8 Tiny Vacation Cabins to Take You Off the Grid
Living off the grid means living any way you’d like.
With the tiny house craze in full swing, it’s no surprise that—much to our excitement—these eco-friendly, spatially aware, and damn interesting designs are finally branching out into cabin life, where things have always been about efficiency, simplicity, and function.
So if your summer vacations have you forest-bound, here are eight tiny cabins that you can rent right now:
Cabin by the Creek
Trieblach, Carinthia, Austria – From $95/Night
Located in the small Austrian village of St. MargaretenimRosentol, this rustic, tiny cabin is ideal for travelers looking to experience some off-the-beaten-path relaxation in Carinthia. The miniature two-story accommodations feature one bedroom, a full modern bathroom, classic wood décor and furniture, and a patio that offers incredible views of the countryside, the babbling creek (literally feet from the door), and the Austrian Alps in the backdrop. There’s no kitchenette, but the local restaurant is well known for its signature regional fare.
Casa Madrone
Aptos, California – From $110/Night
Surrounded by beautiful madrone and oak trees and within close proximity to both a redwood grove and beautiful beaches, this tiny cabin is perfect for travelers who want to sample all the outdoors the California coast has to offer. Don’t let the size of this geodesic-domed cabin fool you. It features a simple double bed, along with a 24-inch flat-screen TV and DVD player (which you’d be an idiot to use), a pull-out futon couch, and a mini (but fully functional) kitchenette that comes complete with a double hot plate, refrigerator, toaster oven, blender, French press, and even a popcorn machine. Step out onto the spacious deck that offers full views of the impressive redwood trees and allows access to a convenient BBQ grill.
Eagle’s Perch
Point Roberts, Washington – From $109/Night
Teetering on the edge of a 150-acre park, surrounded by winding trails and statuesque cedars, this incredible, compact cottage offers guests a year-round retreat from the hustle of real life. Downstairs, a full kitchenette sits across from a gas fireplace right beside the dining area and full bathroom. The bedroom boasts updated decor, complete with a queen bed and second-story patio deck. Whether you’re trying to hike through dense forest to a secluded private beach, or spend the weekend unwinding on the patio deck, Eagle’s Perch is an excellent option, tucked right into the back pocket of one of the U.S.’s best-kept secrets.
Encinitas’ Beach Enclave
Encinitas, California – From $70/Night
If your prefer your woodsy holiday with a little less “woods,” this tiny retreat will bring nature close to home. In fact, it’s kind of located in a rural California family’s backyard. Bordering a beautiful private beach, it’s very secluded, and shares living space with free-range chickens and ducks, a rabbit, and two small dogs. The 150-square-foot house offers guests a full kitchenette, a full bathroom with compostable toilet (whatever that means) and shower, a loft bedroom with one queen bed, and a foldout futon to accommodate couples or families traveling together.
Half Moon Cabin
Gasquet, California – From $45/Night
This off-the-grid cabin deep in the middle of Northern California’s Six Rivers National Forest is the genuine article. Hand built by the owners, this rural, tiny cabin includes a full bed, a wood-burning fireplace, a full outside kitchen, access to a huge organic garden, and is part of a small “village” of other properties whose inhabitants include goats, chickens, permaculture gardens, dogs, and more. Half Moon Cabin is arrestingly gorgeous and will appeal to seasoned campers; but keep in mind that this is a no-frills experience. You won’t find WiFi or a television here (but, oddly enough, you will find a wood-fire sauna—go figure).
The Arbutus Cabin
Lasqueti Island – British Columbia, Canada – From $96/Night
This picturesque cedar cabin, built on a rocky slope overlooking a striking bay, is perfect for the outdoorsman looking for a relaxing respite from everyday life. The two-room cabin features a huge outdoor kitchen and shower, a fireplace, a master bedroom overlooking the beautiful firs and cedars, a spacious living area and another full bed, plus a deck offering incredible views of the bay below. Go swimming, hike the trails, or savor a cup of coffee on the deck. Living off the grid means living any way you’d like.
MoonShine Cabin
McHenry, Maryland – From $249/Night
The MoonShine Cabin at Blue Moon Risings’ is one in a family of tiny houses and cabins buried deep in rural Maryland. Constructed from reclaimed barn wood, the property comes with a simple queen-sized loft bed and one full-sized Murphy bed, as well as a full kitchenette, simple décor, and an incredible front porch with views of Deep Creek Lake.
The Tree House Cabin
San Salvatore Monferrato, Alessandria, Italy – From $140/Night
This cozy tree house cabin overlooking the stunning, pastoral Italian countryside features charmingly uncomplicated décor, a full bathroom, a queen-sized bed, and sliding doors that open up to a picturesque porch/balcony. Tour the area’s top wine producers during the day, and enjoy the fruits of your labor on your private secluded balcony at night.
Photos by Airbnb, Tiny Vacation Homes, & Blue Moon Rising