The 9 Best North Carolina Cabin Rentals of 2021

Best Overall: Off-Grid Cabin in the Pisgah Highlands

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A Superhost owner, effusive Airbnb reviews, and a magnificent location on the edge of Pisgah National Forest, which is right outside of Asheville, earn this rustic cabin the top spot on our list. Part of a massive 125-acre private property, it is surrounded by trees and blessed with spectacular mountain views. The cabin is entirely off the grid, making it ideal for couples wanting to escape the daily rat race, or just to unwind and reconnect. 

Facilities include a propane stove and heater, a water cooler, a spotless outhouse and a seasonal, heated outdoor shower. Electricity is powered by a solar generator and may not always work, but that only adds to the feeling of roughing it out in the woods. Similarly, there’s no Wi-Fi and cell service is limited. Spend your days hiking the creek trail or unwinding by the outdoor fire pit, and there’s no doubt this cabin will bring you closer to nature.  

Best Budget: Tranquility Ridge Mountain Cabin

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Located on a 10-acre private property in Otto, a quaint town in Macon County just north of the Georgian border, this open-plan, studio-style cabin is a perfect budget choice. Superhost owners go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay, while the cabins authentically decorated pine furnishings and an antique wood-burning stove provide just the right ambiance.

Two Double beds and a sleeper couch provide space for up to six adults, although four is not as tight of a squeeze. From the well-stocked kitchen to the full bathroom, this cabin is equipped with creature comforts – including heating, AC, and Wi-Fi. The front and back porches are a highlight for most guests and come with a porch swing and picnic table, so you’ll get to savor the outdoors. 

Best for Families: Log Cabin in Maggie Valley

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This stylish log cabin on the outskirts of Maggie Valley, about an hour from Asheville, offers plenty of space for the entire family, with three bedrooms along with separate living and dining areas. 

Despite its rural setting, the cabin offers every modern comfort, from Wi-Fi and Smart TVs, to stainless steel kitchen appliances. A dishwasher saves teens from having to argue over washing up duty, while a bathtub and fireplace guards make the cabin ideal for smaller kids to roam around. 

But this cabin isn’t all modern luxuries and technology: Create lasting family memories as you grill out on the mountain-view deck or toast s’mores around the fire pit. Board games, books, and children’s toys provide entertainment on rainy days. The cabin also includes laundry facilities and free on-site parking. 

Best for Larger Groups: 5-Bedroom Cabin in Swannanoa

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Planning a family reunion or a getaway with friends? Five bedrooms with space for up to 10 guests make this spacious mountain cabin the ultimate choice for a bigger crowd. Located in Swannanoa, only a 10-minute drive from downtown Asheville and 15 minutes from the Biltmore Estate, you’ll be close to a ton of excitement.

Oversized windows fill the large living area with light, while the fully equipped kitchen has everything you need to prepare generous family spreads. Eat overlooking the woods on the large back porch.

The cabin has two and a half bathrooms, laundry facilities, and plenty of parking. There’s no Wi-Fi or TV though, so prepare to unplug and spend some quality time with your group. Just a heads up: The fifth bedroom doubles as a screened-in porch and can only be used in summer. 

Best for Romance: Secluded Cabin Near Robbinsville

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Surrounded by towering trees, waterfalls, and mountain views – and with no other buildings in sight – this Robbinsville cabin guarantees perfect privacy for couples since it’s right in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. There’s nothing more romantic than a couple’s getaway right in the heart of nature.

Curl up together in front of the indoor fireplace, take a soak in the generous bathtub, or head out to the back porch to revel in the sounds and scents of the great outdoors. There’s a barbecue grill for al fresco meals overlooking the creek, and a hot tub for romantic evenings under the stars.

Adventurous couples will find plenty to do on the property, too, from trout fishing to canoe and ATV rentals. Despite its rustic, pioneer charm, the cabin has plenty of modern amenities including cable TV, heating, and Wi-Fi, so you won’t have to worry about enjoying yourself if the weather turns sour. 

Best Luxury: Upscale Cabin Near Asheville

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An Airbnb Plus property with a Superhost owner, this cabin on the outskirts of Asheville has been recognized for its superior quality and comfort. Expect immaculate contemporary interiors, with soaring ceilings, pale wood finishes, and custom furnishings. 

In the open-plan living area, a Smart TV with Netflix allows you to catch up on your favorite shows in front of the fireplace. In the kitchen, prepare sumptuous meals with state-of-the-art appliances. The outside is nothing to scoff at either, with a canopied deck delivering covered access to the cabin’s secluded forest setting.

Both bedrooms have memory foam mattresses and high-end linens, while the bathroom spoils with a large soaking tub and a double vanity. The cabin also an outdoor dining area, and free on-site parking. 

Best Views: Cabin with View in Bryson City

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A Superhost-owned property on the outskirts of Bryson City, right in the valley of the Great Smoky Mountains, this picturesque cabin enjoys a magnificent elevated view out over the Smoky Mountains – a highlight for most reviewers due to the serene and sublime panorama. This vantage point is best enjoyed from the hot tub on the sunset-facing porch, while other outdoor amenities include a charcoal grill, a fire pit, and a double hammock.

Inside, the cabin is both spacious and open plan. Cook hearty feasts in the fully stocked kitchen, get cozy in the comfortable King bed or watch the game on the 55-inch TV if you ever get bored of the view. 

Pets are welcome (although rules apply) and you can check in by yourself using the lockbox. The cabin has AC, heating, and Wi-Fi, so you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing getaway. 

Most Historic: 19th-Century Cabin Near Weaverville

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Step back in time at this unique cabin near Weaverville and just 20 minutes north of Asheville, which was built in 1815 before being disassembled and lovingly rebuilt in its current location. The owner, a Superhost, made every effort to include as many authentic materials as possible – the cabin even uses the original square nails to hold everything together.

The cozy cabin consists of a one-bedroom loft accessed by a wooden ladder, and a downstairs area with a full kitchen, lounge, and bathroom. While everything is compact, the layout of the cabin really harkens back to the history of the region, since most of the furniture is antique, including the clawfoot tub.

In the morning, brew a cup of coffee to enjoy on the screened-in back porch; then grill out on the open front porch come evening. Modern amenities include heating, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and laundry facilities, so you won’t totally feel like you’re living in the past. 

Best Urban: City Cabin in Winston-Salem

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This listing comprises the entire upper level of an urban log cabin owned by a certified Airbnb Superhost. It’s located less than a mile from downtown Winston-Salem which is North Carolina’s fourth-largest city, making it a popular choice for those who want the rustic atmosphere of a cabin while still being within easy reach of a bustling array of shops, restaurants, and bars. 

The host also owns his own brewery and offers tours and tastings to his guests, so if you’re interested in North Carolina’s local suds scene, this could be a great way to get an inside look.

The cabin has two bedrooms, a living room, and a full kitchen. There’s Wi-Fi and a Smart TV to keep you connected, and a wooded backyard with a grill and fire pit to provide access to the outdoors. On top of all that, parking is free and pets are welcome.