Arkansas is a beautiful state, which if you’ve been around our blog for any amount of time, you’ve already discovered. A mostly rural state, covered in dense forests, dissected by lazy rivers, and dotted with sparkling lakes, Arkansas is a dreamland for outdoor enthusiasts. If your idea of a perfect weekend involves a cabin in the woods, epic sunsets, and outdoor adventures, then stay tuned! This week, we’ve gone on a hunt for the absolute best cabins in Arkansas. These fantastic accommodations offer quiet surroundings, easy access to adventure, and some seriously stunning views. Let’s find your next vacation home!
Why Vacation in Arkansas?
Arkansas is probably not at the top of anyone’s vacation bucket list. However, it does boast a few excellent characteristics. It’s one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the United States. Cabin rentals in Arkansas, especially during the off-season, are often less than $100 per night. In addition to excellent campsites, the Natural State hosts a fair share of more upscale camping options like yurts and rustic cabins.
It offers sublime natural beauty with an abundance of watersports, hiking trails, wildlife and bird watching, and hunting opportunities. The Ozarks have a unique culture where folk art, traditional food, and live music reign supreme, and the state parks in Arkansas are well-maintained and informative.
The Natural State has two of the oldest and most respected wineries in the region and a fantastic Ale Trail in Northwest Arkansas.
Northern Arkansas is a premier trout fishing spot, and the South is renowned for its duck hunting.
If you’re into gem collecting, we have the only active public diamond mine in the U.S. and tons of opportunities for harvesting crystals. Get the deets on gem mining in Arkansas here!
Arkansas has absurdly hot summers, and the ticks and mosquitos are out in full force, but fall temps are mild. The deciduous forests, especially in the north, display a wonderful array of fall foliage, bursting in reds, yellows, and oranges.
In short, this scenic Southern locale is a naturally beautiful getaway that offers a bit of something for everyone!
The Best Cabins in Arkansas for Your Weekend Getaway
As you can see, there’s plenty to do in the Natural State, but I’ll admit that most of it is outdoors. We have some great museums and wineries, but most visitors come to spend time boating in our lakes, kayaking our rivers, and hiking or biking our trails. You do eventually have to stop playing and sleep though! Nothing pairs better with a busy day of outdoor adventure than an evening in the hot tub on the porch of your luxurious log cabin!
Here are just a few of the amazing options available. These cabins have a wide range of price points depending on the amenities and location. We’ve included a few luxury rentals, some more rustic options, and everything in between!
1. Best Arkansas Cabin for Hikers—Arkansas Grand Canyon View Cabins
Location: Jasper, AR
Price: $160/night
Sleeps: 4-6
Best for: Hikers, motorcyclists, wildlife enthusiasts, kayakers
Restrictions: Requires two-night rental for weekends and holidays
The cabins at Arkansas Grand Canyon View probably have the best vistas in the state. Looking out over our grandest valley in some of the prettiest mountains around, these cabins are all about porch sitting! There are several cabins available at varying price points. White Tail is the premier cabin featuring two king beds and a futon.
The cabins are a bit older and rustic, but they feature all the amenities you need to stay comfortable. They’re heated and cooled, have Wi-Fi, and a stocked kitchenette. They provide toiletries, towels, and coffee with all the fixings. Most cabins also have a firepit with provided firewood.
The complex boasts a perfect location. Jasper is a mecca for hikers, joyriders, and wildlife lovers in the north-central region of Arkansas. It’s very close to popular kayak routes on the Buffalo National River at Ponca. It’s also just a few minutes from the tallest waterfall between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains—Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls.
2. Best Arkansas Cabin for Anglers—Bachelor Bluff-White River Cabin
Location: Flippin, AR
Price: $75/night
Sleeps: 3 adults
Best for: Trout fishermen
Restrictions: No smoking, no parties, no pets
Calling all anglers! This modern and newly renovated cabin sits atop a bluff overlooking the winding White River, one of the official trout fishing capitals of the U.S.A. There are three cabins available on site, but this one comfortably sleeps three. It features a full kitchen, a large private deck, three acres of private trails, parking, and a boat slip.
The cabin has Wi-Fi, in-unit laundry, a river view, an outdoor fire pit area, and much more. Plus, it’s only $75/night!
3. Best Arkansas Cabin for Love Birds—The Loft
Location: 0.7 miles from Hasty, AR
Price: $119/night
Sleeps: 2 adults
Best for: Couples
Restrictions: Limited Wi-Fi and cell service
This modern studio loft sits on an incredible 40-acre property near the Buffalo National River. The Loft has been engineered to feel completely private, though you are within shouting distance of the owner if needed. It features a fully-equipped kitchen, a queen bed, and a two-level deck for optimum views.
With an outdoor cooking space and a fire pit, you’ll enjoy spending time outside as much as in the adorable interior. Hasty is very close to Jasper, which as we’ve discussed is a mecca for outdoor adventurers. You’ll be just a short drive from kayaking on the river, elk viewing at Boxley Valley, Glory Hole Trail, Hemmed-in-Hollow Waterfall, Hawksbill Crag, and horseback riding in Horseshoe Canyon. There are also rock climbing and zip line opportunities in the area!
4. Best Arkansas Cabin for the Young at Heart—Lonoke Treehouse
Location: Lonoke, AR
Price: $200/night
Sleeps: 4 guests
Best for: Couples
Restrictions: High loft with multiple stairs
Is it a treehouse? Is it a cabin? It’s both, and it’s wonderful! Tucked away in the treetops, this incredible cabin features views of the pond with its lighted fountain, a hanging bridge to a private deck, and multi-level porches. It features floor-to-ceiling windows for all-day views, an outdoor cooking area, access to yard games, volleyball, badminton, and catch-and-release fishing.
The cabin has luxury touches like bamboo bedding, a relaxing hot tub, and fast Wi-Fi (a perk in an Arkansas cabin). There’s a large smart TV, in-unit laundry, a soaking tub, and much more. In short, it’s the perfect spot for you and your honey to disappear into the woods for a few days!
5. Best Arkansas Cabin for History Buffs—Cozy Mountain Cabin
Location: Hot Springs Village, AR
Price: $166/night
Sleeps: 3 guests
Best for: History lovers and health enthusiasts
Restrictions: High loft with spiral staircase
Moving out of Northwest Arkansas, we enter the Ouachita Mountains, which are arguably just as lovely! This 1B/1B cabin is absolutely beautiful! It features a full wall of windows with a breathtaking view from the back deck over the city. The cabin offers rustic charm, but it’s just 15 minutes from Downtown Hot Springs and all its fun attractions.
This Airbnb owner actually still includes a continental-style breakfast with homemade food! The cabin boasts a modern and stocked kitchen, pillow-top king bed, HDTV, and dedicated workspace.
Hot Springs National Park is world famous for its 20th-century Bathhouse Row where thermal springs flow. Today, you can still partake in the waters just as infamous gangsters and celebrities did in its heyday. It features some of the best restaurants in the state, wonderful art galleries and boutiques, quirky museums, and Oaklawn Racing Casino and Resort. It’s also a few minutes from Lake Catherine, Lake Hamilton, Lake Ouachita, and the amusement park Magic Springs.
For all the Hot Springs details, check out our ultimate guide to the city!
6. Best Arkansas Cabin for High-End Travelers—The Covey
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Price: $325/night
Sleeps: 4 guests
Best for: Luxury travelers and special occasions
Restrictions: $75 pet fee
Have you ever stayed in a 5-star tent? The Covey at African Tent Retreat classifies itself as a tent, but it’s unlike any tent you’ve ever seen…unless you’ve gone on a few luxury African safaris. It’s built on a massive wood platform with multi-level seating areas and a wooden walkway to a private dock for fishing.
Relax in the 7-person hot tub, or enjoy a steamy session in the heated outdoor shower. You have more dining options than most will be able to use with a large kitchen, outdoor grill, wood-burning pizza oven, and a fire pit. Back inside, there’s a large soaking tub and a heated bidet. If you need a little (or a lot) of glam in your camp, then The Covey is your kind of place!
7. Best Arkansas Cabin for Larger Families—The River Ridge Cabin
Location: Glenwood, AR
Price: Weekday-$195, Weekend-$225
Sleeps: 8 guests
Best for: Large families and water babies
Restrictions: No parties or large group events
The River Ridge Cabin is part of a larger complex that sits on the picturesque Caddo River— a top Arkansas spot for tubing, kayaking, and bass/walleye fishing. The log cabins were custom-built in 2015 and boast all the modern amenities. River Ridge Cabin is a 3-bed/2-bath, two-story stunner overlooking the river. It features large windows, a full kitchen, satellite TV, and cozy wooden features.
Outdoors, you can enjoy incredible views, hang out around the fire pit, or make dinner on the outdoor grill. In addition to watersports on the river, you’ll have easy access to hikes in Ouachita National Forest and Daisy State Park. Wegner Crystal Mines and Nirvana Star Farms are nearby as well, and you’ll likely get glimpses of deer, forest rodents, and a plethora of birds from the solace of your front porch!
8. Best Arkansas Cabin for Culture Vultures—Cabin Cove
Location: Eureka Springs, AR
Price: $124
Sleeps: 2 guests
Best for: Visitors who want to experience Ozark culture
Restrictions: None noted
Located in the adorable and historic town of Eureka Springs, this 18-acre property is the perfect retreat after a day of touring historic homes, thrifting, farmer’s markets, and live performances. Cabin Cove is a studio that offers a breathtaking view from the large deck. It features an electric fireplace, a jacuzzi bathtub, a full kitchen, and an excellent location. It’s thoughtfully decorated in a cozy and rustic, yet contemporary, decor.
The cabin is just minutes from historic Downtown Eureka Springs and the famous Thorncrowne Chapel. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly becoming a mountain biking mecca, and there are ample hiking and biking trails near the cabin.
If a weekend immersed in the culture of the Ozarks sounds good to you, then this is your perfect spot!
9. Best Arkansas Cabin for River Rats—Buffalo River Outfitters
Location: Near Saint Joe, AR
Price: Varies by Cabin
Sleeps: Varies
Best for: Travelers who want to be in the heart of the action!
Restrictions: $25 pet fee
Located near one of the favored river put-ins, Tyler Bend, “Outfitters” is probably the most popular destination for canoe and kayak rental in the area. They also offer a series of Buffalo River log cabins ranging from luxury to basic. All of their cabins feature an excellent location near the river and all its attractions.
The cabins all include stone fireplaces, wide porches, wooded settings, fully-equipped kitchens, air-conditioning, and barbecue grills. Each cabin is also decorated with art by local artists and hand-crafted accents, adding an authentic and lived-in feel. If you want to spend a weekend on the river, with a no-fuss accommodation, then you can’t beat the cabins at Buffalo River Outfitters.
10. Best Arkansas Cabin for Hermits—Lookout Lodge
Location: Bismarck, AR
Price: $199/night
Sleeps: 6 guest
Best for: Those looking for seclusion
Restrictions: Need a 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle
This 1 bedroom cabin is located on top of Jack Mountain in Bismarck. Though it’s fairly close to Hot Springs, the cabin is secluded on a 17-acre wooded property. There are two other cabins on the mountain, but the property is totally private. To reach the spot, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle as you must climb an unpaved mountain road.
While the cabin does feature warm wooden decor, it’s very modern and expertly decorated. The large porches boast panoramic forest views, and the property includes an outdoor dining area, a hot tub, security cameras, and a fire pit. The interior features a full kitchen, open concept, three beds, washer/dryer, and much more. It’s a beautiful property and one of the most stylish mountain cabin rentals in the state.
Closing Thoughts on the Coolest Cabins in Arkansas
You now have ten amazing cabin rental options for your next trip to Arkansas. If you’re lucky enough to call Arkansas home, then consider booking one of these spaces for a birthday getaway, an anniversary trip, or a budget-friendly family bonding weekend!
If you’re visiting from elsewhere, we invite you to explore our diverse landscape, enjoy some Southern cooking, and get lost in the natural beauty and outdoor adventure that the Natural State is famous for! When you come, skip the big hotel chains, and support a local family by booking a rustic cabin!
We think these ten are the best cabins in Arkansas, but to be fair, there are hundreds to choose from, and many of them are amazing! There’s something here for every budget, every size family, and every type of traveler!