With just a few short weeks left before school starts, we’re ready to squeeze every last drop of summer out of the month of Aug. If lazy days and s’mores-filled nights is your definition of living your best summer life, read on! We’ve rounded up the best remote cottages, log cabins and Airbnb cabin rentals that deliver that lazy summer vibe we all crave. Get ready to kick back with family over a board game or a beach book while enjoying the great outdoors at one of these rentals just a short drive from downtown DC.

VIRGINIA

Westmoreland State Park—Colonial Beach, VA

Westmoreland State Park

If you're looking for a classic cabin experience, check out the log cabins at Westmoreland State Park. Some of these structures date back to the 1930s. Cabins 19-24 boast the best views, sitting perched on the top of the park's cliff. From this vantage point, you can easily spot eagles flying overhead. The sunsets don't disappoint, either! Spend the day digging for shark teeth at Fossil Beach or wander the hiking paths that crisscross over 1,321 acres. This park also features a playground. 

Editor's note: Westmoreland State Park's pool is closed for the season. 

Sleeps: 6
Cost: Prices vary by season 
Online: reserveamerica.com

Lake Anna State Park—Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA

Christian Bowen via Unsplash

Lake Anna was originally the site of a gold mine and locally known as "Gold Hill." Later, a man made lake was built as a water coolant for a nuclear plant. Today, visitors enjoy beach and lake activities at this state park. There are just a handful of cabins, so book early! Cabin 6-9 boast the best views, but if you are traveling with small children, you may want to consider the cabins tucked safely behind these waterfront rentals. Each cabin has two bedrooms and comfortably sleeps 4, but up to 6 guests are allowed. 

Sleeps: 4-6
Cost: From $151/night 
Online: virginiastateparks.reserveamerica.com

The Cove Campground—Gore, VA

Virginia.org

This privately owned tree farm has two cabins for rent, both located on Lake Leckszas. These no-frill rentals boast water views for miles! Enjoy over an acre of sandy beaches, lake activities like fishing and boating, and hiking in the near-by Appalachian Mountains. 

Sleeps: 4
Cost: Starting at $125/night 
Online: covecampground.com

 

Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm Millsboro, VA

Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm

Fort Lewis is home to authentic log cabins rescued and rebuilt on the farm estate. The Tall Timbers cabin (featured image) was painstakingly relocated from North Carolina. This two-story cabin has one bedroom and a daybed alcove for the kiddos. Step on to the second floor porch to enjoy mountain views. This resort-like property includes breakfast and dinner daily and onsite activities, like hiking, biking, boating and more. 

Sleeps: 2-4
Cost: From $420/night; $60/extra for children 2-12
Online: fortlewislodge.com

The Skyhouse—Front Royal, VA

Airbnb

This cottage in the woods looks like your typical river retreat, but step inside and you will be wowed by the sleek modern conveniences and decor. Step off the deck and adventure awaits. Hiking, fishing and boating are just steps away; a floating dock beckons visitors to enjoy the river. Note: this property is suitable for kids 14 & up.

Sleeps: 14
Cost: From $199/night
Online: airbnb.com

Cast Away Cabin—Luray, VA

Cast Away Cabins

If you’re willing to drive a little further for natural beauty, Cast-A-Way Cabin in the Shenandoah Valley should be on the top of your list. There, you'll score a two bedroom cabin with two queen beds and a double futon, so you can have your privacy while the kids fight over who will sleep in the bedroom and who will take the loft. 

Sleeps: 2-6
Cost: From $225/night
Online: castawaycabins.com

 

The Cove Campground—Gore, VA

Virginia.org

This privately owned tree farm has two cabins for rent, both located on Lake Leckszas. These no-frill rentals boast water views for miles! Enjoy over an acre of sandy beaches, lake activities like fishing and boating, and hiking in the near-by Appalachian Mountains. 

Sleeps: 4
Cost: Starting at $125/night 
Online: covecampground.com

The Bear Den—Maurertown, VA

Airbnb

Nestled near George Washington National Forest, this cabin gets the most-remote award. You'll need to pass over a low water bridge and drive up a steep hill (note: a 4WD is a must), but the payoff is stunning valley views and guaranteed quiet. Hike right out the backdoor or enjoy a peaceful afternoon with the board games provided.

Insider tip: Pick up the book Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail: What Will You Find? to help little ones identify trees, birds and more on their nature walks.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: From $221/night
Online: airbnb.com

The Black Bear Lodge—Stanley, VA

Airbnb

This cabin is conveniently located near a number of natural attractions including Shenandoah River, Lake Arrowhead, Skyline Drive and Luray Caverns and just a stone's throw from activities like horseback riding, fishing, golf, and ski slopes. This Airbnb rental comfortably accommodates six people. The best part? It has views for miles.

Insider tip: Invest in a pair of night vision goggles so you can enjoy these views in the dark. These infrared binoculars let you see play Eye Spy with nocturnal animals.

Sleeps: 6
Cost: From $381/night
Online: airbnb.com

MARYLAND

Firefly Cottage—Keymar, MD

Airbnb

Before you head back to school, head to this rustic, 1850s stone schoolhouse. This sweet cottage gets it's name from the fireflies that call this property home in the summer. You'll find a fire pit outside perfect for s'mores and nighttime ghost stories. Take a moment to bundle up and enjoy a book in the porch rocking chair. Or head to a nearby family-friendly winery for an afternoon of board games and bordello. 

Sleeps: 4
Cost: From $160/night
Online: airbnb.com

Vintage Cabin—Middletown, MD

Airbnb

This historic log cabin dates back to the 1890's. It has been recently updated to include modern conveniences. Take a stroll right out the front door and explore the quaint village of Middletown. Not far, you'll find Frederick, MD teeming with restaurants, shops and public parks. Family-friendly wineries are also within a short drive. 

Sleeps: 4
Cost: From $125/night
Online: airbnb.com

Cabin on Middle Creek—Myersville MD

Airbnb

Quaint and quite, this cozy little cabin sits on a 9-acre private retreat and is conveniently located between South Mountain State Park & Gambrill State Park. Enjoy roasting marshmallows in the outdoor fire pit or wander the property admiring the wildlife and mountain views. You'll find hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing nearby. Note: this home is not suitable for children 2 & under. 

Sleeps: 4
Cost: From $99/night
Online: airbnb.com

The Treehouse Camp—Rohrersville, MD

The name itself will have your kiddos jumping for joy, and that’s before they hear about the year-round tree cottages, tree houses (three seasons), and…the hobbit house! Each of these sites has its own grill, fire circle, and picnic table. Keep in mind that there is a two night minimum, and don’t forget to bring your own bedding and lights!

Sleeps: 4
Cost: From $43/night
Online: thetreehousecamp.com

Country Acres Retreat—Accident, MD

Country Acres Retreat

If you’re looking for a mountain getaway with all the accommodations of home, Country Acres Retreat is the place. The retreat overlooks a farm and a lake, and is within easy driving distance of Deep Creek Lake. The accommodations include three bedrooms and three bathrooms (sleeps 11 including the extra sleeping area), so find another family to cabin with and you’ll easily fill the whole house, while being able to split the reasonable night rate. There is a two-night minimum.

Sleeps: 11
Cost: From $130/night
Online: countryacresretreat.com

Cherry Hill Park— College Park, MD

Cherry Hill Park

Not only is Cherry Hill Park thisclose to DC (30 minutes driving to be exact), but you can catch a bus from a nearby metro every hour on the hour. The cottages at Cherry Hill Park come with WiFi, cable TV, linens, and a full kitchen area. For more luxury, check out their trailers, rustic cabins, or yurts. Keep in mind that staying closer to the city means higher prices.

Sleeps: 10
Cost: From $375/night
Online: cherryhillpark.com

Adventure Bound Washington—Lothian, MD

Adventure Bound Washington

Unlike a lot of other campgrounds, Duncan’s cabins (sleeps four) and 2-room cottages (sleeps six) are full of extra amenities like WiFi, ceiling fans, electrical outlets, and A/C or heat. But don’t worry if you can’t part with your TV or tub—Duncan’s offers rental trailers with everything from a separate bedroom with a queen sized bed to a coffee maker. Easily accessible from Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC, they also offer the convenience of staying close to attractions like the Chesapeake Bay, National Harbor, Baltimore Inner Harbor, and Six Flags.

Sleeps: 4-6
Cost: Call for pricing
Online: abcamping.com

WEST VIRGINIA

A Frame of Mind Cabin—Berkeley Springs, WV

Airbnb

Get ready to roast marshmallows while watching the night sky at this Berkeley Springs retreat. Less than a two hour drive from downtown DC, this cabin can accommodate 6 guests in 3 recently renovated bedrooms. Enjoy nearby Cacapon Resort State Park, where you can enjoy the sandy shores of the Park's lake, go fishing, biking, hiking and horseback riding or spend a lazy day at the cabin swinging in the porch swing, resting in the hammock or taking in a family board game.

Insider tip: Pack some kid-friendly fishing poles for lakeside fun. This set include lures, netting and a tackle box in addition to the pole.

Sleeps: 6
Cost: From $288/night
Online: airbnb.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Kelly Ann Jacobson

RELATED STORIES:

Take a Hike! 9 Easy Trails for Kids Under 5

11 Reasons Why RV Camping Will Save Your Family Vacation Plans

The Most Awe-Inspiring National Parks to Visit with Kids

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