Colorado is great for many reasons, but the best things about the state are its nature and outdoor activities. You can hike during summer in Rocky Mountain National Park or ski in Aspen during Colorado’s winter. The outdoor adventures make it an exciting holiday destination but, thanks to the vacation rental industry, you can maximize your outdoor experiences to give an authentic at-home feel by booking a cabin rental.
Instead of choosing a hotel in the center of Denver or Colorado Springs, you can head further into the suburbs or off-the-grid entirely. Cabin rentals offer more privacy and independence to experience the best of the National Parks, local wildlife, and State Parks.
Top Colorado Cabin Rentals
Opt for a cabin in one of the Rocky Mountain resorts, head to White River National Forest, or just pick the coziest-looking log cabin with a hot tub. Our choices for the best Colorado cabin rentals will allow you to experience the quiet side of the state without compromising on your favorite holiday luxuries.
1. Beyul Retreat Log Cabin, Meredith CO
If it is a romantic, off-the-grid escape you are looking for, this log cabin in Beyul Retreat is a dreamy find.
The cabin is set on 32 private acres of land, and it is right next to White River National Forest should you want to explore further. There is plenty of backcountry skiing in winter, while in summer, you can spot black bears or enjoy fishing on the Frying Pan River. The cabin layout prioritizes outdoor space, and you can step straight out of your front door to birdwatch or enjoy a morning coffee on your porch.
Inside, the lodge is humble but cozy – a charming, updated rustic studio. There is a traditional wood stove to keep warm, a kitchenette, and a queen-sized bed. For couples especially, this log cabin is a perfect place to unwind and experience rural Colorado.
2. Bear Creek Cabins, Evergreen CO
Remember those suburb cabin rentals in Colorado we mentioned above? Colorado Bear Creek Cabins offer natural serenity only forty minutes from Denver.
You can fish, cycle, hike, canoe, and ski to your heart’s content. But the property also has free wifi, parking included, and an easy route to the airport – allowing you to stay well-connected to the rest of the world. Staying at Colorado Bear Creek is a good way to experience a remote cabin holiday if you are anxious about heading too far off the grid.
Colorado Bear Creek Cabins have multiple cabin sizes that sleep up to six guests. Each cabin has a large deck, kitchen, bathroom, and views of Bear Creek.
3. Alexander Lake Lodge, Cedaredge CO
Alexander Lake Lodge has some of the best cabins for a mountain vacation in Colorado.
From the property, your main outdoor recreation is exploring the surrounding mountains. Whether you ski, climb, hike, bike, or ride, there are plenty of nearby peaks to tackle. Crag Crest is the closest, although Green Mountain is worth visiting if you have extra time.
At Alexander Lake Lodge, each cabin includes free wifi, breakfast, and parking – which is great value for money. It is also pet friendly, so dog owners can relax knowing that their canine family members are just as welcome as they are.
4. Luxury Cabin, Estes Park CO
For those concerned that cabin rentals in Colorado might mean small and basic, this luxury cabin proves otherwise.
The cabin has three bedrooms but can sleep up to eight people. It also comes fully equipped with flat-screen TVs, free parking for up to four cars in a private garage, and reliable wifi. As far as Colorado cabins go, this luxury property is a modern townhouse in a rustic setting.
The cabin is situated in Downtown Estes Park, only a short walk from the city center but surrounded by mountain and meadow views. Choose to soak in the views from your private deck – perhaps while cooking up gourmet meals on the gas grill barbecue. Alternatively, head straight on to adventure in the Rocky Mountains. The National Park entrance is less than a ten-minute drive from Estes Park and is perfect for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
5. Grand Lake Cabin, Grand Lake CO
Outdoor lovers and adrenaline seekers should consider this cabin in Colorado.
Grand Lake Village has all the water activities you could hope for, including water skiing, sailing, and fishing. While, for a taste of civilization, you can combine a visit to a coffee shop with a stop at the Visitor Center. The center can help you book organized tours or provide advice on local hikes.
In winter, you are also less than a half an hour’s drive to the Granby ski resorts. If you want to be able to spend a day at the resort but retreat to the privacy of your own cabin at night, this rental is for you.
The Grand Lake cabin itself shows that good things can actually come in medium-sized packages. You’ll be able to stay comfortably with a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and spacious bedroom. This cabin is ideal for a couple or small family – bigger than a studio but still nice and cozy.
6. The Hygge Chalet and Sauna, Grant CO
The Hygge Chalet and Sauna is Scandinavian-inspired and beautifully situated in Rocky Mountains National Park.
Apart from free wifi, parking included, all linens, and emergency toiletries, the chalet has an impressive selection of special features and amenities. Guest have private use of a Finnish Steam Sauna, Bluetooth speaker, iPad, hammock, and two large patios.
It is also one of the best cabins if you want to remain close to Denver but want to have an off-the-grid holiday. The property is only an hour’s drive from Denver, but you will need a 4WD to access the cabin because of the snow for most of the year. In short, expect a fun and adventurous introduction to the Colorado wilderness.
7. Redmonds’ on the Rocks, Estes Park CO
This Colorado log cabin is a straightforward option, with two bedrooms, free wifi, and a fully equipped kitchen. However, its location is what makes it stand out.
The lodge is located along the banks of Big Thompson River and is only a short walk from the center of Estes Park. Estes Park is the best place to stay if you want to explore the Rocky Mountains from a town rather than a secluded cabin, as it is so close to the park entrance.
The cabin itself is spacious but cozy, and it is impressively traditional with its wood, stone, and paintwork. This cabin is a great property to choose if you want a relaxing stay.
8. Private Cabin, Steamboat Springs CO
When looking for cabins in Colorado, you likely have an image of the perfect property in mind. This Steamboat Springs cabin could well be it.
This cabin sleeps up to six guests and provides a stunning base while exploring rural Colorado. It has traditional decor but is fully fitted with modern amenities and technology, including three flat-screen TVs and a wireless printer. The traditional-looking living room fireplace is also gas run – so no wood collecting is necessary.
The cabin is family and pet friendly, with access to laundry facilities and baby gates. Families will also appreciate the nearby Old Town Hot Springs, which has eight natural hot spring pools, waterslides, and child care services.
9. Creekside Log Cabin, Canon City CO
This Creekside property is another addition to our dog-friendly cabins in Colorado. The cabin is located on the owner’s expanse of enclosed land, so it is great for exercising pets.
The multi-story lodge sleeps up to six people and has a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and porch. Inside, you can stay entertained with a flat-screen TV with Netflix. While outside, there is a barbecue grill and firepit to eat, drink, socialize, and unwind around.
The property is like a charming updated rustic studio, as the second floor is a converted loft space accessed via ladder-like wooden steps. It is one of the quietest rentals in Colorado, yet also very close to Canon City center. You can visit Pikes Peak for longer day trips or have a city day in Colorado Springs.
10. Fall River Cabin, Estes Park CO
This chalet-style cabin comes with a private hot tub overlooking the Fall River and is only a mile from the Rocky Mountains. If that doesn’t sound like one of the best-located cabins in Colorado, who knows what is.
Apart from the hot tub, there is a shared outdoor swimming pool and a whirlpool spa tub where guests can cool off. Your reservation also includes free wifi, parking included, and cable TV – so you can stay well connected when you aren’t exploring the Rocky Mountains or Fall River track.
Estes Park is just four miles away if you want a day shopping or reconnect with town life. While in Winter, guests can make use of the nearby Rocky Mountain Resorts to practice skiing.
The cabin itself is basic, with minimalistic furnishings but all the comforts you need. Despite being located on Fawn Inn Mountain Resort, it is still one of the most independent Colorado cabin rentals. The owners check-in and check out guests with no person-to-person contact, although you can approach the resort’s front desk for assistance.
11. Downtown Cabin, Idaho Springs CO
At $105 per night, this Downtown cabin is one of the cheapest cabins in Colorado.
But, apart from having the lowest nightly price, the cabin is ideally located. It is perfect if you want a suburban experience at only a forty-minute drive from Denver.
Within a short walk, you can learn about the mining history or even visit the Indian Hot Springs spa at Idaho Springs. If you don’t mind traveling for a more natural hot springs experience, you can also drive two hours to the Cottonwood Hot Springs.
The cabin has free wifi, parking included, barbecue grills and laundry facilities. It has two bedrooms, so it is best suited for a small group or couple. For a budget-friendly holiday, it is easily one of the best rentals in Colorado.
12. Columbine Cabins, Grand Lake CO
Sometimes a community, village atmosphere is all you need to destress from city life. Columbine Cabins are located in the center of Grand Lake village and are great accommodation choices if you are looking to unwind.
You can enjoy doorstep access to the village shops, activities, and facilities. However, you are also surrounded by over ten different mountains and two lakes. Staying at Columbine Cabins is a compromise – with all the benefits of staying in a rural community.
The cabins range from sleeping six to fifteen, so make the perfect large family or friend group getaway. Considering how many they can sleep, the property easily has some of the best cabins for group holidays in Colorado.
Each cabin has access to barbecue grills, a picnic area, free wifi, parking included, and a hot tub. There is no danger of feeling hard done by!
13. Royal Gorge Cabins, Canon City CO
Got a taste for luxury? Royal Gorge Cabins has a selection of glamping tents and luxury single and double cabins.
Each cabin comes with a private patio, includes free wifi, and has two flat-screen TVs. The property also offers a pet-free and smoke-free policy, which is ideal for those with allergies or asthma concerns.
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains make the perfect Colorado backdrop, and Canon City is less than a fifteen-minute drive away if you want some city time. The route includes Skyline Drive, a scenic stretch of road, so it is recommended to visit Canon City at least once during your stay.
Royal Gorge Cabins is best for those who prefer rentals in Colorado with a community, resort-style atmosphere. The property has a front desk should you need assistance, communal barbecue grills, and on-site restaurants and cafes. You can even ask for advice on how to access discounts on popular local attractions.
14. Cabin in the Rocks, Estes Park CO
This one-bedroom cabin in Colorado is one of the most simple but fantastically designed available properties.
The single bedroom has two queen beds – perfect for a holiday with friends. The floorplan also features a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and an outdoor patio. Perhaps the most exciting feature is the indoor hot tub. It is nice to be able to guarantee spa time, rain, or shine.
The cabin is not only a holiday heaven for human friends. It is also dog-friendly so you can bring canine friends along to join in the fun. Plus, even dog walks in the winter are exciting if you use the complimentary snowshoes.
15. Romantic Forest Cabin, Divide CO
For a romantic retreat in Colorado, consider this cabin. You and your partner will not be disappointed if you are looking for romantic Colorado accommodation. Expect chunky wooden features, porch space, and the country charm of a wood stove.
The property sits on two acres of woodland, giving you and your significant-other tranquil seclusion to enjoy each other’s company. The cabin provides sleds, a light-up hot tub, DVDs, and a fire pit – so you’ll be constantly inspired for date night ideas. Even cooking lunch together can be an exciting activity, as you can frequently spot wild deer out the windows.
16. Frying Pan River Cabin, Basalt CO
If you want to drive Frying Pan Rd at some point when visiting Colorado, check availability for this cabin.
The log cabin sits along Frying Pan River. This property is the perfect place to indulge in a romantic lazy afternoon spent reading on the hammock to the sound of rushing water. Alternatively, jump straight in for a swim or pack a fishing rod so you can catch dinner.
The cabin is split between a ground floor, and a converted loft turned bedroom. There is plenty of space inside, free wifi, and satellite TV, but it is the outdoor space that is exceptional. Choose to socialize in the adjoined kitchen living space or use the private picnic area outside.
17. Mountain Cabin, Cripple Creek CO
This holiday rental is one of the most stunning Colorado cabins. From the second-floor wrap-around deck, you’ll have views over the surrounding forest and distant mountains. You should consider this cabin near Cripple Creek for a peaceful experience in Colorado.
And who doesn’t love hot tubs? There are several special features beginning with a six-seater hot tub on the wrap-around deck. After a day of exploring the nearby Rockies, settle in for the evening with a barbecue, a glass of wine, and star-watching from the hot tub. Then, when it gets too cold, head in for a game on the pool table.
Final Thoughts
Renting a cabin in Colorado is the best. For the most enriching wilderness experience, skip the large chain hotels and resorts in favor of a cozy cabin.
Cabin rentals give you more privacy. From eating lunch at your private riverside picnic area to star-spotting from your patio hot tub, you’ll enjoy luxuries peacefully in your own space.
Make sure to stay at least a few days – you could easily spend weeks relaxing if you have the time.
All images courtesy of VRBO.com