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Often passed over for the natural attractions of Utah, Montana or Idaho, Pennsylvania remains an under-the-radar destination for outdoor vacations —though it certainly isn’t lacking in activities.
At the state’s Pine Creek Gorge is an 800-foot canyon with multiple breathtaking lookout points. And in Cherry Springs, you’ll find an unofficial dark sky reserve often touted as the best place in the entire eastern seaboard for stargazing opportunities.
To experience “The Niagara of Pennsylvania,” visit Bushkill Falls and hike past a series of incredible waterfalls in the Delaware Water Gap. And if you really love waterfalls, head to a second location for magical falls at Ricketts Glen State Park. There, you can follow the 7.2 mile trail traversing past a dramatic waterfall range ranging from nine to 94 feet tall.
When you’re ready to explore the state — a rarely crowded and very affordable destination, by the way — consider getting the full wooded experience by renting a secluded cabin rental in Pennsylvania.
With a multitude of secluded cabin rentals in Pennsylvania, it’s hard to decide which one to call your home away from home. Ranging from an epic mountain retreat with both an indoor and outdoor jacuzzi to a luxurious log home that offers all the amenities to a rustic cabin with river access for tubing, there’s no shortage of incredible rentals available.
Related Read: 50 Gorgeous A-Frame Cabin Rentals Across the United States
1. Texter Mountain Getaway
Why you should stay: Picture-perfect A-frame with sprawling outdoor living space.
- Nearest town: Robesonia
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $263/night
This A-frame is an older home, but it recently underwent a full renovation. Now, the mountain chalet features modern appliances alongside an indoor jacuzzi smack in the middle of the living room. The home does still maintain some of its original decor with aged ceiling beams and boards. And since the home is on 10 acres, privacy is available in spades. It’s ideal for a romantic dip in the outdoor hot tub (yes, there’s two!)
After relaxing in the sunken outdoor patio tub, enjoy wildlife spotting from the expansive deck or hop in the outdoor shower to cool off from the hot tub experience. Grab a great book and head towards the double lounger conveniently placed right next to the outdoor fireplace for a cozy evening read. Or, just kick back and take in the sun as it sets behind Texter Mountain off in the distance.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 8 Unique & Secluded Cabin Rentals in Ohio
2. Redbank Lakefront Cottage
Why you should stay: Sweeping views overlooking the lake from this brand-new build.
- Nearest town: Punxsutawney
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $195/night
Find this dreamy, brand new home nestled among a forest of pine trees on a 103-acre lot. There’s an open floor plan so you’ll always have great views, and considering how well-manicured the lawn and lakeside area are, it feels like you’re staying in a country club even though you’re actually on a lot of more than 100 acres. Plan to bring some books and a bottle of wine since you’ll have two decks to relax on, one of which faces the lake.
Fun fact: Punxsutawney is home to Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog who predicts every year if winter is almost over by seeing his shadow (or not.) You can go visit him in his downtown “borrow,” though he also makes appearances at events throughout the summer.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Dreamy Pennsylvania Glamping Spots To Book Now
3. Lake Jeanette Hideaway
Why you should stay: Cute cabin on the outdoorsy grounds of an art school.
- Nearest town: Petersburg
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $300/night
Tucked away on the grounds of The C Barton McCann School of Art is this expansive cottage overlooking private Lake Jeanette. It’s in quite a peaceful and secluded setting, so although it sleeps four, it’d be a great spot for a solo writers retreat or meditation weekend.
Several well-loved state parks are nearby so you won’t have to go far to find hiking opportunities. The cabin is in Petersburg, which is a very small town – but you’ll only be about 15 miles from Penn State’s main campus in the town of State College, which is a super-cool college town.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Peaceful Cabin Rentals Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4. Chestnut Cabin
Why you should stay: Rustic cabin with a wooded creek far away from the modern world.
- Nearest town: Dingmans Ferry
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $151/night
Snuggle up in a one-of-a-kind cabin that sits right on the border of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Be forewarned, you may need an AWD or 4WD vehicle to access this property during the winter months, but once inside you’ll know the cozy Nordic-inspired cottage was worth an all-season adventure.
The space itself offers a sleeping loft that overlooks the surrounding wooded forest, as well as an open interior with great views of the woods. Guests never have to worry about boredom creeping in with three waterfalls at the nearby state park, plus Wi-Fi and a huge back deck perfect for outdoor dinners.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Unique Places to Stay in Pennsylvania
5. The Forest House
Why you should stay: Luxurious log home in a spacious, natural setting.
- Nearest town: Lock Haven
- Sleeps: 7
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $225/night
Conveniently located just outside the border of the Michaux State Forest, this gorgeous log cabin is aptly named “The Forest House.” With ample room for a family, this cabin rental in Pennsylvania makes for one ideal group getaway, especially if you’re hoping to hike sections of the Appalachian Trail during your visit.
Spend half the day hiking and the other half kicking back in luxury, with all the convenience of home right at your fingertips. From air conditioning, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor fire pit, there’s little to leave you wanting. Pricing on VRBO is based on two guests and rises $20 per person for every additional person.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Luxury Cabin Rentals in Pennsylvania for a Pampered Vacation
6. Secluded Riverfront Oasis
Why you should stay: Spacious spot with ample outdoor activities at your doorstep.
- Nearest town: Karthaus Township
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $250/night
Just a quick drive from State College and Penn State is this secluded riverfront cabin oasis. Step out on the back deck to be on a creek bank with views of the mountains set in the background. Unlike many Pennsylvania cabin rentals, this one is bright and airy inside. It has a cool blend of vintage decor and modern, minimalist updates.
Known for its wildlife spotting opportunities, take a moment in silence and you just might see an elk or a deer scamper by. If you want to increase your chances of spotting an elk, head to Benezette or go for a hike through Elk State Forest to spot wandering herds.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 7 Incredible Treehouse Rentals in Pennsylvania
7. Cedarwood Mountain Lodge
Why you should stay: Backwoods escape with easy access to famed national parks.
- Nearest town: Penfield
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $195/night
Surrounded by state forest and near two parks, this classic mountain lodge is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. On your way to the property, drive along the spectacular “Mountain Laurel Driving Tour” to spot the state flower (the mountain laurel) blooming along the road throughout the spring season. And if the nearby greenspace isn’t enough, you’re just about 30 minutes from Allegheny National Forest. Any section of the North Country Trail in the forest will have amazing views.
Upon arrival at this Pennsylvania cabin, you’ll be treated to homemade goodies like fresh bread, sweet rolls and muffins, all pre-prepared by the host. Located just off the PA I-80, the cabin provides easy access to Parker Dam, S.B. Elliott State Park and the nearby meadows where an elk herd lives, offering plenty to do outdoors.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Best Spots to See Pennsylvania’s Fall Foliage
8. Little Bear Lodge
Why you should stay: Room for a big family near hiking, wineries, and ski resorts.
- Nearest town: New Tripoli
- Sleeps: 7
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $175/night
Discover a private rustic retreat set on three acres of wooded land at the Little Bear Lodge cabin. Featuring an open-concept design with three separate bedrooms, there’s plenty of space for the whole family or a few couples. Little ones will delight in the babbling brook nearby for a splash on a hot day and telling ghost stories into the night around the outdoor fire pit, which is just as fun for adults once the kiddos are tucked in.
Parents will enjoy happy hour out on the back deck come rain or shine thanks to the covered pergola, and when its time for dinner, grill up burgers and veggies for a five-course vacation meal. It’s a classic Pennsylvania country cabin for a classic Pennsylvania country weekend.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Super Fun Weekend Road Trips From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
9. Swiftwater Acres Cabin
Why you should stay: Remote riverfront cabin just 90 minutes from NYC.
- Nearest town: Millrift
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $216/night
Marvel at this custom-made, rustic cabin on 45 acres near the start of Bushkill Creek. In fact, it’s the at the highest point elevation along the creek, so there’s no impact from development on the creek. Expect clean water, plenty of birds and otters, and not another person in site.
The home is a perfect escape from the city, and quite the contrast – expect to hear the sounds of water from every room in the house. And expect to see plenty of fish (and maybe an otter or two!)
Days are best spent unrushed here. Start your morning on the wrap around porch, perfect for a slow practice of yoga and shavasana. To stretch your legs, head to nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to check out hikes past some stunning waterfalls, head into the town of Milford to explore the cute downtown area, or do a river float on the Delaware River. Plenty of choices.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Luxury Cabin Rentals in the Poconos
10. Cook Forest Retreat
Why you should stay: Year-round cabin rental surrounded by Foxburg restaurants and wineries.
- Nearest town: Emlenton
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $230/night
If you want to experience the outdoor recreation in western Pennsylvania but aren’t wanting to pitch a tent, book this all-season cabin. The cabin has a great lawn is and is surrounded by 17 acres of wooded space, so you can bet its ideal for leaf peeping come October and November.
One especially nice feature of this Pennsylvania cabin rental is that the hot tub on the patio is totally screened in so you get great views without the bugs and errant leaves. And inside, the garage holds a game room decked out with a ping pong and shuffleboard, among other games. For fun off property, you’ll find several wineries in Foxburg plus plus great hiking trails north towards Allegheny National Forest.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 12 Cozy Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals in Pennsylvania
11. Vintage Logger Cabin
Why you should stay: Renovated 100-year-old cabin close to town.
- Nearest town: Halfmoon Township
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $110/night
For a homey, simple stay, look no further than this vintage logger cabin on 60 acres. Inside the cozy cabin is a massive indoor stone fireplace practically made for cuddling up with a good book. This is one of the roomiest and most affordable secluded cabin rentals in Pennsylvania, though you’ll actually be very close to State College, which has dozens of great restaurants and coffee shops.
A dream for avid fishermen, the cabin sits on a stocked pond for catch-and-release fishing of largemouth bass, perch, and catfish can be catched. Further afield, a stream runs through the property with a healthy population of trout. As the sun sets, gather around the outdoor fire pit for a marshmallow and s’mores making session, or chill out on the porch swing. The home has great cell service and Wi-Fi, so you can download a book or movie – just don’t watch “Cabin in the Woods.”
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Awesome & Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals in the Poconos
12. Sinnemahoning Creek Bungalow
Why you should stay: Stay in the heart of Pennsylvania Elk Country.
- Nearest town: Benezette
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $375/night
Didn’t know Pennsylvania had an “Elk Country?” Well, now you do, and the town of Benezette is smack in the middle of it. Tucked into the mountains, this picturesque cabin in Elk Country makes for one dreamy stay, especially as it overlooks a creek. Whip up an old-fashioned BBQ lunch at the outdoor picnic area, listening to the sounds of the stream.
Spend some time on the expansive covered back porch and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as the home is situated in the heart of the free roaming elk range. It’s not unusual to have 50 or more elk hanging out on the lawn. On a hot day, take a plunge in the water, then head out for a full day of nearby activities ranging from horseback riding and fishing to hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 9 Refreshing Swimming Holes in Pennsylvania
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Seen in: Cabins, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Where to Stay
