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25+ of the Coolest Rentals in North Carolina

Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 7, 2024.

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We know you can stay in some fantastic hotels and short-term rentals in North Carolina. But in this guide, we will share some of the most extraordinary and most unique Airbnbs in North Carolina that we’ve found.

Now, if you’re as ready to see these remarkable places as we were to share them, here are some cool Rentals in North Carolina for your viewing pleasure.

To keep things organized (as always), here’s what you’ll find in this guide:

  • Treehouses
  • Yurts and Glamping
  • Cabooses
  • Tiny Homes
  • Lake Houses
  • (Simply) Unique Airbnbs

Whether youโ€™re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, weโ€™re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the North Carolina area and are wondering, โ€œWhere are the best Airbnbs near me?โ€ we think this NC travel guide will help you out!

Read More: Our Favorite Places to Stay in North Carolina

Airbnbs In North Carolina

This article curates places we do not have personal experience with, but we still think you can enjoy them based on the photos and amazing reviews.

All images come courtesy of Airbnb.

Treehouse Airbnbs

Asheville

two story treehouse among the hills of north carolina

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Why we love it: Let’s start with incredible views from a two-story treehouse in the woods. This AirBnB near Asheville has glowing reviews and is a haven for rest.

Beautifully decorated with natural wood, you’ll stay just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville. Grab dinner from one of the city’s awesome restaurants and be home in time to watch the sunset over the mountains.

Cost: $289/night
Book it!

Read More: Amazing Hikes near Asheville

Old Fort

a swinging bridge leading to a treehouse tucked int he woods. There are lights on in the house

Why we love it: Accessed by a swinging bridge, this luxurious and romantic treehouse is precisely what youโ€™re going to want for your next North Carolina getaway! This Airbnb is on 14 acres in Old Fort, only 20 minutes from Asheville.

It’s also within a short drive from outdoor spots like Catawba Falls and Craggy Gardens.

Make sure to soak up the romance in the jacuzzi and pick up some local beer to enjoy in the secluded forest.

Cost: $271/night
Book it!

Read More: Beautiful Waterfalls near Asheville

Hendersonville

a lofted treehouse with a fire pit smoking below the deck
Beacon Treehouse

Why we love it: This treehouse in Hendersonville is simplistic and a return to nature! It is also a perfect outpost for great food and some of the best hiking in North Carolina.

The treehouse is a queen-size mattress accessed by a ladder. Also, your personal business is done via a composting toilet and solar shower.

Cost: $52/night
Book it!

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Hendersonville

Charlotte

a luxury private CarolinaTreehouse with large glass windows built in the middle of the forest

Why We Love it: This private oasis is one you would probably expect to find in Western North Carolina. However, the Carolina Treehouse is only five miles from Uptown Charlotte!

Retreat to a secluded oasis at night, but enjoy everything to do in Charlotte during the day.

Make sure to stop at NoDa Brewing and grab a six-pack to relax in the hammock together.

Cost: $272/night
Book it!

Read More: Outdoor Fun in Charlotte

China Grove

a spacious treehouse with two separate buildings and three queen beds.

Why we love it: Cherry Treesort isnโ€™t just The Big Nick pictured above, but a collection of five beautiful and unique treehouses in China Grove, Rowan County. We showcase The Big Nick because it is the largest treehouse with three queen beds.

We personally love the idea of retreating into the woods with some friends and exchanging laughs high up in the trees!

Cost: $181/night
Book it!

Read More: Day Trips from Charlotte

Pittsboro

a steel-sided tiny home with a wooded three in the walls

Why we love it: Okay, so this one isnโ€™t actually a treehouse. But there is a giant wooden tree on the walls!

We think that countsโ€ฆBut actually, the coolest thing about this Airbnb in North Carolina is that it previously served as storage space for a traveling art exhibit!

The complex is also home to the Small Museum of Folk Art and a sustainable cafรฉ that sources local, organic ingredients.

Cost: $102/night
Book it!

Read More: Day Trips from Raleigh

Yurts and Glamping in North Carolina

Marion

Glamping, but with a touch of comfort! Gold River Camp is a North Carolina Airbnb that offers camping and glamping. Owned by a couple that pulled from their travels worldwide, Gold River Camp has a community feel alongside comfortable and affordable rooms.

an outdoor seating area with a few comfortble chairs and elevated floor seats

Not only is this Marion Airbnb adorable, but it also sits on a former gold mine! You can still pan for gold in the river, and you might be surprised by what you might find!

Cost: $70-$113/night
Book it!

Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Marion (and Nearby!)

Hendersonville

Why we love it: We know yurts are typically for the rustic and more comfortable campers, but this glamping dome outside of Lake Lure is dripping in luxury! Complete with a hot tub, air conditioning, and plumbing, this is not your typical outdoor experience.

This NC Airbnb is perfect for a couples getaway and is only 5 miles away from Chimney Rock State Park and Chimney Rock Village!

Cost: $232/night
Book it!

Read More: 18 Unique Luxury Resorts in North Carolina

Asheville – Yurt

a green and brown yurt in the woods during spring in North Carolina

Why we love it: Get close to nature while still being comfortable! This yurt is remote but only five to 10 minutes from the remarkable restaurants and things to do in Asheville, making it a perfect home base.

It’s rustic but with all the comfort you’ll need to enjoy a memorable stay.

Cost: $124/night (VRBO)
Book it!

Read More: Fun Day Trips from Asheville

Weaverville

the interior of a rustic geo-dome in North Carolina

Why we love it: A rustic space in nature, this geodome just 20 minutes outside Asheville is everything you need for a quiet retreat in the wilderness. Think of it as camping, but more comfortable!

With wood heating and an escape from cell service, guests here have the run of 36 wild acres.

Cost: $85/night
Book it!

Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do With Kids in Asheville (and Nearby!)

Lenoir

two yurts elevated onto a wooden platform near Wilson Creek

Why we love it: Brown Mountain Beach Resort has 6 yurts on their property along Wilson Creek. Each of the yurts has riverfront hot tubs and easy access to a wonderful swimming hole.

Cost: $197/night
Book it!

Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina

Supply (near Holden Beach)

coastal glamping Airbnbs in North Carolina

Why we love it: We’ll admit it, when you think about glamping, you usually think about the mountains. But this glamping Airbnb in Eastern North Carolina might change your mind!

It is located close to Holden Beach in Brunswick County and is the perfect spot for exploring the coast while still getting an elevated outdoor camping experience.

Cost: $80/night
Book it!

Read More: The Best Beaches in North Carolina

Caboose Airbnbs in North Carolina

Waynesville

the deck and red train Caboose in Waynesville, NC

Why we love it: This caboose in Waynesville is only 10 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and just waiting for you to choo-choo-choose it! The 1926 wooden caboose has been renovated for a luxury Airbnb experience in North Carolina.

Attached to a modern and comfortable cottage complete with a kitchen and a porch, guests to this vintage C&O Airbnb will be a memorable stay. Of course, you’ll want to venture out into Waynesville for some great food and even more memories!

Cost: $259/night
Book it!

Read More: Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley

Bryson City

a red train caboose converted into a tiny home with yellow accents on the porch

Why we love it: One of only 800, this converted caboose sits along a bubbling creek that is perfect for romantic getaways and outdoor family experiences. We also find that this Airbnb near Bryson City is super affordable and yields a ton of relaxation!

Cost: $81/night
Book it!

Read More: 35 Wonderful Waterfalls near Bryson City (Within 2 Hours)

Tiny Homes in North Carolina

The Durham entry you’ll find shortly (spoiler alert!) is also featured in our guide covering tiny houses in North Carolina, from west to east!

Boone

an A-frame tiny home with white interior

Why we love it: This adorable A-frame cabin is the perfect romantic getaway! From the loft bedroom under the peaked roof to the bright and airy decor, this Airbnb in Boone might just become our second home!

The potbelly stove is also a great way to stay during the winter.

This may be one of the coolest Airbnbs in North Carolina, but you may want to get out and enjoy these restaurants in Boone, the town’s breweries, awesome hiking trails nearby (also, waterfalls!), and even more things to do!

Cost: $143/night
Book it!

Read More: 60+ Interesting Facts About Boone that You Should Know (History and More!)

Morganton

a small living space with a ladder leading up to the loft

Why we love it: Be close to it all in the mountains of Burke County with this Airbnb! Not far from Linville Falls and Table Rock Mountain, this property is on a 13-acre farm with a small creek running through it.

The tiny house is one of the cutest Airbnbs in North Carolina and makes it a perfect romantic getaway for anyone wanting to sip hot coffee with an excellent mountain view. Also, that price is unbeatable!

Cost: $96/night
Book it!

Read More: How to See High Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park

Durham

a tiny home in the midst of a forest with a walking path leading up to the entrance

Why we love it: You know we are partial to Durham, but this tiny house in the woods is just three miles away from downtown and some of our favorite things to do. This North Carolina Airbnb is stylish, modern, and cozy, with a screened-in front porch.

And did we mention that it’s GORGEOUS?!

This place is not too far away from our favorite things to do (including free stuff). There’s also plenty of outdoor fun, including the amazing Eno River State Park (and its trails) and the city’s incredible restaurant scene.

Cost: $192/night
Book it!

Read More: Durham Airbnbs

Lake Houses

We want to stay in more Lake Houses/Airbnbs in North Carolina, so stay tuned for more! Until then, this fantastic place on Hyco Lake deserves at least a moment of your time.

Hyco Lake

a large lakefront house with two stories and a picnic area

Why we love it: For starters, this Airbnb (also known as Acorn Landing) sits right on Hyco Lake, about an hour equidistant from Durham and Greensboro. You can step out of your house and be on the water in minutes if you slowly walk.

While access to the water (and kayaks) is a super bonus, you’ll also have a wonderful home to work from or relax on the lake. Watery views will greet you each morning at this wonderful Airbnb.

Cost: $336/night
Book it!

Read More: The Best Day Trips from Durham

Unique Airbnbs in North Carolina

Winston-Salem

two single beds in an 80's-themed room

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have complete access to the largest privately owned collection of classic arcade games on the East Coast? At this 80s-themed North Carolina Airbnb, you can! Located in the suburbs of Winston-Salem, you can stay with these classic games and have it all to yourself.

two people playing retro arcade games

Complete with retro decor, transform yourself into the most fantastic decade ever! Stadium-style seating, every game console created, and endless hours of fun! Check out this unique Airbnb in North Carolina, and let us know if you hit the high score!

Cost: $260/night
Book it!

Read more: Fun Things to Do in Winston-Salem, NC

Burnsville

a barn with a large window and flower decor on the side

Why we love it: Burnsville is surrounded by Mount Mitchell, Crabtree Falls, and more Black Mountains wonders, but there is also a thriving quilt barn trail throughout Yancey County!

This renovated tobacco barn has its own quilt block and sits along a beautiful creek that can be enjoyed from the hammock on the screened-in porch.

Cost: $132/night
Book it!

Read More: Hiking Roan Mountain for Beautiful Appalachian Trail Views

Asheville Hobbit Hole

a hobbit-hole styled airbnb in North Carolina

Why we love it: Who wouldn’t want to stay in a hobbit hole? Inspired by the JRR Tolkien series and built by fans, this is the only Airbnb in North Carolina we share that has been featured on national news.

Fandom is part of this place’s claim to fame, but its construction is cool, too. It is also 90 percent built into the earth.

The same hosts also run this treehouse we mentioned earlier.

Cost: $388/night
Book it!

Read More: The Best NC Mountain Towns

Weaverville Renovated Bus

a full-sized bed in the back of a renovated bus Airbnb

Why we love it: How many people can say they’ve slept in a renovated bus? Nestled in the Black Mountains, this place is beautifully refurbished and provides a cool outdoor experience.

Even more important, the funds from your stay at this Airbnb in North Carolina go to sponsoring an artist in residence for SONG, primarily comprised of LGBTQ southerners and people of color.

Cost: $59/night
Book it!

Westfield (near Hanging Rock State Park)

a scenic waterfall with trees and a large barn overlooking the falls

Why we love it: And not to sound repetitive, but who doesn’t want to stay refurbished circa 1881 mill with a flowing dam and stargazing hot tub? Sitting along the Dan River near Hanging Rock State Park, guests can fish, swim, or kayak from their back doorstep.

With tall 12-foot ceilings and lots of space, this is the perfect vacation rental in North Carolina and a great option for families.

Cost: $234/night
Book it!

Read More: Lower Cascades Falls in Hanging Rock State Park

Pinnacle

a pool with sunbeds and a view of pilot mountain in the distance

Why we love it: Of all the Airbnbs in North Carolina we mention, this is the only one with a view of Pilot Mountain.

It also sits on 31 acres that include a vineyard. And you can stop by the vineyard for a wine tasting and relax by the pool with one of the most epic of views!

Cost: $195/night
Book it!

Read More: 25+ of the Best Things to Do in Elkin

Which of These Airbnbs in North Carolina Do You Love?

We were inspired to write this post about Airbnbs in North Carolina after a member asked about this in our Facebook Group. By the way, have you joined?

With that aside, we hope you’ve found the right Airbnb for your next trip. We also look forward to staying in all these places, one by one.

And if you were to choose, which of these Airbnbs in North Carolina would be your first pick? Let us know in the comments section!

More Places to Stay in North Carolina