Private Luxury Escape at the base of the Shawnee National Forest

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Private Gated Property
Front view of the home
Spacious and welcoming covered parking
Rear view of the home with wrap around deck and screened in porch.
View of the front lake and dock from the rear of the home

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
NZ$924
avg per night

Explore the area

Map
3168 Rocky Branch Rd, Equality, IL, 62934
  • Shawnee National Forest
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Garden of the Gods Trailhead
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bunk Room

2 Queen Beds and 2 Single Beds

King Suite 2

1 King Bed

King Suite 3

1 King Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Primary Bedroom

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Half Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Primary Bathroom

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

Room

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 12
  • 3 King Beds, 2 Queen Beds, 2 Single Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
Price is NZ$924 avg per night,

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About the area

Equality

Located in Equality, this lodge is on the waterfront. Shawnee Hills Country Club and Ross Cottom Lanes are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shawnee National Forest and Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Shawnee National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Garden of the Gods Recreation Area - 16 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Garden of the Gods Trailhead - 21 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Shawnee Hills Country Club - 23 min drive - 14.3 km
  • Harrisburg Township Park District - 24 min drive - 18.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Red Onion - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Leonard's Country Kitchen - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Jac's Place - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Leonards Country Kitchen - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪A Little Taste of Italy - ‬18 min drive

About this property

Private Luxury Escape at the base of the Shawnee National Forest

Enjoy this amazing location where privacy, luxury, serenity and the great outdoors all meet at the base of the Shawnee National Forest. You won't want to miss out on booking your great getaway at the Salt Light Lodge!

This expansive and secluded property welcomes you as you enter the private gate. You'll find the spacious, rustic meets luxury home with one level living space tucked between two peaceful lakes giving waterfront views from every angle. Upon arrival, you'll pull up to the fully handicap accessible drive-through covered entrance. Entering the home, you'll be welcomed by the open concept living with an abundance of natural light pouring in from the wall-to-wall windows. Centered in the home, the floor to ceiling stone covered see-through fireplace welcomes you with the invitation to grab a blanket and cozy on in. Surrounding the fireplace, you'll find a coat closet, dining area, additional sitting area, living room with a flat screen T.V., large pantry with lots of storage, and the fully stocked kitchen with stainless steel commercial appliances including: two convection ovens, 6-burner gas range, microwave, ice-machine, double dishwasher, fridge and freezer.

Exiting through the kitchen and living area off the back of the home, the fully furnished screened in porch invites you to dine outside at the large dining table, relax by the fireplace in the comfy outdoor sitting area, or sway on the bed swing as you take in the scenery across the lake spread out in front of you. In addition, the deck wraps around to another outdoor dining area set next to the pergola covered grilling station. Whether you're enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or sipping a glass of wine in the evening, you won't want to miss out on the breathtaking views from the elevated deck.

Tucked on one end of the home, a private office space can be used for working away from home or enjoying as a den to rest in. The office/den is furnished with a built-in desk/workspace, office chair, flat screen TV and DVD player, sofa, sitting chair and black out curtains.

Situated across the hall from the office/den, the spacious Primary Bedroom offers a king size bed, bed side tables with lamps, sitting area, black out curtains, custom built-in shelves with a flat screen TV, walk in closet, full bath with a walk-in shower, soaking tub, two sinks and private toilet stall. In addition, this bedroom also offers private access to the screened in porch where the bed swing resides.

On the opposite side of the home, as you walk down the hall, passing by the guest bathroom, you will find the additional three bedrooms. The first two bedrooms situated across the hall from each other both are furnished with king size beds, bed side tables with lamps, walk-in closets, black out curtains and private bathrooms with walk in showers. One of these king suites also has private access to the wrap around deck. The bunkroom found at the rear of the home sleeps a total of six people between the two queen beds and two twin beds, has blackout curtains, a walk-in closet and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Across from the bunkroom, there is a laundry/mud room with a full-size washer and dryer, laundry wash tub and locker cubbies for your outdoor wear.

At the end of the hallway situated between the laundry and bunkroom is the side entrance of the home leading to the grilling deck.

Outdoor accommodations offer a playset for children, basketball court, hammock by the lake, private covered dock with panoramic views of the Shawnee National Forest, outdoor fire pit, sprawling lawn and much, much, more to explore! With no city lights, the stary nights will captivate you as you enjoy all that nature has to offer.

SLEEPING ARRANGMENTS
- Primary Bedroom: King Bed, Walk-in Closet, Private Bathroom with Soaking Tub and Shower
- Guest Suite 1: King Bed, Walk-in Closet, Private Bathroom with Shower
- Guest Suite 2: King Bed, Walk-in Closet, Private Bathroom with Shower
- Bunkroom: 2 Queen Beds, 2 Twin Beds, Walk-in Closet, Private Bathroom with Shower

KITCHEN SUPPLIES PROVIDED
We stock a small supply of basic kitchen necessities to get you started on your trip, so you don't have to worry about packing them to have upon arrival, including:
-Tin Foil
- Plastic Wrap
- Ziploc Bags
- Salt and Pepper
- Paper Towels
- Keurig Coffee Pods
- Coffee Mate Creamer
- Dish Soap
- Dishwasher Soap

BATHROOM SUPPLIES PROVIDED
We stock our bathrooms with a small supply of bathroom necessities, including:
- Spa Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash
- Hand Soap
- Cotton Pads
- Cotton Swabs
- Makeup Remover Wipes
- Hair Ties
- Toilet Paper
- Bath Towels (1 per guest)
- Hand Towels (1 per guest)
- Wash Clothes (1 per guest)
- Hair Dryer (supplied in each suite)

Property manager

Charli F.
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Pack-n-play & portable high-chair seat on property
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No private events are allowed on the property.
Fishing is permitted. NO HUNTING OR REMOVAL OF ANY OTHER WILD GAME IS ALLOWED. Violators will be charged with a fine and prosecuted.
No ATVs or offroad vehicles permitted throughout the property. Vehicles must remain parked in the designated parking areas located around the home.

Important information

You need to know

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
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Luxury Escape at the base of the Shawnee National Forest pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Private Luxury Escape at the base of the Shawnee National Forest?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Luxury Escape at the base of the Shawnee National Forest?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private Luxury Escape at the base of the Shawnee National Forest located?

Situated on the waterfront, this lodge is steps from Shawnee National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of Hitching Post Trailhead and Shawnee Hills Country Club. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and Saline County Area Museum are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Private Luxury Escape at the base of the Shawnee National Forest Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Diana C.

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

Beautiful property with room for everyone

Excellent for multiple couples or family units. Great location as a home base for hiking in Shawnee National Rec Area.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Petro B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

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

A Perfect Family Getaway

We just returned from a wonderful weekend at this stunning property, and we couldn’t be happier with our experience! The property is even more beautiful in person, with breathtaking views of the lake and plenty of outdoor space for our family to enjoy. It was also the perfect background for pictures after our nearby wedding. The house itself was spacious and impeccably clean, accommodating our group comfortably. The kitchen was well-equipped, making it easy for us to prepare meals together. We loved spending evenings on the screened in deck, taking in the sunset by the fire. The location is perfect for both relaxation and adventure. We spent our time fishing and exploring the surrounding area. The kids had a blast playing in the yard and on the ship shaped play set. The hosts were incredibly responsive, went above and beyond. We felt welcomed and taken care of throughout our stay. Overall, this house exceeded our expectations and created lasting memories for our family. We can’t wait to return! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patti H.

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

Fabulous property

Beautiful home for our family stay. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele M.

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

Girls Hiking Trip Shawnee National Forest

First of all......this property is just beautiful! Not even sure where to start. The home is large and very roomy. There is plenty of room to spread out. The decor is BEAUTIFUL! The beds are comfortable. The back screened-in deck is the BOMB! We were a group of seven girls there to hike for a long weekend. Hurricane Helene had other plans for us though and we were only able to hike minimally due to non-stop rain all weekend. But, if you are going to get stuck inside, this is the place to be. We were able to have great girl time with games, meals, laughs, puzzles, books and conversation. Next, let me say that the property manager was simply awesome! She was not only a very kind person, but was accessible, reactive, helpful and informative. We are already planning a return trip next fall.......with hopes of clear days for hiking.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

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

Wedding weekend

This was our best VRBO rental ever! We had so much fun just hanging out on the screened in porch and cooking meals together! Charli was the best host. Everything was so welcoming, down to the snacks they left for us and fresh eggs! The kitchen was extremely well furnished and everything clean. We had a great weeekend! Hope to come back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

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

Annual Friends Trip

Myself and my fellow bunkmates were floored at how gorgeous this home was! There was plenty to do. Fishing, kayaking (there were 3 already there), bonfire, basketball court, playground (for kids). Everything was in amazing shape and super clean. There was a great screened-in patio overlooks the pond in the back of the house with an additional dining area. We couldn't have been happier with our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aimee D.

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

Incredible place!

Absolutely gorgeous property. Immaculate home with every comfort. So much space, inside and out. Charli provided an exceptional guest experience for my group of girlfriends looking to relax and reconnect. Can't wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristi V.

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

Amazing family getaway

Our very large family, very much enjoyed an extended weekend here. From the moment we booked, until we left, we had amazing communication with the host. She made sure we were well taken care of and was there immediately to answer any questions we had. Our large group included 8 kids and they were all kept so busy exploring the property we felt like we never had to leave to keep them entertained. We all highly recommend this property and would love to return in the future
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael E.

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

2024 Family Vacation

This was easily one of the best vacations we've had! The main reasons being the property itself (it's beautiful and has everything you need need to relax), and the property manager was beyond kind! She even brought us fresh corn! You WILL enjoy your stay! The Elmore Family
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam S.

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

Amazing Family Getaway

The property was truly amazing and our entire family enjoyed it so much, we preferred to just hang at the house for much of the week. The home was well equipped for all our needs, and the communication from the hosts was outstanding. If you are looking for a secluded getaway, this is it!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

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

An amazing weekend

Host was amazing!! House and property were just as amazing! We will be booking again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristina L.

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

Amazing house for girls trip

What a great house for a girls trip! There were 8 of us. Very spacious, 2 per bathroom. Beautifully decorated.We loved the screened in porch and had dinner outside which was also a great table for playing games. Easy access to Garden of the Gods to enjoy the outdoor beauty. Charli, the property manager, was immediately responsive to a couple questions we had. We are excited to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Amazing House

This is one of the best homes in and around Shawnee area. We were family of 12 and had a great stay over the Memorial Day weekend. The house is very luxurious and perfect getaway location for unwinding from all the hustles. The house is located on a huge acres of land with a backdrop of a beautiful lake setting and gives you complete privacy. Attractions like garden of gods, rim rock, pound hollow lake, bell smith springs etc are all 30 mins drive. The communication with the property manager was great and Charli was very responsive and took care of us well especially when the area of was under tornado warning. One thing to note is the cell phone signals are completely cut off in this area but the house has a great fiber optics internet and so we were still connected to outside world. If you want to good privacy and a rural setting then this is a perfect location in Shawnee area.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria G.

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

Eclipse Trip

Amazing house, great manager, beautiful setting!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul M.

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

Spring break

The house and property were awesome. The property manager was great to deal with.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon L.

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

Holiday visit with family

This house and the property it sits on is phenomenal for a family or small group getaway. The house has everything you need. The furnishings are perfect for the lodge setting. Bed was very comfortable. Got to watch a bald eagle fly over the lake in the back of the house. I can’t say enough about this property. Charli is very responsive and made it easy to check in and out. I would highly recommend this property if you are looking for a quiet location to unwind and relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Abby B.

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

Wonderful

This was the perfect house for a long family weekend. The property is beautiful. Our kids enjoyed kayaking, roasting Marshmallows on the fire pit, and the cool bunk room. The adults enjoyed coffee by the fireplace and relaxing on the screened in porch. We even went for a short hike at the nearby Garden of the Gods. The house is spacious, beautifully decorated, and equipped with everything you could need or want. We can’t wait to go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023