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A staggering 81% of New Hampshire is forested, making plenty of opportunities to hide away in the woods.
The Granite State is second only to Maine in the claim for the most forested state. It boasts almost five million acres of trees and the largest national forest in New England. There are plenty of ways to view the vastness of the forests in the state too. Take a train ride through White Mountain National Forest, hike your way up Mount Washington, kayak along Lake Winnipesaukee, or take a drive through the Great North Woods.
Whatever you find yourself doing, make sure to book the best basecamp for your adventures. New Hampshire has no shortage of secluded cabins and lake- or river-side retreats. The key is to snag one of the recommendations below before someone else does.
Related Read: The Best Time of Year to Visit New Hampshire
1. Sugar Bear Cabin
Why you should stay: you’ll be minutes from the most spectacular lupine display in the state.
- Nearest town: Sugar Hill
- Sleeps: 6 guests
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $330/night
Are you in Aspen or in the heart of the White Mountains? It’s hard to tell the difference staying on 14+ acres at Sugar Bear Cabin. The home can entertain a reasonably large family or several adult couples so choose your party wisely.
This unique cabin works as a great basecamp for your outdoor adventures regardless of the season. The hikes in the area are like no other and some of the best ski hills in the state are just down the road. There’s even a short trail right on the property and the hosts give you access to their snowshoe collection so you can enjoy nature even in the dead of winter.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: The Top 10 Winter Hikes in New Hampshire
2. The G-Frame
Why you should stay: two words, private sauna.
- Nearest town: Sanbornton
- Sleeps: 2 guests
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $120/night
The G-Frame might be a few yards from a deep ravine, but the heights won’t be the only thing to get your heart racing. This cozy cabin for two is an ideal spot for those wanting to spark some romance and get real snuggly. The cabin is tucked in a corner of the Granite State on a sprawling 24-acre estate. T
he large windows in the cabin bring light and nature right into your loft bedroom. The wood stove warms up the quaint space quickly although you might not need external warmth if you’re there with your partner (wink wink).
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Best Cabin Rentals in New Jersey for a Quick Getaway to the Woods
3. Treetop Retreat
Why you should stay: a wrap-around porch ten feet up in the air.
- Nearest town: Lincoln
- Sleeps: 4 guests
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $372/night
Careful, black bears can climb trees so best lock up the house before heading to bed in this luxurious treehouse. Black bears won’t be the only wildlife you’ll potentially see on the property either.
This newly constructed treehouse is located in the heart of White Mountain National Forest which is home to moose, white-tailed deer, bad eagles, coyotes, Canadian lynx, and peregrine falcons. And don’t worry about missing out on a potential wildlife sighting: the windows are plentiful in every corner of the house.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: The Top 10 Best Campgrounds in New Hampshire
4. Mountain Cabin
Why you should stay: hot tub plus a fire pit means countless hours outdoors relaxation.
- Nearest town: Gilford
- Sleeps: 7 guests
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $200/night
Set in the iconic Lakes Region of New Hampshire, you’ll be begging to stay at this quaint chalet for days on end. The A-frame is a combination of rustic charm and chic elegance with its tasteful knickknacks and comfy lounging areas. You won’t be able to decide whether to dress in your most expensive outfit drinking your finest wine or relaxing around the living room with your pals drinking the lowest shelf bourbon.
Regardless of the lifestyle you and your party choose, the house comes well-equipped. Want to listen to your vintage Led Zeppelin vinyl? No worries, the house includes a record player. Or maybe one of the guests is in need of a musical outlet after inspiration has struck? The hosts provide a guitar for your use. Just make sure to keep in-key or you might be hearing the coyotes in the woods howling on your every note.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Best Resorts in Vermont for Families & Couples
5. Secluded Chalet
Why you should stay: there is no better deck to meditate than this one.
- Nearest town: North Conway
- Sleeps: 4 guests
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $120/night
You’ll constantly be second guessing yourself, wondering if you’ve stepped into a yoga retreat when you arrive at this beautiful A-frame. By entering the cabin through the bright red door, you’re greeted with extensive wood paneling and rustic ambiance in every corner.
Nature thrives both inside and out throughout this mountain town retreat. But if the surrounding natural world isn’t entertainment enough, binge watch the Rocky movies or every Disney animated film under the sun on the old-school VHS player.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Best Hikes in Vermont for Woodsy Explorations
6. Riverside A-Frame
Why you should stay: there’s a private beach.
- Nearest town: Bartlett
- Sleeps: 6 guests
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $201/night
This Saco River A-frame is the perfect combination of elegance and mountain charm. Immediately, there is a Swiss chalet feel to the cabin that you’re half expecting an Austrian to come climbing out the door singing “the hills are alive with the sound of music.” Instead, you’ll have this secluded home to yourselves (don’t worry, no surprise Austrians).
You can hang out back next to the river around the fire pit or lay out in the sun in the lounge chairs. You can even float down the Saco River for some extra fun. But this place isn’t just good in the warmer months. The cabin is just a few minutes from Attitash ski area. There are several fireplaces to keep you warm and cozy after a day of shredding some pow.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Luxurious Glamping Spots in New Hampshire
7. Highland Haus
Why you should stay: a Bavarian feel, but make sure to bring your own bratwurst.
- Nearest town: Stoddard
- Sleeps: 4 guests
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $125/night
All hail the Highland Haus! This cozy A-frame might be tiny, but it’s packed full of character and whimsy. The cabin is snug but methodically laid out so you won’t ever feel like you’re on top of the other people staying with you.
The spiral staircase up the center of the cabin provides a fun adventure to the loft bedroom without taking up too much space. Plus the dining table is cut around the staircase for a uniquely-shaped place to eat your meals. Even if the power goes out, the gas stove and wood fireplace will keep you warm and your bellies full. Which you’ll need since adventure surrounds you here.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Best Hikes in the White Mountains For an Epic Adventure
8. Castle in the Woods
Why you should stay: unparalleled views.
- Nearest town: Campton
- Sleeps: 14 guests
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $400/night
Seriously, the views. It’s worth mentioning twice. It’s honestly worth mentioning a hundred times. This mountaintop contemporary home is like no other. From the inside and out, it exudes luxury and class. The home sits on top of Campton Mountain (hence the gorgeous views) and is architecturally stunning.
The kitchen has windows along every curve of its wall so you can enjoy the views while you’re making up dinner for the entire family. The sunken fireplace room is overflowing with games, books, and toys for kids and adults of all ages. There’s even a full pool table in the games room downstairs complete with pub style lighting. But the large jacuzzi tub might just be my favorite place in the house – it’s big enough for two.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Best Places to Snowshoe in New Hampshire
9. Rustic Log Cabin
Why you should stay: the bathroom looks like you’re stepping into a day spa.
- Nearest town: Jackson
- Sleeps: 5 guests
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $338/night
If your idea of peace and serenity involves pristine rivers and secluded woods, look no further than this riverside cabin. Take advantage of the natural (and private!) swimming hole just out the back deck during the summer months. In the winter, cozy up with a good book or an intense game of Trivial Pursuit around the fireplace. If the game gets a little rowdy, that’s OK since the nearest neighbor is miles away.
That said, both Jackson Village and North Conway are only about 20 minutes from the cabin. You’ll want to pick up all the food you’ll need for your stay there since once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.
Check Availability10. Cabin at the Cove
Why you should stay: release your inner cat and lounge on the oversized couch in the sunroom.
- Nearest town: Rindge
- Sleeps: 10 guests
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $345/night
Do you need a spot for small family reunion? Or perhaps you are looking for some space away from your kids even though you still have to bring the kids? This enormous home steps away from Lake Contookcook is exactly the space for you then! Although the home itself is beautiful, it’s the surrounding amenities that make a stay here truly worth it. It’s got a private picnic gazebo, a private beach, and access to kayaks in the summer.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Cozy Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals in New Hampshire
11. Twin Birches Cabin
Why you should stay: six private acres plus it abuts a nature conservancy.
- Nearest town: Clarksville
- Sleeps: 6 guests
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $121/night
New Hampshire’s North Country is full of wildlife and endless forests. Set deep in those woods is the Twin Birches Cabin and it is exactly as peaceful and serene as you think it will be. It’s surrounded by wild lands that this area is known for including the countless recreational opportunities.
If hiking is your jam, you won’t find the crowds that plague the White Mountains just south of this spot. You’ll also find a myriad of ATV and snowmobile trails. The adventures will keep on coming the longer you stay here.
Check Availability12. The Adventure Cabin
Why you should stay: it’s the perfect combination of upscale living in the comfort of a cozy cabin.
- Sleeps: 5
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $112/night
It’s not called The Adventure Cabin for just any reason — it’s the ideal basecamp for you and your outdoorsy buddies that are ready for an epic trip. Based in southwestern New Hampshire, cozy cabin is close to a variety of adventure havens. It’s only 15 minutes from Mount Monadnock, an hour and a half from Green Mountain National Forest, two hours from the jaw-dropping White Mountains, and just under two hours from the Berkshires.
If you’re having trouble trying to figure out where to start your adventurous vacation, just ask Lydia, the host. She’s an expert outdoor recreationalist and knows New England trails like the back of her hands. Or choose from one of the many hiking guides she’s got stacked in the house.
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Seen in: Cabins, New England, New Hampshire, Northeast, Where to Stay
