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10 Perfect Wilderness Escapes for Social-Distance-Friendly Relaxation

Mike Richard
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Flying halfway around the world isn’t feasible for most Americans right now. Not only is it not a good idea, but some countries have flat-out closed their doors to foreign travelers. Even hopping a domestic flight might seem questionable. If you’re itching for a digital detox that’s safe and closer to home, these regional wilderness escapes offer the perfect opportunity for social-distance-friendly relaxation.

And if you’re looking to hit the open road this winter, Outdoorsy offers peer-to-peer RV rentals throughout the country. Searching for an even more extreme escape from civilization? Check out the best remote destinations in the United States to get away from it all this year.

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Midwest

The Box Hop

The Box Hop Shipping Container House Airbnb in Ohio
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Less than an hour outside Columbus, Ohio, The Box Hop is a thoroughly modern take on a relaxing “cabin in the woods.” The unique design features three intermodal shipping containers, stacked to form an asymmetrical woodsy estate worthy of Architectural Digest. The surrounding 18.5 acres ensure the ultimate in privacy and social distancing. Inside, guests enjoy all the comforts of an upscale hotel, including three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a dining room with room for eight. A gas fireplace, rooftop patio, and copious floor-to-ceiling glass make this a cabin unlike any other.

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Canoe Bay Escape Village

Canoe Bay Escape Village
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Canoe Bay is a unique, luxury wilderness resort situated on 100 pristine acres in northwestern Wisconsin. The vacation getaway offers beautiful, prairie-inspired cabins amid mixed hardwood forests, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. Guests also have the option to stay in one of a handful of Escape travel trailers. All are private, secluded, and freestanding with contactless check-in. The best part? If you like your stay enough, you can even opt to buy one for yourself.

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Northwest

Tiny River House on Clackamas River

Tiny River House on Clackamas River
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For road-trippers and anyone looking to dodge a traditional hotel stay right now, sites like Airbnb and Vacasa are invaluable. For a no-frills escape just 30 minutes from Portland, the Tiny River House on Clackamas River has everything you need and nothing you don’t. The beautifully designed tiny home offers all the comforts of home in just 200 square feet. Unlike your own home, it boasts a prime secluded location that feels miles from anywhere. It’s ideal for fishing, swimming, rafting, or just watching the world go by. Plenty of windows and sliding glass doors bring abundant light in, too. The Airbnb listing has a five-star rating, and the owners are even mandating three full days between each stay to allow for adequate cleaning time.

Southwest

Under Canvas Zion

Under Canvas Zion Utah Vacation Rental
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For something altogether different from the traditional cabin-in-the-woods getaway, there’s Utah’s Under Canvas Zion. This luxury camp is hidden among 196 acres of the same dramatic red rocks of its namesake national park. The beautifully designed open-air tents offer all the essential amenities of home. A host of exciting outdoor opportunities await just feet from the camp, including biking, hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing, and kayaking. For softer adventures, there’s also hot air ballooning, horseback riding, safari tours, and helicopter rides over Utah’s stunning backcountry.

New England

Sailor’s Cabin

Sailor's Cabin Rental in East Boothbay, Maine
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For a truly rustic getaway, it’s hard to beat the wilds of New England — Maine, in particular. This traditional log cabin in coastal East Boothbay offers sweeping lake views and a perfectly secluded location. Inside, the raw plank wood design is simple but charming with all the essential amenities. Two cozy bedrooms, a bathroom, an open living/dining area, and a private waterfront patio are all you need for a relaxing weekend (or week) away.

Southeast

Atlanta Treehouse

Atlanta Treehouse Airbnb
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This secluded treehouse is often ranked among “the most wished-for Airbnbs in the world.” It’s impossibly charming, hidden, and romantic — perfect for a social-distance-friendly getaway with you and your SO. This single property is actually a suite of three beautifully furnished rooms in the treetops not far from downtown Atlanta. The long list of luxury amenities — Parachute brand Egyptian cotton bedding, a meditation room, hand-picked antique furnishings, and a private hammock deck overlooking an old-growth forest — ensure you’ll never want to leave.

West Coast

Autocamp

Airstream trailers at Autocamp
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Few experiences perfectly capture the fun, romanticism, and spirit of the all-American road trip like camping in an Airstream. AutoCamp’s two California outposts offer guests the opportunity to stay in a modern “silver bullet” travel trailer. The newest location near Yosemite National Park sits on 35 acres with a mix of traditional cabin suites, canvas glamping tents, and 80 Airstream trailers. This is no “roughing it” experience, though. Every room boasts luxury linens, well-appointed kitchenettes, posh bathrooms, and a high-end fit and finish. A 4,000-square-foot Signature Clubhouse at the center of it all offers hotel-inspired shared amenities like a lounge, hot tub, and heated swimming pool.

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The South

Getaway House

Getaway House
Getaway Hill Country Houses

Getaway House introduced many urbanites to the idea of tiny house wilderness vacations. All of the company’s outposts are within a short (usually two-hour) drive from a major city. It’s close enough to be convenient, but far enough to feel like you’re truly getting away. All of its tiny house cabins are also private, freestanding, and offer contactless check-in — must-haves during this pandemic. Guests will find them stocked with the essentials — running water, a bathroom, a kitchenette, and a queen bed with a huge picture window. For Southern vacationers, Getaway just debuted its third Texas location with outposts near Atlanta and Charlotte/Raleigh as well.

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Northeast

A Tiny House Resort

A Tiny House Resort
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Tucked along Catskill Creek in New York’s Catskill Mountains, A Tiny House Resort touts a wilderness escape that offers “social distancing by design.” Its ten individual tiny homes are unique, but all promise the comforts of home. Full kitchens, private bathrooms, and loft sleeping quarters are all standard. Plus, private patios and gas grills provide the perfect place for relaxing with dinner and a beer outdoors. With a half-mile of creek frontage and 22 acres to explore, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, nature-watching, and relaxing by the on-site waterfall.

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Alaska

Cozy Fairbanks Log Cabin

Cozy Fairbanks Log Cabin Airbnb
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Just about any trip in Alaska is going to feel secluded and social-distance-friendly. But, this charming Airbnb ticks all the boxes for a picture-perfect cabin getaway. Although it’s just five miles from downtown Fairbanks, it feels worlds away from anywhere. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream with views overlooking Creamer’s Field Waterfowl Refuge and plenty of wilderness trails and wildlife-watching opportunities steps from the porch. The best part? After dark, the crystal clear skies make for perfect Northern Lights viewing.

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Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
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Taking the high route involves more preparation, both physically and mentally. True, it's not easy, but the adventure to the top will surely be worth it once you see the amazing view. So to help you get started, we listed below some of the world’s best high-elevation hikes that will take you to new heights while also possibly allowing you to discover something you didn't know about yourself.

Inca Trail, Peru
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United Airlines first class
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Conclusion
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