The 12 Best Places to Buy a Cabin Vacation Rental in 2024

Nestled in rural Southeastern Ohio, the Hocking Hills region is home to breathtaking cliffs, sprawling caves, and cascading waterfalls. As a haven for nature enthusiasts, it’s unsurprising that Hocking Hills is also the best place to buy a cabin. 

The area’s cap rate — your annual net operating income divided by a property’s market value — dipped slightly in the last year due to increased list prices, but an incremental rise in revenue shows plenty of promise for investors. Our experts recommend focusing your search on the peaceful towns of Hamden, Amanda, and Logan. All of these have comparable profit potential, though it’s worth noting that Evolve’s top-performing cabins in the area sit in Logan. 

What’s more: Those top-performing cabins earn more than double the median rental revenue. They capitalize on the rustic, relaxing feel guests want by offering plenty of outdoor space, proximity to state parks, and must-book amenities like hot tubs.

The quaint village of Saranac Lake sits in the Adirondack Mountains and offers an irresistible blend of scenic beauty and peaceful ambiance.

If this Northeast town sounds familiar, it’s probably because Saranac Lake boasts plenty of year-round appeal for investors to capitalize on — from epic fall foliage and winter tubing at Mt. Pisgah to summertime boating on the lake (part of why the area  made our list of best places to buy a lake house, too). Its charm also extends into the vibrant downtown area, where opportunities for shopping, art, and dining are abundant. 

The highest earning Saranac Lake cabins are woodsy, private, and close to downtown. They often provide direct lake access — with many sitting right on the shoreline. Keep in mind, though, that lakefront properties are typically more expensive than the median in this market. The great news: if waterfront properties take you out of your budget, you can still find success with real estate a little farther from the waves if you invest in other attractive amenities, like spacious decks and pet-friendliness.

Branson is a family-friendly destination in the Ozark Mountains with a wide array of things to do. Visitors can get their adrenaline pumping at Silver Dollar City, embrace awe-inspiring views at Top of the Rock, explore the famous Entertainment District, or indulge in water sports at Table Rock Lake. 

Cabins earning the most provide easy lake commutes or views while still sitting close to other top attractions. And while landing a true lakefront property can earn investors higher rates, they tend to be more expensive and harder to find — so it’s all making the most of your budget and aligning with your business goals.

In addition to standard permits and licensing, Branson has some zoning restrictions to be aware of — both in the downtown areas and on parts of Table Rock Lake. Our experts recommend tapping local experts to make sure the neighborhoods you’re interested in buying in are zoned for short-term rental before making an offer.

Boyne City’s proximity to the famous Boyne Mountain Resort makes it a great place for a ski property investment, but it’s also a summer hotspot for families and large groups visiting Lake Charlevoix. Ample charm, an award-winning Main Street district, and cabin popularity all further the area’s multi-season draw and make Boyne City one of the best places to buy a cabin.

When looking at data over the last year, median rental revenue dipped while list prices climbed, bringing the overall cap rate down. That said, Evolve cabin owners equipped with expert management strategies are still taking home incomes well above the average — with many more than tripling market revenue. 

These high-earning cabins sit close to Boyne Mountain Resort and provide enough space for eight to 12 guests. Outdoor amenities like fire pits and hot tubs are also great ways to maximize multi-season booking opportunities and get the most bang for your buck.

Considered the “Gateway to the Smokies,” Sevierville serves as the perfect home base for an outdoorsy vacation. Staying here gives travelers easy access to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Dollywood, and Douglas Lake (a top fishing spot). Sevierville also boasts a spa, waterpark, golf course, and a lively downtown scene, making it an ideal destination for guests of all ages. 

Travelers come to Sevierville to explore the outdoors, but they also look for cozy cabin rentals where they can unwind after an exhilarating day in the mountains. Evolve cabins that perform best offer family-friendly amenities like game rooms, plus hot tubs, saunas, and fire pits — all of which help some Evolve owners bring in more than double the median revenue as a result.

It’s worth noting that nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have comparable market potential — so it’s worth expanding your cabin search to include all three towns and increase your odds of finding your dream investment.

With close proximity to three major ski resorts — Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Appalachian Ski Mountain — Boone grabs plenty of demand from wintersport lovers. But don’t be fooled: this scenic town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a hit during warm-weather months, too.

With picture-perfect drives down the Blue Ridge Parkway, show-stopping hikes up Grandfather Mountain, a dynamic downtown area, and a handful of local breweries, Boone is an idyllic year-round destination for all types of travelers. 

And of course, as one of the best places to buy a cabin, this home type is the strongest earner among Evolve vacation rental owners. Cabins pocketing nearly twice the median rental revenue in Boone are rustic in style and within 10 miles of a ski resort. Beyond aesthetic and proximity, they also have hot tubs, expansive decks for taking in mountain views, and private backyards with on-site hiking trails.

Broken Bow is a charming town in the heart of Oklahoma with breweries, a casino, and many locally-owned restaurants and shops. While the downtown area offers plenty to do, nearby Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake set the tone for nature-loving vacationers, too.  

Investors looking for a continuous flow of bookings in this market can look at purchasing a smaller property, as those with one to two bedrooms tend to grab the most nights booked on average. However, Evolve properties earning the most annual revenue in this area (all of which are cabins) are quite spacious, offering travelers four to six bedrooms and room for up to 20 guests. 

High-performing properties also lean into luxury by providing well-equipped chef’s kitchens, extra-large hot tubs, complimentary toiletries, and pool tables or shuffleboard. So even if you’re unable to go big with a Broken Bow footprint, make sure to add in these amenities as key ways to boost your property’s booking value. 

There’s more great news for new owners looking to enter the market, too: Broken Bow doesn’t have any short-term rental regulations in place right now, minimizing the red tape needing to be cut through before getting started.

Tucked in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” the vibrant town of Breezy Point carries a magnetic allure for travelers year-round. From golfing and boating on Pelican Lake in the summer to ice fishing and skiing at Breezy Point Resort in the winter, those in search of fresh air will find plenty to do no matter when they visit. 

Evolve owners making nearly triple the median rental revenue in this area have two-bedroom cabins with space for up to eight guests. Maximizing the space of a smaller home like this makes it possible for investors in the area to boost profits without necessarily breaking the bank. 

And because Breezy Point visitors come for the variety of outdoor activities, owners can lean into this demand by looking for rental properties that offer on-site hiking or aren’t far from the trails. From there, providing other fitting perks like fire pits and wood-burning stoves can help warm them up to the idea of leaving a five-star review, boosting your odds of repeat bookers and attracting the attention of future guests.  

While Breezy Point has fairly standard short-term rental requirements, they do require an annual well water test. There’s also a vacation rental cap of 60, but their last count put total rentals at 37 — making now the time to grab your stake in the market. If you’re looking to widen your search beyond Breezy Point without losing the value of the area, our experts recommend checking out nearby Pequot Lakes and Crosslake.

Recently named one of the best small towns to visit in the U.S., Rapid City also earns its stripes as one of the best places to buy a cabin with its charming Black Hills backdrop. While best known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore, Rapid City has far more to offer: fantastic local restaurants, state parks, a drive-thru zoo, museums, and a walkable downtown area where you can explore the City of Presidents.

Top-performing cabins in Rapid City offer easy proximity to Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore, and Canyon Lake Park. Our experts say the best places to buy a cabin are on the outskirts of the city. Look for private, wooded properties with large decks, breathtaking mountain views, and on-site hiking trails, as Evolve owners outperforming the area’s median income have at least two — but often all three — of the above. 

To expand your cabin search, eager investors can also look in nearby Hill City, where guests could get even closer to the area’s top nature sights.

Ruidoso sits in the Sierra Blanca Mountains and embraces outdoor adventure in every season. During warmer months, Lincoln National Forest and White Sands National Monument make for idyllic hikes. When the winter chill sets in, visitors are invited to hit the slopes at Ski Apache Resort or go tubing at Winter Park Recreational Area. 

Ruidoso also offers a vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops and local eateries, a collection of casinos, and rich Wild West history. With so much to do beyond the outdoorsy, travelers of all kinds flock to this mountain town — boosting your booking potential. 

And — no surprise here — they’re choosing cabins. Those earning the most lean into Ruidoso’s natural beauty by offering wraparound decks, hot tubs, and show-stopping views of the Sierra Blanca Mountains.

Hayward is an adventurer’s playground with plenty of opportunities for fishing, water sports, ATV riding, and hiking. With a casino, the world’s largest fishing museum, and a bustling downtown area, there’s something for everyone in this midwestern gem. 

Hayward is conveniently located near a vast collection of lakes, like Lake Hayward (which features a public beach) and Lake Chippewa (a popular choice for swimming), so it’s no surprise that top-performing cabins in this market are often waterfront. They boast private docks or boat slips, along with rustic features like exposed wood interiors and majestic stone fireplaces. It’s worth noting, of course, that lakefront homes in Hayward tend to be more expensive — so while you could earn more revenue in the long run, be prepared to potentially face steeper upfront costs. 

To own a vacation rental in Hayward, investors will need a few licenses and permits to operate what they call a “Tourist Rooming House” on state and county levels. Remember, it’s best to work with professionals who can help you navigate these requirements.

Set in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Pocono Lake is a peaceful town best known for its mesmerizing landscapes and proximity to major ski resorts. Because there are numerous ways to get out in nature — like whitewater rafting, leaf peeping, or hitting the slopes — the potential for multi-season bookings hops up. 

Pocono Lake is also home to a collection of prominent lake communities (like Arrowhead Lake Village), each boasting luxurious perks like members-only beaches, pools, community centers, and watersport equipment rentals. And while high-earning cabins can be found in one of these communities, they don’t need to be.  

So, investors should weigh the pros and cons carefully. Lake communities offer premium amenities, but may carry higher purchase costs. On the other hand, properties outside of a community might be better suited to your budget — but  you’ll need to invest separately in added perks to compete for top dollar bookings in this market. 

According to our experts, HOAs in this area can also be a deterrent, so it’s essential to work with a local agent to understand how they factor in when exploring your purchasing options.