Located in the Great Lakes region, it’s no surprise that Illinois is home to many lakes. In fact, it offers more than 2,316 square miles of water, with Lake Michigan the largest body of water, although there are many smaller lakes throughout the state where you can enjoy a wonderful weekend getaway. If you’re looking for that idyllic lake house to enjoy time on, in, and around the water, these rentals are particularly ideal.
Havana Cabana with Private Beach - Havana
Located on Matanzas Beach just a short drive from the town of Havana, the Havana Cabana is not only fun to say, it makes for a fun retreat with fantastic lake views. You’ll have access to your own private beach and three kayaks are included for getting out on the water too. Enjoy hiking nearby trails and coming back to gather around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows for S’mores. Inside, you’ll have a coffee bar and full kitchen, TV, a/c, and a washer/dryer.
Turtle Cove - Centralia
Located on Lake Centralia, this three-bedroom home can accommodate up to 10, ideal for a large family or anyone seeking a comfortable, quiet stay with lots of opportunities to relax and enjoy activities too. At Turtle Cove, you’ll be immersed in nature and from the large, open windows take in fabulous views of the lake. There’s an outdoor fire pit and an indoor fireplace ideal for cozying up to on a chilly day. You’ll have a covered deck and small beach area with a picnic table for outdoor dining, along with all the necessities like a well-stocked kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer.
Modern Lakeside Cabin - Marshall
Surrounded by a private seven-acre lake on three sides, enjoy gorgeous views by booking this lakeside cabin along with great fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish. The host even includes fishing poles so you don’t need to lug them with you. There’s a patio area for outdoor dining with a beautiful view as well as a charcoal grill and a fire pit. Inside you’ll have two bedrooms plus a loft, providing accommodation for eight, along with a high-end kitchen that has double ovens and a gas stove, a common area with a wood-burning, fireplace, and a flat-screen Smart TV. One of the bathrooms has a Jacuzzi tub for relaxing soaks at the end of the day too.
Lakefront Getaway, Cozy for 2 or Large Families - Freeport
As the host notes, this four-bedroom home is cozy enough for two yet it’s large enough to accommodate a family of 10, although for more than five there is an additional fee. It sits along a quiet stretch of a no-wake lake with a dock where you can fish, swim or tube from. SUPs and a paddle boat are provided for complimentary use too. After a day out on the water, come back and cookout on the gas grill, dine outdoors with a picturesque view, soak in the hot tub, and then gather around the fire pit (wood is supplied). Inside there are four Smart TVs with Netflix, Amazon, and Disney, board games, a bean bag toss, and a Ping Pong table. A full kitchen and washer/dryer are included too.
Lakefront Cabin in Southern Illinois with Hot Tub - Brookport
A two-bedroom cabin for up to six guests, this place is jam-packed with amenities. Not only will you be steps from the water, but you’ll have a deck with your own large private spa. Outdoor furnishings and a gas grill are provided for cookouts and alfresco dining, and there’s a swing that sits at the lakeside too. It’s a great place to disconnect with no Wi-Fi, cable, or satellite service, but you will have a TV with a Blu-ray/DVD player for movie nights. A full kitchen and complimentary coffee supplies are provided too.
Redbud Cottage - Effingham
This three-bedroom cottage is nestled in the woods on Lake Sara providing accommodation for up to a dozen guests. A great place for a family reunion or a trip with friends, it comes with your own swimming beach, a floating dock, a dock to fish from, and a large deck for soaking up the sun. The water is warm enough for swimming from May through October and a canoe and kayak are available too. Inside, you’ll have a gorgeous wood-burning fireplace, a kitchen with a Keurig coffeemaker and French coffee press, washer/dryer, Wi-Fi, and a Smart TV with YouTube TV, Disney+, and Hulu.
Gorgeous Two Bedroom Lakefront Cabin with Hot Tub - Brookport
Ideal for a romantic couples’ retreat or a small family, accommodating up to four, this two-bedroom lakefront cabin has all you need for a relaxing escape. It includes multiple decks overlooking Hohman Lake and on the back porch is the highlight, a hot tub. You’re sure to spend plenty of time soaking and you can also enjoy cocktails at the outdoor bar with a TV, and cozying up to the warmth of the indoor fireplace. You’ll have Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer, a grill, and a full kitchen as well.
The Lake House - Vandalia
This charming two-bedroom cottage-style farmhouse dates back to the 1870s and includes all original decor. It accommodates up to six and sits on a 1.5-acre property along Lake Vandalia. There’s lots of space for yard games, including flat areas for volleyball or badminton, along with a covered patio for dining outdoors on a rainy day or just relaxing with a shady view. You’ll have complimentary kayaks and a fire pit for those fun gatherings at night. Inside, there’s a full-size granite bar that overlooks the lake and even a full-size commercial kitchen along with a washer/dryer, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Lakeside Cabin in Southern Illinois with Hot Tub - Brookport
This cozy lakeside cabin with one bedroom and a loft accommodating up to four is just north of the Kentucky state line. You’ll be 15 minutes from Paducah for easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment while enjoying a serene countryside setting. It has a large screened back porch with a private spa, an outdoor fire pit, gas grill, and furnishings for relaxing and dining outdoors too. An indoor fireplace is included too, along with a kitchen that has all you need, including free coffee supplies. There is no Wi-Fi or cable, but a TV with a DVD player for movie nights is provided, be sure to bring your favorites.
Cottage on Lake Paradise - Mattoon
This adorable red cottage reminds us of one of those beautifully converted fishing huts and in fact, the lake it sits on is known for its outstanding fishing. It’s also a great place for bird watching, including bald eagles, great blue herons, egrets, and cormorants, as well as canoeing and kayaking, with kayaks available on-site. It has a three-tiered deck/patio with the lowest level right over the water, which means you can fish right outside your door. The second deck has a fire pit with firewood and you’ll have dual Weber grills for cooking outdoors along with a picnic table for dining. Inside, there are two bedrooms, accommodating up to six, as well as all the essentials from a full kitchen to cable TV and Wi-Fi.
Lakefront Cottage at Lake of Egypt - Marion
A two-bedroom lakefront cottage for six, this one comes with all you need for a stay where there’s no need to leave until checkout time. It includes a huge screened porch with outdoor furniture and a porch swing that overlooks the lake, perfect for sipping your morning coffee or evening wine while enjoying the view. There are two open docks, one that’s deep enough to bring your boat and tie it up to, complete with a ladder for easy access to swimming in the private cove. The second has chaise lounges for soaking up the sun. You’ll also have two kayaks, a charcoal grill, a fire pit with firewood, and a full kitchen with bread, bacon, milk, and farm eggs provided.
Barefoot Beach House - Centralia
Located on over 400-acre Lake Centralia, popular for boating and water skiing, this three-bedroom home for up to seven guests has its own private beach, nestled in a cove with a dock for fishing or launching a raft. It’s pet-friendly and showcases gorgeous lake views whether you’re inside or out. The interior includes a spacious kitchen with a large island and bar area, a TV for streaming, Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer.
