11 Best Cabin Rentals Near Payson, Arizona

We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers’ experience, user reviews and more. We may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links. See our editorial policy to learn more.

Located in the forest of the Arizona high country, Payson is a classic American town attracting nature lovers itching to explore the surrounding beauty of the Mogollon Rim.

Payson has a reputation for natural beauty and crisp fresh air that has attracted the likes of John Wayne and Zane Grey, and continues to draw in tourists to this day. It even holds the title of the “world’s oldest continuous rodeo” — it’s been operating since 1884!

When searching for the best cabin rentals near Payson, there’s no shortage of unique and impressive vacation homes. Scattered surrounding region, most of our favorites are located in the charming outlying cities of Pine or Strawberry.

If you’re itching to enjoy the peace and quiet of central Arizona’s natural beauty, you’ve come to the right place! Here are 11 of the best cabin rentals near Payson, Arizona.

1. Glowing Pines Lodge

Why you should stay: Find ultimate indoor and outdoor entertainment at this exquisite Pine vacation rental complete with pool table, theater room, outdoor deck, hot tub, and more.

Sleeps: 10
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Pets allowed: no

Located in the delightfully small town of Pine, the Glowing Pines Lodge promises a delightful escape to the Arizona wild. Your family will relish not only the crisp pine-scented air on the outdoor balcony but also the high-end entertainment options inside.

This four-bedroom lodge has a well-equipped kitchen, countless family-friendly games, and superb wildlife viewing found right in the backyard. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of majestic elk during your stay!

Check Availability

2. A-Frame Log Cabin

Why you should stay: Perched high above the Mogollon Rim, this unique A-frame cabin boasts sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and starry skies at night.

Sleeps: 8
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Pets allowed: yes

There’s nothing quite as memorable as a vacation stay in an architecturally unique home like this A-Frame Log Cabin. Adorned with elegant, authentic wooden floors and ceilings that glint in the sun’s rays, this cabin will make you feel right at home in the town of Pine.

Located close to Tonto National Bridge, Fossil Creek, and the Tonto Fish Hatchery, you’ll have plenty to do and see during your stay! And Payson is just a quick 20 min drive away.

Check Availability

3. AZ Rim Retreat

Why you should stay: Miles of unobstructed Ruin Hill views and beyond await you at this vacation rental with an incredible 2,000 square foot balcony deck and private hot tub.

Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Pets allowed: yes

For guests who appreciate unique amenities, the AZ Rim Retreat’s massive entertainment deck will surely impress! Complete with panoramic views, private hot tub, comfy seating, and a fire pit for relaxing evenings, it’s hard to find a better outdoor setup in the Payson area.

The home’s interior is equally as excellent. Vaulted ceilings and tall windows fill most of the wall space, fostering an airy and bright atmosphere that lets the surrounding views shine in. Up to six guests can enjoy the beautifully decorated three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and cozy living spaces.

Check Availability

4. Luxury in the Pines

Why you should stay: Floor to ceiling chalet windows let in stunning views of ponderosa pines and an endless stream of natural light.

Sleeps: 6
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Pets allowed: no

Enjoy a getaway at Luxury in the Pines, located at the base of the Mogollon Rim in Strawberry. As you step inside, the first thing that’ll catch your eye is the massive chalet-style windows in the living room. From there, we have a feeling you’ll appreciate the gleaming pine vaulted ceilings providing open space and making the cabin feel warm and inviting.

This lovingly cared for home is also equipped with three bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a pool table, an outdoor deck, and a hot tub. And there are numerous hiking trails right outside for you to conveniently explore one of the largest groupings of ponderosa pines in the world.

Check Availability

5. Dancing Bear Lodge

Why you should stay: Rustic design and luxury amenities collide in this open concept cabin rental in Pine.

Sleeps: 10
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Pets allowed: yes

As cabin rentals near Payson go, the Dancing Bear Lodge is one of the best and rocks a 5 star rating to prove it. There is more than enough space for up to ten guests in this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath cabin, and the recently updated kitchen will make you feel at home instantly.

Guests also appreciate the rustic charm of the home’s knotty pine finishings, exposed beams, and stone fireplace in the expansive living room. Not to mention the fabulous private hot tub and fire pit on the covered outdoor patio, which significantly elevates the space.

Check Availability

Related Read: 10 Best Cabin Rentals in Greer, Arizona

6. Canadian Spruce Log Home

Why you should stay: An impressive 6,500 square foot spruce log home ready to host your large family gathering.

Sleeps: 24
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Pets allowed: no

If you’ve been searching for the perfect Payson cabin rental to accommodate your large group, look no further than the Canadian Spruce Log Home. Boasting an astounding seven total bedrooms, four and a half baths, and five fireplaces, it doesn’t get much more spacious than this.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream and has two ovens, a wine chiller, a large refrigerator, and a gas stove so you can make your gourmet dreams come true. There are also plenty of seating areas for everyone to be found in the entryway, TV room, and an attractive great room. This log cabin rental is even great for corporate gatherings.

Check Availability

7. Spacious Chalet Retreat

Why you should stay: Enjoy great wildlife viewing and fresh air from any of the three outdoor deck seating areas near downtown Pine.

Sleeps: 12
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Pets allowed: yes

\Another fantastic option for large gatherings, the Spacious Chalet Retreat in Pine, offers guests a quiet refuge in nature that’s only minutes from the main street. The hosts have provided everything you need to comfortably spend most of your time outdoors, including a fire pit seating area, picnic table and chairs, cornhole games, and a smoking section.

Inside, the home has a stunning gas fireplace, comfy living room, desk and computer for free use, and well-stocked kitchen. There’s even a game room furnished with your arcade favorites from foosball, air hockey, shuffleboard, and more.

Check Availability

8. Tonto Creek Mountain Cabin

Why you should stay: Sleep tucked away into the Tonto National Forest and enjoy local hiking outside your front door.

Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Pets allowed: yes

The Tonto Creek Mountain Cabin is a quaint and unassuming cabin nestled amongst the area’s famous pines. Perfect for a family or group of four, this two-bedroom cabin has all the comforts of home with its fully equipped kitchen, laundry for use, fireplace, and high-speed internet.

From the property, you can easily hike along various trails through the forest, and Tonto Creek is just a few minutes away by foot. For an extra fee, the host has previously allowed guests to bring along their small furry friend, but you’ll need to email directly for special consideration!

Check Availability

9. Riverfront Retreat

Why you should stay: A cozy Payson vacation home with views of the bubbling East Verde River from the balcony.

Sleeps: 7
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Pets allowed: no

Enjoy the Riverfront Retreat — this lovingly cared for property offers private access to river fun right in the backyard. From the yard, you can easily access two hiking trails just a mile up the road, and you can fish and swim to your heart’s content at the nearby Water Wheel Falls.

This home has all of the amenities you expect for a high-end stay, such as a full kitchen and dining room, a spacious living room, and an entertainment room in the basement, comfortably accommodating up to seven guests.

Check Availability

10. Wrangler Ranch

Why you should stay: Dog-friendly Payson cabin rental offering an additional private casita for a sweet two-family vacation setup.

Sleeps: 10
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Pets allowed: yes

Wrangler Ranch is a 3-bedroom Payson cabin that’s an excellent option for two families vacationing together. The main cottage sleeps up to six guests, but there’s also a private casita that can be rented for an additional fee to accommodate four more guests if needed. Small furry friends weighing no more than ten pounds are also allowed.

From the cabin, Rumsey and Green Valley Parks are just minutes away, where you can partake in tons of outdoor fun like fishing, hiking, swimming, and more. Tonto Natural Bridge is also only ten minutes away by car!

Check Availability

11. Rancho Tonto Cabin

Why you should stay: A charming log cabin located along the calm and picturesque Tonto Creek.

Sleeps: 7
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Pets allowed: yes

Rancho Tonto Cabin is our top choice for avid fishing and water sports enthusiasts. From this three-bedroom, two-bath, up to nine guests can enjoy this peaceful home’s comfy amenities and easy access to Tonto Creek and nearby lakes.

This property is super close to the famous local hatchery and the historic cabin of legendary author Zane Grey.

Check Availability

Plan Your Trip to Payson, Arizona

Located 90 minutes by car from Phoenix, Payson makes for a beautiful escape from the summer heat of the Arizona desert. Here are our recommended can’t-miss things to do near Payson.

Enjoy the beauty of the Mogollon Rim by hiking or fishing at the region’s family-friendly lakes and creeks — such as Woods Canyon Lake, Horton Creek Trail, Bear Canyon Lake and more.
Check out the best attractions in the nearby high desert like the Tonto Natural Bridge, Hellsgate Wilderness, and the Granite Dells.
Shop local at Payson’s Farmer Market and be sure to try anything with local Arizona honey or agave nectar.
Explore the Mazatzal Wilderness Area where mountains as tall as 8,000 feet reach to the skies, and experienced hikers can enjoy numerous challenging trails.
Take a drive along one of Payson’s most scenic roadways like Highway 260, the Woods Canyon Lake Loop, Rim Road, and more.
Time it right and attend the historic local attraction that’s been operating every year since 1884 — the Payson Pro Rodeo.