Famous for its year-round sunshine and incredible desert landscapes, Phoenix is a vibrant city you will be glad you visited. The Valley of the Sun is the fifth largest city in the USA, and you can bet there are plenty of things to do there to keep you busy.
But if you’re looking for a quieter vacation with less of an inner-city vibe, then you’ll want to head out into the nature surrounding Phoenix. The city is surrounded by mountains and preserves, with unique rock formations and vast desert landscapes.
It’s one of the main reasons to visit Phoenix, but if you really want to experience the best of this nature, you’re going to want an accommodation option that puts you in the heart of it. Cabins in Phoenix do just that, they are often located in the most remote and rural areas, which allows you to truly be at one with nature.
If that sounds great to you but you’re not sure where to start your search, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll be covering everything you need to look for in a cabin in Phoenix, as well as showing you 10 of my favorites.
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Phoenix for One Night
Cozy Studio Cabin with Fire Pit
This contemporary cabin is ideally located in the heart of downtown Phoenix near top attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. It is super spacious for a ‘tiny house’ and features a loft bedroom and open-concept living area.
- Roosevelt Row
- Arizona Science Center
- Phoenix Convention Center
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Staying in a Cabin in Phoenix
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A cabin in Phoenix is perfect for those who want a low-key atmosphere or are simply on a budget. Because of the desert landscape surrounding Phoenix, cabins here are more unique than the traditional log cabins that might spring to mind.
Instead, cabins in this Southwestern city are small and cozy spaces, typically built from wooden materials. They can also be tiny homes and converted barns, made to look like traditional cabins but with a modern flare.
While some cabins are located off the beaten track in the desert, many of Phoenix’s best cabins are set right in the heart of the city. This is unusual for cabins, which most assume to be in secluded locations. However, if you venture outside the city, you will find some remote cabins in the desert and farms.
Cabins are a great option for those looking for a place to relax among nature. If you’re searching for the perfect combination of a laid-back vibe near a bustling city, one of the best cabins in Phoenix will tick all of your boxes.
What to Look for in a Cabin in Phoenix
Phoenix is a big city, so the first thing you should look for in your search for the perfect cabin is its location. Even if you have a car, it can take a while to drive from one attraction to another, so make sure you base yourself in a Phoenix neighborhood near the places you want to visit most.
On that note, if you’re traveling on an Arizona road trip, check that your cabin has a dedicated parking space. Phoenix is a big city with many cars, so parking in the center can be pricey. Likewise, if you opt for a more remote cabin, check the road is accessible by any vehicle.
Visiting with a special someone for a romantic getaway? In this case, I would recommend a cabin just outside the city center where you can enjoy more privacy. If you do opt for a more remote cabin, make sure the cabin has cell service and a strong WiFi connection.
WiFi has become a commodity, but because of the rural location of some cabins, it’s not always possible to have it, so never assume. You should also check what the kitchen is stocked with, so you can plan meals and stock up on food before you arrive.
You’ll find most cabins on Airbnb in Phoenix but you can also find some on booking.com, you just need to tailor your search preferences. But if that sounds like too much work for you, then keep reading to see some of my top picks…
Cozy Studio Cabin with Fire Pit
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > In downtown Phoenix just off the Roosevelt Row
- > Foosball table, outdoor fire pit, and garden games
Secluded Barn-Style Cabin with Porch
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > In the Sonoran Desert just outside Phoenix
- > Views of the Bradshaw Mountains from the porch
Peaceful Farm Cabin w/ Private Yard
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > In Downtown Tempe
- > Boho-inspired interiors
Opulent Mountain Cabin w/ Shared Pool
- > $$$
- > 8 Guests
- > In a happening neighborhood that hosts regular events
- > Modern home with shared clubhouse, gym, and pool
Stylish 3 Bed Cabin with Garden
- > $$$$
- > 6 Guests
- > Adjacent to a public park in Tempe
- > Open-concept floor plan
Gorgeous Cabin with Pool
- > $$$$
- > 6 Guests
- > In one of Phoenix’s most popular neighborhoods
- > Desert-inspired cabin with a huge backyard
1 Bed Cabin w/ Parking
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > In the Vintage Melrose District
- > Remodeled guest home with private entrance and yard
The 10 Best Cabins in Phoenix
Now you know what to look for in cabins in Phoenix it’s time to take a look at the best ones. These are 10 of my favorites that are suitable for any type of traveler.
Best Overall Value Cabin in Phoenix – Cozy Studio Cabin with Fire Pit
Opening up my list with a bang is this charming garden guest cabin, which is easily one of the best overall cabins in the city. It’s conveniently located in a residential neighborhood just a few steps from the main street in downtown Phoenix, meaning you can explore all the top places to visit with ease.
The cabin is designed like a ‘tiny house’ featuring an open-concept living area, a loft bedroom, and clever storage solutions to maximize space. Although small, this cabin in Phoenix has a spacious feel, with lots of natural light and floor space.
Bonus extras include a big yard, an outdoor fire pit, and a private foosball table in the living room.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Best Budget Cabin in Phoenix – Secluded Barn-Style Cabin with Porch
Straight out of a Western film, this barn-inspired cabin is set in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, just a short drive from Phoenix. The studio cabin has one open-plan room with a kitchenette, dining area, living area, and bedroom, as well as a separate bathroom with a shower.
Although small, high ceilings and airy windows make this cabin in Phoenix feel more than spacious enough for two guests. But best of all, you’ll also have access to a large covered patio overlooking the desert, fitted with an outdoor dining table and a gas grill.
Best Cabin in Phoenix for Couples – Peaceful Farm Cabin w/ Private Yard
Just east of central Phoenix, this peaceful garden cabin has been beautifully renovated with farmhouse-inspired interiors. White-washed wooden ceilings, classy tiles, and warm wooden countertops bring a beachy feel into this garden cottage.
This studio space includes a kitchen, living, and dining area beside a bed with luxurious linens. Every inch of the space has been carefully designed with gorgeous decorations. However, it’s the bathroom that catches my eye…
The contemporary bathroom features a fully glassed walk-in shower with trendy white tiling and even includes a door leading onto the patio. On top of that, the location puts you near to some of the top things to do in Phoenix.
Best Cabin for a Group of Friends – Opulent Mountain Cabin w/ Shared Pool
This luxury vacation rental cabin in Phoenix blends traditional cabin features with modern and contemporary styles. It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a three-car garage with a laundry room.
Ideal for a group of friends, guests can make use of a shared clubhouse, which has a huge swimming pool, built-in outdoor grill, covered living room area, gym, and ping pong table. Can you picture yourself relaxing by the pool with your mates, preparing a family-style meal on the poolside grill?
Its mountain-side destination puts you in a great location to tackle all the best hikes in Phoenix.
Over-The-Top Luxury Cabin in Phoenix – Stylish 3 Bed Cabin with Garden
Located just outside Phoenix in the neighboring city of Tempe, this gorgeous home opens up opportunities for indoor/outdoor living. The open-concept living space opens onto a large covered patio, where guests can enjoy a BBQ or cozy up by the outdoor fireplace.
Every inch of this home has been beautifully decorated with up-to-date interiors. The interior is filled with modern furniture and minimalistic decor, keeping things luxurious without being pretentious.
As the most luxurious cabin in Phoenix, this property is a Smart Home. Ask Alexa to dim the lights or turn on the music while you enjoy the beautiful space.
On top of that, you’re in a great location for exploring Phoenix’s nature preserves, such as Papago Park and the Desert Botanical Garden.
Best Cabin in Phoenix for Families – Gorgeous Cabin with Pool
Inspired by the desert surroundings, this gorgeous three-bedroom cabin is the perfect setting for a family getaway. The home is set in a desirable residential neighborhood, making it close to the action without being in the city center.
The central living area features marble countertops, state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, and many windows inviting natural light into the space.
The kids will love the heated pool and outdoor living area. If you need to tend to some emails, you can do so in the dedicated office space.
Best Cabin in Phoenix for Backpackers – 1 Bed Cabin w/ Parking
Gather your essential belongings and book a stay in this affordable, central, and well-equipped cabin in Phoenix. This cozy space is set in a local family’s backyard in a beautiful neighborhood near downtown Phoenix.
It has a full kitchen, living and dining room, a private bedroom with cozy linens and a down comforter. Guests can enter the property through a private entrance and make use of the gorgeous backyard space, which has a fire pit and outdoor seating area.
Most Centrally Located Cabin in Phoenix – Quirky Studio Cabin
You’ll be in the center of all the action in this centrally located cabin in the historic Willo neighborhood. Wake up to birds chirping in the trees before indulging in a delicious home-cooked breakfast.
After a rainfall shower in the subway-tiled bathroom, get ready for a day of adventures in the city. Just a short light-rail ride away, you’ll find all the best restaurants, bars, shops, and tourist attractions you might want to visit.
Finally, end your day with a cup of tea on your private patio in the garden. Sounds good to me!
Best Remote Cabin in Phoenix – Hillside Hideaway Log Cabin
As the best secluded cabin in Phoenix, you’re best looking far out of the city and towards the mountains. This remote log cabin is located just outside Payson, an hour’s drive North of Phoenix. Here you’ll find a quiet and secluded cabin with luxury amenities, such as a hot tub and hiking trails on your doorstep.
Nestled in the middle of the Tonto National Forest, this log cabin is the ideal spot for a rural retreat. It has a fully equipped kitchen, three bedrooms, and a cozy living area. The wrap-around porch is a great place to sit and watch the wildlife in the garden.
Best Cabin in Phoenix with a Pool – Spacious Cabin w/ Shared Pool
The weather can get pretty warm in Phoenix – it is, after all, a desert. And what better way to cool down after exploring the dynamic city than a dip in a swimming pool outside your bedroom door?
This cozy studio cabin has been kitted out with contemporary interiors. You can expect a lot of white, clean surfaces, and minimalist decoration throughout the space.
However, I have no doubt you will spend most of your time on the porch outside, where you’ll find a beautiful pool surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas. When it’s time to explore the area, the Heard Museum is just a stone’s throw away.
Don’t Forget Your Phoenix Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Cabins in Phoenix
Phoenix is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Not only is it surrounded by preserves and nature spots, but the city is packed with everything from world-class cuisine, to fascinating museums, a thriving art scene, and incredible nightlife.
If you’re not sure if a cabin is right for you, try to imagine what it would be like to come back after a day of exploring and light up a fire pit, jump in a pool, or cook dinner on the BBQ.
If you enjoy the simple joys of life and don’t feel like splurging your entire bank account on vacation, then a cabin in Phoenix is right for you.
If you’re visiting from overseas, don’t forget to take out travel insurance. You never know what can happen on the road, so don’t take any risks and pre-purchase travel insurance for your trip.
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