Family-friendly vacation rentals in McDowell County

Peaceful Creekside Cabin near Little Switzerland

This is our old home place on the farm were I was raised here with my grand parents. It was remodeled in 2006 with lots of love and holds a special place in our lives. A place to come and relax by the creek. Sit on the porch and rock in the evenings. Fire Pit available by advanced request down by the creek. We furnish the wood and build the fires. we are still farming so you may see tractors, chickens, turkeys or other animals. This is not a party place. Verizon Cell Service WIFI average speed

Charming Creekside Cabin

This charming, rustic cabin is nestled amongst lush mountain laurel providing a very private and secluded atmosphere. Take in the sights and sounds of nature from the generous wrap around porch which overlooks the babbling brook and mossy rocks below. A chance to unwind and unplug while being surrounded by nature. This creekside cabin is located on 24 wooded acres, we invite you to get outside and explore the private hiking trails, mountain views and creeks this special place has to offer.

Cozy Custom A-Frame • Hot Tub • Near Catawba Falls

Ready to run away from it all for a weekend retreat of peace and quiet? Little Mountain A-Frame is about to become your new favorite cabin. Set amongst seven acres of woods, there's privacy and seclusion without losing the benefit of being only 15 minutes from town, where you'll find breweries, a winery, restaurants, shops, and the famous Catawba Falls hike! Visit our viral (110,000+ followers!) ig 'littlemountainaframe' for more! **FOR CALENDAR INFO: Please see the FAQ at the bottom**

April's Treetop Dome • Blue Ridge Views, Waterfall

Stuck in the city hustle? Breathe deeper in mountain air at the edge of Pisgah National Forest. New private outhouse (2025). Hike 3 scenic waterfall trails nearby, or sip hot coffee from your king bed with a view of the Black Mountains. Center yourselves on our custom elevated deck overlooking Pisgah National Forest. Secluded, but only 5 mins from Walmart for supplies. PLEASE NOTE (1) This is a fully off-grid experience (2) Winter campers, bundle up for cold nights. Read all info below!

Private| Hot Tub | Mountain Views | Near Lake & DT

A View to Remember is situated in a secluded spot that offers plenty of privacy and tranquility. You'll feel like you're miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city, even though you're just a short drive to downtown Marion and Lake James. With comfortable furnishings and plenty of space to relax, our rental is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. Enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony or watch the sunset over the horizon - either way, you're in for a treat.

The Mothership

Welcome to the Mothership, an octagonal post and beam cottage built for those with a love of the outdoors. Located on our small farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we are a perfect launching point for adventure. Lake James and the Linville Gorge are only 20 minutes away, Asheville 45 minutes, and Charlotte only an hour. Explore countless waterfalls, miles of trails, or kayak our beautiful rivers during the day, and relax in the hot tub and shoot pool in the evening.

"mini": romantic tiny home/modern cabin + fire pit

"mini" is one of two private tiny houses on a 1.34 acre lot in a modest, quiet neighborhood 2 miles from marion's cute main st. tons of gorgeous scenery, hikes, bike trails, lakes, rivers, state parks, wineries, good eats, and other activities within easy reach to keep you hopping or just hang out & relax! mini is the perfect base camp to explore the many riches of the area and the bonus is that asheville is just a beautiful 40 min drive! mini knows love is love & welcomes all!

Luxurious Secluded Romantic Treehouse with Hot Tub

***2020 #1 Airbnb Most Wish-listed property in North Carolina*** Escape to one of North Carolina’s most unforgettable stays—your own private treehouse retreat tucked deep in the woods, designed for relaxation, romance & connection, and total peace. Walk across a swinging bridge into your secluded oasis, surrounded by towering hardwoods and mountain laurel. From morning coffee in the trees to evenings in the hot tub under the stars, every moment here feels like an experience.

Spring Escape with Animals, Gardens & Sunset Views

Ever have a moment where you just stop and breathe it all in? That’s what this hillside farm is for...especially in the spring. The hills turn green again, flowers bloom, and the whole farm feels alive. Wake up to misty mornings and birdsong with coffee in hand, spend your days wandering meeting the animals, and end it all with golden sunsets from the summer kitchen and a glass of wine by the fire. With space to just be... this is the reset you didn’t know you needed.

Elevated Escape|Treehouse+Hot Tub+Hiking/Goats

⭐️ Brand New Treehouse suspended 16 ft high ⭐️Swinging Bridge ⭐️ Breathtaking Mountain View ⭐️Onsite half mile hike to Waterfall ⭐️Hot Tub on deck with View ⭐️Close to Asheville and Black Mountain ⭐️Hiking/Creek access on site ⭐️ 90 acres backed up to Pisgah Nat’l Forest ⭐️Small petting farm with goats, donkey on site ⭐️Marion recently voted #1 area to purchase vacation property by Travel & Leisure ⭐️ Black-out Shades on all windows and doors

Creekfront Cabin, Linville Gorge, Lake James

Upper Creek Cabin is a private creekfront retreat tucked deep in the woods, bordering Pisgah National Forest at the base of Linville Gorge and just minutes to scenic Lake James. Fall asleep to the sound of rushing water, wake to filtered mountain light, explore the forest and soak up the stars. Secluded, romantic, and surrounded by nature. Dog-friendly with no pet fee — because every great escape is better shared. 🐾🌲

Celo River Cabin with dreamy views

This is a simple and rustic, yet comfortable, historic cabin on the South Toe River, near the fine natural wonders & recreational activities of the Mt. Mitchell area. The cabin offers an easy connection with nature, and the history of Appalachian culture and way of living. Situated 75' over the river, you’ll be enveloped in spectacular surroundings.