Hey there! My name is Levi Kelly and I’m a cabin reviewer who is in search of the best cabin stays in the USA. Over the past few years I have combined my passion for videography and travel by creating a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing amazing short-term stays: whether it be tiny homes, treehouses, cabins, container homes or luxury accommodations.
I grew up in Chillicothe, Ohio and now live in Hillsboro, Ohio. This is a small town but to be honest I do enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. I’m super passionate about the outdoors and traveling, which in turn inspired my YouTube journey and channel. I started making videos in high school for fun. These were mostly funny, goofy videos with my friends.
After I graduated I started to do freelance videography work. I always wanted to have my own YouTube channel and I knew people who did that as their jobs – so I took a stab at it myself and got my first 1,000 subscribers in eight months. When that happened, I had a video that got lots of traction. It was a cabin review! Ever since then I have been a cabin reviewer.
What Makes for a Great Cabin Stay
I have been visiting cabins for about two years now and have been all over the US – from California to New York, covering 18 states. During that time, I have visited over 120 different cabins! I believe that a cabin which hits all of the points of beautiful natural surroundings, unique exterior design, and wonderful interior design and amenities makes for a great stay.
There are many short-term rentals but it’s those that go above and beyond with every aspect that stick out and make me want to go back. Some cabins have truly blown me away! If the cabin is treated like a real home and with high attention to detail, then it will make for a great stay. Too many hosts treat them as a spot to get trashed and don’t put in the effort.
Favorite Cabins in the US: The Cliffs & Nordlys
My number one favorite cabin in the USA is either The Cliffs at Hocking Hills (Ohio) or Nordlys Lodging Co. in Frederic, Wisconsin. The Cliffs can sleep 18 guests and it has such a luxury feel to it, yet it’s still a cabin. This cabin also has the only natural waterfall swimming hole in the world that I have seen. It’s truly an experience and makes it one of the best cabin stays in the USA.
Nordlys, on the other hand, is a unique cabin. It’s a Nordic inspired cabin which is one of my favorite styles. Nordlys overlooks a meadow that has 1 billion planted meadow seeds and a private lake. The cabin has a nice walkout to sit outside. I saw a black bear run across the field there! The floor to ceiling windows on both levels of the cabin make it feel magical.
16 Best Cabin Stays in the USA
- The Cliffs at Hocking Hills, Ohio
- Nordlys Lodging Co. in Frederic, Wisconsin
- The Wunderlust Treehouse in Crane Hill, Alabama
- The Emerald Forest Treehouse in Redmond, Washington
- Sycamore Treehouse in Fredericksburg, Texas
- Moonshine Digs Aframe in Washington
- The Stargazing Cabin Tiny Home in Twentynine Palms, California
- The Hammock House in Texas
- Little River Tiny House in Maryville, Tennessee
- The Nook Tiny House in North Carolina
- On the Rocks Shipping Container in Rising Fawn, Georgia
- Waco Shotgun House in Waco, Texas
- Casa Conejo (The Harebnb) in Joshua Tree, California
- Tiny House Retreat in Atlanta, Georgia
- Njem Haus in Fredericksburg, Texas
- Casa Kuna in Yucca Valley, California
Great Memories at the Best Cabin Stays in the USA
One of my best memories from my cabin visits has to be when I was sitting out overlooking the meadow at Nordlys. It was serene and there was wildlife everywhere. Then my wife and I walked down to the lake and hopped in a paddle-boat and enjoyed our time there. Still water and lily pads were all around us. It felt like we were the main characters in a movie!
Another fantastic experience was when I stayed at the Emerald Forest Treehouse in Redmond, Washington. They have an outdoor theater that is just out of this world! The host has many surprises up his sleeve that makes the stay at the Emerald Forest Treehouse a magical and enchanting one.
Key Tips for your Cabin Vacation
Before going on vacation, I suggest looking into the property as much as you can. See if they have an Instagram page and scroll through their posts. Check to see if it’s a place you would like to stay while you are vacationing. Are you going to the area to explore a national park or are you going just to get away? These intentions play a big role in the cabin you choose.
