19 of the best Airbnbs in the Adirondacks for hiking, mountain scenery, and easy lake access
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- The Adirondacks in Upstate New York is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
- The Adirondacks are a four-hour drive from New York City or Boston and home to many Airbnb rentals.
- We found affordable Adirondack Airbnbs starting at $79 for a cottage up to $1,159 for a real castle.
The Adirondack Park in Upstate New York is a 6-million-acre patchwork of towering mountains, old-growth forest, and freshwater lakes. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone seeking communion with nature.
The Adirondacks is approximately a four-hour drive from New York City or Boston, and has been popular since the Gilded Age when wealthy industrialists flocked to their wilderness retreats to escape city life.
I've been coming to the Adirondacks since childhood and the area has changed little over the decades. The rural flavor and bucolic appeal remain thankfully intact, especially among the many charming vacation rentals listed on Airbnb. These are the best ones you can book for easy access to nature and locations within the nicest towns.
Browse all the best Adirondack Airbnb homes below, or jump directly to a specific area here:
These are the best Adirondack Airbnb homes, sorted by price from low to high.
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Resting on five private acres and set beside Lake Moraine, this tiny home is the ultimate secluded retreat for couples and solo travelers.
The interiors are minimalistic but fun, with a bright green kitchen island, cream couch, and navy and white patterned armchair for relaxing. The beautiful deck overlooking the lake is a prime place to start or end the day.
The lake and nearby creek are easily accessible via wooden boardwalks and guests have access to kayaks and paddleboards during warmer months.
Historic ice house overlooking a pond in Saranac LakeAirbnb
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In the late 19th century, Saranac Lake gained recognition as a place to heal from tuberculosis. The clean mountain air had a tonic effect, just as it does today. The village is walkable, with numerous art galleries and a sweet carousel with hand-carved animals for the kids.
Built in the early 1900s as a pre-refrigeration ice house, this petite cottage was meticulously renovated while maintaining original details. A sturdy wooden ladder goes to the sleeping loft with a new mattress on the double bed. The kitchenette has a hot plate and microwave but no stove.
Outside, there is a porch, Adirondack chairs overlooking Ricketson Pond, and a fire pit. The only noise you'll hear are two-dozen laying hens in the nearby barn, reminding you to purchase fresh eggs before you head home.
Cottage on Big Moose LakeAirbnb
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Nestled in a grove of balsam firs and cedar trees on majestic Big Moose Lake, this cottage epitomizes traditional Adirondack camp living.
While it feels private, it's one of 19 individual cottages that are part of Covewood Lodge. With no TV or cell phone reception and Wi-Fi only available in the main lodge, Covewood attracts vacationers who want to decompress and take a break from technology.
A boathouse offers canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals and there are miles of hiking trails, excellent bass fishing right off the footbridge, a horseshoe pit, and tennis courts.
Renovated in 2018, the cottage has fabulous lake views. The centerpiece is the living room's fieldstone fireplace surrounded by comfortable chairs and a small couch, all with oversized cushions. Wood-beamed ceilings and a barn door to the bedroom are nods to the surrounding natural environment.
In tune with the family feel, there's no key as the cottage doesn't have an exterior lock, though there's an interior one to lock yourself in.
Picturesque cabin in the woods near Loon LakeAirbnb
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Step inside this diminutive green cabin and leave modern life at the front door. There's no cell reception and sketchy Wi-Fi, though there is a television.
Borrow the canoe and fish for abundant brook trout, hike the trails around the property, and relax by the cascading waterfall.
The living area's handsome leather couch sits under a massive pair of hanging moose antlers sandwiched between a matched set of old-school snowshoes. Hardwood floors, wood-paneled walls, and decorative accents like a stained-glass table lamp add subtle character. The separate bedroom has an old-fashioned double spool bed with plump pillows, a cream-colored bedspread, and heated floors.
The screened-in porch overlooks the pond with a hand-crafted wood swing, Adirondack chairs, pine-paneling, wood floors, and a door with decorative carvings.
Apartment on the Cedar River near Indian LakeAirbnb
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This snug apartment in the woods enjoys a tranquil spot on the Cedar River, a few miles from Indian Lake. Enjoy nature and fish, swim, kayak, and canoe in the pristine river, or hike along its edge.
This apartment is just the right size for two and comes loaded with character, including a Queen bed with a vintage quilt, Adirondack chairs facing the river, and a Vermont Castings gas stove. The kitchen is bare-bones with just a hot plate, microwave, and tea kettle, so it's not suited to preparing big meals. Though there is an outdoor gas grill, and in the evening, you can build a fire and enjoy the starry sky.
Pets are welcome for a small additional fee.
Upscale cottage within walking distance of Bolton beachesAirbnb
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This high-end guest cottage is a short stroll to lake beaches and Bolton Landing. There are also dozens of scenic hikes in the vicinity to satisfy fresh-air enthusiasts.
The cottage is new with quartz kitchen countertops and stone tiles in the bathroom, which mesh with country accents like reclaimed barn wood, decorative cross-country skis, and hanging canoe paddles.
The open-concept living-kitchen area is clean and modern, while the bedroom's dark-wood bed frame with a high-end Queen-size mattress is adorned with a classic quilt and a nearby bowl of pine cones adds a whiff of fragrance.
You'll also have access to a tiki hut stocked with recreational games like darts and ring toss.
Riverside camper on the HudsonAirbnb
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If you're seeking a connection with nature but don't want to forgo creature comforts, this camper sits on a shady swath of the Hudson River only seven miles from Lake George Village.
Heated and air-conditioned, the camper has simple yet sufficient amenities and is roomier than it might appear. There is a full kitchen, a Queen and two double beds, and a full bathroom. Additionally, there are two sofa beds in the common space.
Kayaks, canoes, and fishing poles are included, making it easy to explore the river, and miles of hiking trails are at the doorstep. After a full day, kick back and relax with a bonfire as the sun sets over the water.
Post-and-beam house with lake and beach accessAirbnb
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Guests of this beautiful home may enjoy the use of Garnet Hill association's private beach and boat launch on stunning 13th Lake.
Stroll the path to a private babbling brook, gaze at free-roaming wildlife, or try white-water rafting on the nearby Hudson River. Garnet Hill is known for its fine Nordic skiing and groomed snowshoe trails in winter, so cold temperatures are anything but a deal-breaker.
This three-story house is roomy with four bedrooms, two full baths, and an extra half bath. A fireplace, screened-in porch, carved wood accents, and peaked pine roof add rustic touches. The well-stocked kitchen has a charming collection of antique teapots and paintings of birds, and native wildlife decorates the walls to bring the outdoors in.
Log cabin in the woodsAirbnb
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This little log cabin sits at the end of a dead-end road on a wooded acre. If you're seeking silence, you've come to the right place. Listen to the morning birdsong and watch wildlife in the mist while you sip your coffee from the comfort of the Adirondack chairs.
The host owns a small farm across the road and welcomes guests to visit the animals. It feels remote though as it's only minutes from a grocery store, dining options, and Lake George.
Bluebirds Nest enjoys romantic touches such as soft lighting, gauzy curtains, lace runners, and candles. The main room combines the living and sleeping spaces, so the intimate layout works best for a couple or solo traveler.
The Queen-size bed is made up with high-thread-count white sheets and decorative embroidered pillows that add country charm. The white-covered loveseat is a fine spot to snuggle and a full eat-in kitchen is ready for meal preparations. A surprisingly spacious bathroom has a copper-colored pedestal sink, adding spice to the unfinished pine walls and tin ceilings.
As you enjoy the space, browse the retro collection of vinyl to spin on the old-school record player. There's limited cell phone reception and spotty Wi-Fi so be prepared to unplug.
Cozy cabin in the heart of Lake PlacidAirbnb
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Lake Placid is a four-season resort so there's no wrong time to visit. It twice hosted the Winter Olympic Games, so expect plenty of recreational options, including Alpine skiing and ice-skating on the Olympic oval in winter, and kayaking and hiking in summer and fall.
For accommodations close to Main Street's shopping, dining, bars, and movie theater, this cabin is a winner. It's situated next to leafy Teddy Bear Park with stellar views of Whiteface Mountain.
The cabin sleeps up to six and there's also a portable crib and stair gate if you're traveling with a baby or toddler. The kitchen has brand new appliances that home chefs will enjoy and the patio has a grill for summertime cookouts.
Romantic cottage in Lake PlacidAirbnb
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Lake Placid is a classic mountain town surrounded by high peaks and plenty of shopping and dining. Mirror Lake is in the center of it all, offering excellent swimming in summer and snowy sleigh rides across the frozen surface in winter.
This romantic bungalow is immersed in greenery, just a short walk from the village. The design-forward 1920s studio cottage has been featured in "Country Living," "Domino," and on "HGTV."
Amenities include a stainless-steel kitchenette, a heated California King bed, a claw-foot bathtub, teak lawn chairs on the patio, and a yard with a fire pit.
Camp-style lake houseAirbnb
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Great Sacandaga Lake is a 29-mile long reservoir that's a mecca for boating and water sports. Brimming with walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, it's also a jackpot for fishermen.
This camp-style home enjoys traditional Adirondack style with a stone fireplace, wood-paneled walls, wood floors covered with area rugs to keep your bare toes warm on frosty mornings, and a large deck. The house has 185 feet of waterfront footage with stunning scenery and wildlife viewing, plus a dock with two kayaks for your use, life jackets included.
Inside, the layout is compact but include a master bedroom with a Queen-size bed and a door that leads to a deck, and the singular small but functional bathroom. The pellet stove will keep you warm in winter, there's air-conditioning for summer, and fast Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and a Bluetooth stereo system are welcome comforts.
Remote cabin near Indian LakeAirbnb
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This woodsy cabin offers a rustic respite with easy lake access. Timber walls blend with wood floors and knotty pine wood accents found on the stair banister and repurposed bed frames.
There is one bedroom as well as an open loft with two twin beds and a futon, which is great for kids or groups of friends. A spacious living room surrounds a wood-burning stove and there's also a full kitchen, dining room, and stocked movie collection.
Though, the real draws are outside, from the fire pit encircled by Adirondack chairs to the multiple hiking trails, and the lake, which is a short walk from the cabin where the host also supplies kayaks.
Quaint cottage on a working farmAirbnb
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Stay in a roomy cottage on a 70-acre working family farm for a bona fide taste of agrarian life. The hospitable hosts give guests free rein to explore the grounds and get involved with simple chores like gathering eggs.
Explore numerous hiking options and relax in the saltwater hot tub. Horseback riding (with pony rides for kids) is possible for an additional fee, as is the chance to learn how to butcher a chicken. The farm is only 20 minutes from Saratoga Springs, a cultural hot spot known for its healing mineral water, horse racing, and dynamic dining.
This free-standing cottage has a Queen-sized bedroom plus a single bed and sofa bed in the common space. The eat-in kitchen is spacious but if you'd rather someone else do the cooking, the farm sells ready-to-eat favorites like chicken pot pie and chili with cornbread.
Lake cabin with use of boatsAirbnb
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Lake Colby is a boater's paradise and this cabin comes with an assortment of rowboats, kayaks, and canoes. It is situated 300 feet from the water's edge, making it easy to spend most of your vacation swimming, fishing, or boating.
Fish Cabin, as it's named, is furnished in rustic style with wood paneling, bed frames made from local lumber, old-fashioned quilts, and a screened-in porch. There's a bedroom with a Queen bed plus a single and a sofa bed in the living room.
The cabin is a private listing but there are three other cabins nearby so you may have neighbors a few steps away.
Spacious contemporary home near Lake GeorgeAirbnb
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This modern home is located in the southern portion of the Adirondacks, 15 minutes from Lake George. The large lot is next to a land preserve, so it will remain forever wild. Immersed in unblemished nature, there are scenic mountain views from the front porch.
The patio-style backyard calls for toasting marshmallows as you gaze up at the night sky with a fire pit encircled by Adirondack chairs, a grill, hammock, dining table, wicker couches, and armchairs cozied up with cushions.
Inside, enjoy forest views from every window, where you're likely to see turkeys and deer. A neutral color scheme is soothing in the open concept main level where the kitchen and living space flows seamlessly into the rambling back patio.
There are three bedrooms, a washer-dryer, a full-size crib, pack-and-play, a highchair, and an umbrella stroller for little ones, while excellent Wi-Fi supports simultaneous use by multiple guests. As an added bonus, a portion of each rental fee is donated to charities to help the homeless.
A whimsical tree houseAirbnb
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For deep immersion into nature, sleep in this tree house perched above the forest floor in the foothills of the Adirondacks.
Surrounded by trees and shrubs, this tree house enjoys a serene setting where the only sounds you'll hear are the whispering wind and the birds singing. It's an excellent fit for couples who are looking to escape the daily grind. If you unexpectedly crave civilization, artsy Saratoga Springs is only nine miles away.
Walk a narrow, circular staircase to the sleeping area with a snug double bed. There is also a loft with an additional single bed, an electric heater, and a fan.
Just outside is a covered porch with a small table and chairs, plus an outdoor kitchen with a microwave, fridge, and charcoal grill that is adjacent to the patio. The private bathroom with a generously sized shower is located just outside the tree house (so be prepared to walk down the winding spiral stairs). A hammock and fire pit with hand-carved log benches add to the indoor-outdoor vibe.
Lakefront cabin perched among the treesAirbnb
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Glen Lake is an impressive body of water and this cabin's views fully showcase its pristine beauty. This serene spot is popular with families, some of whom have been vacationing here for generations.
Inside this cabin, you'll find wood floors, a deck with panoramic views, an updated kitchen, two bedrooms, as well as two baths. For larger families, there's also a futon in the upstairs living room.
The cabin comes with a canoe, kayak, and bicycles, adding numerous ways to be active in the great outdoors.
Magnificent castle overlooking Lake GeorgeAirbnb
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Here's your chance to sleep in an actual castle nestled in the mountains amid panoramic lake views.
Located just a few minutes from Bolton Landing, Lake George's premier village, this special splurge might be out of your typical price range for a casual weekend, but it's an excellent choice for a romantic honeymoon or a small special occasion like a micro wedding.
This specific listing has two bedrooms, but a gatehouse and a larger castle sit on the property as well, so there's the possibility to rent all three and sleep up to 21 people. With many weddings needing to be reworked due to COVID-19 and some international destinations still off the table, it makes for a dreamy domestic choice for an intimate ceremony. And, despite its high price tag, it still comes in cheaper than many traditional venues.
The palatial stone structure is striking on the outside and comes with decorative touches like stained-glass windows, and a private terrace for spectacular lake and mountain views.
FAQ: Adirondack cabin rentalsWhat is there to do in the Adirondacks?
The high peaks of the Adirondacks are a paradise for active outdoor enthusiasts and Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Bolton Landing are some of the dozens of quaint villages that dot the region. There's a yesteryear quality to these resort towns, with alfresco lakefront dining and old-fashioned mom-and-pop shops.
As the temperature rises, there are opportunities to fish, swim, and water ski on the thousands of lakes and ponds as well as on miles of rivers and streams. When the snow starts to fly, there's top-notch downhill skiing at Whiteface Mountain, ice-skating on frozen lakes and Olympic ice, and cross-country skiing on miles of groomed trails.
Each autumn, a spectacular display of changing leaves weaves a photogenic tapestry of color. Fall days are the perfect time for paddling a canoe or kayak, the rainbow of crimson, gold, and orange leaves breathtaking when reflected on the water's surface. Spring is notoriously short-lived and often muddy.
If the weather isn't cooperating, there are fine indoor cultural offerings. The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls displays paintings by old-world masters such as Rembrandt and Rubens, as well as several Picassos and Renoirs. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum explores the town's venerable connection to the Winter Olympics, with memorabilia and engaging interactive exhibits.
Military buffs flock to the shores of Lake Champlain's Fort Ticonderoga, where important Revolutionary War battles are meticulously re-enacted. A stop at The Wild Center is also a must. Stroll the Wild Walk, an accessible treetop trail that will deepen your understanding of the forest eco-system.
Cuisine leans local, simple, and clean. The proximity to fertile farmland translates into a bounty of fresh food. While there are a few expensive dining spots, most are cheap. Hopheads take note, a full-fledged craft beer scene has taken these hills by storm and the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery's malty Ubu Ale is a cult favorite while Saranac Lake's Blue Line Brewery's Leaning Pine IPA tastes like a walk in the woods.
What's the best time to visit the Adirondacks?
The Adirondacks is a year-round destination. Winter draws snow enthusiasts, who are attracted to the area's Winter Olympic legacy. Summertime brings visitors looking for aquatic fun. Autumn's gorgeous blaze of foliage draws leaf-peepers, and spring is mud season when prices are the lowest and the crowds are the thinnest.
Though anyone who enjoys maple syrup on their pancakes shouldn't miss watching the sap-to-syrup process at one of the many maple sugar shacks. Known locally as liquid gold, it's some of the best maple syrup in North America.
What should I look for in an Airbnb?
Look for homes that participate in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, are hosted by highly-rated Superhosts, and have many positive reviews.
Additionally, we included homes with interesting design and vacation amenities such as private decks, fireplaces, or make it easy to dive into the glassy surface of a lake or fish in a river.
How much does it cost to rent a vacation home in the Adirondacks?
There are budget-friendly accommodations throughout the Adirondack region, including a cedar log cabin with a swimming hole near beautiful Schroon Lake for around $100 per night and a romantic studio cottage in the heart of Lake Placid for just a few dollars more.
Of course, if you want to splurge on luxury, you'll find that too.
What is Airbnb's cancellation policy?
The cancellation policy is set by the individual host. Check the cancellation policy before booking.
How do I book an Adirondack home on Airbnb?
Search based on location, dates, the desired number of bedrooms or bathrooms, amenities, and more.
Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb right now?
The vaccine rollout is underway, but safety is still on the minds of travelers.
Experts consider renting an Airbnb to be a safe option, as you'll be staying in a private space without encountering crowded hotel lobbies, elevators, and public indoor dining spaces.
Nevertheless, follow CDC, WHO, and other reputable organizations' safety guidelines, wear a mask, wash your hands, and maintain social distancing.
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