A-Frame Cabins Are A Winter Camping Dream-Come-True

Winter camping can be, well, cold. And if done for the sake of camping alone, can leave you wondering why on earth you decided sleeping in a tent was ever a good idea, especially when the mercury drains below the 32-degree mark.

Thankfully, winter camping can be done warmer and cozier by renting an A-frame cabin, a base camp for winter camping adventures, or just a place to snug up with a good book and a warm beverage. Most A-frames include a fireplace, and enough kitchen essentials for cooking hearty one-pot meals, or boiling water for a quick freeze-dried meals in-between adventures, or even more lavish "home-cooked" meals for entertaining friends and family.

A-frame rentals tend to hover in the $150-$250 price range, which is certainly more than a typical campground fee, but if shared with others can certainly be worth the cost for the comfort.

Sites like AirBnB and VRBO are great for finding rentals, though most need to be booked months in advance. This A-frame cabin near Zion National Park, for example, is booked all the way until May (due to its insta-famous nature). With a little planning, or a little luck, you can snag one of these a-frame cabins for a luxurious winter getaway.

Alpine Lakes High Camp A-Frame

Alpine Lakes is just outside of the picturesque Leavenworth, WA. They have an entire series of cabins for winter adventurers in a loop at high elevation and accommodate anywhere from 1-10 people. Dogs are allowed at High Camp and transportation is provided for a fee (which can be waived if you choose to skin up and haul your own gear). Otherwise, these dreamy A-frame cabins are only accessible up a 8 ½ mile private road, so you can’t drive yourself. Trails are nearby for skiing, fat biking, and hiking.

Far Meadow A-Frame Cabins

Nestled just outside of Yosemite Valley, Far Meadow cabins are a stone’s throw away from hiking trails, granite monoliths, and idyllic streams for fly-fishing. Due to its southern location, these cabins are away from the crowds, and offer a Yosemite experience without the Yosemite madness.

Tilly Jane A-Frame Mount Hood National Forest

One of few A-frame cabins in the forest service system, the Tilly Jane cabin welcomes skiers and hikers throughout the year (book in advance, of course). At the base of the trailhead is a campground for beginning and ending your adventures, and the trek to the cabin is a steep five mile round trip excursion. Pets are not allowed, and there are no amenities at the cabin, so bring your own food and gear.

Bristol Mountains A-Frame Cabin

Located at the doorstep of the Bristol Mountains in New York, this cabin sits away from it all so you can recoup and recover before heading back to the obligations of the real world. 4WD is required when visiting in the winter months, and it’ll be worth it. Head out for a day of fat-biking, hiking, or building snow forts, then cozy up by the wood fireplace for the perfect cap to a full wintry day.

Alaskan A-Frame in Girdwood

The Alyeksa Ski Resort is only six minutes from Girdwood, which makes this cabin the perfect spot for ski-lovers! AirBnB guests rave about this Alaskan a-frame, from its ideal location to its homey feel. Hard to decide whether it’s better to visit in winter or summer, but we think you won’t be disappointed with either.

Cozy Up on the Banks of Lake Michigan

Just across the lake from Chicago, visitors can enjoy a quick and easy respite near Warren Dunes Beach. This cabin sleeps 10 people, making it great for holidays, reunions, or trying to get away from it all without having to go too far. Enjoy your own forested paradise with ample outdoor activities.

Private Cabin in the Catskills

User beware, after spending a few days at this cabin, you may never want to leave. This sustainable cabin is et on a private road, an ideal gateway to all the adventure the Catskill Mountains have to offer. Set out on a ski tour, or stay indoors and watch the snow fall.

700 Square Feet of Solitude

Situated just minutes away from the Mt Rainier National Park entrance, this A-frame cabin begs adventurers to warm up by the fire, cook a pot of steaming hot stew, or dry out their gear for another day of activity. There’s a fire pit with wood stumps for sitting on, a basic bathroom, and enough firewood to keep you toasty all day and night.