The 14 Cutest Cabins for a Secluded Summer Getaway
Updated: Dec. 08, 2022
From off-the-beaten-path cottages and yurts to treehouses and lodges with no neighbors in sight, there are plenty of U.S.-based options for a socially-distanced escape from reality this season.
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Social distancing—and then some
Raise your hand if, thanks to COVID-19, you’ve memorized every square inch of your home over the last five months. While you’re certainly overdue for a change of scenery, most international vacations are still on-hold due to border restrictions and other virus-related safety concerns. Thankfully that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to stay cooped up in your house all summer long—one of these cute summer dwellings in a secluded U.S. locale is just what the doctor ordered for a breath of fresh air while remaining vigilant about social distancing.
The Beehive Cottage in Cushing, Maine
There’s no shortage of peaceful getaways among the many coastal communities in Maine, but one of the most charming lies in the Town of Cushing in Knox County. The Beehive Cottage is a peaceful waterside retreat set on two acres, known for its rustic elegance and views of the rocky shore (where you can watch the lobster boats check their traps). The cottage was fully renovated in 2019 and boasts a soaking tub, two rocking chairs on the porch for watching the tide come in and out, and a wood-burning stove. It’s within walking distance of the Pleasant Point Nature Preserve, and on nearby Cushing Harbor, you can buy lobster fresh off the dock to cook back at the cottage. Be sure to know—and follow—these 13 etiquette rules for vacation home rentals.
Doves Rest Resorts in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
In the heart of the Texas panhandle, about 25 miles from Amarillo, you’ll find the second-largest canyon in the United States: Palo Duro Canyon. For those who’d rather skip roughing it at a campsite, there’s Dove’s Rest Cabins—choose from 12 options (each with a contactless check-in/check-out process), based on your preferred amenities. For instance, the Fortress Cabin is 1,400-square feet, has two bedrooms and baths, an outdoor hot tub, wood-burning fireplace, porch swings, and unparalleled views of the multi-colored Fortress Cliffs along the east rim. Guests who want to visit the 30,000-acre State Park—dubbed the Grand Canyon of Texas —for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing should book their day passes in advance through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. For more budget-friendly options, don’t miss the top Airbnb rentals under $100 in all 50 states.
The Stella Vista Treehouse in Walhalla, South Carolina
If you’re looking for a little romance while social-distancing from everyone but your main squeeze, then the Stella Vista Treehouse is calling your name. Climb up the ladder through a hidden door to this luxury treehouse nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s appointed with antique French Doors, a kitchenette with a hammered copper sink and vintage China, a walk-in shower made of natural fossil stone with twinkle lights overhead to simulate showering under the stars, and a stone fire pit. When you’re ready to venture outside, enjoy the nearby waterfalls and hiking trails.
Glacier Bear Retreat, West Glacier, Montana
It doesn’t get more secluded than the Glacier Bear Retreat, located inside the boundaries of the 1.1-million-acre Glacier National Park—there are only 124 private landowners here, so it’s quite possible you won’t even see another person your entire visit. This three-story cottage in the woods is outfitted with an outdoor fire pit, pool table, dartboard, hammocks, bicycles, and a custom-built bar fully stocked with local spirits. It was designed as a hybrid of traditional Swiss architecture and Montana charm and carefully planned around two streams that flow through the property: Fish Creek and Apgar Creek. If you like the sound of this, you’ll also want to check out these 27 luxury camping adventures that will make you an outdoor’s person.
The Alpaca Ranch House, near Mariposa, California
Since you can’t hang out with people, how about spending time with a few hundred furry creatures on your upcoming vacation? The Alpaca Ranch House is a modern, two-bedroom guest house on California’s largest alpaca ranch: Epic Alpaca Ranch. Located one hour from Yosemite National Park, and 15 minutes from downtown Mariposa, guests will enjoy the newly renovated space. From the gazebo, watch the sun set over the 45-acre ranch or enjoy viewing the alpacas, chickens, peacocks, horses, Highland cattle, and a miniature donkey roam about. Off property, pan for gold, zipline, explore caves and caverns, hike and bike—and of course, head to Yosemite. Avoid making any of these vacation rental home mistakes for a perfect trip.
Fallingwater, in Dahlonega, Georgia
Picture yourself lounging with a cup of coffee on the private deck of this modern farmhouse, listening to the calming sounds of the waterfall below you—doesn’t that sound like the perfect summer getaway? It may feel worlds away from civilization, but Fallingwater is less than 15 minutes from downtown Dahlonega (90 minutes north of Atlanta), known for its gold rush history and placement inside the Chattahoochee National Forest. When you’re not out kayaking, fishing, hiking, or biking, enjoy making s’mores in the custom fire pit.
Corkins Lodge, near Chama, New Mexico
Two hours north of Santa Fe, in northern New Mexico, is Corkins Lodge—a private oasis surrounded by mountains. Guests enjoy exclusive access to two-and-a-half miles of the Brazos River, a prized fly-fishing spot stocked with trout. It’s also the perfect place to take a refreshing dip in the water and it’s surrounded by hiking trails. Each of the ten cabins has a full kitchen, fireplace or stove, and private patio with gas grill, making them ideal for long stays with the whole family.
Cabin on the Prairie, in Cedar City, Utah
Mountain views, a gas fireplace, a barbecue, a fully stocked kitchen, and a patio that overlooks a meadow full of deer and colorful wildflowers—what more could you need this summer? The 2,000-square foot Cabin on the Prairie, in Cedar City, Utah (25 miles south of Salt Lake City and 170 miles north of Las Vegas) is a remote getaway with charming Little House on the Prairie vibes. Consider this a great home base for day trips to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Learn about the 15 best places to camp inside national parks.
Shepherd Cottage, in Grayton Beach, Florida
Escape to the shimmering white shoreline and dazzling emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico this summer with a stay at Shepherd Cottage. One of the first early cabins in the area, dating back to the 1880s, it’s been updated with a new kitchen, central air, and an outdoor shower—yet it hasn’t lost its original charm thanks to original hardwood flooring and other special touches throughout. Try kayaking or enjoy a picnic at nearby Western Lake, a coastal dune lake brimming with wildlife. These are 50 more of the best beach house rentals in the United States.
Big Billy Cabin, in Highlands, North Carolina
The larger your family, the better at Big Billy Cabin in Highlands, North Carolina (located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, two hours north of Atlanta). This three-story, pet-friendly antique log cabin from the late 1920s sleeps 16 and sits on a 24-acre estate. Guests especially love the attention to detail and modern amenities, including a copper soaking tub, Viking kitchen range, pool table, stadium-seating movie room, seven wood-burning fireplaces, and 1800-square feet of outdoor decks and porches perfect for playing board games and dining al fresco.
Ruby High Yurt, in Lamoille, Nevada
High-altitude lovers and sustainability-minded vacationers will surely be drawn to the 9,700-foot-high Ruby High Yurt, nestled into the Ruby Mountains of northeastern Nevada. This yurt is powered by the sun, with solar lights and power outlets. Cook your meals over a propane stove, while a propane fireplace keeps you warm at night. Enjoy the many outdoor activities available in the Nevada backcountry, including fly fishing in Lamoille Creek, and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. If you love unusual accommodations, don’t miss these 15 wacky places you can rent on Airbnb.
Bob’s Riverfront Retreat, in Marmot, Oregon
Built by hand in 1948, using cedar trees cut and milled from the wooded acreage, Bob’s Riverfront Retreat offers views of the Sandy River (a tributary of the Columbia River) from every room. Most guests enjoy spending their time on the covered patio, watching eagles, osprey, and ducks or sunning themselves on the large, flat rock on the small, sandy beach. Grab a glass of wine and sit around the firepit amongst the cedar and pine trees at the water’s edge or cook the day’s catch on the grill. These are the best weekend getaways in every state.
Coplan Vineyards Retreat, in Sonoma Valley, California
If spending your summer vacation on a boutique Sonoma Valley vineyard is at the top of your list, then don’t hesitate to book the luxurious Coplan Vineyards Retreat. You’ll be treated to sweeping views of the vines, expansive gardens, a 50-foot solar-heated pool, an outdoor heated shower, chef’s kitchen, and a sizeable outdoor living area. Take note of the wood floors made from reclaimed Eucalyptus trees from the Presidio in San Francisco and tables made from reclaimed cedar from the UC Berkeley stadium. Oh, and your reservation comes with a mixed case of Coplan Vineyards wine, including its estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon red wine blend, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vintages. Vineyards are some of the most picturesque places in the world as these 20 photos prove.
Our Heritage Guest Ranch, in Crawford, Nebraska
Homesteaded in 1887, the Our Heritage Guest Ranch is situated in a remote Pine Ridge area of the great plains of northwest Nebraska—which makes this the perfect location for stargazing and enjoying sunrises and sunsets. Rustic wooden furniture, old wagon wheels and other ranch-style touches adorn the property, as the house is smack-dab in the middle of a working cattle ranch. Spend your days watching the daily ranch tasks, exploring the expansive landscape of the Oglala National Grasslands, or photographing the trains that make their way through the area.
Originally Published: June 29, 2020
