The Best National Park Airbnbs, From Star-Gazing Escapes to Fairytale Cabins

By Sophie Dunne

Sophie Dunne

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

The U.S. is home to 63 national parks, and staying nearby can make a big difference in how much time you actually get to spend exploring them. A short drive back after a day of exploring means less time on the road, while nearby Airbnbs can offer something a hotel often cannot: a private home surrounded by the same natural beauty that brought you to the park in the first place.

The Best National Park Airbnbs

We’re here to help narrow down the search for Airbnbs near some of the country’s most popular — and underrated — national parks. We included different prices and properties with 4/5-star ratings, ranging from “Guest Favorites” to “Superhosts.” Some are inside the national parks themselves, while others are within an easy driving distance. Each Airbnb we chose has a distinct feature, whether that means an exceptional view, unique architecture, standout amenities, or a combination of all three. These stays are designed to make the accommodation part of the trip worth remembering.

Star-Gazing Oasis Near Bryce Canyon

Location: Hatch, Utah Accommodates: Up to 8 guests Starting at: $437 per night

Fall asleep beneath the stars in a transparent dome bedroom at this newly built cabin in Hatch, Utah. The 4.95-star “Superhost” stay sleeps eight across four bedrooms and puts Bryce Canyon National Park (famous for its red-rock hoodoos) about 30 minutes down the road, with Red Canyon even closer and Zion National Park roughly 50 minutes away. Mountain and valley views surround the property, while a covered deck, fire pit, hammocks, BBQ, EV charger, and pet-friendly setup make it easy to settle in after a day outside.

Waterfront Property Near Acadia National Park

Location: Franklin, Maine Accommodates: Up to 14 guests Starting at: $1,175 per night

A private dock, sandy-bottom shoreline, kayaks, paddleboards, and a waterfront hot tub make this Franklin, Maine, home as much a lake retreat as a base for exploring Acadia National Park. The 5-star “Guest Favorite” sleeps up to 14 across five bedrooms and is about 30 minutes from the park. Inside includes an entertainer’s kitchen, theater and game room, pool table, arcade games, and generous gathering spaces. Pets are allowed, making the property especially practical for larger families and groups. Staying close to Acadia National Park is a must in order to catch the famous sunrise views over Cadillac Mountain.

Olympic National Park Lakeside Cabin

Location: Townsend, Washington Accommodates: Up to 6 guests Starting at: $897 per night

Private beach access and a waterfront view are the first things that set this Port Townsend cabin apart. The 5-star “Guest Favorite” and “Superhost” property sleeps six and is roughly an hour from Olympic National Park. After kayaking or exploring the shoreline, guests can use the jetted hot tub, heated outdoor shower, cedar sauna, fire pit, game room, or private movie theater with its 98-inch screen. An underrated national park, Olympic is one of the few U.S. parks encompassing coastline, rainforest, and glaciated mountains.

Grand Canyon Luxury Ranch

Location: Kanab, Utah Accommodates: Up to 8 guests Starting at: $631 per night

A private pool, hot tub, sauna, and wood-fired pizza oven turn this Kanab estate into more than a convenient Southern Utah base. Set beneath the area’s red cliffs at the foot of Mansard Trail, the 5-star home sleeps eight and offers a chef’s kitchen, private gym, lush courtyards, and a dedicated stargazing deck. The Grand Canyon isn’t the only national park within reach, as Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon are all within a day-trip range. Horse owners can use the property’s land, while RV travelers have access to hookups.

Joshua Tree Yurt

Location: Joshua Tree, California Accommodates: Up to 6 guests Starting at: $557 per night

The real luxury here is privacy. Set on 25 acres with the nearest neighbor a quarter-mile away, this 5-star “Guest Favorite” yurt offers a cedar hot tub, cowboy pool, open-air boulder shower, wood stove, and a telescope. The retractable dome roof even opens to the desert sky for more stargazing. The yurt sleeps six and is about 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and two hours from Los Angeles.

Whimsical Yellowstone Cabin

Location: Island Park, Idaho Accommodates: Up to 6 guests Starting at: $769 per night

Handcrafted over nearly four years, the Mossy Fox Inn feels like a storybook cabin brought to life. This 5-star “Guest Favorite” and “Superhost” property in Island Park, Idaho, is about 30 to 40 minutes from Yellowstone’s west entrance and sleeps six people. Custom metalwork, handmade lighting, storybook doors, a hidden loft, and a grand fireplace fill the Gothic-inspired chalet. Guests also have two acres of wooded property, a full kitchen, laundry, and 2.5 bathrooms.

Yosemite Home With Basketball Court

Location: Oakhurst, California Accommodates: Up to 10 guests Starting at: $596 per night 

Bring the whole group to this four-bedroom A-frame in Oakhurst, where four private acres provide plenty of room to play between Yosemite adventures. A private hot tub overlooks the mountains, while guests can challenge each other to basketball, bocce, or arcade games. The 5-star “Guest Favorite” sleeps 10 across seven beds and sits a short drive from Yosemite’s south entrance, with restaurants and groceries about five minutes away.

Modern Home in Zion Canyon

Location: Springdale, Utah Accommodates: Up to 15 guests Starting at: $1,409.50 per night

Few things beat ending a day in Zion National Park with a soak in your own hot tub while Mount Kinesava towers nearby, or enjoying private dining with a view of The Watchman out your window. An ideal Airbnb for large groups, this 5-star, top-1% luxury home sits in the heart of Zion Canyon in Springdale, where restaurants, coffee shops, groceries, and Zion shuttle buses are within easy reach. In addition, the property offers four covered parking spaces, air conditioning, laundry, and an EV charger.

Glacier National Park Modern Cabin

Location: Columbia Falls, Montana Accommodates: Up to 10 guests Starting at: $589.50 per night

After exploring Glacier National Park, settle into this spacious Columbia Falls retreat overlooking Meadow Lake Golf Course. The 5-star “Guest Favorite” accommodates up to 10 guests and comes equipped with a private hot tub, air conditioning, laundry, and free parking. Glacier’s west entrance is about a 25-minute drive, giving guests easy access to the park’s more than 700 miles of trails, while the resort town of Whitefish is roughly 15 minutes away.

How We Chose the Best National Park Airbnbs

To find the best national park Airbnbs, we started by researching popular and underrated national parks. Then, we looked for highly rated Airbnbs near their entrances. Each pick has at least a 4.5-star rating, and “Guest Favorites” and “Superhosts” were prioritized where possible. We also considered views, privacy, standout amenities, unique features, overall comfort, luxury, and whether the experience appears to justify the stay. The goal was to find properties where the accommodation adds something meaningful to the national park trip.

About the Author

Sophie Dunne is an E-Commerce Writer at Penske Media Corporation, writing across Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, WWD, and Footwear News. Originally from Ireland and based in Los Angeles, she previously worked at Static Media as a writer and editor, covering entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and travel. Her bylines have appeared in Women’s Health, The List, Women.com, Islands, Grunge, WebMD, and more. Before beginning her writing career in 2019, Sophie lived in Dubai for four years working as an Emirates Cabin Crew Member. Having traveled to 71 countries with the airline, she began writing for an LA-based publication as a travel writer during her final year. Sophie has a degree in Humanities from Carlow College, St. Patrick’s (now South East Technological University) in her native Ireland. She studied English, history, philosophy, and psychology. Sophie mostly reports on entertainment merchandise and celebrity brand partnerships.