The 9 Best Cabins in Arkansas to Rent for an Outdoorsy Getaway

Things you might not know about Arkansas: it’s home to 52 state parks and Hot Springs National Park, where 47 thermal springs flow out of the mountains; there are two different mountain ranges—the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains—that keep passionate hikers and backpackers busy for a lifetime; it’s a mountain biking mecca. And there’s even some legendary architecture by E. Fay Jones, who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, scattered throughout the state. Hot damn!

Though admittedly overlooked by most coastal state dwellers, landlocked Arkansas has a legit reputation as a naturally beautiful getaway full of lakes, rivers, hot springs, mountainous terrain and plenty of cabins to escape to. Plus, the cities of Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Bentonville provide a taste of local culture and cuisine in this scenic Southern locale. With four different seasons, its climate is influenced by northerly winds that blow off the Gulf of Mexico that create hot summers and no distinct dry season. For that reason, one of the best times to visit Arkansas is from May through October when those long summer days and warm fall temps give you plenty of time to experience the outdoors—just be sure to pack a rain jacket.

What better way to explore Arkansas’ beautiful and diverse landscape than from the comfort of a cozy cabin? If you’re looking for a basecamp to call home, here are our top picks for the best cabin rentals in Arkansas for a long weekend away.

9 Best Cabins in Arkansas to Rent for an Outdoorsy Escape

The Back Porch — Mountain View, AR

Vibe: Creekside comfort

Light and bright with a cedar-shingled exterior, this pleasant A-Frame cabin keeps things feeling rustic with warm wood-paneled accent walls that stand in contrast to the mainly white, modern aesthetic. A sun-filled living room leads out to a spacious deck with views of the Sylamore Creek and rolling hills of the Ozark mountains.

Rate: $173/Night

Dock Holiday — Hot Springs, AR

Vibe: A pirate’s life

Nestled in a scenic forested area, one of the biggest draws of the Dock Holiday cabin is its close proximity to Bathhouse Row—a collection of restored bathhouses where you can steep in a natural hot spring in Hot Springs National Park. With a hot tub on the back porch, there’s no shortage of opportunities to have a good soak, or simply appreciate the cabin’s somewhat random nautical/pirate theme.

Rate: $196/Night

Hilltop Cabin — Imboden, AR

Vibe: Go big or go home

From the sweeping mountain views to what appears to be large tree trunks for pillars, this rustic cabin does everything a little bit bigger. Hang out inside the spacious, wide-open main room or take it outside to the front porch where you can cozy up in front of a massive outdoor stone fire pit and catch an epic southern sunset. Or spend the day canoeing, swimming, and relaxing at nearby Eleven Point River.

Rate: $275/Night

Whispering Pines Treehouse — Hot Springs, AR

Vibe: Old school

Made with salvaged wood from an old schoolhouse, this log cabin was raised up high so that it sits amongst the canopy of trees in an idyllic pine grove. A four-season fireplace, bubbling jacuzzi, and cozy, rich interior with antique touches makes it an ideal destination all year-round, where you can come enjoy the sprawling property’s 27 acres of scenic woodland.

Rate: $241/Night

Stoneflower — Heber Springs, AR

Vibe: The grotto hideaway

Taking cues from the beauty of its natural surroundings, this impressive cabin (designed by well-known architect E. Fay Jones), utilizes stones and boulders to replicate the state’s famous grottos and caverns right inside. On the outside, a slatted wood design makes you feel like you’re in the trees, while the interior’s sky-high vaulted ceilings feature intersecting wood beams that almost look like an indoor forest canopy. The best part? Booking a stay in this architectural cabin won’t break the bank.

Rate: $246/Night

The River House — Garland County, AR

Vibe: Riverfront retreat

With a large back porch that’s almost the same size as the cabin itself and easy access to the South Saline River, you’ll want to spend as much time exploring outdoors as possible. But for the times you do want the comfort of the great indoors, this clean and modern river cabin is a great, sun-filled escape.

Rate: $236/Night

Southfork Treehouse — Hardy, AR

Vibe: Cabin in the trees

Set on the banks of the Southfork River, you can swim, fish, or kayak during a stay at this peaceful treehouse-inspired cabin. While it’s not exactly a treehouse by definition, you can climb the ladder up to the lofted bedroom for the feeling of sleeping up in the trees, or hangout on the covered wraparound porch, rain or shine.

Rate: $250/Night

The Aerie — Mountain View, AR

Vibe: Nesting mode

The Aerie is perched high on a hilltop, overlooking the Sylamore Creek Valley giving the feeling that you’re staying in a cozy nest. A long wall of windows shows off the views and allows plenty of sunlight to stream into the open-concept living and dining area. It’s near downtown Mountain View, local hot springs, hiking trails, and the famed Ozark Folk Center.

Rate: $148/Night

The Bear’s Den — Little Flock, AR

Vibe: Cute and cozy

In Northwest Arkansas, The Bear’s Den is ideal for any cabin lover seeking a quaint lakefront cabin to hunker down and get away from it all. Simple and quaint, this cozy retreat takes up just a little bit of space on the property’s sweeping three-acre pine grove. Close to the lake, hiking trails, and the area’s famous Eureka Springs, and about 1.5 hours to Ozark National Forest there's plenty to explore.

Rate: $223/Night