Our list of charming, no-frills and secluded cabins throughout the region include:
- 70s retro RV – Milwaukee, WI
- Hocking Hills Tiny Houses – Hocking Hills, OH
- Rainfield Farm Glamping – Warren Dunes, IN
- Barothy Lodge Log Cabin – Walhalla, MI
- Chicago Forest Preserve Cabins – Chicagoland
- Off Map – South Haven, MI
Read on for why we’ve recommended each and what you can do while you’re there.
Price: $105 per night
Sleeps: 2 guests
Book via: Hipcamp
Nearby nature: Harrington Beach State Park, Chain O'Lakes State Park, Blue Mound State Park
This retro rig takes camping in the city to a whole new level. From its burnt orange luster to its mustard yellow cabinets, the 70s Retro Motorhome is a time capsule worth booking. This “glamp” experience in the heart of the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee provides all the amenities and close access to nature. You’ll have access to a chiminea fireplace on your own personal patio, running water, and a full kitchen. Plus, why not order in a pizza while camping? Sounds great to us.
Price: $120 – $142
Sleeps: 2 – 4 guests
Book via: Airbnb (Gladolia Tiny House, Trillium Tiny House, Hemlock Tiny House, and Juniper Tiny House)
Nearby Nature: Hocking Hills State Park
The Hocking Hills region, hands down, boast some of the most beautiful hiking in the Midwest. And sure, there are plenty of campgrounds nearby to visit. But why not treat yourself to all of the creature comforts instead? Tiny home living goes big at the Hocking Hills Tiny Houses. Less than an hour from Columbus, Ohio, and right on the shore of Lake Logan, you have your choice of four different tiny homes that each offer their own modern cabin vibes. You also can’t beat the short 15-minute drive to the Hocking Hills State Park entrance and close access to an abundance of breweries like Brewery 33 and Rockmill Brewery.
Price: $185 per night
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
Book via: Hipcamp
Nearby nature: Warren Dunes State Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, Potato Creek State Park
Hipcamp is growing in popularity as a way to reserve private campsites and cabins with ease. Rainfield Farm Glamping is a modern cabin oasis tucked away on a working vegetable farm. The cabin includes a wood-burning stove and outdoor fire pit, its own private bathroom and heated outdoor shower, and total peace and quiet. The cabin is equidistant from both dunes Warren and Indiana Dunes State Parks – which offer amazing hiking trails and Lake Michigan beach access. Not to mention, lots of breweries, coffee shops, and shopping at beach towns on the Southwest side of Michigan (we recommend the towns of New Buffalo, Sawyer, and Bridgman).
Price: $1,250 per night
Sleeps: 2 – 20+ guests
Book via: Barothy Lodge website
Nearby Nature: Ludington State Park
This true wilderness retreat on the Pere Marquette River is one you can’t beat. 15 lodges (mostly log cabins) scatter the property and offer a variety of sizes and amenities for family, friend, and couple getaways. Whitetail – the largest at 9.5 bedrooms – is a stunning log mansion retreat for families and friend groups who really want to live in luxury. The house includes a hot tub, sauna, pool table, washer and dryer, and full kitchen. Or, if you’re looking for a more quaint cabin, the Log Cabin is a perfect couples retreat for two. With log cabins of all sizes in between, Barothy Lodge combines the best of Michigan hiking, river fishing, and outdoor relaxation.
Price: $85 – $270 per night
Sleeps: 8 – 36 guests
Book via: Chicago Forest Preserve websites
Nearby Nature: Camp Bullfrog Lake, Camp Dan Beard, Camp Reinberg, Camp Shabbona Woods, and Camp Sullivan
Believe it or not, you can rent lakeside and woods-adjacent cabins right outside of downtown Chicago. Not to mention, they’re clean, modern, and pretty affordable for a close-by weekend adventure. Located in various Chicago Forest Preserve locations, including Camp Bullfrog Lake (Willow Springs, IL), Camp Dan Beard (Northbrook, IL), Camp Reinberg (Palatine, IL), Camp Shabbona Woods (South Holland, IL), and Camp Sullivan (Oak Forest), the cabins come in all shapes and sizes. Check out all the options on the Forest Preserve District of Cook County website. Cabins sleep up to 36 people in its largest bunkhouse and some are even available in the winter. Each location has plenty of trails and outdoor activities to experience while you camp, including mountain biking, fishing, trail hiking, and bonfire and s’mores at night.
Price: $250 per night
Sleeps: 2 – 4 guests
Book via: Airbnb or Off Map website
Nearby Nature: Kal-Haven Trail State Park,
True wilderness meets hotel-quality living at Off Map Glamping in Southwest Michigan. Just east of downtown South Haven, Off Map offers single and multi-bed canvas tents for a true glamping experience. Inside, you’ll find mid-centry modern furniture, memory foam mattresses, and battery-operated lights and fans. Single-stall showers and bathrooms are a short walk from your canvas tent, so no need to worry about sacrificing personal hygiene on this trip. While you’re there, explore over 75 acres of property surrounded by woods and fields. Nearby, bike along the Kal-Haven Trail to shop, drink and eat in South Haven, or drive up to North Beach or South Beach for a sunny day on Lake Michigan. Bonus: The hosts also prepare breakfast every morning, included with your stay.
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