The 10 Best Mountain Cabin Rentals in the US

Every now and then, it’s important to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and immerse yourself in the peace and serenity that nature brings. In this article, we’ll shed light on some of the best mountain cabin rentals in the US, spanning destinations like the Smoky Mountains, the sequoia-dense woodlands of Yosemite National Park, as well as lakefront cabin rentals in Colorado.

Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the picturesque wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains offers some of the United States’ finest natural landscapes. The ‘Smokies’, particularly Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the most visited national parks in the country, attracting over 12 million visitors per year. One of the region’s most prominent towns is Gatlinburg – the location of Gnoming Around, a two-bedroom chalet featuring barbecue facilities and a hot tub ideal for those chilly autumnal nights. The chalet is close to many of the region’s best skiing spots, as well as a 30-minute drive from the Newfound Gap – a panoramic viewpoint offering views of the Smokies’ signature canopy mist. 

Trekking northeast from the Smokies towards Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains are a family-friendly spot located within driving distance from New York City and New England. Although you’ll find cabin rentals with hot tubs in the Poconos throughout the year, it’s winter, when the ski resorts open, that the region truly comes alive. Some of the Poconos’ most iconic natural beauty spots include hiking routes around Lake Wallenpaupack and Bushkill Falls – known as the ‘Niagara of Pennsylvania’. If you’re looking for a traditional mountain cabin, try Poconos Dream Home, a family-friendly getaway featuring a hot tub, pool table, and forest views. The three-bedroom chalet typifies the traditional woodland cabin and is located 10 miles from ski lifts and within walking distance of Pines Lake.

Stretching 3,000 square miles across Canada and the US states of Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and New Mexico, the Rocky Mountains provide some of the most dramatic scenery in North America. In Colorado’s Rocky Mountains National Park, you’ll find glacier climbing, white-water rafting, alpine gorges, and plenty of rustic places to stay. Timber Creek Chalet is a one-bedroom rental located in Estes Park, a 30-minute drive from the Rockies, Mount Olympus, and the village of Sleepy Hollow. The chalet is within walking distance of many of the park’s 350 hiking trails and also features an outdoor swimming pool and billiards table.

Located in upstate New York, a 2.5-hour drive from New York City, the Catskill Mountains are a smaller US range known for its green foliage, driving routes, and upscale cabin rentals. For those looking to escape the city in winter, this modern pet-friendly chalet in Hunter Mountain is located five miles from many of the region’s best ski resorts and within driving distance of Catskill State Park. A short one-hour drive will also take you to the hiking routes of Long Path and Devil’s Path, as well as the fishing spots of Beaver Kill and Willowemoc Creek. The property’s WiFi creates a cozy retreat for a working vacation away from the city or watching movies in the woods.

Part of the wider Appalachian range, the Blue Ridge Mountains earned their name because of the hazy mist that hovers above the forest canopy. Some of the range’s most picturesque entry points include Mabry Hill, Roan Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway – a 469-mile driving route that passes through Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Across the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find many mountain cabins, including this quaint two-bedroom chalet located on Black Mountain. This home away from home blends old-time aesthetics with modern conveniences like streaming services, barbecues, and a hot tub, from which you can spot baby deer playing in the woods.

The US is home to 64 national parks, each of which possesses a diverse blend of natural beauty. One national park that should not be missed is Yosemite, a true icon of the American outdoors. Yosemite National Park is home to the soaring El Capitan vertical rock formation, while the valley below offers spots for hiking and camping in the wilderness. Yosemite Charm by Casa Ono, located a one-hour drive from Yosemite Valley, is a three-bedroom chalet featuring a terrace and a hot tub. The property provides a convenient base for exploring nearby hiking trails.

Leafy surroundings can be enjoyed in Oregon, home to the Three Sisters Wilderness, Sun River, Mount Hood, and the beautiful town of Bend. Located not far from Bend’s Deschutes River, Black Bear Cabin is a modern four-bedroom property ideal for large groups and families and a picturesque base for exploring the wilderness of the northwest United States. 

Wyoming is home to the Teton Mountains and Yellowstone National Park – both located within driving distance of Jackson Hole Airport and the town of Cody. The Cedar Mountain Hideout is one of Cody’s hidden gems: simple in function, but providing all the basic amenities you need in prep for hikes through the Wyoming wilderness. The three-bedroom apartment is five miles from Yellowstone Regional Airport and within walking distance from Yellowstone National Park – the location of the Old Faithful geyser. 

The Adirondacks span 5,000 square miles and are made up of 100 peaks – the highest of which is Mount Marcy, a popular summit featuring intermediate hiking trails. During the summer, the hiking trails of Gore Mountain are green and leafy, while in the winter months, visitors flock to the ski resorts of Lake Placid. This modern holiday home in Lake Placid features three bedrooms, a living room, and mountain views, and is within close proximity to the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum and transport links.

If you’re up for a road trip, consider hiring a car and setting your GPS for the West Coast. Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular spots in the region, located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Here, you’ll find desert surroundings, as well as boating and hiking options along the Tahoe Rim Trail. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, this pet-friendly three-bedroom cabin in Tahoma offers access to a private beach and is within walking distance to the hiking trails of Eldorado National Forest and Sugar Pine Point State Park.

1. Choose your season wisely

Depending on where you’re heading in the United States, there are many different climates and weather conditions you will experience. Some places offer desert conditions year-round, while others experience four seasons in one day. When it comes to mountain cabin rentals and the unexpected forces of Mother Nature, be mindful that a cabin rental suitable for the summer may be a completely different spot in the winter. A rental that would be an ideal base for exploring hiking routes may become snowed under, and that picturesque lake nearby might only be good for ice fishing. When planning your cabin rental vacation, always consider the weather. The West Coast is more reliable in terms of warmth, while those in search of cooler temperatures and autumn foliage should stay east. 

2. Find the right cabin for you

Research is key when choosing your mountain cabin rental. Questions you should be asking yourself should include: Who am I traveling with? Is this accommodation suitable for families? How will I get there? Do I need to hire a car? Do I want to head off-grid or have reliable WiFi? Do I want a log cabin that pretends to be old but features all the mod cons – streaming services, a hot tub, and nearby shopping malls? It may be the case that you only require a base for full-day hiking adventures. If so, then why push the boat out? For those searching for the best cabin deals, it’s always a good idea to book early and out of season away from school vacations. 

3. Take your safety seriously

There’s a certain romance involved in packing your bags and heading into the wilderness towards a mountain cabin rental. However, you don’t want to break that spell by putting your safety at risk. The American wilderness is no joke, and if you’re planning to go off-grid, you should be prepared. Prior to your trip, pack wisely. This means first-aid kits and thermals for any adverse weather conditions, antihistamines and creams to combat those pesky poison ivy stings, and most importantly, knowing the contact information for nearby emergency services just in case you do get snowed under. 

4. Ensure your transportation is adequate

If you’re traveling in a large group, it may be a good idea to rent a larger vehicle. Similarly, if you’re heading into the mountains or somewhere where the terrain may be more severe than what your Prius can handle, you’re going to need a vehicle that can rise to the challenge. If you’re heading into more rural areas, you need to plan in advance. In rural areas, gas stations are more sparse than in urban surroundings, so ensure your vehicle is stocked up on fuel and food in the unlikely event that you get stranded. 

5. Pick a location that’s going to be fun

Leaving life behind and heading into the wilderness to live off-grid is a dream vacation for many. However, after days of chasing butterflies and bathing in streams, you may find boredom setting in. If you're wary of feeling too isolated during your time away, consider visiting a destination that masquerades as wilderness but is also close to attractions – such as a cabin in South Dakota within driving distance of Mount Rushmore, or an upstate New York retreat where you can spend a day exploring New York City.'