Picture this: A wood-burning stove, a claw-foot tub, no cell service, and no news. Are you in heaven? Or are you in one of the best Airbnb cabins we’ve rounded up across the US? From an organic design marvel in Washington that would make Frank Lloyd Wright weep to a sauna-equipped “bird house” cabin in Wisconsin, there are so many places to enjoy the great outdoors in style and comfort.
Although images of immaculate cabin rentals may have swept the imaginations of city dwellers years ago, we’re sensing a renewed spirit of escapism as people look to all the cozy cabins, tiny homes, chalets, and comfortable cottages within driving distance to get through winter. These are not your average vacation rentals, by the way, but more so elevated A-frames and Lincoln log-style beauties, fleshed out with curated design features and thoughtful design details throughout. Here, you can get a little lost in the beauty of the wilderness (without giving up too much in the way of modern accommodations).
Perks: Outdoor showers, hot tub, fire pit
Checking into this tree-flanked cabin in Wartburg feels like stepping into a luxurious nature retreat. Maybe it’s the pair of waffle robes hung outside the private hot tub deck, or the modern Adirondacks arranged around the fire pit facing the tree line. But that’s just the beginning of the relaxation you’ll experience in your secluded private rental. Here, sliding doors and windows invite you to commune with the great outdoors from every room, while the clean, Scandinavian-style interiors align with the space’s overwhelmingly calming atmosphere. The Solenne is a picture-perfect vacation spot for two, with a king-size floating bed that ensures no one is fighting for space. Consider staying here for a honeymoon, a romantic winter getaway, or a restful solo trip down south. From $228 per night.
Perks: wood barrel stove, sauna, access to 20 acres of land
Nothing says cabin quite like fire pits, fireplaces, saunas, and firewood: all key features of this off-grid cabin. Located in a rural, wooded area in New Hampshire, the 196-square-foot space is modest but well-stocked for seasoned outdoor travels. It runs on solar power, and features a kitchenette with a burner and butane stove as well as a private bathroom with a compostable toilet. It feels more like a campsite than a standard rental as you won’t have hot water or a refrigerator, but the simpler life does come with at least one special perk: You can sweat your stress away inside the wood barrel sauna. From $135 per night.
Perks: Sauna, fire pit, hot tub, washing machine and dryer
The fittingly named Bird House is a vision of Scandinavian restraint in Cascade, Wisconsin. It’s close to the cross-country ski trails of the nearby Kettle Moraine region, in case you need a quiet place to settle in after a day of adventure, and approximately one minute down the road from a winery known for its French-inspired vineyards. Glou glou! The property itself packs in a small kitchen and living area with a wood-burning stove, plus a serene bedroom and laundry room upstairs. A path trailing away from the house also leads you to a compact, infrared sauna that fits up to four people. For even more coziness, consider lighting up the fire pit outdoors or stepping into the bubbling hot tub on the back deck. From $336 per night.
Perks: Walk-in shower, outdoor deck, BBQ, fire pit,
Hi-vis SMEG appliances and colorful fiberglass chairs punctuate the white-walled, barebones look of this Scandi-inflected home in upstate New York. The small one-bedroom is linked to the property next door by a shared backyard and deck, so it’s a good opportunity to coordinate with a pal or two if you’re able to secure both places at once. In the mornings, sunlight streams in through the skylight overhead to bathe the place in warmth, while at sundown, the surrounding forests in Hunter invite you to tee up the outdoor fire pit and take it all in. From $188 per night.
Perks: full-service kitchen, hot tub, BBQ grill
The term “cozy” is often synonymous with “small.” Not so in this jaw-dropping A-frame that sleeps 10 of your luckiest pals. Surrounded by miles of woods, the location sets the stage for a tranquil escape, but those who are looking for a few activities to pass the time will be happy to discover its proximity to the Rockbridge Nature Preserve, as well as local wineries and breweries. While the white shiplap interior, floor-to-ceiling windows, and floating staircase create an airy feel, there’s also plenty of texture among the leather, wood and rattan furnishings to warm things up. From $675 per night.
Perks: waterfront access, grocery delivery, firepits, whole home generator
This log cabin, set along the Lake Michigan shoreline, marries the rustic allure of traditional wood paneling with sophisticated furnishings. Every detail nods to the home’s surroundings, from its floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace to the tree sprouting up through the floors. Shades of blue and green throughout also capture the colors of the lake. The open-plan first floor allows everyone to mingle whether they’re cooking in the amenity-abundant kitchen, lounging in front of the fire, or enjoying sunset views from nearly any angle in the space. From $375 per night.
Perks: rainfall shower, wood-burning fireplace
Visitors to this New England town—known to be one of the best ski areas on the East coast—often come to hit the slopes. But even those who have no interest in venturing outside on a cold winter day will relish their visit if they stay at this Scandinavian-inspired cabin. Light wood beams and moldings, thick rugs underfoot, and minimalist furnishings tempt even the most dedicated skiers to stay indoors. While you’re holed up in your new lodgings, enjoy a blissful soak under the rainfall showerhead or take in the view from the glass wall in the bedroom that offers an unobscured view during leaf-peeping season and beyond. From $395 per night.
Perks: outdoor patio, fully-stocked kitchen, luxury linens
An hour outside Boise, situated among the Rocky Mountains, lies a magical escape where you can leave all your stress on the car ride up. This A-frame cabin features luxury amenities, stylish furniture, and views for days (you can choose whether to enjoy them through the floor-to-ceiling windows or while relaxing in the hot tub on the deck). The wide-open, marble countertop kitchen is ideal for dining in with a hearty meal, while the circle of outdoor Adirondacks are the ideal place to gather after dark around the fire pit. From $155 per night.
Perks: dog-friendly, hot tub, indoor hammock
Perched above a river on a granite ledge, the amazing views are the cherry on top when it comes to this two-bedroom hideaway. Don’t sleep on the curb appeal—the asymmetric A-frame structure of the home is only the beginning of your visual journey. Inside, warm wooden walls, one-of-a-kind furniture, an indoor hammock, and a marble-clad shower await. The home is a 30-minute drive from the Mountain Loop Highway, which grants access to outdoor adventures in Big Four Ice Caves, Lake Twenty-Two, Heather Lake, and Gothic Basin, to name a few. From $396 per night.
Perks: heated blankets, electric stove, electric toilet, firepit
Sure, the panoramic windows are the real defining features here, but this off-the-grid tiny house has many more fun design details up its sleeve, including the floor-to-ceiling blond wood, the standing shower, a built-in bed and storage, and the distinctive black trim on the exterior. Located about a 20-minute drive from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, this Fall Creek inn is also situated near Lake Eau Claire and the Augusta State Wildlife Area if you want to get in a scenic hike during your stay. From $199 per night.
Perks: Sound system, indoor fireplace, waterfront views
For a weekend getaway from NYC that isn’t the Catskills or Adirondacks, try the Easy A—a gorgeously appointed A-frame cabin just about a three-hour drive away on the Delaware River. This creekside property, located in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, was recently renovated with inspired decor choices like the oxblood and sky blue kitchen tiles. The entire cabin sleeps six and features indoor fireplaces and an outdoor fire pit for extra cozy stargazing at night. From $700 per night.
Perks: Electric vehicle charging, pontoon style rental, modern open kitchen
The entire interior of this two-bedroom cabin in northwestern Wisconsin deserves a round of applause, but it’s the full-size kitchen and its massive portal to the surrounding forest that we can’t stop thinking about. With some cabins, you’re sacrificing space for a larger living area (preferably centered around a fireplace)—the kitchen is often an area that gets overlooked in footprint. But not here; fully stocked with Instagram-worthy dinnerware, the dinner table easily becomes a place for refueling… and playing games… and catching up over morning coffee. The list goes on. When the weather agrees, head down to the lake for a dip. From $348 per night.
Perks: Fire pit and electric fireplace
Named after the designer Fritzie Glass in 1969, the Glass House Airbnb is a peaceful retreat for design lovers looking for some peace and quiet in nature. Standout features are the pea green kitchen cabinets and the wooden wraparound deck with poppy blue seating. If you want to get toasty after a chilly day in Wisconsin, the Airbnb comes with a fire pit on the grounds. Alternatively, warm your hands with the electric fireplace while catching a flick on the smart TV to enjoy in the winter months, as well as many cross-country skiing trails nearby.
Perks: pullout couch, dogs are welcome with a $45 pet fee, hot tub, and outdoor deck equipped with picnic tables
Conveniently located an hour outside Washington, DC, this A-frame features exposed beams and a multilevel deck. The interior has white ceilings and airy white cabinets and subway tile in the kitchen. Head over to the living area and you’re met with earth-toned couches, side chairs, and a modern rug. Being planted in nature, you’d be remiss not to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on the deck overlooking the flowing creek that runs adjacent to the home. From $399 per night.
Perks: kid-friendly arrangements, Southwestern design, large outdoor porch for animal watching
Sleeping up to 12 guests, this Colorado A-frame with views of Mt. Baldy certainly stretches the imagination when it comes to accommodations. In addition to your human party, you might have sightings of moose or elk, as well as striking sunsets while enjoying the modern amenities. From $300 per night.
