10 Massachusetts Cabins for Getting Lost in the Wilderness

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Massachusetts might be full of history, but wilderness and serenity in the mountains also abounds.

There are a plethora of unique places to stay in Massachusetts, but there is nothing like cozying up around a fire surrounded by nature in a secluded cabin. Most might think of Boston and Paul Revere’s famous nighttime ride when anyone mentions Massachusetts. But the Bay State has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire country.

Massachusetts is home to 16 federally recognized national parks including Cape Cod’s National Seashore in the east and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the west. An overnight stay in a cozy cabin is the ideal spot to experience all the beauty this state has to offer.

Pick from lakefront cabins to write your first novel or an open-air space to be at one with nature or lay your head down next to the humming of bees. You won’t regret any that you might choose from our recommendations below.

1. Secluded Cabin on Three Acres

massachusetts cabin on three acres — Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay: hone your Serena Williams persona on your private tennis court.

Nearest town: Sandisfield
Sleeps: 10 guests
Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $293/night

Things do not get much more private than this grand cabin which sits between Sandisfield and Otis State Forests in southwestern Massachusetts. With floor-to-ceiling wood paneling (but like nice wood paneling, not cheesy wood paneling from the 1950s) and sweeping views from the large windows, you will feel as close to nature as one can get.

Nature abounds in this part of the Bay State with four state forests and two state parks within 15 miles of the cabin. If you prefer the water to the trails, there are also several waterways within the vicinity of the area to whet your appetite — see what I did there?

Corny jokes aside, this cabin is secluded enough to make you feel like nothing but the wilderness surrounds you but also close enough to cities to make things easy and accessible.

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2. The Writer’s Retreat

Why you should stay: the corrugated metal shower simulates the sounds of a passing rain shower, making even the shower sing poetry.

Nearest town: Orange
Sleeps: 2 guests
Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $94/night

Find the inspiration you need to write that next great novel at the aptly named Writer’s Retreat located on the banks of Tully Pond.

This quaint and secluded getaway is ideal for anyone who might need some peace and quiet to focus their energies into creative work. Although, be warned, Uncle Tully the bull frog is known to interrupt your thoughts with his loud croaking every once in a while.

If writing is not your forte, take your pick of the numerous books in the small library within the cabin. From Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” to Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse”, you are bound to find something that tickles your fancy. If photography is more your thing, rent the cabin next door — of course it’s named the Photographer’s Hut.

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3. Sigren Summerhouse

summerhouse cabin — Photo: Stephanie S., Hipcamp

Why you should stay: there’s a private sauna!

Nearest town: Sandwich
Sleeps: 2 guests
Minimum Stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $450/night

It might be called a summerhouse, but this Cape Cod retreat is perfect no matter the season you stay! The cabin is adorned with the décor and ambiance of a Swedish spa. Natural light filters through the large windows and skylights, accenting the subdued colors and natural grooves of the wood throughout the home.

Despite how busy the Cape Cod area can get, you will feel away from all the tourists and crowds when you stay creekside at the Sigren Summerhouse. Enjoy dinners outside or naps in the hammock or simply a relaxing steam in the private sauna. Whatever you need to escape from, this is the place to do it.

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4. Glass Treehouse in the Berkshires

Octagonal Glass Treehouse MA — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: it’s a glass house, with floor-to-ceiling windows, on eight sides – need I say more?

Nearest town: Otis
Sleeps: 4 guests
Minimum Stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $300/night

Although not technically a treehouse, this octagonal home and its expansive windows will make it seem like you are in the trees. You would think with eight distinct walls that it would be difficult and awkward to figure out how to manage furniture in the home but the hosts make it work beautifully. The open concept cabin is full of beautifully appointed knick-knacks and splashes of color to bring just enough life into the home.

The cherry red wood stove is perfect for cold winter days and chilly summer nights. It matches the dining chairs just off the kitchen. The live edge coffee table fits seamlessly into the space to create even more of a natural feel to the home.

The various places to sit including a couch, a chaise lounge, and a day bed make a perfect spot to cozy up with a good book from the large library of books above the master bed. But reading might be the furthest thing from your mind when you check out the gorgeous views of the surrounding seven acres of land.

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5. Mill River Cabin

Why you should stay: a gorgeous setting and a feeling of home in a charming, historical town.

Nearest town: New Marlborough
Sleeps: 5 guests
Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $185/night

Who needs a television when you can view the rushing waters of Mill River and the wildlife that frequent the area right from the sofa? That is what you will be asking yourself when you stay at the Mill River Cabin. There is Wi-Fi is you need it, although I doubt you’ll find yourself in the cabin for long periods of time since there is so much to do outside of it.

When you come back from your outdoor adventures, you will feel right at home as if you have lived in this place all along. The stacked books near the desk are reminiscent of an old uncle that liked to collect stories throughout his life. Even the wood stove looks as if it might have a story to tell. I would suggest telling your own stories around the large dining table to reconnect with the ones you love.

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6. Hip Mountain Cabin

Why you should stay: there’s an outdoor shower to rinse off your feet after walking from the town beach a few minutes away.

Nearest town: Stockbridge
Sleeps: 6 guests
Minimum Stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $239/night

Somewhere between bohemian-chic and European royalty is where this incredible cabin lies. Technically it sits in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, but it might as well be in the foothills of the Swiss Alps.

The home might be small on space for six guests (at only 900 square feet) but the various spaces create a bit of privacy for everyone. From the reading nook in the living room to the loft space perfect for kiddos, you will feel as though you’ve got all the space in the world.

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7. Salamander Hollow

beehive cabin — Photo: Ashley K., Hipcamp

Why you should stay: you can literally sleep with honeybees.

Nearest town: Warwick
Sleeps: 12 guests
Minimum Stay: 1 night
Rates from: $278/night

For those who go into anaphylactic shock if stung by bees, Salamander Hollow might not be the best place to stay — although there has never been a report of anyone getting stung here either. Because staying at one of the three dwellings on the property has you literally sleeping with the bees. The calming hum of the bees at work will lull you to sleep better than any white noise sound machine would.

But even if sleeping with bees freaks you out too much, there are two other places to stay on the property: a library with a loft and a 22-foot tipi. There is no end to the uniqueness at Salamander Hollow and the hosts pride themselves of an eco-friendly stay. You can even hike from the property to a farm to get milk, veggies, meat, and eggs at the local farm down the road.

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8. Hilltop Cedar Cabin

hilltop cabin massachusetts — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: sweeping mountain views from the patio!

Nearest town: Sandisfield
Sleeps: 6 guests
Minimum Stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $152/night

As gorgeous as this private mountain hideaway is, nothing beats the beauty that surrounds it. The patio is perfect for those wanting to dine al fresco style; just cross your fingers that there is a slight wind to keep the bugs at bay. Although, there is also a screened-in porch for those buggier summer nights.

Or simply gather around the outdoor fire pit so the natural smoke will keep the bugs from bothering you. Either way, try to spend as much time outside as possible because that is what makes this place so unique.

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9. Lakefront Getaway

lakefront massachusetts cabin — Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay: the house comes with a rowboat for your personal use.

Nearest town: Great Barrington
Sleeps: 10 guests
Minimum Stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $380/night

Look no further than this beautiful, lakefront home to hike, fish, swim, boat, or simply relax by the water. The 2000 square foot home is located on the shores of Round Pond close to the surrounding amenities that make this area a perfect destination throughout the year.

You can ski at Butternut Resort during the winter months, soak up the autumn colors that New England is known for, or take in a show at Close Encounters with Music in the spring or summer.

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10. The Pondhouse

pondhouse massachusetts cabin — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: your boss won’t be able to get in touch with you since there is no Wi-Fi or cell service while staying here.

Nearest town: Ashfield
Sleeps: 5 guests
Minimum Stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $279/night

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and, in exchange, spend some time at The Pondhouse. Without electricity, you will both literally and metaphorically unplug from your every day life to rejuvenate your senses.

The entire place is open air, although it is screened-in so the mosquitos stay out. Tall grasses surround the space which create tiny songs as the winds sweep through. Your experience while staying at The Pondhouse is deeply rooted within nature (the use of words here is intentional).

Even the shower is outdoors to truly immerse yourselves in the wilderness that surrounds you.

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