Let’s break down this awesome new vacation trend one step at a time. Floating cabins are tiny homes/cabins built on docks. What’s the difference between a houseboat and a floating cabin? The structure. You’ll find both of these puppies dock and both compete for limited real estate spots. However, a floating cabin is, well, a cabin. These house-like structures are a fun, inventive way for you to vacation on the water like never before.
Hidden bonus no matter where you float: there is bound to be wildlife at any dock! Especially in more quaint locations on this list, including lakeside, you can look at your window and be in for a fun surprise by the different birds, otters, beavers, fish, frogs, and more to find! You know our motto here is never stop exploring (hey, it works for NorthFace). These docks even give off a campground vibe of choosing a unique lifestyle, so always remember to be neighborly and respectful. Consider the unexpected delight in renting a floating cabin for a different sweet escape than you have had before.
Possible Investment in Floating Cabins
Want to go further than renting? Lifers have a lot more to consider. Perhaps this is a second home investment (good for you!), a must-have vacation getaway, or an early preparation for retirement living. So, if you plan on making floating cabins your primary residence, then you might have downsized in your future since the size is more comparable to condo-style living. Look into floating cabins like you would look at a home with any other realtor. You can also think about buying a cabin for an Airbnb investment property!
Pro-tip: remember that in exchange for the amazing bonuses of permanent utility connections, neighborly atmosphere, and a safer beachside investment without as extravagant of a cost, you absolutely cannot overlook what the HOA fees are. Calculate to see if the HOA fees still make the price of the floating cabins worth it for you. Major sites like Zillow and redfin are a great place to start browsing to give you a ballpark of current prices. As a major “niche” lifestyle living mode, floating cabins may also be slower to resell, so I recommend starting with a vacation as a trial run.
For the purposes of this article, these are floating cabins – vacation getaway style. I checked out GlampingHub.com to conveniently help me find vacation floating cabins. It’s easy to navigate like AirBnB (another great option to explore vacation floating cabin rentals) and includes reviews. Know where you want to go? Search for Floating Cabins [Location You Want to Go] and you can bet you’ll find a special service to the area that offers what you’re looking for. Here are eight floating cabins that are dream vacation spots.
1. The Little Blue Boathouse on Lake Lanier in Landrum, South Carolina
Filled with all of the luxuries of home (aka camping with utilities), this little slice of heaven also has a hammock and fire pit for a smores night. Not only is Lake Lanier itself breathtaking, but if you have ever traveled to these parts, you know that the Blue Ridge Mountains are truly priceless! The area is surrounded by access to the Great Smoky Mountains or even nearby waterfall hikes, if you are willing to drive to those places that I HIGHLY recommend vacationing around.
However, if you are just in the mood for a low-key, scenic, and easily accessible lake getaway, follow the link to this cabin rental.
2. Lakefront Cottage in Seattle, WA
This floating cabin is such a STUNNER… on the outside. The decor is old-fashioned, but the outside porch and deck really maximize your space in good weather! Located in Seattle (well, Seattle adjacent to the town of Snohomish, WA), this is a very different kind of vacation you may be getting yourself into. You might be more interested in exploring the eateries, museums, and shopping malls Seattle has to offer instead of communing with nature or taking a romantic getaway. I believe that this floating cabin at sunrise and sunset might still deliver a unique spark to everything we long for in a vacation. Take a new kind of urban retreat with the ability to leave the city lights behind.
3. Yacht Rental at Boston Harbor in Charlestown, Massachusetts
This is truly the opposite of #2 on this list. Get ready to really glamp in the lap of luxury! This may not be a floating cabin, but trying a yacht on for size gives you some more flexibility in mobility if you decide to try a seafaring adventure! This comes with a higher price tag for the experience, so if you want to treat yourself, check out Boston, have a lobster roll, and take to the water, this awesome alternative to a hotel rental might be for you! Climb aboard following this link!
4. Houseboat near Austin, TX for Families or Bachelorette Parties
This is my last exception to the floating cabins spirit of this article. This rental is just too good for a family to pass up! It has 1 king bed, 2 double beds, and 2 air mattresses, boasting the ability to sleep 12. When you travel in numbers as my family does, this is a priceless way to glamp like a floating cabin girl. What I love is all of the equipment with the boat.
If you’re familiar with renting a place on the beach with all gear included, you’ll love this place. 2 kayaks are attached as well as massive floaties are available. In the spirit of keeping Austin weird, the inside is eclectic but upscale. This is the best-balanced adventure on the list. It’ll provide you with outdoors, lake time, and the ability to do a day trip or two. Don’t believe that it is perfect? Check out the top deck! This Austin getaway will be perfect, no matter what the occasion!
5. Floating Cottage on St. Johns River in Sanford, FL
Another rental that comes with kayaks (we love to see it!). This cozy “cottage” is a great way to get on the water in Florida this summer! You will feel at home with the cozy furniture and a lovely deck to have an iced tea. You can drive in for a day trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Studios in Orlando. But I recommend keeping this a beautiful, rural piece of paradise. For the glamper seeking a place full of comfort, contemplation, and serenity, this cottage is for you!
6. Bayou Log Cabins Fishing Expedition in Louisiana
These cabins are right on the water. The Bayou Log Cabin can provide you with whatever kind of water getaway you were hoping for with a catch! There is no catch; I just really wanted to keep the fishing theme alive. Bring your fishing crew along for a wide variety of experiences offered. Including guided fishing trips and swamp tours. Also, get a little taste of the bayou that will have you reaching for seconds of Cajun cookin’!
7. Floating Cabins at Patoka Lake Marina in Birdseye, IN
In the Midwest and want a driving-friendly floating cabin getaway? Plan a family reunion takeover of the Patoka Lake Marina! The cabins are simple, and the access to nature is abundant. Caving day trips and a private boat trip are included! They even have wildlife or wine cruises! If you are looking to keep folks of all ages occupied with lots of freebies included, this is the floating cabin experience you are looking for! Check out their easy to navigate website for more.
8. Hales Bar Marina in Tennessee
This final floating cabin experience is also in the Midwest. Everyone knows Tennessee is one of the most beautiful states in America with amazing hikes and plenty of nature to be had. The easy to check out Hales Bar Marina website makes this another great reunion spot that can bunk plenty of family members. This marina focuses on your ability to check out the water with leisure or take a hike all around. Marketing itself as the “Redneck Bora Bora,” this floating cabin adventure is much more of a glamp that will get the family outdoors and having a good time!
That’s all for floating cabins. Get out of your house and get on the water!
Leave a Reply