Author
Katherine Englishman
Photographer
via AirBnb
Cover image by Max Ablicki
To explore New Hampshire, is to explore the wide expanses of untouched terrain throughout its beloved White Mountain region.
A spectacular expanse of rugged granite peaks and primitive forests, with 500 miles of some of the country’s oldest and most historic hiking trails, New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest is a raw and beautiful slice of New England outdoors. It’s home to some of our favorite cabins in the northeast, and more notably, the highest peak in the East: 6,288-foot-tall Mount Washington, known to Indigenous peoples as Agiocochook, “the place of the Great Spirit”. The mountain is well-known to have the world’s worst weather and the region’s most epic backcountry skiing all in the same place. How very New England, amirite?
Whatever your activity of choice, be it leaf peeping, skiing, climbing, thru-hiking, or a traverse along one of its world-famous ridgelines, the National Forest itself is largely undeveloped and thus pretty dang pristine. That means you’ll hunker down in a warm, inviting, and tastefully designed cabin along the perimeter of the Whites in a few of its adventure hubs like Conway, Lincoln, and Jackson. Don’t worry, there likely to be really good beer and even better views wherever you land.
We rounded up the 15 best cabin rentals in and around the White Mountains for you to explore what NH has to offer, from luxury cabins fit for a group ski trip, to tiny homes perfect for a romantic weekend. Start planning your next trip now, and let the following list of our picks for the best cabins in New Hampshire be your guide.
The Cedar House — Franconia, NH
Vibe: Yes Way, Chalet
If the wall-to-wall ski decor didn’t already tip you off, the chalet-style Cedar House is the perfect basecamp for powder hungry skiers and boarders looking to get first chair at nearby Cannon Mountain. Nestled inside Franconia Notch State Park, it is a veritable paradise for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers who appreciate going full send both on and off the mountain. It’s minutes away from trailheads, mountain biking, Echo Lake, and the towns of Sugar Hill and Littletown, which are well worth a quick drive north.
Rate: $363/night
Oliver Lodge A-Frame — Meredith, NH
Vibe: A-Frame Afloat
As seen on @cabinporn and throughout the interwebs, this famed A-Frame is indeed, located on its own private island in Lake Winnipesaukee. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to the cabin on a motor boat chariot, then equipped with your own paddle boat to travel back and forth. Besides your very unique accommodations, you'll also have free access to kayaks and canoes, tennis courts, beaches, and all the beauty the lakes region has to offer.
Rate: $450/night
The G Frame — Sanbornton, NH
Vibe: Simple Pleasures
We'd like to call a stay at this friendly cabin glamping, but there is a barrel sauna right outside the front door. Amenities like a wood-burning fireplace, solar-powered appliances, and a well-stocked kitchenette also assure this is a comfortable stay–but with a footprint of just 14' x 14', you're sure to experience all the perks of a cozy glamping getaway too.
Rate: $151/night
Architect's Brookside Cabin — Franconia, NH
Vibe: Cabin by Design
Get cozy in this architectural 1960s A-Frame (kinda-sorta) in the White Mountains. Its unique curved shape puts a funky twist on what feels like a mid-century classic, with all the familiar elements of a cabin, like a wood-burning stove, large ceiling beams, and forest views. Plus, it’s just north of the popular Franconia Notch and Cannon Mountain.
Rate: $285/night
Quimby Cabin — Bradford, NH
Vibe: Timeless Escape
Under a two hours drive from Boston, this cozy cabin sits alongside the Lane River on a historic mill site. Besides its cozy and simple interior, you'll have access to the nearby Mt. Sunapee ski area, Wadleigh State Park and Kezar Lake for hiking and boating, and the local small-town breweries and restaurants of North Sutton.
Rate: $275/night
Wander Inn — Bethlehem, NH
Vibe: It's a Family Affair
Capable of accommodating a small group, the Wander Inn is an ideal retreat for friends or family. Plenty of cozy seating, a sunroom, bunk beds, and a pool table assure guests are happy and comfortable, and if you need some space, ski and hiking mountains are close by, including Loon, Cannon, and Echo Lake Beach.
Rate: $265/night
Alpine Garden Snowshoe Cabin — Bartlett, NH
Vibe: Wine It Down
An ideal romantic getaway, treat yourself and bae to a stay at Alpine Garden Camping Village and Winery. There are plenty of sweet accommodations to choose from, from treehouses to tiny pods, while the Winery hosts a tasting room. Nearby, Mt. Washington and local towns like North Conway and Woodstock provide plenty to explore.
Rate: $255/night
Midcentury Chalet — Haverhill, NH
Vibe: Sweet and Simple
This mountain cabin is the perfect place to call basecamp for a weekend of hitting northeast ski resorts. Cannon and Loon Mountain are a 30-minture drive away, and further out, you'll find Bretton Woods and Waterville Valley. If you're more of a fair-weather guest though, Upper Mountain Lake provides lakeside beach access and boating, and there are plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.
Rate: $106/night
The Conscious Cabin — Conway, NH
Vibe: Insta-friendly
This 1950's log cabin has been renovated in a plush, Bohemian image. A loft bed, cozy master bedroom, generous stone fireplace, and plenty of lush pillows and throws make for a serene escape, while Conway and North Conway are a short drive away for local excursions. As a bonus, a spacious backyard makes this retreat pet-friendly, so bring your furry friend.
Rate: $412/night
Sugar Bear Cabin — Sugar Hill, NH
Vibe: Nonstop Views
With a spacious wrap-around deck and idyllic surroundings, you might not be able to tear yourself away from the elevated views this log home has to offer. Three large bedrooms and two full bathrooms provide plenty of space for multiple guests, and a living room with a soaring double-height ceiling is the perfect place to hang.
Rate: $370/night
Vienna Lodge — Intervale, NH
Vibe: Austria Haus
Intervale has a penchant for European ski chalets, some good, some bad, and some downright ugly. The Vienna Lodge does it right, with a careful mix of traditional design elements, pdated decor, fresh white walls and a modern style that’s a little less stroopwafel and a little more cozy alpine aprés. Perched up high on a hill with panoramic mountain views, it’s not far from the mountains or downtown. Aka perfect.
Rate: $109/night
Family-Friendly Home — Glen, NH
Vibe: Mid-Century Hideout
Big enough to host your quarantine crew, this 4-bedroom house is tucked away in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley. A red board and batten exterior, glass-fronted living room, large stone fireplace and shiplap ceiling epitomizes this getaway’s combo of mid-century and rustic mountain style. With a view in nearly every room, you’ll feel at home in the mountains.
Rate: $265/night
Mountain Chic Cabin — Glen, NH
Vibe: Bohemian Massif
Farmhouse style meets laidback cabin in the woods in this Conway cottage. The exposed beams and large sliding barn doors contrast crisp white walls and eccentric boho touches like a swinging hammock chair in this unique spot. Hang by the outdoor firepit or head over to Cathedral Ledge for some spectacular hiking and climbing, plus, a drive down the famous Kancamagus Highway will take you on a dreamy trip straight through the Whites.
Rate: $225/night
Dream A-Frame — Bethlehem, NH
Vibe: The Alpine A-Frame
Cozy, quiet, and close to skiing, hiking, biking, and more. This A-frame leans into the vintage cabin feel with a retro color palette of warm and soothing tones, plush mid-century furnishings, and a pop of aqua on its front door that invites guests to step back to simpler times. Close to the northwestern terminus of the Whites, you can really relax and unplug up here.
Rate: $192/night
Drift Away A-Frame — Bartlett, NH
Vibe: Riverside Retreat
Nestled in between the White Mountains and the Saco River, this black cabin brings adventure right to your front door. Stay here for the minimal and simply-styled interior that does little to get in the way of your focus on the natural beauty just outside. Take advantage of it by gathering around the fire pit or gas-powered fireplace on the front deck, swim in the Saco, and cook up your meals under the stars.
Rate: $213/night
Published 12-05-2022
