The Best Places to Invest in Cabin Vacation Rentals in 2023

Unlike hotels, cabin rentals provide peace and quiet, and are located in a beautiful landscape far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is this tranquility that attracts so many travelers to unwind, rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature. Cabin short-term rentals offer a peaceful getaway, especially in areas with scenic natural surroundings, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a relaxing escape from city life. As vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO grow in popularity, cabin rentals are becoming increasingly popular with travelers seeking unique and affordable accommodations.

Demand for Cabin Rentals

According to a 2021 survey done by VRBO, 61% of families said they are more likely to visit an outdoorsy destination than an urban destination. Vacations near lakes and rivers saw an increase in popularity, especially in areas across the south, midwest, and eastern regions of the U.S. where families can fish, camp, and hike. Cabins continue to be one of the most searched, and most desirable homes across Airbnb’s site and Instagram page.

Overall, cabin short-term rentals are a popular choice among a wide range of travelers, from families and couples to solo adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. As a result, they can be a lucrative business opportunity for property managers and owners looking to capitalize on the demand for unique and memorable vacation experiences.

Looking for the perfect vacation rental investment can feel like being lost in the woods, but don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll be sharing with you the best places to buy a cabin vacation rental in 2023. From cozy cabins in the mountains to rustic lakeside retreats, we've compiled the most stunning and unique spots for you to consider.

The Top Spots for a Cabin Vacation Rental Investment

Many factors determine where to open a short-term rental cabin business, including location, local regulations, and demand. Here are the best places to invest in a cabin vacation rental in 2023!

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Lake Tahoe is definitely worth exploring if you're interested in outdoor recreation, entertainment, and property investments!

Known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning Sierra Nevada mountain views, and year-round recreational activities, Lake Tahoe, California is a popular tourist destination. During the winter, the Sierra Nevada moutains are a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with numerous ski resorts such as Squaw Valley and Heavenly Mountain Resort whilst in the summer, visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and hiking in the surrounding mountains.

In terms of real estate, Lake Tahoe offers a range of options from cozy cabins to luxurious lakefront estates. Prices can vary widely depending on the location and type of property, with lakefront properties being the most expensive. However, investing in Lake Tahoe real estate can offer a great return on investment due to its high demand and limited supply.

According to AirDNA South Lake Tahoe has 2,335 Active Rentals in March 2023.

Average Daily Rate $413 Occupancy Rate 63%
Revenue $5508

According to Realtor.com, Homes for sale in South Lake Tahoe, CA have a median listing home price of $680,000 as at March 2023.

Best neighborhoods near South Lake Tahoe, CA Lake Forest, Tahoe Tavern, Highlands, Tavern Shores, Virginia Foothills.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Gatlinburg is a mountain resort city located in Sevier County, Tennessee. It is situated at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of the most visited national parks in the country.

The city is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing, as well as its amusement parks, museums, and shopping centers. The Gatlinburg SkyBridge, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are among the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg.

According to AirDNA Gatlinburg, TN has 4,544 Active Rentals in March 2023

Average Daily Rate $272 Occupancy Rate 71%
Revenue $4,929

According to Realtor.com,Homes for sale in Gatlinburg, TN have a median listing home price of $650,000

Best neighborhoods near Gatlinburg, TN South Haven, Vestal, Colonial Village, Holston Hills, Lake Forest.

Blue Ridge, GA

Blue Ridge is a charming town that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains. A quaint town known for its scenic splendor and excursions, particularly outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.

The town is in high demand for short-term rentals during the summer and fall since many visitors come from nearby Atlanta and Chattanooga, as well as from out of state. Visitors can take advantage of the outdoor recreation opportunities available in the Chattahoochee National Forest, which surrounds Blue Ridge. The Appalachian Trail, Lake Blue Ridge, and the Toccoa River contribute to the forest's appeal.

When it comes to selecting short term rental property in Blue Ridge, options include cabins, cottages, and entire vacation homes. The properties can range from rustic and cozy to luxurious and spacious, with amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, and mountain views.

According to AirDNA Blue Ridge, GA has 1448 Active Rentals in March 2023

Average Daily Rate $ 290 Occupancy Rate 57%
Revenue $ 4335

According to Realtor.com, homes for sale in Blue Ridge, GA have a median listing home price of $544,450.

Best neighborhoods near Blue Ridge, GA Lake Arrowhead, Woodmont, Collegedale, East Brainerd, Great Sky

Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania

The Poconos has been identified as one of the top five US Airbnb markets to invest in for the year 2023. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Poconos is a mountainous region known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and quaint towns. In Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Promised Land State Park, and Hickory Run State Park, visitors can hike, camp, fish, swim, and go boating. In the winter, the Poconos plays host to several ski resorts, including Camelback Mountain Resort, Blue Mountain Resort, and Jack Frost Big Boulder.

Approximately 27.9 million people visit Pennsylvania's Poconos Mountains every year to enjoy its 150 lakes, 9 state parks, 2 national parks, 81,958 acres of state forestland, 126 trails, more than 30 golf courses, and four indoor waterparks. There are also 155 ski trails and terrain parks in the area across six ski areas, all of which offer snow tubing, as well as 19 waterfalls, most of which are free.

The Poconos region is not just about outdoor recreation but also features charming towns like Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, and Milford, with unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

According to AirDNA Pocono Lake, has 618 Active Rentals in March 2023

Average Daily Rate $ 305 Occupancy Rate 50%
Revenue $ 3815

According to Realtor.com, Homes for sale in Pocono Lake have a median listing home price of $299,000.

Best neighborhoods near Pocono Lake Hill Section, South Side, East Mountain, Minooka, Pocono Laurel Lake.

Adirondack, New York

A mountainous region in the northeastern part of New York State, the Adirondacks encompasses about 6 million acres of terrain with 46 high peaks exceeding 4,000 feet in height, the tallest of which is Mount Marcy at 5,344 feet.

Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers flock to the Adirondacks because of its vast forests, lakes, and streams. The state is home to several state parks, including Adirondack Park, the largest contiguous park in the country. Among the many outdoor activities available to visitors in the Adirondacks are hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and skiing. A number of ski resorts are located in the region, including Whiteface Mountain, which hosted the Olympic alpine skiing competition in Lake Placid in 1980.

A number of charming towns and villages are also located in the Adirondacks, including Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Old Forge. These towns have museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants, as well as seasonal events and festivals.

According to AirDNA Adirondack, NY

Average Daily Rate $336 Occupancy Rate 57%
Revenue $ 3810

According to Realtor.com, Homes for sale in Adirondack, NY have a median listing home price of $362,500

Best neighborhoods near Adirondack, NY

South Burlington South, Northside, New North End, South Burlington North, West Side.

11 Tips to Maximize Your Cabin Vacation Rental Business

When entering the short-term cabin rental business, property owners and managers would do best to follow a strategic approach. These tips are sure to help maximize revenue and scale your business in no time!

Optimize your listing

Make sure your cabin's listing stands out by using stand-out photos and writing a detailed description of the property's amenities and surrounding attractions. You need to ensure that the listing is accurate and up-to-date with the latest information at all times.

Price your cabin rates competitively!

Do your pricing research! Establish your prices based on what other similar cabins in the area are charging throughout the year. You’ll want to consider adding special promotions to offer off-season discounts or attract more bookings.

Consider using dynamic pricing tools such as Pricelabs, to adjust your prices based on demand and seasonality. This can help you maximize your rental income by charging higher prices during peak periods.

Serve guests with superior service

Respond promptly to inquiries and be available to answer guests' questions throughout their stay. Address any issues or concerns that arise quickly and professionally.

Preserve Cleanliness and Maintenance at all times!

We recommend hiring a professional cleaning service to keep the cabin clean and well-maintained all the time, and having a reliable handyman available When guests arrive at your home, all appliances should be working, from the heat to the plumbing to the electricity. Guest experience matters!

Maintain all appliances and amenities in good working order and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Market your Cabin

Use social media platforms such as Facebook, and Instagram to gain traction, open your own direct booking website, and get listed on the best OTA channels to promote your cabin rental business.

Pro Tip: Consider partnering with local tourism boards or travel companies to expand your reach.

Invest in Vacation Rental Software

With vacation rental software such as Hostaway, you can streamline your operations, save time, and increase revenue. Many of the tasks involved in managing a vacation rental can be automated with the software, including OTA channel management, guest communication, payment processing, and scheduling of cleaners.

Your property's performance can be analyzed with the software, including occupancy rates, booking trends, and revenue growth. Using this information, you can improve profitability by making data-driven decisions about pricing, marketing, and operations.

In addition to streamlining and enhancing the guest experience, vacation rental software includes tools for communication and feedback with guests. As a result, you'll attract more guests, get more positive reviews, and earn more money at the same time.

Invest in “EXTRA” amenities

Consider providing guests with additional amenities such as complimentary breakfast, a hot tub, or other special touches to make their stay more enjoyable and memorable.

Build your Base!

Focus on building long-term relationships with guests by providing excellent guest service and offering loyalty programs or other incentives for returning guests.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a surge in demand for cabin rentals as people seek out socially distanced and isolated vacation options. Cabins provide an ideal option for travelers who want to enjoy the great outdoors while maintaining their distance from others.

Offer unique and memorable experiences

Consider offering guests unique experiences that they can't get anywhere else, such as guided hikes or private wine tastings. These experiences can add value to the guest's stay and make them more likely to leave positive reviews.

Keep your calendar up-to-date

Make sure your Airbnb calendar (or any other OTA channel you’re using)is up-to-date with your cabin's availability. This will prevent double bookings and ensure that potential guests can see when your cabin is available.

Establish a reputation “par excellence!”

Focus on building a strong reputation by consistently providing excellent guest services and receiving rave reviews. This will help you attract more bookings and increase your rental income over time.

In Conclusion,

Investing in cabins can be a profitable investment opportunity in 2023 due to the unique vacation experience they offer and their increasing popularity, especially in secluded areas less affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The best cabin investments are likely to be located in areas with high tourism demand, such as national parks, coastal regions, and popular ski destinations. Investing in eco-friendly and sustainable cabins can also be attractive to environmentally-conscious travelers.

The potential return on investment and maintenance costs should be considered, and working with a reputable real estate agent and conducting thorough market research can help make informed decisions. Local regulations and demand should also be researched before starting a cabin rental business in any location.

How can Hostaway Help?

For property managers and vacation rental hosts, identifying the best places to invest in cabin rentals can be a game-changer for their business. Hostaway, a leading vacation rental software, can help property managers and hosts maximize their investment by streamlining the management of their vacation rental properties, synchronizing their listings across multiple booking channels, and optimizing their pricing strategies. Property managers and hosts can effectively capitalize on this promising opportunity in the vacation rental industry by utilizing Hostaway's powerful tools and insights in combination with the growth potential of their chosen market.