About Red Roof Retreats
More Than a Collection of Vacation Rentals
Welcome to Lake of Egypt’s Tiny Resort.
What began as one family cabin has grown into a collection of unique vacation homes, a private spa retreat, a camp store, lake adventures, and gathering spaces—all designed to make vacation feel effortless.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or a reunion with friends, we hope you’ll find a place here that feels like it was made just for you.
How it all started
Red Roof Retreats began in 2012 with one simple log cabin and a big idea.
Matt built the very first log cabin as a long-term rental. A couple of years later, Kris asked, “What if we try this new Airbnb thing?” Matt wasn’t convinced. But he agreed to give it one season.
That one simple idea changed everything.
Meet Your Hosts
Hi, We’re Kris & Matt
Today, Red Roof Retreats includes seven unique stays ranging from cozy cabins and whimsical treehouses to modern retreats, tiny homes, and lakefront escapes.
We are travelers ourselves and every vacation we’ve taken has taught us something. Sometimes it was fluffy towels. Sometimes it was a perfectly stocked kitchen. Sometimes it was a peaceful dock where we watched the sunset.
We started bringing home all of our favorite ideas and building them into Red Roof Retreats.
The Little Things Matter
We believe the little things are what people remember. The coffee waiting when you wake up. The paddleboard your kids discover after breakfast. The firepit that keeps everyone talking long after sunset. The shampoo you forgot to pack. The extra blanket for stargazing.
We also believe hosting is personal and every place we’ve stayed has taught us what really makes a vacation special. We’ve taken our favorite details and built them into every Red Roof Retreat — the little things that make your stay easier and more comfortable from the moment you arrive. We believe a great vacation should feel effortless.
We love meeting guests from all over the world, and we’re proud to be hands-on hosts. We’re often on site, and when we’re not, we’re always just a call or text away. If we happen to be out of town, we have trusted local help nearby to take care of anything that comes up.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple goal: to give you the kind of vacation we’d want ourselves — thoughtful, comfortable, and memorable. Because who doesn’t love a good vacation?
Come Stay With Us!
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Red Roof Retreats offers the perfect space to explore the outdoors, reconnect with nature, or simply unplug from the busy world.
We currently offer six unique rental options in Goreville, Illinois:
- The Little Moon – a charming tiny home directly on Lake of Egypt with its own private dock
- The Red Roof Retreat Log Cabin – just across the street, cozy and classic
- The Jaybird Treehouse – elevated views and playful charm
- Nature’s Way Getaway – a spacious 3-bedroom lake house with its own dock
- Bloom Retreat – a beautifully designed off-lake home with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a private hot tub, and peaceful surroundings
- Two Little Birds – 2 separate pods, each with queen beds, kitchenettes, and their own full bathrooms!
Guests at our lakefront and near-lake properties enjoy access to canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, and a large shared dock. Firepits, hammocks, and starry night skies come standard. Many families and retreat groups rent multiple homes so they can stay close — while still having their own private space.
Why Guests Love Red Roof Retreats
- Thoughtfully stocked stays – From coffee, snacks, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to the little conveniences you don’t want to run to the store for, we’ve got you covered.
- Unique places you won’t find anywhere else – Treehouses, tiny homes, modern pods, cozy cabins, lakefront homes, and a beach getaway — each retreat has its own personality.
- Outdoor fun included – Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, fishing poles, fire pits, grills, and even a floating lily pad at select properties — no extra rentals needed.
- Designed by travelers, for travelers – We’ve stayed in a lot of places and paid attention to what makes a stay great. We built our retreats around the things we love most when we travel.
- Peaceful, nature-filled settings – Wake up to lake views, sunsets, wildlife (yes, deer included!), and the kind of quiet that lets you truly unplug.
- Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained – We take pride in our spaces and work hard to make sure every stay is comfortable, welcoming, and ready for you.
- Hands-on, responsive hosts – We’re often on site and always just a call or text away. If we’re out of town, trusted local help is nearby.
- Perfect for real vacations – Whether you’re here to relax, explore, reconnect, or celebrate, our goal is to give you a vacation that feels easy and memorable.
Find your favorite retreat!
We Didn’t Set Out to Build a Resort. We simply kept creating the kinds of vacations we wanted our own family to enjoy.
One cabin became two. Two became four. Friends started bringing friends. Families started renting multiple homes together.
Little by little… Red Roof Retreats became what guests now call
Lake of Egypt’s Tiny Resort.
The Red Roof Log Cabin
Log cabin rental with lake view at Lake of Egypt in southern IL with 2 lofts. Sleeps 4-6 guests
The Jaybird Treehouse
Treehouse built beneath an oak tree. Queen bedroom & trap door to downstairs with 3 twin beds.
Little Moon Tiny Lakefront Cabin
Comfy lofted full bed with a queen futon topper & tiny kitchenette. Private outdoor shower.
Nature’s Way Getaway
Lakefront 3 bed, 2 bath home. Large master bedroom, with private ensuite with a huge bathtub.
NEW! Bloom Retreat
NEW rental property at the Lake of Egypt! 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 1 Bonus Room, and lots of amenities!
NEW! Two Little Birds
NEW rental property at the Lake of Egypt! 2 separate pods, each with queen beds and their own full bathrooms!