The Zen Den

The Zen Den is a sanctuary for all souls—no matter your path, story, or rhythm. 420-friendly, open-hearted, and grounded in peace. Tucked in the Shawnee National Forest, our microcabin offers seclusion for nature lovers seeking a digital detox. Unplug, unwind, and reconnect. Explore scenic trails, breathe deep, and let the stillness wash over you. Whether you’re here to find yourself, ground with the earth, practice yoga, or just be—this is your journey. The space The Zen Den is more than a stay—it’s a space to reconnect with yourself, the earth, and the quiet magic that lives in the woods. We’re tucked deep in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, just 15 minutes from Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, and Pounds Hollow. Cave-in-Rock is about 20 minutes away, with many other sacred spots within 30. We’re also just off the River to River Trail, making this a perfect base for soul-led adventure. Our micro A-frame sits on the back edge of 8 peaceful acres, completely surrounded by forest. Though the land is shared with one other Airbnb, the Zen Den feels like your own private world—no neighbors in sight, just the sound of wind through the trees. You may see the other rental from the parking spot, but once you head down the trail, it disappears completely. To reach the cabin, you’ll cross a wooden bridge and follow a winding 300-yard path through the woods. It can be muddy. You might see deer, hear owls, or brush up against wild plants. But that’s part of it—this is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and tune in. And if you’re up for a bit of exploring, there’s a hidden gem nearby: a spring-fed swimming hole that feels like it’s been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. It’s quiet, refreshing, and pure magic in the warmer months. We’re on a rural gravel road—4x4 is recommended in snowy conditions. Very rarely, heavy rains may cause the nearby bridges to flood temporarily, so check the weather or reach out before heading our way. This is your place to ground, breathe, and just be. Guest access You’ll have full access to the land, with the freedom to roam and connect with nature. A short walk down the road leads you to the trail that winds its way to the “Secret Swimming Hole”—a spring-fed oasis hidden in the woods, waiting to refresh and enchant you. You’re also free to explore the vast beauty of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest, where every step brings you closer to the earth’s heartbeat. Other things to note WINTER MONTHS When temperatures drop below freezing, the outdoor shower will not have running water. We recommend bringing any water you’ll need for your stay. For warmth, a small propane heater is provided, though it’s designed for limited heat. To embrace the winter chill, we suggest bringing extra blankets and dressing warmly to fully enjoy the stillness of the season. CELL SERVICE Disconnect completely—there’s no cell service at the cabin, though you can access WiFi from the parking area. Verizon has spotty coverage here, so take this time to truly unplug. SOLAR POWERED Our cabin runs on solar power, offering a sustainable way to charge phones and other devices. Depending on the season, the cabin and the sun may not receive as much charge, so we recommend being mindful of energy use, especially during the winter months when sunlight is limited. If needed, we provide a charger for the battery bank that you can use to charge in your vehicle. OUTDOOR SOAKING TUB Relax in our outdoor soaking tub, heated by a propane hot water heater and connected to a nearby fire pit through copper coils. You control the warmth by maintaining the fire to your liking. You’ll need to fill the tub yourself, and we’ll handle draining and cleaning it after checkout. This is a soaking tub only—please refrain from using soaps or bath products. Be sure to bring your own towel. Bathing suit optional. OUTDOOR SHOWER & COMPOST TOILET Embrace nature with a hot outdoor shower and a compost toilet (toilet paper provided). WHAT TO BRING Please bring your own towels and toiletries. Extra blankets may be helpful in winter months. Two pillows, a fitted sheet, sheet, and comforter are provided. OPENING THE WALL PANEL The see-through wall panel in the micro A-frame can be raised. It’s heavy—about 40-50 lbs—and is easier with two people. EXTERIOR Enjoy the outdoors with a fire-pit, firewood, two chairs, a grill, and a cooler—perfect for connecting with nature. FIRE For safety, fires are only allowed in the fire ring. TENTS & ADDITIONAL GUESTS Tents are welcome. Additional guests are $10 per person. LEAVING THE SPACE Before you leave, kindly check for personal belongings—we are not responsible for items left behind. PLEASE READ THE PHOTO DESCRIPTIONS Take a moment to read the descriptions on the photos for extra details