10 Best Cabin Rentals in Florida for a Relaxing Vacay

When you think of the typical Florida vacation, you might automatically think of white sand beaches and tropical beverages.

But your recipe for a vacation in the Sunshine State doesn’t have to include sunbathing and Piña Coladas. Why not mix up those ingredients and book a relaxing Florida cabin rental instead? These 10 cabins offer a prime spot to skip the crowded beaches and soak in the solace of nature.

So the next time you are planning a Florida vacation, opt for a cozy cabin over a beachside cabana — you can thank us later.

1. Countryside Cottage

Why you should stay: A riverside retreat with good odds of reeling in a big catch.

• Location: Welaka
• Sleeps: 6
• Minimum Stay: 3 nights
• Rates from: $119/night

This cute cabin has some serious country charm. The wraparound porch, front-yard fire pit, and private dock are all prime spots to take in the view and potentially spot some local wildlife. Sure, being surrounded by Florida locals has its upside (manatees) and downsides (‘gators), but the good news is if you keep your eyes peeled you likely spot some inhabitants that you might have missed otherwise.

Plus, from the home’s private dock you can fish directly on the St. Johns River or hop in your boat for a trip to nearby Lake George. Time your visit to shrimping, crappies, or bass season depending on what fresh catch you’d like to cook up for dinner.

Related Read: 9 Exciting Weekend Road Trips from Miami, Florida

2. Cracker Hammock Log Cabin

Why you should stay: A fully immersive “cabin-in-the-woods” experience the whole family will love.

• Location: Sebring
• Sleeps: 13
• Minimum Stay: 3 nights
• Rates from: $313/night

The Cracker Hammock Log Cabin is the perfect place to kick back and relax for an escape into nature at a retro log lodge. If toasting s’mores and stargazing around a roaring fire is your idea of a good time, this rustic retreat has exactly what you’re looking for. Kids will love heading out to the pole barn for some games and entertainment.

You can also take a stroll on the scenic path through the property’s backwoods. You might spot a variety of birds along the seasonal creeks. And if you’re looking for a fun outing close by, Highlands Hammock State Park is right up the road—enjoy a spot of hiking, birding, or biking, and don’t miss out on their Alligator Tram Tour.

“Beautiful cabin with a large lot. If you’re looking for a place to disconnect and just enjoy being outdoors and letting the kids run and play outside, this is the place.”

Related Read: 7 Treehouses in Florida For a Unique Stay in the Trees

3. Green Cabin Ranch

Why you should stay: A dog-friendly estate in a park-like setting.

• Location: Astatula
• Sleeps: 6
• Minimum Stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $200/night

The gated Green Cabin Ranch is located on seven stunning acres overshadowed by live oaks. You’ll feel your stress melt away as you walk out the front door to survey the serene scene. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a woodsy cabin in the heart of the northern mountains.

If you find that you (or your dog) want more room to romp, the cabin is conveniently located close to a handful of state parks with lots of trails to choose from. If water sports (or seeing manatees) is more your style, hit up Blue Springs State Park for a chance to spot some adorable sea cows.

“A rare find! This is an authentic cabin in sunny FL with cute cabin knickknacks. There was even a dog bed for our 4-legged companion.”

Related Read: 8 Weekend Road Trips From Tampa, Florida

4. The Love Lodge

Why you should stay: A dreamy cabin perfect for celebrating a special occasion.

• Location: Lithia
• Sleeps: 6
• Minimum Stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $300/night

Who says log cabins can’t be romantic? This intimate couple’s getaway is quaint and cozy with an understated chic style that adds to the romance. The thoughtful touches and unique accents make this hand-hewn log cabin even more memorable.

On-site, you can stroll around the fenced and forested grounds. Or head up the road to Lithia Springs Conservation Park for some sunbathing at the local beach or hiking on the park’s trails. If you and your sweetie love shredding singletrack, Alafia River State Park offers easy to expert trails that are touted as some of the best mountain biking in the state.

Related Read: 12 Best Glamping Spots in Florida for Soaking Up the Sunshine

5. Florida Cracker Cabin

Why you should stay: Down-home western charm on a working cattle ranch.

• Location: Myakka City
• Sleeps: 4
• Minimum Stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $306/night

Located on a 1,100-acre ranch right on the Myakka River, this cozy “cracker” cabin hearkens back to the historic wooden shelters built by early Florida and Georgia settlers. Though the cabin is boiled down to the basics, the high-end finish and bright, sunny spaces still feel like a luxurious treat. The cabin shares a common area with other guests that includes two bathrooms, outdoor showers, and a kitchen.

During the day, you can explore the ranch’s property on a complimentary electric bike or kayak down the Myakka River for a pleasant day on the water. Myakka River State Park is right across the road and the cabin is only a short drive from Siesta Key Beach and downtown Sarasota should you want to spend an afternoon at the beach or pop into town.

Related Read: 10 Chill Weekend Road Trips From Jacksonville, Florida

6. Bayfront Cabin

Why you should stay: Come for the waterfront, stay for the sunsets.

• Location: Gulf Breeze
• Sleeps: 10
• Minimum Stay: 4 nights
• Rates from: $300/night

The Bayfront Cabin’s biggest selling point is its waterfront location right on East Bay. The spacious cabin has all the comforts of home—though you might find yourself spending most of your time in the backyard. From the firepit and in-water volleyball net to the dock where you can catch some stellar sunsets, the cabin’s outdoor spaces are the real showstopper.

If you want to get out on the water, you can rent boats or stand-up paddleboards for your stay. And if a day out on the Gulf is on your vacation to-do list, the cabin is located 15-minutes from Navarre Beach, a beautiful national seashore with eight miles of undeveloped white sand beaches.

“Bayfront is utterly fabulous. There is so much to do and so many cool and unique aspects to staying right on East Bay.”

7. 30A Waterfront Cabin

Why you should stay: A bright, breezy cabin that dishes up the beachy vibes.

• Location: Inlet Beach
• Sleeps: 7
• Minimum Stay: 2-3 nights
• Rates from: $349/night

You can’t beat the location of this waterfront cabin — or for that matter, the views from the two lakeside decks. Located on Camp Creek Lake, one of Florida’s coastal dune lakes, the cabin is just inland of the Gulf of Mexico.

You are a half-mile walk to the nearest beach (Seacrest Beach) and a short kayak paddle away from your private strip of sand (complimentary kayaks included). Though you’ll be tempted to just hang out at home thanks to the waterfront backyard complete with a private dock and fire pit.

“Staying on one of 30a’s Inlet lakes was an awesome experience. One of the things we enjoyed most was being able to kayak through gorgeous meandering areas that took us right to the Ocean. It was a unique experience for sure.”

Related Read: ​​8 Ultra Chic Pet-Friendly Hotels in Miami, Florida

8. Withlacoochee River Retreat Log Cabin

Why you should stay: Relive the glory days of summer camp with fun for the whole family.

• Location: Brooksville
• Sleeps: 10
• Minimum Stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $228/night

The Withlacoochee River Retreat Log Cabin is a great getaway for a family vacation especially if you are looking to reconnect and unplug. With decor that gives off a touch of nostalgia and a spot deep in the woods on the Withlacoochee River, this peaceful cabin might remind you of those simpler summer camp days.

And not to worry—the kids won’t be bored once you peel them away from their screens. In addition to the outdoor fire pit, the cabin has a basketball hoop, bikes, a badminton court, and plenty of yard and table games, including foosball, ping pong, corn hole, and horseshoes. You can get out on the Withlacoochee River, too, in the complimentary paddle boat, or hit up the Withlacoochee State Trail which is perfect for hiking or biking.

Related Read: 14 Incredible Georgia Treehouse Rentals to Upgrade Your Vacation

9. River Log Cabin

Why you should stay: Escape the grind with some riverside relaxation.

• Location: Brooksville
• Sleeps: 5
• Minimum Stay: 3 nights
• Rates from: $300/night

Though the exterior of this cabin might look a little weathered, once you step inside you’ll be wowed by the modern finish-out. In keeping with the cabin motif, the cabin features beautiful, high-end accents. Lots of luxurious touches, including a wood-burning stove, complete the cabin ambiance.

The tiered back deck and outdoor patio give you plenty of space to take in the cabin’s splendid riverside views under the shaded canopy of the surrounding forest. Should you desire some exercise, you can easily head out kayaking, hiking, or biking. Though if you just want to sit by the river and enjoy the solitude, that’s a-okay too.

“Great cabin on the river. The view is amazing and hanging out on the dock watching the river go by is as peaceful as it gets.”

Related Read: 10 Unique Places to Stay in Florida for a Most Memorable Vacay

10. The Nature House

Why you should stay: Unplug and reset with serious nature therapy.

• Location: Hernando
• Sleeps: 5
• Minimum Stay: 4 nights
• Rates from: $230/night

The Nature House is aptly named as, at first glance, you can tell it was designed to reconnect you with the natural world. From the wall of windows to the outdoor deck and spacious yard with gorgeous live oaks towering overhead, you really get the feel of a cabin in the heart of the woods. Not that you’ll be roughing it either. Though the cabin is remote, it is decked with all the amenities you could want for your stay.

If you’re planning a day out, consider a trip to Big Blue Springs just up the road. Or hop in the car and head to Three Sisters Springs to swim with manatees or check out the river and waterfalls of Rainbow Springs State Park. The stunning crystal clear, blue-green waters will make you feel like you’ve escaped to somewhere tropical.

Related Read: How to Turn Your Disney World Vacation Into an Outdoor Adventure

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