Not a Camper? Try These Luxury Cabin Rentals for a Relaxing Escape

The Douglas Fir House at Lone Mountain Ranch — Big Sky, Montana

Photo: Lone Mountain Ranch

Lone Peak at Big Sky Resort is among the most breathtaking peaks in the United States — and you’ll have a striking view of it from the Douglas Fir House at Lone Mountain Ranch. The cabin features a sauna, four bedrooms that can sleep up to eight people, a loft, and plenty of firewood to keep the stories going late into the night. The slopes of Big Sky are 10 minutes away, and the entire area is surrounded by more miles of trail than you could cover in a lifetime. Dine at the upscale Horn & Cantle restaurant just up the road, or at least pop into the bar for a cocktail and live music. The ways of the wild west have never felt so approachable.

Sweetwater Estate — Lake Tahoe, California

Photo: Tahoe Luxury Rentals

A proper Lake Tahoe vacation could involve a party house rental in South Lake Tahoe within a quick Uber ride of the casinos and nightlife in State Line, Nevada. That simply won’t do when nature is in order, though. The Sweetwater Estate, located at the end of a winding private drive off Carnelian Bay, is the type of spot you rent for the once-in-a-lifetime family reunion; when you need to rally the family around the idea of a rustic mountain getaway but don’t want to listen to your high-maintenance uncle complain about the lukewarm shower once everyone finally arrives. With a five-figure per night price point, you’re right to expect a private pier, floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive lake views, and a glass-encased stone shower with an accompanying jacuzzi tub. The hosts also don’t skimp on the wood-burning stove or the lakeside hot tub and patio along the bay. You’ll need everyone pitching in to be able to afford a stay, but these nights will be some you never forget.

Blue Deer Cabin — Claryville, New York

Photo: Red Cottage Inc

The Catskills are where East Coasters head for a quick mountain escape in actual rugged mountains. Blue Deer Cabin smooths the edges of this ruggedness. A small but luxurious two-bedroom rental cabin surrounded by 23 acres of wildlands, you and a few friends can soak your feet in the Neversink River after a day of exploring the property. Miles of hiking trails are available, and the property is just a few hours from New York City and under five hours from Boston, making it an easy getaway from the urban chaos.

Asheville Cottages — Asheville, North Carolina

Photo: Asheville Cottages

The Manche family offers multiple luxury cabins for rent outside of Asheville, North Carolina, complete with heated bathroom floors and what they assure is the “softest available” toilet paper (just because you’re close to nature doesn’t mean you have to rough it). Each cabin also has a La-Z-Boy recliner and a hot tub on the back porch, so you’re totally off the hook if literally nothing gets done while you’re there. There are 14 cabins on 15 acres, giving you about an acre of uninterrupted space. If you do manage to pull yourself from the recliner, a tasting at the Biltmore Estate Winery is less than half an hour away. Cheers to that.

The Reserve at Lake Travis — Spicewood, Texas

Photo: The Reserve at Lake Travis

The name sounds more like a gated suburban apartment community than it does a collection of luxurious, lakeside cabin rentals. Still, The Reserve at Lake Travis will give you a new perception of what a cabin can be. Also on site are a full-service lodge, a marina, and a lazy river complete with a swim-up bar — because nothing says getting away from it all like tubing with a drink in hand. If you’re smitten after a night or two, the property has real estate for sale in addition to cabin rentals, so you never have to leave.

Blue Beaver Luxury Cabins — Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Photo: Blue Beaver Luxury Cabins

Midwest residents know how to road trip like nobody’s business, and the Blue Beaver Luxury Cabins make a great place to pull over this summer. A stay here puts you right on Broken Bow Lake, where you can boat, fish, and swim to your heart’s content. On land, Beavers Bend State Park is right there for hiking, golf, horseback rides, and more. The property has a variety of cabins fit for couples and up to six-bedroom lodges. Dallas and Oklahoma City are both within a four-hour drive.

Snowmass Elegance — Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Photo: Luxury Retreats

Calling this a “cabin” is akin to calling the White House a “place to hang your hat,” but it has a wooden porch, a fireplace, and is in the mountains, so we’re rolling with it. Prices start at $3,500 per night, but you can divide that between you and 13 of your closest friends and have the hardier ones crash bunk-style in the five bedrooms. With a massive common area and boutique kitchen, your only tough decision will be deciding whether to cook inside or out on the grill for the more “authentic” experience. In the summer, play volleyball on the lawn. In winter, strap on some skis and ride right onto the slopes of Snowmass. Oh, and there’s also a hot tub for après-ski (or après-sleep) relaxation.