • Marion Cultural and Civic Center - 24 min drive - 41.7 km

Getting around

  • Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bar-B-Q Barn - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪SUBWAY - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Hucks - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Don Luna - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors.?

As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors. on 11 July 2026 start from AU$188, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Adventure Awaits exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the great outdoors.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Reviews

9.4

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. 21 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

8.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Jon H.

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

Great little place

My buddy and I had a great few days staying here. It was perfect for our hunting trip.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Dec 2024
We are glad you enjoyed your stay. John and his friend were wonderful guests and were so easy to communicate with. We would be happy to have them as guests again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

tina d.

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

Shawnee getaway

Very clean, comfortable accommodations. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosalie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for Shawnee

Perfect place for two friends during our hiking trip!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2025
We are happy you both enjoyed your time here in beautiful So Illinois. There is much to do and see in the area. Our home provides a great place to rest from your adventures. We would be happy to welcome you both back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Oralia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was like home away from home. Loved it would go back .
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Mark C.

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

Quiet Weekend

Nice place to stay close to outdoor activities.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed here for two nights and it’s stocked very well and kept pretty clean! The mattresses are kinda thin but overall, the stay was great!! The hosts were extremely nice and thoughtful!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

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

Family visit

The property was clean and next to the trail which was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott T.

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

Conveniently located

Was a good stay that put me close to everything I needed for the week. Don was great to deal with and responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Apr 2025
Scott was a wonderful guest and easy to communicate with. We would happily have him back.
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael K.

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

Great base location

Convenient to hikes in the area.Great host. There was bad weather in the area and they messaged us to warn us and also afterwards to check on us.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2025
Michael, we are so glad you had a great experience despite the weather. There is too much to see in just a couple days. We would be happy to welcome you back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing, I plan on booking alot more
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andy M.

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

Deer camp

Great place to set up camp to enjoy southern IL.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2024
We are happy you enjoyed your stay Andy. Southern IL has great places to view and explore.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John O.

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

hunting trip 2024

the place was exactly what was stated and was perfect for our purpose.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Nov 2024
Jack and his crew were wonderful guests. They took great care of our home and were easy to communicate with. We would be happy to host them again anytime.
Verified

8/10 Good

Steven S.

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

Clean but it’s not a Hampton Inn but it’s not the price of one either. Get what you pay for.

The host was very responsive, the place was clean and neat. It’s not some luxury place to stay but for the price you can’t beat it.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 June 2024
We are always happy to assist our guests, as well as providing clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodations.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

TRACEY J.

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

Fantastic Hosts

Such a nice, quiet, and relaxing place to stay. Only a few minutes ride to visit family. Lots of amenities, very clean, and hosts were easy to contact. Could not have asked for a more comfortable experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Apr 2024
It was our pleasure hosting your stay. We strive to have open communication with our guests. As well as, making you feel at home. Please reach out to us if you are in our area again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olivia C.

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

Great stay!

We had a great stay here! It was so convenient and perfect for our family visiting the Garden of the Gods. The kitchen was fully stocked with all cooking utensils, dishes, coffee, pans, etc. My kids loved the big bunk bed! The beds were all very comfortable. We made great memories here! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Nov 2024
Thank you for the positive comments and choosing to stay at our home. We are thrilled that your family enjoyed their visit. Making joyful memories is such a blessing.
Verified

8/10 Good

Camille C.

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

Perfect HQ

We booked this location for the proximity to all the amazing outdoor adventures in this area. It served as the perfect HQ for this and was otherwise clean and well appointed. I would definitely book this property again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Apr 2024
We are so delighted that you enjoyed your stay and were able to explore the beauty found in our southern home. We would be happy to be your hosts again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary P.

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

Great stay

The property was very and peaceful. Everything we needed for our stay was provided. Our host had put a porch light on for us and a lamp inside so we would"nt have to be in the dsrk. The air was also turned on so the home would be cool for us. There is a washer and dryer as well as an ironing board and iron. We were very pleased with our stay. I would definately stay again if i was in Carrier Mills.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 July 2025
Mary, We are so pleased that things were to your liking and we want all our guests to feel welcomed from the moment they arrive. The amenities we provide make our place a home away from home. It would be our pleasure to see you and your family stay with us again at the Outpost.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward B.

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

Carrier Mills

The online process to check in was great, the communication with the site manager is awesome, he gets back to you at a reasonable time. The location is convenient.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2024
Thank you for your kind words. We enjoyed hosting your return stay and we appreciate how well you take care of our home.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holly C.

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

Country feel

Loved the stay the decor was beautiful . If i forgot soemthing they had it will stay again. Hosts was very nice
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Nov 2024
We appreciate your kind words. We have tried to make our vacation rental feel like a home away from home for our guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward B.

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

Good Stay

We enjoyed our stay at your trailer, the location was good for us, the place was clean and spacious, we would definitely book there again. I would like to see a larger television in the living room.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2024
We would be happy to have you as our guests again. Making our place a home away from home is our goal and we appreciate your suggestion.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna L.

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

Carrier Mills

Great location. Very clean, has everything you need. Owner is very responsive to any questions.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2024
Providing a clean and comfortable place for our guests is always a priority. Thank you for choosing our home.
Verified

8/10 Good

Melanie W.

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

Comfy and close to the forest!!

We loved how close we were to all our hikes! The bed was really comfortable and there was plenty of ac and fans to keep us cool in this 90degree heat. The carport was nice to beat the heat. Everything was clean and tidy when we arrived. There was great water pressure in the shower.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2024
We are so happy you enjoyed your time exploring here in beautiful Southern Illinois. It is our goal and pleasure providing a clean and comfortable stay. Melanie and friends were wonderful guests and we would be more than happy to host them anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen R.

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

Carrier Mills

The place is clean and well furnished. The property owner was fantastic to communicate with. The location is conveniently located and was quiet during our stay. There are an abundance of lady bugs in this area, we visited several places with lady bugs. Water pressure is great. For a small mobile home it has sufficient air conditioning.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Nov 2024
We are always willing to assist our guests and make the stay more pleasurable. Keeping our place clean and comfortable is always a priority to us as well. Thank you for staying and tolerating the So Illinois lady bug season. Please keep us in my mind if you plan to be hunting in this area again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Property itself was not in bad shape. The kitchen , bathroom, and bedrooms were clean with all necessary equipment. Although the smell of the old house was strong and the neighborhood was not the best. But the property is surrounded by a patch of nature and relatively close to the national parks that we came to explore.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna L.

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

Carrier Mills

The host is very quick to respond! Very clearn
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2024
Thank you for staying with us again Donna. It is always a pleasure. We have are happy to provide assist our guests at all times.

About the host

Hosted by Donald Scott

Host profile image
We enjoy living in Southern Illinois around nature. Hiking, camping and gardening are some of our favorite hobbies. Every day is a blessing that should be enjoyed. We want to share the beauty of our area with our guests.

Languages:

English

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