The Best Places to Buy a Cabin in 2024 (Top U.S. Markets for Investors)

The Evolve Team

December 19, 2023

As remote work continues to reshape how and where people travel, demand for quiet, nature-forward destinations is on the rise. According to Vrbo, more travelers than ever are searching for rustic getaways that offer space, privacy, and a deeper connection to the outdoors.

That shift makes cabin vacation rentals an increasingly attractive investment. Often set in scenic, low-density destinations near lakes, mountains, and national parks, cabins appeal to travelers seeking both adventure and downtime — and they consistently perform well in short-term rental markets across the U.S.

From ski towns and mountain escapes to lake-adjacent retreats, these are the best places to buy a cabin vacation rental based on revenue potential, home prices, and long-term demand.

In This Article:
Hocking Hills, OH
Saranac Lake, NY
Branson, MO
Boyne City, MI
Sevierville, TN
Boone, NC
Broken Bow, OK
Breezy Point, MN
Rapid City, SD
Ruidoso, NM
Hayward, WI
Pocono Lake, PA

How We Chose the Best Ski Towns for Investment

Our rankings are based on a combination of proprietary and public data, with a focus on three key factors:

Vacation rental performance: Focused on cabin-centric destinations across the U.S., including bookings and median annual revenue

Median listing prices: Using Zillow, Redfin, and internal data

Estimated operating expenses: Approximately 30% of total revenue, used to calculate cap rate

We also evaluated each market’s ability to outperform averages with an Evolve partnership. Throughout the list, you’ll see examples of how top-performing owners significantly exceed projected revenue.

Note: All projections reflect ideal-state scenarios. Owner use, blocked calendars, and unexpected events (such as natural disasters) are not included.

1. Hocking Hills, OH

Photo of a rocky outcropping surrounded by rolling hills covered in colorful autumn trees in Hocking Hills, OH, the best place to buy a cabin. Image text reads, "$42,751 median rental revenue. $349,260 median listing price. 8.6% example cap rate."

Known for dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and cave systems, Hocking Hills is one of the most in-demand cabin destinations in the Midwest — and one of the best places to invest in a cabin rental.

Why investors like Hocking Hills:

Strong year-round demand from nature-focused travelers

Rising revenue despite modest cap rate compression

Lower barriers to entry compared to coastal or mountain markets

Top-performing cabins typically offer:

Secluded, wooded settings

Easy access to state parks

Hot tubs, fire pits, and generous outdoor space

Our experts recommend focusing on Logan, Hamden, and Amanda, with top-performing Evolve cabins concentrated in Logan.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $97,100 annually!"

2. Saranac Lake, NY

Photo of autumn trees reflected on the calm waters of Saranac Lake, NY, one of the best places to buy a cabin on a lake. Image text reads, "$29,151 median rental revenue. $264,598 median listing price. 7.7% example cap rate."

Set in the Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake is a four-season cabin market with a vibrant downtown area featuring shopping, art, and dining. Nature-loving travelers visit for fall foliage, winter tubing at Mt. Pisgah, and summer boating on the lake.

High-earning cabins tend to be:

Woodsy and private

Close to downtown amenities

Lakefront or near public water access

While waterfront homes are pricier, cabins farther from the shoreline still perform well when they include:

Spacious decks

Pet-friendly policies

Privacy-focused layouts

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $43,291 annually!"

3. Branson, MO

Aerial photo of Branson, MO and its lush forested surroundings with rivers running through the trees. Image text reads, "$22,962 median rental revenue. $246,472 median listing price. 6.5% example cap rate."

Branson blends beautiful Ozark Mountain scenery with built-in entertainment demand, making it a reliable family-friendly market all year long.

Top-performing cabins often feature:

Lake views or short lake commutes

Easy access to local hotspots

Balance between seclusion and convenience

Attractions to target:

Table Rock Lake

Silver Dollar City

Branson Entertainment District

Lakefront cabins command higher rates, but zoning restrictions apply in certain areas, so local expertise is essential before buying.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $54,903 annually!"

4. Boyne City, MI

Photo of a harbor in Boyne City, MI with boats docked on the shore by a small lighthouse. Image text reads, "$33,724 median rental revenue. $383,845 median listing price. 6.2% example cap rate," showcasing this area as one of the best places to buy a cabin.

Boyne City benefits from both winter ski traffic and summer lake tourism, supporting consistent, multi-season bookings — especially for families and large groups.

Market highlights:

Boyne Mountain Resort (winter sports)

Lake Charlevoix (swimming, boating)

Award-winning Main Street district

Cabins earning the most typically:

Sleep 8–12 guests

Sit close to ski slopes

Include hot tubs and fire pits

Despite rising home prices, Evolve-managed cabins here often earn three times the market average.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $107,389 annually!"

5. Sevierville, TN

Aerial photo of Sevierville, TN surrounded by rolling green hills covered in trees, one of the best places to buy a cabin in the woods. Image text reads, "$42,751 median rental revenue. $483,309 median listing price. 6.2% example cap rate."

Often called the “Gateway to the Smokies,” Sevierville offers access to national parks, theme parks, lake recreation, and tons of family-friendly shows.

Why travelers book cabins here:

Easy access to Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Attractions like Dollywood and Douglas Lake

All-ages entertainment year-round (including a spa, waterpark, golf course, and lively downtown scene)

Top-performing cabins include:

Game rooms and flexible sleeping layouts

Hot tubs, saunas, and fire pits

Space for families and groups

Nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer similar investment potential and are worth including in your search.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $94,113 annually!"

6. Boone, NC

Photo of rolling forest-covered hills glowing in sunset light in Boone, NC, one of the best places to buy a cabin. Image text reads, "$37,628 median rental revenue. $423,825 median listing price. 6.2% example cap rate."

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone attracts travelers year-round with skiing, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation.

What sets this market apart:

Three nearby ski resorts (Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Appalachian Ski Mountain)

Summer hiking at Grandfather Mountain and scenic rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway

A dynamic downtown area with strong brewery tourism

High-performing cabins are:

Within 10 miles of ski resorts

Rustic in style

Equipped with hot tubs, decks, and private yards

Cabins outperform other home types here, with top owners earning nearly double the median revenue.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $80,062 annually!"

7. Broken Bow, OK

Photo of a distant boat house surrounded by trees reflected on calm lake waters near Broken Bow, OK. Image text reads, "$38,605 median rental revenue. $456,065 median listing price. 5.9% example cap rate."

Broken Bow is a fast-growing cabin market, fueled by natural beauty and minimal red tape, which is ideal for new owners looking to enter the market.

Why investors are drawn to Broken Bow:

Outdoor recreation at Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park

A downtown area, locally-owned restaurants and shops, breweries, and a casino

No current short-term rental regulations

Revenue insights:

Smaller cab ins book more nights

Larger cabins generate higher total income

High earners lean into upscale amenities like:

Chef’s kitchens

Oversized hot tubs

Game rooms and entertainment spaces

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $72,020 annually!

8. Breezy Point, MN

Photo of a canoe sitting in the reeds of a large, foggy lake surrounded by woods in Breezy Point, MN, one of the best places to buy a cabin on a lake. Image text reads, "$30,803 median rental revenue. $382,207 median listing price. 5.6% example cap rate."

In the heart of Minnesota’s lake country, Breezy Point offers year-round outdoor appeal, from golfing and boating on Pelican Lake in the summer to ice fishing and skiing at Breezy Point Resort in the winter.

What works well here:

Two-bedroom cabins sleeping up to eight

Efficient layouts that maximize revenue per square foot

Proximity to trails, lakes, and resorts

Amenities guests love:

Fire pits

Wood-burning stoves

Easy access to hiking and water activities

With a current short-term rental cap well below capacity, this market offers room for new investors, though annual well water testing is required. Check out nearby Pequot Lakes and Crosslake to expand your search without losing value.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $85,966 annually!

9. Rapid City, SD

Photo of green fields at the base of dense alpine woods and distant mountains near Rapid City, SD, one of the best places to buy a cabin. Image text reads, "$31,328 median rental revenue. $403,586 median listing price. 5.4% example cap rate."

Surrounded by the Black Hills, Rapid City was recently named one of the best small towns to visit in the U.S. It offers great local restaurants, state parks, a drive-thru zoo, museums, and a walkable downtown.

Nearby outdoor attractions include:

Black Hills National Forest

Canyon Lake Park

Mount Rushmore

Top-performing cabins tend to be:

Located just outside city limits

Private and wooded

Equipped with large decks, mountain views, and trail access

Nearby Hill City also provides strong potential for investors seeking deeper immersion in nature.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $81,652 annually!"

10. Ruidoso, NM

Image of golden autumn trees in front of distant mountains in Ruidoso, NM, one of the best places to buy a cabin. Image text reads, "$27,885 median rental revenue. $362,411 median listing price. 5.4% example cap rate."

Ruidoso delivers steady demand across all four seasons thanks to its mountain setting and diverse attractions. Cabins are the preferred home type in this market and consistently outperform alternatives.

Why cabins outperform here:

Skiing at Ski Apache Resort and tubing at Winter Park Recreational Area in the winter

Hiking in Lincoln National Forest and White Sands National Monument in the summer

Casinos, a vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and local dining year-round

High earners emphasize:

Wraparound decks

Hot tubs

Panoramic views of the Sierra Blanca Mountains

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $67,771 annually!

11. Hayward, WI

Photo of a sunset casting warm yellow light across lake waters in Hayward, WI, one of the best places to buy a cabin. Image text reads, "$25,874 median rental revenue. $334,015 median listing price. 5.4% example cap rate."

Known for fishing, lakes, and outdoor recreation, Hayward is a strong waterfront cabin market with small-town charm.

What drives cabin performance:

Access to multiple lakes, including Lake Hayward (public beach) and Lake Chippewa (popular for swimming)

Strong summer demand for fishing, water activities, hiking, ATVs, and UTVs

A bustling downtown area, a casino, and the world’s largest fishing museum for all-seasons fun

Lakefront properties come with higher purchase prices, but long-term income potential can offset the upfront investment.

Top cabins often include:

Private docks or boat slips

Classic cabin finishes like stone fireplaces and wood interiors

Permits are required at the state and county levels, making local guidance important.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $53,332 annually!"

12. Pocono Lake, PA

Aerial photo of Pocono Lake, PA surrounded by dense wooded hills, one of the best places to buy a cabin in the woods. Image text reads, "$20,594 median rental revenue. $279,959 median listing price. 5.1% example cap rate."

Located in the Pocono Mountains, Pocono Lake benefits from ski tourism, lake communities, and multi-season appeal.

Market draws:

Whitewater rafting, lake activities, and hiking in the summer

Leaf-peeping in the fall

Skiing at several major ski resorts in the winter

Investor considerations:

Lake communities (like Arrowhead Lake Village) offer shared amenities and higher demand

Non-HOA properties may have lower purchase prices but higher investment needs

HOA rules vary widely, making local guidance critical

Cabins both inside and outside lake communities can perform well, depending on how amenities and pricing are balanced.

Image text reads, "The Evolve Difference: Our owners have earned up to $42,851 annually!"

Buy Your Cabin with Confidence

Investing in a cabin vacation rental is a major decision, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re drawn to a beachfront escape, a mountain cabin, or a family-friendly lake house, our experts help you:

Clarify personal and financial goals

Understand market-specific earning potential

Connect with trusted local real estate agents

Manage your property to maximize income

Helpful Resources for Investors

Benefits of Investing in Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rental Market Analyses

Vacation Rental Income Calculator

With the right guidance, owning a cabin can be both profitable and rewarding. Connect with our team to take the first step toward investing in one of the best short-term rental markets in the U.S.