The Lodge at Buckquest

Enjoy the free WiFi at this Cave-in-Rock lodge

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Photo gallery for The Lodge at Buckquest

A stone staircase leading up a rocky path surrounded by trees.
A spacious living room with a large wooden dining table, leather sofas, and a stone fireplace.
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island with bar stools, a built-in microwave, and pendant lighting.
A wooden house with a covered porch, two potted evergreen trees, and a gravel driveway.
A spacious living room with a stone fireplace, leather furniture, and a mounted deer head.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Cave In Rock, IL
  • Place, Cave in Rock State Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Hardin County Court House
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
    ‪35 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Cave-in-Rock

In Cave-in-Rock .Within a 5-minute walk of this Cave-in-Rock lodge, you'll find Ohio River Valley and Cave in Rock State Park. Also, Ohio River is within half a mile (1 km) and Shawnee National Forest is within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Cave in Rock State Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Hardin County Court House - 13 min drive - 22.3 km
  • Garden of the Gods Recreation Area - 35 min drive - 43.2 km
  • Garden of the Gods Trailhead - 41 min drive - 46.0 km
  • Dixon Springs State Park - 46 min drive - 72.2 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Cave-in-Rock State Park Restsurant - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Kaylors - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Cave-In-Rock State Park Restaurant and Lodging - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Rose's Kountry Kitchen - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Eluzabethrown Fish Market - ‬10 min drive

About this property

The Lodge at Buckquest

Welcome to our beautiful lodge, located on over 250 acres in Illinois. We're just minutes away from the old Annabelle Lee Mine and the breathtaking Shawnee National Forest. With 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, our lodge can comfortably sleep up to 9 adult guest, making it the perfect choice for families or groups of friends looking for a cozy retreat in the heart of nature!

We do not use keys. We have electronic locks. You will receive an email with check in instructions and a door code 2 days prior to arrival!

We do have cameras on the outside of the lodge. One facing the front door, one facing the back door, one facing the back patio, and one at the garage facing the parking area. We do not have any cameras inside the lodge.

Our lodge is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The bedrooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, with comfortable beds! Three of the bedrooms have king size beds with their own private connecting bathroom. The living room is cozy and inviting, with comfortable sofas and recliners where you can relax and unwind after a long day of exploring the area.
The kitchen is fully equipped with all the appliances and utensils you need to prepare delicious meals for your family or friends. There's a large dining table where you can enjoy your meals together, and a dishwasher to make clean-up a breeze. If you prefer to cook outside, there's a charcoal smoker on the patio where you can barbecue while enjoying the beautiful views.
Outside, you'll find a large patio with rockers, chairs, and a hot tub where you can enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful scenery.
Our lodge is located in a peaceful and secluded area, surrounded by nature and wildlife. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with the natural world. However, if you're looking for some adventure, there's plenty to do in the area! The Annabel Lee Mine is just a short drive away, and the Shawnee National Forest offers hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities.
Our lodge requires a minimum stay of 2 nights. Book now and start planning your next adventure in Cave In Rock, Illinois!

We're about 15 minutes from Cave In Rock State Park and the Ohio River
15-20 minutes to Amish Country via the Ferry
20-25 minutes to Elizabethtown, IL
35-40 minutes to Morganfield, KY

The Shawnee National Forest has lots of beautiful scenery! We recommend checking out Bell Smith Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Rim Rock while you're in the area. The views from these destinations do not disappoint!!

We have several smart TVs in the lodge. Since we do not have cable, we encourage you to download any app you'd prefer to be able to stream while you're here.

What we supply: bed linens, bath towels, washcloths, dish soap, hand soap, basic spices for cooking. We provide a sample set of consumables including: shampoo, conditioner, body soap, dishwashing pods, trash bags, small laundry soap, paper towels, toilet paper. During your stay, these supplies won't be replenished, so be sure to pack extras! We recommend bringing bottled water and snacks. The water has a salt softener on it due to the minerals in the ground and the nearest store (Dollar General) is about 15 minutes away.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Things to do

  • Games
  • Hot tub

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Stair-free path to entrance

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 private bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email with check-in information
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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Check out is 10AM. Be sure to place trash in the big blue dumpster outside. If you've moved any furniture inside or outside move it back to its original place.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
Onsite 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
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

6eb7ab92-90a6-453f-8c1a-e12907c28a5d

Frequently asked questions

Does The Lodge at Buckquest have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this lodge.

Does The Lodge at Buckquest offer free breakfast?

This lodge does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Lodge at Buckquest?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at The Lodge at Buckquest?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Lodge at Buckquest?

Free parking is not available at this lodge.

Does The Lodge at Buckquest have a pool?

This lodge does not have a pool.

Does The Lodge at Buckquest have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this lodge.

How close is The Lodge at Buckquest to downtown Cave-in-Rock?

This lodge is 0.2 mi away from Cave-in-Rock.

The Lodge at Buckquest Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Angie H.

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

Family Vacation

The property was absolutely amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kate M.

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

More amazing than thee pictures!

We took my Mother here for her 76th birthday and to explore the area and we were so impressed! Was so pleased with the accommodations! Lovely and comfortable!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Tammy R.

Motorcycle trop

We had a great time there, beautiful place, the view was amazing, beautiful sunrises!!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Pete V.

Beautiful

We stayed at the lodge for four days, and absolutely loved everything about it. Everything you need is provided the lodge is beautiful the beds are comfortable.. we have already planned another trip in a couple weeks
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eric M.

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

Serene getaway

Wonderful stay in Hardin County. Buck Quest was an exceptional and restful stay with fantastic amenities high on the hills of southern Illinois. Highly recommend bringing as many groceries as you need, as there are limited options for eating nearby. Buck Quest is super inviting with kitchen and bbq to make yourselves at home.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cincipj

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

Loved the peaceful setting.

My sisters and I really love this place. Beautiful setting. Home is well cared for and had everything we needed. We visited several parks. Unfortunately, the Garden of the Gods was closed. Good part is ..it gives us a good excuse to return next year.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Pamela G.

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

Beautiful Home

We had a lovely stay at Buck Quest, it had everything we needed and more. We saw lots of deer each morning and evening. The homes location was perfect for hiking in the Shawnee National Forest which was our purpose in coming down. We would recommend this to anyone visiting the area.🍁
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Brittany J.

Peaceful Paradise

Coffee on the porch 55-65 degrees, with a fuzzy blanket, watching the sunrise and deer feeding, listening to turkeys gobble and little birds, is literally the best way to start any day!! I absolutely loved it. The lodge is gorgeous!! Wifi is insanely fast. There’s not much around so be prepared to drive about 15-20 minutes to get food and explore caves, waterfalls, and beautiful scenery!!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful way to enjoy a long weekend exploring Southern IL. The secluded house is beautiful and nestled in a grove of trees that faces a lovely meadow and farm fields. The hot tub was great after a day of hiking! Beds are very comfortable and the rooms spacious for our family. The kitchen had everything we needed for our stay. Small nit.. the charcoal grill area did not have a bucket for old coals so it was super tough to actually grill, did not hunder our stay just be aware. Lastly...deer frequented the area, owls, and the dark sky treated us to a sea of stars and metors that were amazing! We will come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jenny S.

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

Beautiful Getaway

Relaxing stay with my 3 adult daughters. The property was just as listed. We loved the open floor plan and the large patio with a beautiful view. It was very nice to have 4 bedrooms with full size beds and 4 bathrooms. The kitchen was well equipped. We missed the gravel road the first time and wish that there was a road sign. Great communication throughout booking process and even when we had a question about the hot tub. The area is beautiful with many hiking trails nearby. We were glad that we took food to prepare all of our meals since there are no restaurants or grocery stores near by.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joan H.

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

Beautiful country place

This place was very spacious, brand new, bathroom for every bedroom, comfortable and perfect location to the parks for hiking and walking. The owner was incredibly nice and very responsive, and gave me good advice on what to bring. The view from the back is beautiful, if you get up early, you can catch an amazing sunrise. Internet is not a problem even though you are in the middle of nowhere. My recommendation is to bring some food as there are very limited options on stores (almost non existant in the area) and limited restaurants. The restaurant at Cave In The Rock was fantastic though, so we went there on several occasions. Since they are so new, I just recommended some outdoor furniture and a place to have a fire at night to make it more enjoyable. Would highly recommend and definitely would go back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amanda D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great setup, view and amenities! Close to lots of hiking. Views on property were great and private location. Kitchen has everything you need. Beds were comfortable and enough seating for a large group. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026