Having grown up in an apartment in New York without a yard, I have always been envious of tree houses and forts of any kind, which is probably why the idea of staying in a tree house and sleeping in the trees as an adult is so intriguing to me.
In addition to Huffington Post’s “10 Incredible Tree-House Hotels in the U.S.” there are many more amazing tree top homes out there for renting and you do not have to fly to Costa Rica to experience them either. Below are one-of-a-kind properties available across the country, which take lodging to new heights.
VIRGINIA
Primland’s Barn Owl Tree House is situated in the strong limbs of an old and beautiful tree perched on a scenic ridge that offers stellar views of Roaring Creek Gorge and Pilot Mountain North Carolina in the distance.
Primland, a luxury 12,000 acre resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia offers extraordinary golf, spa, farm to table cuisine, hiking, shooting and other outdoor activities only two hours from Charlotte. The vast property also has three secluded tree houses for rent. Perched on the edge of the mountains and a short drive from the main Lodge with guest rooms, a bar and restaurants, the Tree Houses offer a retreat from your retreat. These intimate cabins are built around the solid branches of the tree tops, each giving way to sweeping views of the majestic Kibler Valley and North Carolina piedmont from the comfort of a vast private wooden deck.
I was given a tour of the tree houses and couldn’t believe the view and rustic feel from the outside, yet modern conveniences and lush amenities on the inside, like a flat panel TV, wifi and a bathtub. Given the height and the fact that these tree houses hover over a cliff, children and pets are not allowed. You’ll also need four-wheel drive to reach these tree top canopy hideaways and be sure and pack binoculars and a camera, because just in the short time I walked around the area I spotted three wild turkeys and a regal deer.
“Our guests book the tree houses to indulge in the ultimate escape,” says Julee Midden, Director of Sales & Marketing at Primland. “The intimate cabin, mountainous views and private deck give guests the peace and quiet they need to unplug and connect with nature.”
Primland’s luxury treehouse cottages
FLORIDA
A secluded agrotourism destination nestled in the Florida Panhandle and surrounded by pristine preserved Florida pine lands, Coldwater Gardens is a serene sanctuary awaiting those seeking to escape the asphalt jungle. Guests can elevate their nature experience by renting the privately located treehouse situated among a dense magnolia canopy. Accommodations include two queen beds, full bath, equipped kitchen, covered deck with dining table and chairs, sun chair, and a fire pit on the ground level. All enclosed rooms have heat and AC. Each season brings a new sea of crops in the bordering field with magnificent sunsets each evening.
OHIO
Near Ohio’s Mohican State Park, The Mohicans Treehouses designed by Peter Nelson, renowned treehouse designer and star of Discovery Channel’s Treehouse Masters comes complete with sustainable design features, a cozy interior and breathtaking views of the Mohican Valley’s rolling hills. Love the eye-popping Little Red Treehouse in particular with colorful stain glass windows. In addition to exploring the Mohican Valley by foot, visitors can swing over to Tree Frog Canopy Tours for an adrenaline pumping zipline experience through the forest.
WASHINGTON
Skamania Lodge, located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in the town of Stevenson, Washington, near Portland, Oregon has two on-property tree houses nestled in the tall Douglas Firs for a truly immersive outdoors experience. The tree houses are cozy, secluded, elevated rooms 15 and 20 feet in the air that sleep up to four guests, with modern amenities. Each tree house offers a large outdoor deck, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, a bathroom, one king size bed and outdoor dining/recreation space on the forest floor.
Also, check out this Whidbey Wellness Tree House on Whidbey Island, WA.
NEW YORK
At Treehouse Cabins travelers looking to live amongst the trees can rent one or both tree house cabins built into the lush canopy of the Cayuga Lake shoreline in Aurora, New York. Located within Finger Lakes Wine Country, this New York glamping destination provides accommodations for up to four visitors and provides views and access to the crystal waters of Cayuga Lake. To ensure the comfort of guests, both tree house cabins are equipped with air conditioning, heating, linens, satellite television and a communal fully stocked kitchen. These rentals aren’t as luxuriously furnished as the others on this list, but provides a more glamping experience.
CALIFORNIA
The Eagle's Nest Treehouse Farm Stay in Sonoma County combines a wilderness experience, sumptuous old growth redwoods, but the comforts of a guest house, with complete privacy and tranquility. Less than 90 minutes north of San Francisco and near California's premier wine-growing regions of the Napa-Sonoma Valleys. This tree house dates back to the 90s, but has been totally refurbished and modernized using the latest structural and safety standards. Nestled securely high above the forest floor between two towering Douglas Firs, the large redwood deck of the Eagle’s Nest is accessed via a spiral staircase and a 30 ft suspension bridge. Once inside the treehouse proper, the rich hue and grain of the polished and oiled old growth redwood floor, walls and ceiling is astounding.
TEXAS
Frio River Treetop has two houses in giant cypress trees on the Frio River in Leakey, Texas, two hours west of San Antonio. These treehouses also feature a treetop deck, perfect for hosting friends and family. A great destination for family, the grounds have a swimming area, horseshoe and washer pitching area and hammocks.
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