7 spectacular stateside tiny house rentals that are big on character

USA Today

5 hours ago

Tiny homes at Two Capes Lookout are small in size but big on views – Photo courtesy of Karolina Pora / Two Capes Lookout
My first experience staying in a tiny house rental for vacation was in 2017, at one of the outposts of Postcard Cabins, formerly known as Getaway. As we drove up to the site at Mount Adams, Washington, I had no idea what to expect. Would the space be comfortable enough for my husband and me? How would we cook and where would we eat? Was there storage for our luggage? By the end of our weekend, I was smitten with the idea of finding more tiny homes for rent.
Tiny house rentals offer a minimalist blueprint, which maximizes space and functionality in a compact setting. Because the focus is on simple living, they're typically eco-conscious with the intention of reducing their impact on the environment. They're also more cost-effective and affordable compared to larger vacation home rentals.
Oftentimes, tiny house rentals are set in rural environments where visitors can enjoy being surrounded by nature. The idea is to spend the majority of your time outside; you're apt to find outdoor enhancements, such as hammocks, patios, and fire pits.
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Most tiny homes for rent include a sleeping area, bathroom, and kitchenette. They also often have smartly designed storage for your weekender bags and other belongings. Whimstay, a booking platform, is an excellent resource for finding tiny homes for rent. You can choose from a mirror tiny home in Texas or an A-frame cabin with a hot tub in Idaho, and many more. Here are seven of our favorite micro getaway cabins. Tenzen Springs + Cabins, Stevenson, Washington
Tenzen is a spectacular option for tiny house rentals in Washington – Photo courtesy of Kimberly Stevenson Photography
Tenzen Springs + Cabins spans 100 pastoral acres, situated atop geothermal hot springs. The property merges traditional Japanese onsen, or hot springs, with Scandinavian spa culture. Each cabin measures a total of 850 square feet, including both indoor and outdoor space.
Guests get access to a private geothermal soaking tub and an indoor steam sauna shower. A large outdoor deck is the perfect setting for spending some quiet time immersed in nature. Additional cabin amenities include a kitchenette, a sitting area, and luxe spa robes. You may even see a herd of elk, grazing in the meadow in the mornings.
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Ofland Escalante, Escalante, Utah
Ofland Escalante's tiny homes for rent have floor-to-ceiling views of the natural surroundings – Photo courtesy of Kim + Nash Finley
Ofland Escalante, located within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, means "of the land." Spread across 22 acres, the boutique property has 32 accommodations ranging from micro cabins to vintage Airstreams and campsites. The cabins feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, surrounding you with spectacular views of the landscape. Deluxe cabins have private bathrooms in addition to outdoor showers and a cozy sitting area.
The retro resort also features a pool and hot tub, as well as movie nights at its drive-in movie theater. Another plus: Bryce Canyon National Park is only 45 minutes away by car. Two Capes Lookout, Cloverdale, Oregon
Mirror cabins offer panoramic views at Two Capes Lookout – Photo courtesy of Karolina Pora / Two Capes Lookout
Two Capes Lookout features 15 geodesic domes and four mirror cabins across 58 acres. Straddling Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout, it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by a Sitka spruce forest, the tiny homes for rent showcase reflective floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, offering panoramic views. They also boast heated floors, a luxurious bathroom, and an outdoor patio, where you can sip coffee in the mornings as you watch the sunrise.
The geodesic domes are nicely spaced out, each furnished with a comfortable bed, desk, and workspace. Guests staying in the domes have access to a communal bathhouse. The beach is a short 10-minute walk away, and numerous hiking trails are within driving distance.
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Postcard Cabins, multiple locations
Postcard Cabins offers tiny house rentals across the U.S. – Photo courtesy of Postcard Cabins
Postcard Cabins has 29 locations across the U.S., all within a two-hour drive of major cities. It's a great way for city-dwellers to escape the hustle and bustle for some time out in nature. The well-designed tiny homes for rent feature a comfy sleeping nook, bathroom, and small kitchenette. And great news: You won't have to sacrifice creature comforts, such as air-conditioning and heat.
The outdoor area features a picnic table and a fire pit. Bunk cabins include an additional sleeping area and are ideal for families traveling with children. Saltwater Farm, Friday Harbor, Washington
Saltwater Farm's tiny house rentals are surrounded by nature – Photo courtesy of Bradley Radlab
Nestled on 162 acres on San Juan Island, each tiny home for rent on Saltwater Farm was hand-built, using a majority of wood salvaged from trees on the property. Owners Andrew and Merriss Waters focus on sustainability and eco-conscious initiatives, such as incorporating solar power and implementing water conservation measures on their property.
Solar panels power the event barn and the inn, while water comes from the island's groundwater reservoir. I highly recommend booking Stag's Leap cabin, which is pet-friendly and features a private cedar hot tub on the back deck.
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Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, Asheville, North Carolina
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins offers comfortable A-frame tiny house rentals – Photo courtesy of Colby Rabon
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is named for the French Broad River that runs alongside the campground. It's one of the few rivers in the world that flows from south to north, which is considered the 'wrong way."
Set in an urban environment in Asheville, the 16 tiny A-frame cabins come with mini fridges and microwaves. Deluxe cabins have large decks and spacious sitting areas. The River Lodge serves as a gathering space for relaxation, and it also houses Canteen, a grab-and-go market. Lopez Farm Cottages, Lopez Island, Washington
Lopez Farm Cottages offers cozy accommodations – Photo courtesy of Lopez Farm Cottages