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Maryland is a case study in fascinating geography. The state’s eastern edge is a barrier-island-bound strip of Atlantic coastline sandwiched between Delaware and Virginia, and just to the west is massive Chesapeake Bay. Taking into account all of its many islands, bays, rivers, and creeks, Maryland, despite being a small state, has thousands of miles of shoreline. And while the ocean is a big influence on the state (it’s known for its crab cakes, after all), Maryland’s western half reaches deep into the Appalachian Mountains, so beaches and estuaries aren’t the only kind of landscapes you’ll encounter. There’s lots to explore here, especially if you’ve booked a cozy cabin rental for the weekend.
Washington DC, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Ocean City make for worthy urban retreats, but if you’re looking for outdoor adventure, you’ll find plenty of it in the Old Line State (a nickname Maryland earned thanks to the bravery of its soldiers in the Revolutionary War). On the state’s eastern edge is Assateague Island National Seashore, a long stretch of protected coastline that offers hiking trails, bike paths, and sandy beaches; it’s also home to a famous herd of feral horses.
Kayaking or canoeing is a great way to explore the tidal reaches of Chesapeake Bay, and you might also get the chance to catch some crabs (several of the best cabins we've curated include kayaks and crab traps for guests to use). The mountainous regions in the western half of the state are great for hiking (the Appalachian Trail cuts through, after all) and mountain biking (Swallow Falls State Park offers both, as well as a surviving stand of old-growth forest), and in the winter months, you can even break out your skis at places like Wisp Resort.
Read on to see our top picks for the best Maryland cabin and home rentals all across the state.
7 Best Cabin Rentals in Maryland
The Original Hob — Oakland, MD
Vibe: Woodland Retreat
Located deep in the woods in far western Maryland in Garrett County, this beautiful cabin is an ideal forest escape. It features a back porch overlooking a creek that tumbles over a series of small waterfalls, as well as amenities like an outdoor shower and a gas grill. Dip your feet in the creek, relax in the hammock, or use the cabin as a home base for exploring nearby Oakland or Swallow Falls State Park. The kitchen and bathroom are shared with another cabin on the property, but you can rent both spaces for a family or couples’ weekend getaway.
Rate: $145/night
Kaya Cabin on Deep Creek Lake — McHenry, MD
Vibe: Cabin Village
Part of the Blue Moon Rising community located near Deep Creek Lake, this friendly cabin is made with reclaimed materials and features tasteful architectural details throughout, including arched doorways and a large covered front porch. The gabled roof and tall ceilings help this cabin feel bigger than it is, and while there is Wifi, there’s also plenty to do outside: As a guest, you’ll have access to hiking trails on the property and lake access is a short jaunt away. Check out Blue Moon’s activities page for even more things to do nearby.
Rate: $264/night
Cabana by the Bay — Solomons, MD
Vibe: Waterside Weekend
This “tiny home on a pier” is parked right where the Patuxent River empties into Chesapeake Bay, and it’s a great pick if you want to be close to the water. The bright, newly renovated space features expansive views of the water, and you’ll have access to the property’s beach and private dock (shared with the owners) as well as bikes, kayaks, and crab traps. Inside, there's WiFi, air conditioning, and a half-kitchen. Cruise into town for fantastic seafood, or rent jet skis to explore the coast. One note: Due to Covid, you’ll need to provide your own sheets and pillows for the pull-out bed.
Rate: $165/night
Sweet Serenity Tiny House — Oakland, MD
Vibe: Something for Every Season
Located three hours west from Baltimore and Washington DC on a forested three-acre property that was originally used for cross-country skiing, this tiny house packs the comforts of home into a small space and is a great launch pad for outdoor adventures in all four seasons. Visit nearby ski resorts in the winter, or head to the region’s state parks for hiking and kayaking in the warmer months. Prefer to chill? Stay put and enjoy the cabin’s outdoor deck and fire pit.
Rate: $150/night
Heaven on the Bay — Westover, MD
Vibe: Heaven Is a Place on Earth
Check in to this spacious vacation rental on the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay for a perfect group getaway on the water. The house boasts 120 feet of waterfront and a sandy beach for swimming or sunbathing, plus you’ll have access to kayaks, a standup paddleboard, bikes, and crab traps. After a day outside, cook a meal in the full kitchen, then spend an evening unwinding in the master bath soaking tub upstairs.
Rate: $225/night
Urban Cottage — Fort Washington, MD
Vibe: Town and Country
Want to visit Washington DC, but don’t want to stay in the heart of the city? This airy, light-filled Airbnb cottage makes an ideal choice. It’s located just 20 minutes from the Lincoln Memorial by car (or an hour by public transit), and it’s just across the Potomac from historic Alexandria, Virginia. When you’ve had your fill of urban exploring, head home to relax on the deck overlooking forested parkland, build a fire in the wood stove, or curl up with a book in the lofted bed.
Rate: $170/night
Cedar Springs — Swanton, MD
Vibe: Party at the Lake
Get the gang together and head out for a weekend in this sprawling lakefront vacation home. It’s located on Deep Creek Lake, a recreation-friendly reservoir tucked into the mountains of western Maryland. That means lake views and lake access: rent a boat at a nearby marina to get out on the water and explore the entire lake area or swim from the house’s private dock. To switch things up, head over to Adventure Sports Center International (located on top of Wisp Mountain) for a whitewater rafting course. The house also has a small game room, a spacious deck, a hot tub, a fire pit, and a large lawn that’s perfect for football games or frisbee.
Rate: $498/night
Published 06-10-2022
