4 Epic Cabin Vacations in North America

Forget all-inclusives, four-star hotels, and budget-friendly hostels. Luxurious cabins are now the new traveler’s dream, and they’re popping up all around the world for anyone with a wanderlust itch.

The growth in our cabin obsession is in part thanks to the recent explosion of Cabin Porn, a tumblr of user-sourced cabins that was recently turned into a book. That said, not all cabins are designed for to be a minimalist’s dream; one enthusiast spent $12.5 million to build a dream cabin equipped with six bedrooms, a media room, and 10-foot fireplace. Other epic log-cabins are turned into resorts after millions of dollars are put into their construction.

From simplistic to chic, here are a few of our favorite cabins in North America that all include rustic flair.

Luxury Log Cabins — British Columbia, Canada

Want to stay in a place tucked away against glacier-fed streams in the heart of the Canadian Rockies? Who wouldn’t? These majestic rocky mountain luxury cabins are as beautiful on the inside as their surroundings are on the outside. (Think: rugged pines, soaring peaks, peaceful creeks, and an array of hiking, fishing, and canoeing options.)

The rooms themselves range from simple twins to premier group houses, and all come with complimentary breakfast and group hikes. The lodge is 125 miles away from Calgary, so after a night at the Carriage House Inn (rooms are under $100!) rent a car and head to the mountains.

Park Lodges — Grand Canyon, Arizona

Not only are the views in the Grand Canyon epic; the places to stay can be, too! This beautiful park also has awesome lodging options, including the Grand Canyon Lodge—the only place to stay in the park’s Northern Rim. The lodges are within easy walking distance to the canyon rim, and all it takes is a peek out the bedroom window for incredible panoramic views of the park.

Flights to Phoenix are easy to find, and then it’s recommended to rent a car for the drive to the Grand Canyon—a little over 200 miles north.

Urban Treehouse — Brooklyn, New York

In the heart of the concrete jungle, Brooklyn never stops surprising us. While this treehouse isn’t available for rent, it’s an urban explorer’s must-see, and luckily there are many hotels nearby so people have a place to stay.

The owner built this small tree house behind her apartment in Bedstuy, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, all with a modest $400 budget. In many ways, the style screams “New Orleans,” using bohemian elements of wood and tin and anchored on a mulberry tree.

Cedar Cabins by the Sea — Santa Barbara, California

Southern California has more to offer than beach babes and surfer dudes. Stay in one of El Capitan Canyon’s rustic cedar cabins for a different type of sleeping experience steps away from the Pacific Ocean. Treat yourself to a luxury cabin, or choose a slightly more authentic experience in one of their safari tents (don’t worry—they still have beds!).

Guests can spend the day hiking, swimming, horseback riding, or wine tasting before nestling back into their nature hideaway. There are trains, buses, and airbuses from LAX to Santa Barbara, and all trips take only a bit over two hours to reach this majestic beachside town.