Off-the-Grid Rentals for an Unplugged Vacation
We all need vacations once in a while. But sometimes you need a vacation so far from the reach of your cellphone's reception that the rest of the world temporarily fades away. When those times come around, consider an off-grid getaway. We went through Airbnb and Vrbo and found some promising options to bookmark for your next time away.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: The Most Remote Vacation Rentals Around the World
Nevada City, California | Sleeps 11
This three-bedroom, A-frame cabin is nestled on 10 wooded acres, with plenty of birds and wildlife nearby. Wake up and take your breakfast on the deck overlooking the pond, then head to the creek for a swim or the hiking trails nearby. If you're traveling with a larger group, you can add on a 30-foot yurt or a tiny house owned by the same people.
Related: A-Frame Cabins That Are Perfect for a Getaway
Frazeysburg, Ohio | Sleeps 6
Constructed using recycled electric poles, this off-grid treehouse has zero electricity but lots of views. There are open lofts in the space allowing it to sleep up to six, a fire pit and composting toilet outside, and plenty of hiking nearby.
Related: 26 Amazing Treehouse Vacation Spots
Cotopaxi, Colorado | Sleeps 4
This off-grid, A-frame cabin is nestled in the Southern Colorado Rocky Mountains on a 5-acre side lot. There are mountain and valley views that you can enjoy as you drink your morning coffee. There is a fridge/freezer/water heater on propane and a backup generator — and the option to monitor your power usage so you don't experience any lapses in power. There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and plenty of hiking and exploring to do nearby.
Related: Romantic Vacation Rentals Across America
Wofford Heights, California | Sleeps 3
This may be a tiny house, but there's also a tiny porch with a bench outside for enjoying your little slice of nature. It's 100% solar, there's a private (indoor) bathroom with a shower, and there are plenty of windows to bring in natural light. There's no cooking allowed inside (no refrigerator, either), but there is a grill.
Related: 25 Coolest Tiny Home Rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo
Flagstaff, Arizona | Sleeps 9
A little over two hours north of Phoenix is Flagstaff, home of Northern Arizona University. Just off the national forest, you'll find this cabin, which sleeps nine (one of the larger options), powered by solar with a backup generator. There's a full kitchen, plenty of hiking nearby, and views of Mt. Humphrey's peak.
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Terlingua, Texas | Sleeps 3
This tiny house 12 miles off the Mexican border is a 25-minute drive from Big Bend National Park. It's powered by solar and the dome kitchen includes a two-burner propane stove and oven. Water comes from a rain collection cistern. A composting toilet is included, although showers are not (the host can offer recommendations for $2 coin showers in town). Its unique design and beautiful desert surroundings got this home featured in HGTV's "Mighty Tiny Houses."
Mitchell, Oregon | Sleeps 5
Maybe you'd really like to put some space between yourself and the rest of the world. This home is on 320 acres along the John Day River. There's a fire pit and you'll still have cell service. You're next to hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, swimming, and more. A great chance to explore Central Oregon's natural beauty.
Pioneertown, California | Sleeps 4
This home nestled in the California desert has already gotten plenty of acclaim — Dwell named it one of the "Best Homes in America" and the Los Angeles Times called it one of the best houses in Southern California. The solar-powered house offers lots of windows, natural light, and thoughtful modern touches like two new Casper mattresses. It's a great place to get away and get some sun.
Related: 40 Destinations Where You Can Unplug From the World
Gasquet, California | Sleeps 3
Nestled in Northern California's Six Rivers National Forest is this off-grid "village" where sustainable living is top of mind. You'll wake up atop the trees, then head over to the outdoor kitchen and cook a quick breakfast on the propane stove (there's not a fridge but there is a cooler and freezers. There's no Wi-Fi and only some cell service, so take advantage of the time to disconnect and make sure to swim, hike, and read on the porch swing.
Fall Creek, Wisconsin | Sleeps 4
Fall Creek is known for its small-town charm, with a little country store downtown and plenty of nature nearby. This off-grid tiny home (one of two on the property) has a composting toilet, a fully stocked kitchen, a fire pit (with firewood provided), air conditioning, and even Wi-Fi via a Verizon hotspot.
West Bolton, Vermont | Sleeps 2
Just 30 minutes away from downtown Burlington, Vermont, is this tiny mountain cabin on a 20-acre lot. While it's beautiful and well-kept, it's a little more bare bones than some of the others — there's an outhouse, an outdoor shower, and no refrigeration (though a cooler is provided). If you need heat, you'll have to figure out the wood stove. It's near hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and more, so it's an ideal spot for outdoor recreation lovers.
Candler, North Carolina | Sleeps 2
Next to the Pisgah National Forest, this modern, two-person cabin sits on 125 acres of mountain land. Equipped with an outdoor shower, a portable toilet, a propane two-burner cook stove, a charcoal grill, an outdoor fire pit, and a solar generator, this is several big steps up from camping. You're also 25 minutes away from downtown Asheville if you find yourself craving city life.
Junction City, Kansas | Sleeps 5
An hour west of Topeka, Kansas, you'll find Junction City and this cabin conveniently located on a pond. There is a trampoline, canoe, fishing, a grill, and a fire pit on the property, so plenty of fun for the whole family. Unlike some of the others, the bathroom and shower are both inside and there's a deck overlooking the pond from which you can enjoy your morning coffee.
Thornfield, Missouri | Sleeps 6
This cabin, near Mark Twain National Forest, sits on 50 acres. It has a spring running next to it which leads to a waterfall. It's styled in a midcentury design, with a 1920s propane cook stove, a 1920s clawfoot tub, and an open loft in the space. You'll be off-the-grid, but there's no lack of charm here.
Related: Vacation Rentals With Secret Rooms and Hidden Passages
Franklin, Maine | Sleeps 4
This 16-by-16-foot cabin may not have an indoor toilet, but it does have a canoe and a kayak that you can use. There's no electricity inside, but there are gas-powered lights, a gas wall heater, gas stove and gas refrigerator, with a pump for non-potable water and a natural spring for drinking water. A great spot for fishing, hiking, and swimming.
Related: The Best Lakefront Vacation Rentals Across America for a Peaceful Getaway
Skwentna, Alaska | Sleeps 6
Or, maybe you really need to get away from it all. This lodge in the Western Alaskan Range can be accessed only by plane, but there's no tarmac within a mile away so don't worry about the noise from small aircraft. Wake up with the loons, moose, lynxes, foxes, and more, then wind the evening down around the fire pit. Hike, swim, fish, and more, knowing that you're truly in seclusion.
Related: 22 Amazing West Coast Beach Houses to Rent
Oxford County, Maine | Sleeps 6
If hiking, biking, and horseback riding are your thing, this cabin may be perfect for you. There's no Wi-Fi or cell service, but it's half a mile from the Appalachian Trail. The shower and toilet are both outdoors, but the water comes from a natural spring. Pets are allowed, so you can go on long romps around the woods with your best bud.
Marble Falls, Texas | Sleeps 8
This cabin on 6 acres does not have electricity or running water, but it does have its own pond. There's a charcoal BBQ for cooking, plus plenty of outdoor seating, a portable toilet, and potable water. Think of it as several solid steps up from camping.
Catron County, New Mexico | Sleeps 9
Adjacent to the Gila National Forest (45 minutes away from the Arizona border) is this off-grid home powered by solar, meaning it offers creature comforts like a kitchen, TV, and indoor bathrooms. The cabin is custom built with wood and custom tile work throughout. It can accommodate horses and is near riding trails. The area is also known for hunting if you'd like to catch your own venison for dinner. There's cell service but no Wi-Fi.
Blanco, Texas | Sleeps 4
This Southwestern studio on 37 acres of Texas hill country offers front and roof decks to really take in the views. It's a 15-minute drive from Blanco State Park and was designed and built by the owners (who live nearby) with minimal waste — about 80% of the furnishings are antique, vintage, or second-hand. There's a fully stocked kitchen plus a charcoal grill and a shower that uses filtered rainwater. While there's no Wi-Fi you can get cell reception.
St. Charles, Missouri | Sleeps 5
At 110 square feet, this cottage isn't exactly roomy but it will get you straight into nature. There's a separate outhouse a short walk away, as well as fishing, canoeing, horseshoes, hiking, and more. The cabin is equipped with 12-volt lighting, a fan, and a drink cooler that the owner promises can double as an air conditioner in summer. There is also a microwave, a gas camp stove, and both a gas and a charcoal grill.
Twentynine Palms, California | Sleeps 6
Looking for a luxury off-grid experience? This tiny house was designed by architect Malek Alqadi and has a stunning, sleek interior and thoughtful touches like a stargazing deck. This is one of the priciest options on the list, but with details like a rain shower, a bidet, mountain views, and beautiful modern design, this is a space you'll always remember.
Related: 30 Crazy-Expensive Glamping Retreats for Upscale Social Distancing
Panguitch, Utah | Sleeps 4
This cabin near Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park is on 15 acres of private property, with walking trails, ATVs provided, and views galore. Although it's off-grid, there is a generator for the kitchen and the bathroom is inside.
Edgartown, Massachusetts | Sleeps 6
Located within Chappaquiddick Island, this little solar-powered home on Martha's Vineyard has a refrigerator and water pump, plus old-timey details like candles, kerosene lamps, and gas lanterns for your evening light. You're near the beach if you enjoy fishing or swimming and if you fancy a meal at a restaurant you can walk across on the ferry.