Outdoor adventures that include stays in rustic cabins can provide a fun and affordable way to connect with nature. But before booking your next cabin getaway, you’ll want to know how much cabins cost at different outdoor adventure destinations and lodging providers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the factors that influence cabin rental rates at outdoor adventures and provide price ranges to help you budget for your next wilderness escape.
Introduction to Cabin Rental Costs for Outdoor Adventures
Renting a cabin for an outdoor adventure getaway allows you to experience nature without sacrificing all the comforts of home. Cabins typically provide amenities like beds, bathrooms, kitchens, heating and air conditioning, and WiFi. This makes them much cozier than camping in a tent or an RV.
Cabin rates can vary widely based on the size and amenities of the rental unit, the popularity and exclusivity of the outdoor destination, the time of year, and additional services offered by the lodging provider. Basic cabins in remote areas can cost as little as $100 per night, while luxury cabins in premier destinations can run $500 or more per night during peak seasons.
When budgeting for your cabin outdoor adventure, here are some factors that determine nightly rental rates:
Cabin Size and Amenities
- Basic studios and 1-bedroom cabins are the most affordable options. Larger cabins with multiple bedrooms, luxury finishes, hot tubs and other extras cost more.
- Kitchens, cookware, appliances, utensils and dinnerware allow you to cook meals on-site and save money on dining out.
- Premium amenities like fireplaces, outdoor patios, lake views, media rooms and wifi raise nightly rates.
- Rustic, backcountry cabins with shared bathrooms are cheaper than cabins with full en-suites.
Location and Demand
- Remote, difficult to access cabins tend to be more affordable than convenient, drive-up rentals.
- Cabins in premium destinations like national/state parks, ski resorts, beach areas and other popular tourism hotspots have higher rates.
- Peak seasons in summer and winter have the highest demand and prices. Shoulder seasons in spring and fall are cheaper.
Lodging Provider and Services
- Cabins owned and rented out directly by individuals are typically more affordable than cabins rented through hospitality companies.
- Companies that provide services like meal plans, guided adventures, equipment rental and concierge amenities charge more for the convenience.
- Extra fees may apply for things like firewood, linens, damage waivers, cleaning, taxes, etc.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can look for cabin rentals that fit both your budget and your ideal outdoor adventure experience.
Typical Cabin Rental Price Ranges
To give you a better idea of typical costs, here are some general price ranges for cabin rentals at popular outdoor adventure destinations across the United States:
National Park Cabins
Staying in one of the cabins located within national parks allows you to explore some of the most prized wilderness areas in the U.S. The National Park Service operates basic cabins within many parks, while authorized hospitality partners offer more amenities and luxury.
- Backcountry cabins – $45-$100/night
- Rustic cabins – $100-$200/night
- Standard cabins – $175-$400/night
- Premium cabins – $300-$500+/night
For example, a rustic 1-bedroom cabin at Yosemite National Park starts around $150/night. At Yellowstone National Park, the historic Lake Lodge cabins with shared baths cost about $130/night. Grand Teton has 1-3 bedroom modern cabins starting around $270/night during summer.
State Park Cabins
State parks offer excellent regional outdoor recreation and relaxing cabins immersed in nature. State park cabins are generally more affordable than national park options.
- Rustic cabins – $75-$150/night
- Standard cabins – $100-$200/night
- Premium cabins – $175-$350+/night
Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park has rustic 1-bedroom cabins from $109/night and deluxe 2-bedrooms with hot tubs starting at $229. Cabins at Clayton Lake State Park in New Mexico run around $85-$135/night.
Lake Cabins
Rustic lake cabins let you enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and incredible sunsets. Lake cabin rates can vary based on size, amenities and demand.
- Rustic studios – $75-$125/night
- 1-bedroom cabins – $100-$200/night
- 2-3 bedroom cabins – $175-$400/night
- Luxury cabins – $300-$500+
For example, studios at Lakeside Terrace in Louisiana start at $99/night. A 2-bedroom cabin on Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland runs around $215/night. Higher-end options like Lake Tahoe ultra-luxe cabins average $600+/night.
Mountain Cabins
Cozy cabins tucked into remote mountain settings are ideal for hiking, fishing, skiing and wildlife viewing adventures. Mountain cabin pricing depends on demand, accessibility and amenities.
- Backcountry cabins – $50-$125/night
- Rustic 1-bedrooms – $100-$175/night
- Amenity cabins – $150-$300/night
- Luxe big cabins – $300-$800+/night
Virginia’s Shenandoah Mountain Cabins rent for $160-$560 per night depending on cabin style and size. Colorado has mountain cabins starting around $125/night for rustic studios to over $500/night for slopeside rentals with hot tubs and fireplaces.
Beach Cabins
Cabins near the beach provide easy access to the ocean along with water views and sea breezes. Prime beach cabin locations bring higher prices, especially in peak summer.
- Rustic studios – $100-$175/night
- Standard 1-2 bedrooms – $150-$300/night
- Large rental cottages – $300-$500/night
- Luxury big cabins – $400-$700+/night
For instance, Dunn’s Beach Cottages in North Carolina start at around $150/night for 1-bedrooms and $290 for larger 4-5 bedroom cottages. On California’s Big Sur coast, studios at the Post Ranch Inn run $825-$1,200 per night including amenities.
Factors That Increase or Decrease Cabin Rental Costs
Within each category above, your nightly cabin rate will be further determined by specific factors like:
Factors That Increase Rental Costs
- Prime location – beachfront, slopeside, premium sites
- Larger cabin size – more bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage
- Luxury amenities – hot tubs, fireplaces, recreation rooms
- High-end fixtures and appliances
- Scenic views – lake, mountain, ocean, sunsets
- Peak demand seasons – summer, winter holidays
- Packages with meals, activities, concierge service
- Pets allowed with pet fees
- Lodging taxes and resort fees
Factors That Decrease Rental Costs
- Remote, difficult to access locations
- Smaller studio and 1-bedroom cabins
- Backcountry and rustic cabin options
- Shared amenities and common bathrooms
- Standard beds, furnishings, kitchens
- No internet/wifi access
- Self-catering cabins with no meal service
- Off-season rates in fall, spring, weekdays
- Last-minute deals and shoulder season specials
- No extra lodging fees or minimal taxes
Average Cabin Rental Costs by Company
In addition to location and amenities, the nightly rates for an outdoor adventure cabin can vary significantly based on the lodging company. Some providers that offer cabins across multiple destinations include:
Cabins USA
This rental agency has affordable 1-5 bedroom cabins starting around $100/night in spots like Gatlinburg TN, Broken Bow OK, and Pigeon Forge TN. They also manage luxury 5+ bedroom cabin rentals for $300-$500/night in premier destinations.
National Park Concessions
Authorized National Park partners like Aramark, Xanterra, and Delaware North offer cabins inside parks. Backcountry cabins start around $45/night while their premium lodges average $300-$500 in high season.
Airbnb
Airbnb owners list anything from rustic studios under $100/night to sprawling lodges over $1000/night. Average nightly rates run $175 for standard 1-bedrooms and $350 for upscale multi-bedroom cabins.
VRBO
This vacation rental platform also covers the full spectrum of cabin rentals. Smaller 1-2 bed units average $175-$200 per night, while big luxury places run $500 on up per night depending on location and season.
Hipcamp
For a more outdoor-centric company, Hipcamp offers cabins on farms, ranches, vineyards and private land. Their vintage trailers and rustic cabins average $50-$100 per night, while newer cabin rentals run $175-$300 on average.
Average Cost Per Person for Cabin Rentals
To determine whether renting a 1-bedroom cabin for $200 per night or a 4-bedroom cabin for $400 per night is the better value, it helps to compare the average price per person for each cabin size.
Here is a breakdown of estimated average costs per person by cabin size and rental rates:
- Studio cabin at $125/night → $125 per person
- 1 bedroom cabin at $175/night → $87.50 per person (based on 2 people)
- 2 bedroom cabin at $250/night → $62.50 per person (based on 4 people)
- 3 bedroom cabin at $325/night → $54 per person (based on 6 people)
- 4 bedroom cabin at $450/night → $56 per person (based on 8 people)
- 5 bedroom cabin at $600/night → $60 per person (based on 10 people)
These numbers illustrate how the per person cost decreases as occupancy rises with bigger cabins if you have a group to fill all the bedrooms. Solo travelers or couples may still opt for a cozy, affordable studio or 1-bedroom cabin.
Tips for Saving on Your Cabin Adventure
If you’re looking to maximize value and find the cheapest cabin rentals for your outdoor adventure, here are some tips:
- Travel in shoulder season – Avoid peak summer and winter dates when prices spike. Spring and fall have mild weather and lower demand.
- Go midweek – Weeknight rates are cheaper than weekends.
- Watch for deals and packages – Providers often run specials including discounts, extra guest perks and added value during lower occupancy times.
- Split costs with others – Sharing a bigger cabin with another family or group of friends makes the per-person price more affordable.
- Go rustic – Backcountry cabins, vintage RVs or “glamping” tents cost less than full-amenity cabins.
- Cook your own meals – Having a kitchen in your cabin lets you save by not dining out for every meal.
- Look slightly farther afield – Getting just beyond the most popular zones can mean dramatic rate drops.
- Ask about discounts – Inquire about senior, military/veteran, AAA, or other membership discounts.
Average Nightly Cabin Rates by State
Looking for a cabin adventure getaway in your home state or a nearby state? Here are the average nightly cabin rental rates by popular outdoor recreation states across different regions of the U.S.:
West Coast Cabin Rates
- California – $350/night
- Oregon – $275/night
- Washington – $300/night
Mountain West Cabin Rates
- Montana – $250/night
- Colorado – $325/night
- Utah – $275/night
- Wyoming – $200/night
Southwest Cabin Rates
- Arizona – $250/night
- New Mexico – $175/night
- Nevada – $150/night
Midwest Cabin Rates
- Minnesota – $225/night
- Wisconsin – $200/night
- Michigan – $250/night
Southeast Cabin Rates
- Tennessee – $200/night
- North Carolina – $275/night
- Georgia – $150/night
Northeast Cabin Rates
- Maine – $300/night
- Vermont – $250/night
- New Hampshire – $275/night
Typical Costs Beyond the Cabin Rental Rate
When budgeting for a cabin getaway, be sure to factor in potential costs beyond just the nightly rental rate including:
- Cleaning fees – One-time cleaning charges added to your total, often $50-$100.
- Service fees – Booking platforms like Airbnb and VRBO charge service fees to guests of around 5-15% of the subtotal rent.
- Taxes – Sales, lodging, occupancy and other taxes can add 10-15% onto cabin rates.
- Security deposits – Refundable deposits of $200-$500 are common to cover any damages.
- Pet fees – Those bringing pets may pay an additional $10-$75 per pet per night.
- Park entrance fees – For cabins within national or state parks, daily entry fees of around $20-$30 per vehicle apply.
- Groceries and supplies – Plan a budget for food, beverages and other supplies for your trip.
- Activity costs – Tack on expenses for any experiences like horseback riding, rafting, ski passes, etc.
With a little planning, finding an affordable cabin in the ideal outdoor adventure location to suit your travel style and budget is totally doable. Enjoy the peaceful comfort of “roughing it” in a cozy cabin in the woods, on a lake, nestled in the mountains or overlooking the ocean. Happy cabin trip!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabin Rental Rates for Outdoor Adventures (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the costs of booking a cabin getaway for hiking, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities:
Q: How much do basic small cabins cost per night for 2-4 people?
- Basic small cabins like rustic 1-bedroom units typically range from $100 – $200 per night for 2-4 people in most areas. State parks and backcountry locations offer cheaper options under $150/night.
Q: What is the average price range for a standard 2-3 bedroom family cabin?
- Standard 2-3 bedroom family cabins usually cost $200 – $400 per night depending on location. More remote areas can find cabins under $250 while popular mountain and lake areas often exceed $300/night.
Q: How much are luxury big cabin rentals for large groups of 8-14 people?
- Luxury big cabin rentals cost from $400 on the more affordable end up to over $1000+ per night for 8-14 people at high-end destinations. Expect $600 – $800 nightly for typical higher-end large cabin rentals.
Q: When are cabin rental rates the cheapest per night?
- Cabin rentals are cheapest on weeknights Sunday-Thursday and during shoulder seasons in the spring and fall. Summer and winter holidays have premium peak rates.
Q: What are average cabin rental costs near major national parks?
- Cabins inside national parks can range from $100 for rustic to $500+ for luxury. Nearby areas are often cheaper, with rates around $150 – $300/night depending on size and amenities.
Q: Do cabin rentals fill up far in advance during peak seasons?
- It’s best to book 3-6 months out for peak summer and winter dates. More remote areas may have some last minute availabilities but popular areas book up further in advance.
Q: Is it less expensive to join a friend’s cabin or book separately?
- Booking together and filling a cabin to occupancy is typically cheaper per person than booking smaller separate units. But consider everyone’s budgets and plans.
Q: Should I look for special deals and discounts when booking a cabin?
- Absolutely, it pays to watch for specials on lodging provider websites for shoulder seasons, midweek stays, and packaged deals that can save substantially on average rates.
Key Takeaways on Cabin Rental Rates for Outdoor Adventure Trips
- Cabin rental costs vary based on size, amenities, location, demand and provider.
- Basic backcountry cabins can run $100 or under per night while luxury cabins hit $500+.
- Peak summer and winter dates have the highest rates.
- Larger cabins with full kitchens offer savings by cooking some meals on-site.
- The average price per person decreases as occupancy rises with bigger cabins.
- Watch for shoulder season and midweek discounts to save on peak rates.
- Build in budgets for taxes, fees, activities and trip supplies beyond just the cabin.
- Booking cabins 3-6 months out secures the best selection and rates for popular destinations.
Conclusion
A cabin vacation can provide the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and connection with nature for an outdoor adventure getaway. With an understanding of the factors that influence nightly cabin rental rates across various destinations, seasons and lodging providers, you can find great options that fit both your ideal adventure trip and your budget. Taking advantage of shoulder season deals, splitting costs with friends, and looking just outside the most popular areas can unlock some beautiful and affordable cabin hideaways ideal for hiking, fishing, skiing and enjoying the great outdoors.