Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River

Photo gallery for Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River

Cardinal House Lodge
Screened in porch
Dining
Interior
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
AU$332
avg per night

Explore the area

Map
Depauw, IN
  • Wyandotte Cave
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • O'Bannon Woods State Park
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Marengo Cave National Landmark
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • French Lick, IN (FRH-French Lick Municipal)
    ‪62 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

cots

3 Single Beds

Offset of living room

4 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

Room

  • 278.7 sq m
  • Water view
  • Sleeps 12
  • 3 Double Beds and 7 Single Beds
Price is AU$332 avg per night,

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About the area

Depauw

Located in Depauw, this lodge is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Corydon Capitol State Historic Site and Hayswood Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Wyandotte Cave and Battle of Corydon Memorial Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Harrison Spring - 7 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Wyandotte Cave - 18 min drive - 12.8 km
  • O'Bannon Woods State Park - 18 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Corydon Capitol State Historic Site - 20 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Marengo Cave National Landmark - 31 min drive - 24.5 km

Getting around

  • Louisville International Airport (SDF) - 53 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Ramsey Popcorn Company - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Rita's Taco Shop - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Idlewild Post - ‬17 min drive

About this property

Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River

"Charming cabin nestled in the woods, perfect for a fall retreat! Enjoy stunning foliage views and cozy nights by the fireplace. This rental is available until the temperature drops below freezing.- Cardinal House Lodge offers a large screened porch that wraps around 2 sides of the building and provides space to dine, sleep, or watch the river. A large circular fireplace offers additional gathering opportunities in an open family room setting. The cabin will sleep 8 to 12 comfortably. The cabin has 3 bedrooms. There are also 4 twin beds in view of the fireplace and two comfy couches. There is additionial sleeping arrangements with 3 cots located on the screened-in porch. The cabin has 1 bathroom with a shower and a 1/2 bathroom. The kitchen is fully equipped and features a Vulcan stove with a large butcher-block prep table. Exterior gas and charcoal grills are located outside with propane and charcoal provided. Your choice of indoor or outdoor dining areas, and a riverside campfire circle. NO CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING OR HEAT. Fans are available upon request. Firewood is provided with the rental for use of both inside fireplace and out side campfire.

Cardinal History - The cabin is adapted from a 1950's church camp called Camp Merry Ledges. The Camp is constructed of rustic redwood and douglas fir and provides the perfect setting for couples, families, fishermen, and outdoor groups looking for a river retreat. This cabin is the perfect retreat for a river and nature lovers.


We are bordered by the Blue River and public lands: Enjoy easy access to Blue River from the lodge with many access points downstream at approximately 3 1/2, 7, 10 or more miles.
Bring your own boat, kayak, canoe or tubes or rent them from a nearby livery.

This section of Blue River where Cardinal House Lodge is located is not part of the public canoe rentals water route. So you can enjoy a more private and peaceful trip.

The Blue River is renowned for it's cleanliness and naturalness. It abounds with wildlife. Fishermen ABSOLUTELY love fishing on our section of the river.

Harrison Crawford State Forest, O'Bannon Woods State Park, Patoka Lake, Hoosier National Forest, Hemlock Cliffs, Yellow Birch, and the Ohio River are all within 15 minutes of us. That means there is a lot of Hiking, Biking, Hunting, Fishing, and backpacking awaiting you.

Gambling, night life, and shopping abound: We are only 40 minutes from 2 different Casinos. Louisville is about 40 minutes away. French Lick is about 50 minutes away. Corydon is Indiana's 1st state capital and has a lot of things going on.

Scenic Drives and Historic Tourism : We are located right on the Ohio River Scenic ByWay, HWY 62. Route 66 is a few miles away. These roads offer roadside picnicking, amazing vistas, and roads canopied by living trees. You can explore for days and not see the same road twice. Need more space? We have several rentals within 5 min of the Cardinal. Family Reunion? Ask us about renting our incredible Event space. *BOOKINGS AFTER NOVEMBER 1ST WILL BE TENTATIVELY HELD PENDING WEATHER FORCAST AND ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELATION IF FREEZING TEMPS ARRIVE BRFORE YOUR BOOKING DATE. If your reservation is cancelled by the host all money will be refunded and we hope you will visit us during warmer temperatures. REMINDER THAT THE CARDINAL DOES NOT HAVE HEAT. BRING WARM CLOTHES AND YOUR INDOOR BUDDY HEATER TO MAKE YOUR FALL STAY AT THE CARDINAL A LITTLE COZIER while you take in all the beauty and tranquility that Fall brings along Blue River. There isn’t any words to describe the beauty surrounding the cabin, you will just have to see it to understand it.

Property manager

Missi Bush-Sawtelle
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Parking available

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Is Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River pet-friendly?

Yes, this lodge allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River located?

Situated on the waterfront, this lodge is 2.1 mi (3.3 km) from Harrison Spring and within 9 miles (15 km) of Harrison County Hospital and Wyandotte Cave. O'Bannon Woods State Park and Hayswood Nature Reserve are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 74 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Blue River’s Beautiful Bounty
We love coming to the Cardinal Cabin every fall! Its peaceful and close to a lot of great trails. Looking forward to next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Break from technology
Spent a week just burning wood and enjoying the area, nothing fancy just an old cabin with great nostalgia. Will definitely keep going back.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mell B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Stay
Beautiful cabin in secluded location with easy access to the river. Hosts are top notch and provide an accomodating stay every time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Weekend
The location is great, and the cabin is incredible! Really a gem - it’s a wonderful place to get together
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

patrick h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best time of the year
Everything great can’t wait until next year
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stanley S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rockstar Property manager
The cabin was really quiet and have a large backyard for outdoor activities. Most of all, Jennifer was great and appreciated her helps during our stay at Cardinal House.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hrang K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We Love This Cabin
The management team was friendly and amazing welcoming. The cabin was described as online and has plenty of outdoor space for doing all kinds of activities including hiking,kayaking and bonfire. I recommend this cabin and I’ll be back here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Angel B.

Liked: Communication, location
Family time
It was fun, family time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great stay
We come here every year for our Fall Break. Our kids love it and it's a tradition now. Everything was great yet again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aaron E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magnificent Property
This place is so great to get away from it all and a perfect location right next to the Blue River. Loved the property! Can’t wait for the next trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nina D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great weekend getaway
This is our 2nd time staying here. Love the peace and quiet of nature!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Shawnetta C.

Amazing place to make some great memories.
Another wonderful weekend at this rustic hideaway! If you're looking for a no frills, relaxing getaway, then this is it.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2016

10/10 Excellent

patrick h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
White / hamsley family
ive been coming to this camp, almost 50 years it is always GREAT
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emerald P., Palmyra, Indiana

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cardinal Cabin
Beautiful scenery, peaceful vibes and lots of memories made in this comfy cabin
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing few days
Thank you so much for a very nice few day stay there in the Cardinal cabin! We had a ton of fun riding the back roads, fishing, and golf. It was exactly what we needed for a quick work retreat. The host was excellent…..she even came and cleaned up some boxes of mess we had left in the patio area (which was a really nice surprise to come back to). Thanks again for an awesome stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

PHYLLIS G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Blue River stay
We have a wonderful stay. Expect primitive and wildlife. We spent all day at the river, kids swam and fished. Loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Southern Indiana Gem
Perhaps my 12th time visiting the Cardinal Cabin and it never disappoints. Although this was my first time visiting during the warm summer months, and it does get warm in the cabin. They provided AC units, which helped out! This place is an absolute treasure if you need to get away from it all, including technology! Magical! Jenny
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Southern Indiana Gem
I rented the Cardinal Cabin for group of 8 childhood friends that had not had any significant time together in decades. It was everything I wanted it to be. Secluded in nature, it was quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. River access was icing on the cake Although we spent the majority of our time outdoors, the cabin was inviting, comfortable, and clean, with plenty of room for guests. The kitchen was perfect for preparing large meals. 5/5 highly recommend for anyone looking for a place to enjoy time with friends & family all while enjoying the great outdoors!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

michael h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cats meow.
Nice place in the woods. Fishing,kayak right out the front door. Sleeps 20. Owner is very nice.Stuff people need not apply. We all loved it!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenna G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We wanted to stay
We weren’t ready to leave! Beautiful property. Perfect to celebrate my husband’s birthday. He loves the river and has mentioned so many times his desire to stay on it. Water level was a little low but that section of the river was one we hadn’t done before and we can’t wait to go back with our kids. So much room to accommodate people. Casual enough you don’t have to worry but still so so cool and nice at the same time. The property manager was amazing. Spoke with her a couple times before the trip and once we got there. Zero complaints. Can’t wait to rent again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jodee K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
July 4 Family Tradition
We noticed some improvements from the last time. Air movers and fans for when the weather was hot and humid were comforting. There was more room to put the suitcases etc. The wrap around screened in porch was perfect for watching a thunderstorm roll by. The setting was beautiful, rural and serene yet not too far from town. Access to the Blue River was easy. We could either put in or take out there. We saw lots of wild life and enjoyed being serenaded by a barred owl. Jennifer was very attentive to us. She checked in with us before we got there and was quick to answer any questions we had. We loved it.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
No surprises
Cabin was exactly as listed. Huge interior, plenty of seating, good water pressure, and very helpful host. Weather was only downer, but that can't be helped. Porch screens need some maintenance, but never had 1 mosquito bite, so no complaints. Overall it was as I expected.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Jessica M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming but rugged
Great cabin for a group that likes camping! We had a group of 8 stay for a weekend away. The cabin is very difficult to find but otherwise check-in was easy. Kitchen is well equipped for feeding a large group which is nice. Screened in porch is the real treasure (at least in the hot weather while we visited) it was significantly cooler than inside the house which got very hot during the day. Bring water for drinking and cooking and bug spray - there’s no escaping the bugs in the summer (inside or out) and you’ll be set. There was plenty of firewood, towels and games which all made the trip easier for our group. River access makes fishing and kayaking easy. It’s also a great fishing spot our group caught quite a lot just off the bank. There were 4 cars with groups of people not in our group that came to launch kayaks and parked in the access path to the river which made it challenging for our group to get down there and was a little surprising as we didn’t know that was a possibility and they didn’t leave until close to dark. If you want to explore the area it’s easy to get to state parks and caves as well. All in all it was a great backdrop to a family trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracie O.

A little rustic, but great lodging for the outdoors person
We loved this lodge!!! Plenty of space indoors and out. The lot is mostly flat and perfect for yard games like Kan-Jam, croquet, bocce, volleyball, cornhole, ect. There were even cornhole boards there! (Bring your own bags) Plenty of trees for hanging a hammock or a slackline. Additional information for first timers; The two bedrooms with full-sized beds...heads are actually located against the same wall with an open ceiling, so not much privacy for more than one couple. The vrbo listing stated wireless internet was available, but there is no WiFi, cable, tv, ect... This wasn't a problem for my group of friends, but would be devastating if my children were counting on it. I had excellent phone service through my service provider though. The owner/manager were easily accessible by phone and very informative about Blue River information. The cabin was equipped with firewood and charcoal, and the river access was perfect for us! I would love to return to this little "gold mine." Tracie Orr
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Cindi K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place to relax
Very nice hime to relax and get away from the busy life
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022