Straddling the line between the Midwest and Northeast, Ohio is infused with the culture of both US regions, but of course, is home to its own peculiarities, too. For one, the Buckeye state flag is a triangular, swallowtail shape, the only non-rectangular flag throughout all 50 states. And it doesn't stop there (like, for example, it's full of awesome cabins and impressive mountain biking, hiking, and tons of other outdoor activities).
Although Ohio ranks 34th in total area among its neighboring states, it's the seventh-most populous, due in part to its three major metropolitan areas of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland peppered diagonally from the southwest to the northeast tips of the state. And although each city has its own unique flavor, they're all united through a love of sports. From the Cincinnati Bengals, to the Ohio State Buckeyes, to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and all the other sports teams in between, there's ample opportunity to catch a game-and join the spirited Ohions who show up in numbers.
But if you're planning to visit Ohio to escape the masses, there's plenty to do outside the city as well. Ohio is home to four major outdoor recreation areas—the rolling hills of Appalachian country along the eastern border of the state, the rural countryside of Amish Country to the northeast, the lakeside beaches and fishing holes of Lake Erie along the northern border, and the outdoor adventureland of the Hocking Hills area in the southeast. These four regions are home to a smattering of impressive cabin getaways, all united by a clear love of design and the outdoors.
Below, the best of the best to get you started on your next Buckeye adventure.
20 Best Cabins in Ohio to Escape to This Season
Ohio Valley Hut — Flushing, OH
Vibe: Log Cabin 2.0
This contemporary cedar-clad studio cabin does a lot with a little inside its modest footprint. Winner of the 2019 AIA Ohio Honor Award for Architecture, the space is completely off-grid, but style wasn't sacrificed in the name of sustainability.
Rate: $300/Night
Fern Spring Cabin — Baltic, OH
Vibe: Wood & Stone
Located in Amish Country, this country cabin features handmade furniture and kitchen cabinets amidst rustic farmhouse decor. A spacious. fully equipped kitchen and wrap-around porch offer plenty of space to gather, but if you're itching to get out of the house, the towns of Sugarcreek and Berlin are nearby for exploring.
Rate: $132/Night
Romantic Cabin — Laurelville, OH
Vibe: Snug as a Bug
Situated on the edge of Hocking Hills State Park, this romantic getaway is perfect for a couples retreat or solo trip. Featuring a stone fireplace, full kitchen, lofted bed, and private hot tub, the cabin is also a short drive to popular attractions like Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Conkle's Hollow, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs.
Rate: $302/Night
Crockett's Run — Logan, OH
Vibe: Group Trip
This event and wedding complex is home to various cabin and glamping vacation rentals including mountain chalets, prefab bunkies, and canvas tents, making it perfect for a large group trip. Besides on-site spa amenities, multiple outdoor fire pits, a hiking trail with a 30-foot-tall waterfall, and picnic areas, there's plenty to explore nearby too, from canoeing to the Wayne National Forest to local wineries and more.
Rate: $201/Night
Dunlap Hollow A-Frame — Rockbridge, OH
Vibe: A+
The Dunlap Hollow A-Frame is an impressive modern A-Frame build perched on a hilltop site. Beyond amenities like multiple swinging hammock chairs, a hot tub, a deck with gas fireplace and grill, a full kitchen, a king-sized master bed, and plenty of windows, it's all decorated in a charming midcentury vibe to boot.
Rate: $619/Night
Eco-Luxe Modern Cabin — Laurelville, OH
Vibe: Little House, Lotsa Room
This sustainably built cabin accommodates 9 to 12 total guests, but is also cozy enough for a weekend getaway for two. Unique features include a swing bed, fireside conversation pit, multiple porches, bunk-beds, and plenty of seating areas. Outside, a hot tub and fire pit provide plenty of seating areas for star-gazing.
Rate: $429/Night
Getaway Beaver Creek — Lisbon, OH
Vibe: Escape the City
Getaway specializes in getting city-dwellers offline and outdoors with micro cabin campgrounds popping up across the country. 2 hours from Cleveland and 1.5 from Pittsburgh, their Lisbon, OH location features 38 micro cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows, private bathrooms, air conditioning and heat, and one or two beds. Plus a private campfire ring and s'mores galore.
(Use discount code FIELDMAG for $25 off any booking)
Rate: $219/Night
The Koi House — Hocking Hills, OH
Vibe: Sleeping with the Fishes
Nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings of Hocking Hills, this fully renovated mid-century build offers a modern and well-equipped escape, complete with two koi ponds for some extra entertainment. And although this is a cozy year-round getaway, plan your visit for the spring or summer if you want to see the little guys in action.
Rate: $246/Night
Woodland Cabin — Beach City, OH
Vibe: Classic Cabin
Sweet and simple, this cozy cabin is located near Amish Country. The interior is inviting and modern, while outside features a porch, hot tub, fire ring, and Adirondack chairs for some stargazing. And if the Woodland Cabin is booked, check out the neat A-Frame on the property, too.
Rate: $126/Night
Somewhere to be Treehouse — Rockbridge, OH
Vibe: Hidden Hills
Another Hocking Hills cabin, this A-Frame hideaway is perched amongst the trees at the top of a long winding staircase. Outfitted with vintage and contemporary decor, a fully stocked kitchen, cozy reading nooks, fresh linens, and an impressive cliffside hot tub, this is the perfect place to hide for a weekend.
Rate: $326/Night
Roundabout Cabin — McDermott, OH
Vibe: Unique Escape
Located along the banks of Pond Creek, this unique cabin rental features an open floor plan that winds around a large central stone fireplace. Large windows let in plenty of light, and outside there's a creekside deck and fire pit for chilling.
Rate: $169/Night
Forest Lane A-Frame — Beach City, OH
Vibe: Luxury on the Lake
This quaint lakeside A-Frame is a peaceful escape with spa-like vibes. Cozy up in the living room and take in the lake views, relax in the soaking tub, or take the kayaks out for a spin off the private dock.
Rate: $222/Night
Tullihas in the Trees — Frazeysburg, OH
Vibe: Hammock Haven
Connect with your inner child in this two-storey off-grid treehouse on the grounds of a wooded farm. Perfect for a glamping family vacation, hang out on the many hammocks, explore the property by hiking trail, and watch the sunset from the numerous decks.
Rate: $125/Night
The Box — Dundee, OH
Vibe: Treetop Relaxation
Austere and dramatic, this shipping container-turned treehouse chalet makes for a memorable stay. Outside rural Amish country, you won't have much wifi, but you will have a soaking tub, outdoor deck and seating area, fire pit, and views of the treetops from your living room.
Rate: $182/Night
Dome Suite Dome — Howard, OH
Vibe: Group Getaway
Bring some friends or fam to this 3 bedroom cabin located along Apple Valley Lake. Multitask in the at-home office and lofted game room, cook up some meals in the full kitchen, or simply enjoy the experience of living in a geodome for the weekend.
Rate: $197/Night
Six Container Home — Millersburg, OH
Vibe: Bigger is Better
From the posh interior, you wouldn't guess this luxury cabin is six-yes six-shipping containers stacked together. From the soaking tub, to the spacious kitchen, to the spiral staircase, this place was designed to impress, and that it does.
Rate: $275/Night
The Hemlock Tiny House — Logan, OH
Vibe: Sleek and Modern
Explore the Hocking Hills area from the comfort of this modern tiny home. A 7' x 7' window, black finishings, and sliding barn door make the interior contemporary and spacious, while Lake Logan State Park is nearby for swimming and boating.
Rate: $155/Night
The Scandi — Millersburg, OH
Vibe: Scandi Chic
Intentional design makes this Scandi-inspired tiny home feel big with 12' foot high ceilings, clever storage, and cozy details. Plus the outdoor fire pit, deck, and barrel sauna means you can take the party outside, too.
Rate: $220/Night
Nova Cottage — New Plymouth, OH
Vibe: Luxe Lawn
This tiny 1 bedroom home is outfitted with everything you need for a weekend getaway, plus a 6-person hot tub. Relax around the outdoor fire pit and front porch seating area, or cozy up in the neat interior in the cooler months.
Rate: $226/Night
Forest Haven — New Plymouth, OH
Vibe: One with Nature
Recharge among the trees in the Ela cabin. An outdoor seating area and shower are perfect for warmer weather, while the colder months can be spent checking out the treetop view from the large central window.
Rate: $192/Night
Published 05-19-2022
Updated 05-02-2023