10 Best Illinois Treehouse Rentals (2026)

Looking for the best treehouse rentals in Illinois? From secluded treehouses in Shawnee National Forest to quirky woodland retreats, lake getaways, and even a treehouse with its own private hot tub near Chicago, Illinois has some surprisingly unique places to stay among the trees.

I’ve narrowed it down to 10 of the best treehouses in Illinois, with options for couples, families, groups, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape in nature.

Whether you want to hike around Garden of the Gods, spend your days on Lake of Egypt, explore historic Nauvoo, or combine a treehouse stay with a trip to Chicago, these are my top picks.

---

---

---

This article contains affiliate links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase via these links.

---

My Top 10 Illinois Treehouse Rentals

With treehouses ranging from lakeside escapes in Southern Illinois to secluded woodland stays and even a private hot tub retreat near Chicago, there’s something here for every kind of getaway. If you’re short on time, these are my top Illinois treehouse picks and what each one is best for.

• Best Overall – Jaybird Treehouse
• Best for Couples – Maple Oak Treehouse
• Best for Families – White Oak Treehouse
• Best for Groups – Arrowhead Treehouse
• Best Rustic Stay – Captains Quarters
• Best Pet-Friendly Stay – Whitetail Treehouse
• Best with a Hot Tub – Enchanted Garden Treehouse

Didn’t find what you were looking for? 

Keep reading for more details, and check out more amazing treehouse hotels in Illinois or check out these other treehouses in Great Lakes or Midwest.

---

Illinois Treehouse Rentals Comparison

Treehouse	Location	Best For	Sleeps	Hot Tub	Standout Feature
Jaybird Treehouse	Goreville	Overall	5	No	Lake access & water activities
Maple Oak Tree House	Karbers Ridge	Couples	4	No	Built above a creek near Shawnee National Forest
Enchanted Garden Treehouse	Schaumburg	Hot tub	4	Yes	Private cedar hot tub & garden
White Oak Tree House	Karbers Ridge	Families	6	No	Built 24 ft up in a 210-year-old oak
Arrowhead Treehouse	Elizabeth	Groups	6	No	Farm setting near Galena
Captains Quarters Treehouse	Nauvoo	Rustic getaway	5	No	Two-story nautical-themed treehouse
Whitetail Treehouse	Nauvoo	Pet-friendly stays	4	No	Secluded off-grid woodland setting

---

Best Overall – Beautiful Jaybird Treehouse

Beautiful Jaybird Treehouse

This treehouse has a queen bed on the main floor and a trap door to downstairs with 3 twin beds.

There is a luxury bathroom, a bucket pulley, a large deck with a firepit, a canoe, kayak, mountain bikes and a paddleboat.

Why We Picked It: Jaybird Treehouse is our top overall pick thanks to its combination of genuine treehouse character and easy access to outdoor adventures. Perched among an oak tree and tall pines near Lake of Egypt, it sleeps five across a queen bedroom and a fun lower sleeping area with three twin beds reached through a trap door. Guests also get access to kayaks, paddleboards, a canoe, fishing equipment, and a private dock slip, while Ferne Clyffe State Park is around six miles away. The large deck, fire pits, hammock, and tire swing make it an especially fun choice for families and adventurous travelers.

---

Best for Families – Whitetail Treehouse

Whitetail Treehouse – Illinois treehouse cabin

This off-the-grid treehouse experience is the perfect way to detox.

This unique property in Historic Nauvoo has a cozy living area with a sleeper sofa couch, a small half bath with hot water sink and composting toilet.

Note: Hot water and outdoor shower are not available during cold weather months, Dec 1st – Apr 1st.

Why We Picked It: Whitetail Treehouse is our favorite option for travelers bringing their dog along. Hidden in the woods near historic Nauvoo, this cozy off-grid stay sleeps four and offers a simple place to unplug from everyday life. Outside, there’s a private patio with a fire pit, supplied firewood, gas grill, and seating, while the surrounding wooded property has trails to explore. Pets are welcome for an additional fee, making this a great choice for a quiet Illinois treehouse getaway with your four-legged travel companion.

---

Best for a Starved Rock Getaway – Treehouses at Starved Rock

Location: Ottawa, Illinois
Properties: Treehouse 1 , Treehouse 3, and Treehouse 4
Pets: Not allowed

A day outdoors feels even better when there is a fireplace waiting at the end of it. These three treehouse listings offer a comfortable base near Starved Rock State Park, with air conditioning, bathrooms with showers, and space to enjoy a slower evening after exploring the area.

Treehouse 1 – Treehouses at Starved Rock

A practical choice for a self-catering getaway, with a kitchen, fireplace, and porch or lanai. The treehouse also includes a firepit and barbecue grills – useful ingredients for an evening that does not need a restaurant reservation.

Treehouse 3 – Treehouses at Starved Rock

Combine time outside with comfortable downtime: this treehouse includes a kitchen, fireplace, porch or lanai, and free Wi-Fi. A firepit and barbecue grills add another reason to keep the evening plans simple.

Treehouse 4 – Treehouses at Starved Rock

This option pairs a kitchen and fireplace with a porch or lanai and free Wi-Fi. The tree house also includes a firepit, making it another inviting base for a weekend focused on exploring the Starved Rock area.

Why We Picked It: These three individually bookable stays add a Starved Rock option to the Illinois lineup. Kitchens and fireplaces make them appealing for travelers who want outdoor adventures by day and a comfortable place to settle in afterward. Compare Treehouse 1, Treehouse 3, and Treehouse 4 for the details that matter to your trip.

---

Best for Couples – Maple Oak treehouse by Garden of the Gods

Maple Oak treehouse by Garden of the Gods

Built over a small creek, this charming little treehouse is the ideal getaway for couples and small families looking for a unique experience.

Located just a few minutes from the famous Garden of the Gods in Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest area, it is also close to Rim Rock, Pounds Hollow Lake, Burden Falls and Jackson Falls.

There are 400 acres to roam around, a catch and release fishing pond, paddle boating and a pavilion with games.

Why We Picked It: Maple Oak Tree House is our favorite romantic option, sitting around 16 feet above a small creek in the Shawnee National Forest area. Although it can sleep up to four, the intimate setting makes it particularly well suited to couples looking for a peaceful Southern Illinois escape. There’s a spacious deck, fire pit, and outdoor dining area, while guests can also use the resort’s catch-and-release fishing pond, paddle boats, and games pavilion. Its location next to thousands of acres of Shawnee National Forest makes it an excellent base for exploring the area’s trails and natural attractions.

---

Best Rustic Stay – Captains Quarters

Captains Quarters – Nauvoo IL treehouse

This whimsical gem in the Ten Acre Treehouse forest is a two story, 400 sq foot home.

It features a second story bedroom with panoramic views, a sleeper sofa on the first floor, small kitchen area with refrigerator/freezer, microwave, coffee maker, plates, silverware, cups and a sink.

This treehouse is uniquely decorated, included the huge world map as you look up in the 13′ vaulted entryway, and the collection of old books by the window seat.

There is a wrap around deck with a gas grill, and a balcony with a quirky “outhouse”.

Why We Picked It: Captains Quarters is packed with personality. Set on 30 wooded acres in rural Nauvoo, this two-story, nautical-themed treehouse has a wraparound deck, panoramic forest views, a vaulted entryway, and a second-floor queen bedroom. There’s also a kitchenette, gas grill, fire pit, and a quirky elevated outdoor shower. With hiking trails, creeks, and woodland surrounding the property, it’s our favorite choice for travelers looking for a rustic treehouse experience with plenty of character.

---

Best for Families – White Oak Treehouse by Garden of the Gods

White Oak treehouse by Garden of the Gods

Built in a 200 year old oak tree, this treehouse is built to delight its visitors.

There is complimentary coffee, tea, firewood and camp chairs.

Just minutes away from the famous Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest, it is perfectly located and surrounded by 400 acres of land.

Why We Picked It: White Oak Tree House is one of the most authentic treehouses on the list, built around 24 feet above the ground in a 210-year-old white oak tree. Live branches extend into the treehouse and through the deck, giving families the feeling of genuinely sleeping among the trees. It accommodates up to six guests and sits next to thousands of acres of Shawnee National Forest. Guests also have access to the resort’s catch-and-release fishing pond, paddle boating, and games pavilion, making it a particularly fun base for a family adventure in Southern Illinois.

---

Best for Groups – Arrowhead Treehouse at Dittmar Farms and Orchard

Arrowhead Treehouse at Dittmar Farms and Orchard

Arrowhead Treehouse is the perfect family or couples getaway!

The treehouse is around 600 sq. ft (including loft), with heat, air, and water year round.

It sleeps 6+ comfortably including a private room.

Also available is a stream for fishing, campfire, and just plain, good outdoor fun.

Why We Picked It: Arrowhead Treehouse is our top choice for groups, with two bedrooms, three beds, and space for up to six guests. Set on a historic family farm near Galena, the roughly 600-square-foot treehouse is surrounded by countryside, woods, an orchard, and a stream. A private balcony overlooks the creek and surrounding trees, while guests can spend their time fishing, sitting around the campfire, or simply enjoying the peaceful rural setting. It’s a great choice if you want more space without losing the feeling of a genuine treetop escape.

---

Best with a Hot Tub – Enchanted Garden Treehouse

Enchanted Garden Treehouse

This 420 friendly treehouse, has a relaxing cedar hot tub by a waterfall, a gas grill, a private outdoor shower, a fireplace, and plenty of mod cons like Netflix, WIFI and even a Keurig coffee maker!

Why We Picked It: Enchanted Garden Treehouse stands out as the only stay on our list with a private hot tub. The cedar hot tub sits within a secluded garden surrounded by evergreens, with a waterfall, koi pond, and fire table adding to the atmosphere. The treehouse itself sits around 15 feet above the garden and includes a fireplace, kitchenette, private deck, and sleeping loft. It’s also only around a 30-minute drive from downtown Chicago, making it a particularly unusual option if you want a treehouse experience without traveling deep into rural Illinois.

---

Where to Stay for a Treehouse in Illinois

Illinois treehouse rentals are spread across several very different parts of the state, so the best area to stay depends on whether you want hiking, lakes, countryside, or easy access to Chicago.

Shawnee National Forest & Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois is my top choice if exploring the outdoors is the main reason for your trip.

Maple Oak Tree House and White Oak Tree House are both in the Karbers Ridge area beside Shawnee National Forest, putting you in a great position for hiking and exploring the spectacular landscapes around Garden of the Gods.

Jaybird Treehouse is another excellent Southern Illinois option. It’s near Lake of Egypt in Goreville, with Ferne Clyffe State Park around six miles away, making it particularly good if you want to combine hiking with kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and time on the lake.

Nauvoo

Choose Nauvoo if you’re looking for a quieter, more rustic woodland escape.

Both Captains Quarters Treehouse and Whitetail Treehouse are tucked among the trees outside historic Nauvoo, with trails and plenty of space to enjoy the surrounding woodland.

It’s a particularly good choice if your ideal treehouse vacation involves switching off, sitting around a fire, and spending more time at your accommodation rather than ticking off major attractions.

Galena & Northwest Illinois

The Galena area is a great option for couples, families, and groups who want countryside without feeling completely isolated.

Arrowhead Treehouse is located on a family farm in Elizabeth, near Galena, surrounded by an orchard, woods, a creek, and open countryside.

You can combine a peaceful treehouse stay with time exploring Galena’s historic downtown, shops, restaurants, and surrounding countryside.

Chicago & Schaumburg

If you want to experience a treehouse without venturing too far from Chicago, Enchanted Garden Treehouse is the standout option.

Located in Schaumburg, it’s around a 30-minute drive from downtown Chicago and combines a genuine elevated treehouse with a private cedar hot tub and secluded garden.

It’s particularly convenient for a short getaway or for adding a completely different overnight experience to a longer Chicago trip.

Which Area Should You Choose?

Choose Southern Illinois for hiking, lakes, and Shawnee National Forest.

Choose Nauvoo for a secluded, rustic woodland escape.

Choose Galena and Northwest Illinois for countryside combined with restaurants, shops, and sightseeing.

Choose Schaumburg if you want easy access to Chicago and a private hot tub.

---

FAQs About Illinois Treehouse Rentals

Are there treehouse rentals in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois has treehouse rentals across the state, from secluded stays near Shawnee National Forest to woodland treehouses in Nauvoo and countryside retreats near Galena. Jaybird Treehouse, Maple Oak Tree House, White Oak Tree House, Captains Quarters Treehouse, Whitetail Treehouse, Arrowhead Treehouse, and Enchanted Garden Treehouse are all options featured in this guide.

Are there treehouse rentals in Illinois with a hot tub?

Yes. Enchanted Garden Treehouse in Schaumburg has a private cedar hot tub surrounded by evergreens, along with a koi pond, waterfall, fire table, and secluded garden. It’s also within easy reach of Chicago.

What are the best treehouse rentals in Southern Illinois?

For Southern Illinois, Jaybird Treehouse, Maple Oak Tree House, and White Oak Tree House are three of our top choices. Jaybird Treehouse is ideal for exploring Lake of Egypt and Ferne Clyffe State Park, while Maple Oak Tree House and White Oak Tree House put you close to Shawnee National Forest and the Garden of the Gods area.

Are there pet-friendly treehouses in Illinois?

Yes. Whitetail Treehouse and Captains Quarters Treehouse in Nauvoo currently welcome pets for an additional fee, while Jaybird Treehouse is also described as pet-friendly. Always check the latest pet rules and fees with the property before booking.

Are there treehouse rentals near Chicago?

Yes. Enchanted Garden Treehouse is in Schaumburg, around a 30-minute drive from downtown Chicago. It offers a much more secluded atmosphere than you might expect so close to the city, with a private cedar hot tub, waterfall, koi pond, fire features, and garden.

---

More Midwest Treehouse Getaways

That’s my lowdown on the best tree house hotels in Illinois, if you’re looking for more treehouse rentals check out these related posts:

• Best Tree Houses in the Midwest
• Top Tree House Stays in the Great Lakes
• Top Tree House Rentals in Indiana
• Best Treehouses in Ohio
• Best Missouri Tree Houses to Stay In
• Top Wisconsin Tree House Rentals

---

Save to Pinterest for Later