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Sure, the towns of Boothbay Harbor, Camden, and Bar Harbor make for that charming seaside escape Maine aka Vacationland is well known for, but the state is far bigger than its coastline, and its natural landscape provides a contrasting experience for those with a penchant for outdoor adventures. Thick forests cover almost 90 percent of the Pine Tree State, and its landscape is complemented by craggy coves, low-lying wetlands, and the remote mountain peaks. Maine is a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts, and it's stocked with cabins to rent for your next getaway.
What does a Maine vacation look like? Perhaps a visit to Acadia National Park, New England’s only national park, which boasts sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, spruce-fir forests, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails. Or a trip to Moosehead Lake, the second largest in New England, in the state's remote northwest forest. (Of course, you can also hole up at a cozy cabin and take in lake views, or oceanfront vistas from the comfort of some fresh linens.)
Explore the more than 60 lighthouses along Maine's Atlantic Coast, soak in its pretty harbor views, and spend an afternoon going from one lobster shack to the next. But also budget enough time to search for loons and moose, go whitewater rafting, or hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Don't write off winter, either—snowmobiling is a way of life in Maine and there's skiing at Sunday River and Sugarloaf.
Best Cabin Rentals in Maine
Rustic Chic Maine Cabin @Diagonair — Sedgwick, ME
Vibe: Blueberry Fields Forever
This cozy cabin overlooks wild blueberry fields, 12 acres of verdant forests, and Penobscot Bay beyond. Take in the sunset from the rocking chairs and chaise on the screened-in porch, prepare dinner in the open plan kitchen, or gather around the gas fireplace on chilly nights. An iron spiral staircase leads to the double bed loft upstairs for a restful night's sleep.
That's all enough to make you want to spend your entire vacation on the property, but this vacation rental also boasts a convenient location nearby the quaint towns of Deer Isle and Blue Hill. You can also get to Acadia National Park in one hour for a day of outdoor exploration.
Rate: $297/night
Kate-Ah-Den Cabin — New Sharon, ME
Vibe: Cozy and Stylish
Atop Hampshire Hill, enclosed by 75 acres of woods and two miles of private trails, the Kate-Ah-Den Cabin is the ideal escape for those who want to revel in the outdoors. Outside of the property, nearby Belgrade Lakes and the beaches of Long Pond and Great Pond make for ideal afternoon excursions.
The star attraction of this pet-friendly cabin is the views of the Northwestern Mountains, which can be admired from the screened-in porch or the fire pit outside. Inside, there's a full kitchen, and wifi, but a wood stove gives it that Maine lodge feel.
Rate: $265/night
SMITTEN — Appleton, ME
Vibe: Silent Retreat
Set on 120 acres that are bordered by the Pettengill Stream, this Western red cedar cabin in Rock Hollow enjoys a serene backdrop of verdant forests interspersed with heavy boulders. Check in here for easy access to hiking trails and ATV trails that wind through the woods and to a nearby pond, or drive to the coast and visit Rockport, Camden, and Camden Hills State Park. For end-of-day relaxation, soak in the cabin’s cast iron clawfoot tub, or reserve the onsite private wood-fired cedar outdoor hot tub and sauna for an additional fee.
Rate: $165/night
Lakeside Cabin in Boothbay Harbor — Boothbay Harbor, ME
Vibe: Mid-Century With a Modern Twist
An hour north of Portland, this hilltop mid-60s loft-style home is a well-appointed option for larger groups. Its second story boasts an open floor plan with three door-less bedrooms that comfortably sleep eight, and there's a full dining room, living room, kitchen, and wood stove too.
Outside, a spacious deck offers sweeping views over West Harbor Pond and is best enjoyed from the hanging basket chair or during a morning yoga session. Bird lovers can also spot osprey and yellow-rumped warblers from here. Explore the rugged Maine shoreline at Porter Preserve, or peruse the restaurants, cafes, and bars in downtown Boothbay Harbor.
Rate: $225/night
Historic Maine Canoe Shop — Dover-Foxcroft, ME
Vibe: Old World Charm
A five-year renovation turned this historic 120-year-old canoe shop 45 minutes away from Bangor into a one-of-a-kind Airbnb retreat with major barn vibes. Inside, a floating staircase connects the upstairs loft to the kitchenette and dining area downstairs. With an inviting soaking tub, antique chandelier imported from Paris, and a set of pistachio-colored velvet dining chairs to match, this space oozes vintage charm. There's a fire pit outside, and trails for hiking and biking too. Plus, it's close to the restaurants and pubs in Dover-Foxcroft.
Rate: $185/night
Vintage, Log Cabin in the Woods — Boothbay Harbor, ME
Vibe: A Woodsy Hideaway
Base yourself at this vintage log cabin in Boothbay Harbor that rewards its guests with access to a small private beach about a mile away. The high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light make this cabin feel like an airy space. Take the provided kayaks to the water, walk to Barrett Park in 15 minutes, or hike the Sprucewold. Downtown Boothbay Harbor is less than a mile away, where you can stroll the famous footbridge and gorge on lobster rolls while taking in the seaside views.
Rate: $224/night
Dog-friendly Retreat With a Private Hot Tub — Greenwood, ME
Vibe: Modern Log Home in the Woods
Three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and an open living space occupy the three floors of this log home in Western Maine. There are plenty of built-in hangout spots in and around the property, like a hot tub, two dining areas, a screened-in porch, and an outdoor fire pit. But there are plenty of reasons to wander farther afield. Shop and dine out at the restaurants of Bethel, just eight miles away. Or, if outdoor adventures are on your itinerary, go swimming at Greenwood Town Beach, fishing and boating at South Pond, or take advantage of one of the provided kayaks and canoes and go paddling.
Rate: $501/night
Green Camp —Kennebunkport, Maine
Vibe: Contemporary Compound
This property might not fit the cookie-cutter cabin image, but take a tally of what it offers and you'll find it hits the high notes. There's its remote location on three acres of forest, for one, which provides access to nearby hiking trails, snowmobile trails, and more. Floor to ceiling windows throughout bring nature inside, but there's also a large deck with an outdoor dining area. In addition to the grill amenities include a steam shower and wood stove. Plus, you're nearby lots of southern Maine's beaches, like Fortunes Rocks and Old Orchard Beach.
Rate: $600/night
Published 06-22-2022
