Author
Katherine Englishman
Photographer
via Airbnb
*Traveling during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic increases your risk and the risk of those around you. Please be mindful and observe local restrictions and continue to WEAR A MASK.
Ah, the Catskill Mountains. It’s more than just a scenic retreat for city dwellers. Under New York’s state constitution, this 286,000-acre stretch of forested land is protected by what’s colloquially known as the “forever wild” law. This means it will be preserved and protected for, well, forever. Pretty epic, right?
Located just a couple hours upstate of New York City opposide the Hudson Valley, the rolling Catskills landscape offers no shortage of awesome rental cabins—many of which owned and operated by design-obsessed city dwellers, meaning you'll feel right at home. Tucked away among the deciduous forests are AirBnb rentals a plenty-modern cabins, mid-century A-Frames, cozy cottages, rustic, real log cabins and some that can't quite be described.
And if you're the active type, everything from rock climbing and hiking to fly fishing and mountain biking are all easily within reach, whether you're posted up in Phoenicia or channeling your inner artist near Woodstock in the Hudson Valley.
The cat might already be out of the bag, but there’s a lot of reasons to love visiting the Catskills (the legendary PhoeniciaDiner is reason enough, tbh) and just to be sure, we picked out the sixteen best Catskills cabin rentals on Airbnb so you barely have to think about it. And if your top picks are booked, spend a night at the Herwood Inn and you will not be disappointed. Who knows? Maybe some of the Catskills' forever wild-ness will rub off on you.
Hancock, NY — Mid-Century A-Frame
Vibe: Your MCM Is My MCM Too
This 1964 restored A-Frame is tastefully outfitted with a retro fireplace, mid-century furniture throughout, a light-filled kitchen and a unique double-spiral staircase. Take in the lakeside and forest views from the various floors of the house or venture into said nature and relax on the spacious patio. Dogs are welcome too, so don’t leave your furry lil friend behind!
Rate: $429/night
Kerhonkson, NY — Tiny Catskill Cabin
Vibe: Alpine-inspired
Despite the no-frills nature of a tiny house, this cabin adds just the right amount with everything from a plush Queen-sized bed to a full kitchen and a bonafide study—tiny, of course. While the interior offers all the creature comforts you need for a relaxing stay, the property itself is quiet, quaint, and tucked away in the woods.
Rate: $139/night
Catskill, NY — The Fox Den
Vibe: Minimalist Cabin
A stunning off-grid cabin hosted by the minds behind Field Mag favorite DEN, a cabin company offering impeccable modern designs inspired by nature. This listing is clean, bright, and loaded with sustainable features. Besides finding complete and utter relaxation here on the expansive and private acreage, the property also features DEN's signature A-Frame cabin kit (sleeps two additional renters). The perfect place to try before you buy.
Rate: $349/night
Kerhonkson, NY — Black A-Frame
Vibe: Eco-friendly Retreat
Dubbed, “The Coolest A-Frame in New York” by the New York Post, this off-grid, solar-powered cabin is hygge to the max. An open-concept kitchen and dining area feels spacious yet cozy, with a clean and modern Scandinavian feel — like a proper A-Frame should. In the living room, gather around a white-painted brick fireplace with a cup of something strong.
Rate: $286/night
Woodstock, NY — Mt. Guardian Cabin
Vibe: Tiny but Mighty
This cabin is small in size but big on views. From the cozy confines of the living, dining, and kitchen area you can take in the scenery of the Catskills. Much of the interior decor is handmade, which makes this small mountain haven even more idyllic. Head to the nearby hiking trails, ski hills, or head into downtown Woodstock.
Rate: $250/night
Phillipsport, NY — Pond House
Vibe: Contemporary Cabin
From the outside, The Pond House is a stunner of a modern cabin. On the inside, it’s just as cool, with a sleek dining table and geometric floating shelves adorning the wall of its open-concept main room - both were crafted from a felled sugar maple tree on the cabin’s 19-acre property.
Rate: $526/night
Willow, NY — Willow Treehouse
Vibe: Lofty Weekend Goals
Hidden within a thick buffer of pines sits this sculptural modern treehouse that’s characterized by a unique shape with natural light streaming in from all angles. Chill by the wood stove and take in the wide-open views from the living area’s floor-to-ceiling windows and, of course, a nice long soak in the wood-fired hot tub. Just pack lightly, because it’s still a treehouse, ya know?
Rate: $360/night
Lanesville, NY — Casa Guapa
Vibe: Cozy & Colorful
At the base of Hunter Mountain, this colorful cabin is a great option for a family or group ski trip. Furnishings are a happy mix of bright textiles and wood and wicker furniture. There’s something for everyone outside, from the lounge area on the deck, to the hammock, to the firepit, to the kids’ playground, to the hot tub placed perfectly for some star-gazing. For parties larger than 8, a basement studio apartment is available and contains all the modern charm of the main house.
Rate: $514/night
Eldred, NY — Little River Log Cabin
Vibe: Light & Dark
Spend a weekend bathed in the soft light streaming down from the lineup of skylights atop this log cabin. Walk to and fro over the in-house catwalk, sit in the vintage MCM furniture, cozy up by the fire, cookp dinner in the full kitchen, read in the loft- there are many options to enjoy this meticulously designed interior. Outside, there’s a firepit, hammock, bocce set, and a sweet stream bubbling just beyond the cabins doors.
Rate: $514/night
Palenville, NY — Dwell House
Vibe: A Modern Escape
Be inside and out all at once at this spacious cabin in the Catskills. Built with wood and stone, the design pulls in the natural elements of its surroundings for a rustic yet modern feel. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the sun to pour in, and on the deck, a large outdoor fireplace awaits. As a bonus, Hunter Mountain is only a ten-minute drive away.
Rate: $510/night
Monticello, NY — Modern Upstate Escape
Vibe: Industrial Mid-Century
Although relatively unassuming, this woodland cabin packs some fun design punches once you take a closer look. A corn-cob side table, a convex safety mirror in the dining area, a hand-chair in the bedroom-its all happening, subtly. A newly installed barrel sauna awaits in the backyard for some much-needed R and R and there’s plenty of quaint towns nearby for a day in town.
Rate: $250/night
Cairo, NY — The Riverhouse
Vibe: Streamside Serenity
This light and airy retreat is clad in stunning cedar paneling with a geometric assemblage of windows from top to bottom that brings the outdoors into every room. Sliding doors on the back of the house open up to a sprawling stone patio that sits right alongside the banks of Catskill Creek. It may not be cabin-sized per se, but it certainly deserves a shout-out on this list.
Rate: $495/night
Chichester, NY — Creekside Cabin
Vibe: Creekside Cozy
This cheerfully decorated cabin sits on the banks of a creek, close to the amenities of town but isolated enough to feel private. Inside, there are fun details like pink kitchen countertops and a unique bedroom loft, all highlighted by friendly, modern furnishings. Pets are welcome, so bring your doggie along.
Rate: $334/night
Yulan, NY — Highland Bungalow
Vibe: Southwest meets Northeast
Close to the PA/NY border, this light-filled home is contemporary and cozy, with a Southwestern feel. On the banks of Bodine Lake, this cabin is close to many outdoor activities like hikes, parks, and kayaking or check out the local brewery and culinary scenes.
Rate: $383/night
Phoenicia, NY — Stony Clove Cottage
Vibe: Suprise Serenity
On the banks of Stony Clove Creek and tucked away in the trees, this unassuming cabin features plenty of color and charm inside. Full of midcentury-modern furniture and bright textiles, enjoy the cozy interior or make the short trek to a swimming hole in warmer weather. A good option for couples or smaller families.
Rate: $275/night
Shandaken, NY — Blak House
Vibe: Restored Retreat
A thoughtfully-renovated cabin from the 1960s, this getaway sits streamside in a scenic valley of the central Catskills. On the outside, its ranch meets log cabin architecture is made modern with black paint, and inside, the bones of the original home are kept intact with a few updates as well. The highlight is the artisan fieldstone fireplace, built using native bluestone and granite that was excavated during the home's construction in 1969.
Rate: $297/night
South Kortright, NY — Table on Ten Earth House
Vibe: Tree Hugger's Home
Two octagons stitched together with a kitchen passageway make up this unique home on a 23-acre property overlooking the Catskill Mountains. A passive solar house, this space works with its Northeast climate, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter months. The interior is homey and elegant, perfect for a weekend of tea-drinking and relaxation. If you're looking for something a little smaller but equally lovely, check out the Studio nearby
Rate: $233/night
Malden, NY — River Boathouse
Vibe: Anchors Away
Few things beat a boathouse on the Hudson—especially one with vaulted ceilings, a cherry red Mid-Century fireplace, and two decks with sweeping views of the river. The clean and well-furnished interior invites a sense of peace and calm that can only be enhanced by the sound of the water gently rocking the boat at night. Head into town in less than ten minutes or have your pick of two ski mountains in a half hour.
Rate: $375/night
Olive, NY — Catskill Cottage
Vibe: Sunny Seclusion
At this lofty and sun-filled Catskills cabin, a fully-stocked fridge, plush beds, and wood-burning fireplace is waiting for you. The simple decor has a rustic, bohemian touch, just like the town it’s located in, and with a seven-acre wooded property right outside your door, you can definitely get in touch with your inner hippie here.
Rate: $235/night
Hunter, NY — Catskills Chalet
Vibe: Alpine Dreams
The perfect hideout for stargazing and skiing, this red and white chalet is a quick drive to either Windham or Hunter Mountain and has a skylight over every bed in the house. Complete with Wi-Fi (hello, working from the cabin), well-worn leather sofas, and a fringe-laden hammock, the location and privacy can’t be beat for outdoor lovers.
Rate: $388/night
Mt. Tremper, NY — Wildcat Treetop Cabin
Vibe: Forever Wild, Cat
Need a little space? The Wildcat Treetop Cabin is located on 1.5 acres of land with another hundred acres of that forever wild State Forest backing right up against it. Make sure to enjoy the Aztec cone outdoor firepit and lounge chairs out on the stone patio as much as you do the well-furnished renovated rooms that hearken back to its 1940's roots. This is what the Catskills are all about.
Rate: $211/night
Phoenicia, NY — Serene Retreat
Vibe: Cabin & Chill
For those who want some variety, you’ll have easy access to both the outdoors (fish, hike, ski) and downtown Phoenicia. Don’t mind the shimmery chandelier in the bedroom, but focus instead on building up a roaring fire, inside or out, and the sound of the stream as you relax on the private deck.
Rate: $263/night
Phoenicia, NY — Trailside Retreat
Vibe: Trail Magic
Vintage Catskills meets upstate artists with all the modern amenities you need to be comfy. While the interior has cozy cabin vibes for sure, take advantage of the Romer Mountain trail that is literally a few steps out the front door. Alpine start anyone?
Rate: $247/night
Woodstock, NY — Modern Glass House
Vibe: Upscale Escape
Ultra modern and design-driven, this vibey cabin is full of iconic furnishings and fixtures of the MCM variety. Perched above a ravine with the Raybrook Creek down below, visitors can admire a sea of pines through the many walls of glass that make you feel as though you’re totally immersed in nature. Minutes from downtown Woodstock, but tucked away in the woods, this cabin has the best of both worlds.
Rate: $1,731/night
Phoenicia, NY — Tiny Blue Mountain Cabin
Vibe: Simple and Serene
A perfect combination of good design with a down-to-earth vibe, this tiny home might air on the side of simplicity but it’s clear that every detail was considered. Beautiful wooden beams stretch across the ceiling in nearly every room and white shiplap walls provide a clean and bright aesthetic that effortlessly brings the outside in. Get outside and explore the nearby hiking trails or drive a short ways to meander down the artsy main street of Woodstock, NY.
Rate: $350/night
Published 05-17-2021
