Renting a Cabin in the Mountains? Here’s everything you need to know before and after you rent.
While there are lots of terrific hotels and resorts in the mountains, nothing says “Appalachian vacation” like a renting a cabin in the mountains. Log cabins were the first type of home on the Appalachian frontier, and the style still evokes the same rustic, close-to-nature lifestyle associated with mountain living.
Today’s cabins are a world away from those one-story, single-room homes hand-hewn out of old-growth timber. Modern cabins are built from logs machined to be perfectly uniform and milled to fit together quickly and efficiently. With sizes ranging from modest little cottages in the mode of fishing cabins seen in old Hollywood movies up to the downright palatial, modern “log cabins” are more appropriately called “log homes.” They might be rustic, but you won’t be roughing it.
Brinegar cabin on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Rental cabins feature anywhere from 3 to 8 bedrooms spread across two, three, or even four stories. Each level might have its own balcony. Many have game rooms, outdoor bars with fireplaces, and designer kitchens. Typically, rental cabins have a hot tub and a fire pit. Some fire pits are elaborate constructions of native stone, often boulders weighing hundreds of pounds, with comfortable seating and outdoor music speakers.
If you want to feel like you are at the top of the world, mountaintop cabins with million-dollar views and multimillion-dollar price tags can be found perched atop ridgelines overlooking vast panoramic vistas. Imagine having your morning coffee as you watch the sun rise through a wall of windows. If looking out over open water floats your boat, lakefront rentals on the many mountain lakes (almost all are man-made, by the way) often come with canoes, kayaks, or paddleboats.
If moving water is more to your liking, Appalachia is crisscrossed by countless streams, rivers, creeks, and branches. Some are wide, wild, and fast-moving, supporting whitewater kayaking or rafting. Smaller streams provide a peaceful, watery soundtrack as they bubble through pastures or splash over boulders into pools.
Rental terms
Most cabins are rented by the day a flat fee for the house; less commonly, you might pay per person per night. Weekly rates are sometimes available.
Availability
Renting a cabin in the mountains is usually possible year-round in most of the Appalachian mountain region. Unless it’s a ski area, rates are usually lower in the winter. Summer is the tour season, so rates tend to be higher then. Autumn brings an explosion of color and the most significant influx of tourists to the mountain regions. Expect to pay a premium during the autumn.
Last-minute openings during prime tourist seasons are rare. Book is far ahead as you can to guarantee you get the perfect Cabin for your holiday.
Location, Location, Location
You can’t go wrong with a cabin in the mountains, but you do have choices. Cabins can be found in every setting, from the seclusion of a little cabin deep in a wooded holler to a cabin quite literally in the clouds. Anything is possible, depending on your price range. Expect to pay top dollar for a million-dollar view.
Misty Mountain-Tops
Kick back, put your feet up, and look out the window at breathtaking panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains. Nearby, green trees reach for the sky. Farther away, the hills roll away to the horizon, until they are blue waves against the sky. Sunrise competes with sunset for the most stunning view. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
- Expect to Pay: $250–$500+ per night.
- Booking for 5–7 nights often gets you a discount. And weekdays are usually 20–30% cheaper than weekends.
- Consider: If you don’t like heights or find the uphill drives frightening, this kind of venue might not be for you. These cabins usually come with twisting roads that climb steep grades. Four-wheel drive is often a good idea, especially in winter or rainy seasons.
Rivers and Streams
There is nothing more soothing than the sound of water rushing downstream and spilling over rocks. Streamside cabins might not have the views of a mountaintop location, but mountain streams have an ambiance all their own. Go wading, fly fishing, or just sit on a rock and enjoy nature.
- Expect to Pay: $175–$300 per night.
- Booking for 5–7 nights often gets you a discount. And weekdays are usually 20–30% cheaper than weekends.
- Consider: Some larger waterways attract a lot of boat and tube traffic, so there may well be people drifting past your cabin during the day. Creeks also attract local critters, so don’t be surprised if you see deer, raccoons, and even bear. Be extra careful not to leave food or trash unsecured outside.
Lakefront Locations
Lakes offer a huge number of activity options for adults and kids. Cabins on larger bodies of water like Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Burton, or Lake Chatuge usually come with docks to launch kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes.
- Expect to Pay: $200–$450 per night.
- Booking for 5–7 nights often gets you a discount. And weekdays are usually 20–30% cheaper than weekends.
- Consider: Lakes are quiet at night, but during the daylight hours, most have a lot of boat and jet ski traffic. Lakefront lots are not usually large, so you might be very close to a noisy neighbor having a good time.
In the Woods
For a real weekend getaway, try a classic “cabin in the woods” experience. Most of these types of cabins are smaller (but not cramped or lacking modern amenities or creature comforts). They are tucked into the woods, often on large tracts adjacent to National Forests or in communities of similar homes. You will see a lot of nature, from critters to trees, and the wind and sun will be a bit diminished under the canopy in the summer and fall months. Access to hiking trails is often better than in other types of properties.
- Expect to Pay: $125–$250 per night.
- Booking for 5–7 nights often gets you a discount. And weekdays are usually 20–30% cheaper than weekends.
- Consider: Some of these cabins can be quite remote, with no neighbors within shouting distance. Most will be on dirt or gravel roads. These are often remote with long gravel roads and spotty Wi-Fi. Perfect for introverts, writers, or anyone dodging civilization.
Common Amenities You Will Find When Renting a Cabin in the Mountains
Hot Tubs
Hot tubs are ubiquitous with cabin rentals. It is far less common to find a cabin without a hot tub than it is to find one with one. Even on a freezing winter night, a hot tub is still a go-to feature for many visitors. They can be found on decks or in side or backyard areas. Be sure to check that the hot tub is not visible from the road or other cabins, especially if you plan to skinny-dip. Hot tubs should be cleaned regularly and emptied between guests.
Fire Pits and Fireplaces
Fire pits provide a place for friends and family to gather together at the end of a fun day in the mountains, share memories, a glass of wine, and roast some marshmallows. Fire pit designs range from a simple metal basin in which logs are burned to massive stone or brick constructions that required heavy machinery to install.
Porches and Views
When we think of a porch, we picture a classic structure on the front of a house that is a combination relaxation and meeting area. It’s where neighbors congregate to catch up, have a tea, and chat.. It might wrap around the front. There should be rocking chairs. Most cabins have porches, but not in the front. Cabin porches are usually in the rear of the building, away from the roadway and parking area, overlooking a view of some sort. It’s more of a Florida-style porch, made more for family enjoyment than a social greeting place.
WiFi and Tech
A good WiFi connection is a requirement for any cabin. Even when on vacation, most people want to be connected with the Internet, stream movies, FaceTime with family. Cabin rental companies like their properties to have up-to-date WiFi, and most have smart TVs and Bluetooth devices on premises..
Kitchen and Grilling Options
An interesting thing happens when renting a cabin in the mountains. On Vacation, we typically want to relax, and eating at nice restaurants is usually a part of that. But, there’s something about a home-cooked meal, whether grilled on the back porch or whipped up in a designer kitchen, that is irresistible. The mountains make us want to connect with our happy-at-home roots. Plus, making food with family and friends is as important and fun as eating the food.
Pet Friendly Perks
Those of us who travel with pets are in luck! Many cabins allow pets, usually with an extra cleaning fee. Small dogs are usually not a problem, but larger ones sometimes are not. Cats, too, are usually not allowed. Extra cleaning fees range between $50 and 100. Please follow local leash rules and make sure your pets do not do damage to the property.
Safety Issues
Road Access
If you haven’t read our blog on driving in the mountains, this is a good time to click over to it! Many cabins are on dirt or gravel roads, often with steep grades with lots of switchbacks and sharp turns. Since most of these roads are private, they do not receive regular county maintenance, and can be impassable during storms or snow..
Wildlife
Raccoons and bears are notorious for getting into trash. Do not leave trash in unsecured containers outside. Trash cans are not considered secure! Keep your trash indoors or in large metal boxes that are bear-proof.
Human threats
No one wants to be negative, but the most dangerous thing you will find in the mountains is other people. Unlike large urban areas, there is not a lot of crime in Appalachia. What there is is typically not “crimes of opportunity” like robbery. Theft happens, and various kinds of assault are possible here, just like any other place.
Unpopular but real information
Tourism sites will tell you the real facts about what you will find anywhere in the United States. They won’t go off the main topics of beautiful landscapes and gorgeous sunsets. But, we want to paint a realistic picture of what to expect on your travels in Appalachia.
There are areas of crushing poverty. When people have no money and few job prospects, crime increases. So does drug use and mental illness. Most tourists will not engage with the criminal element, but its important to be aware that there are a lot of meth users and homeless people in some areas. Some stop by cabins to ask for handouts or offer services. Find out from your cabin leasing company who, if anyone, will stop by the rental. If someone comes by that makes you uneasy, don’t let them in and call the local sheriff’s office. Better to be safe than sorry.
Emergency Readiness When Renting a Cabin in the Mountains
Before you go off-grid, make sure your cabin has:
- Smoke and CO detectors
- First-aid kits (check out our hiking blog for info on personal first aid kits everyone should have on hand)
- Fire extinguishers
- Printed instructions for Wi-Fi, check-out procedures, and emergency contacts
- Download offline maps and bring a flashlight, just in case.
Booking Platforms & Hidden Fees
When renting a cabin in the mountains, most are found on Airbnb, Vrbo, or through local cabin rental agencies like these in Blue Ridge, Georgia:
Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals
Watch Out For:
- Cleaning Fees: Can be $75–$250, regardless of trip length.
- Service Fees: Airbnb and Vrbo tack on 10–20%.
- Security Deposits: Some hosts request deposits or hold funds temporarily.
Book directly through a local agency to save on fees. You will get local help and support, too, which is so much better than trying to reach a big web-based rental agency, many of which allow contact only through chat or email.
Match your cabin choice to your trip expectations and goals
The key to having a great mountain vacation is matching your goals and plans to your accommodation. Selecting an out-of-the-way cabin may be restful, but it might add hours to your trip to an attraction.
Final Thoughts on Renting a Cabin in the Mountains
Picking the right cabin can help make your mountain vacation memorable. Finding the right location, close to all the things you plan to do, will make for an enjoyable visit. Even though you will be on the go for much of the time you are in the mountains, you will still want a pleasant place to call home for the duration of your visit. For many visitors, the cabin experience yields as many fond memories of their time in the mountains as do all the activities they do elsewhere.
We hope you find the perfect cabin to have an enjoyable and memorable Appalachian Experience!
