The best tiny-home resorts in the USA

If you are enchanted with the thought of tiny living and you’d like to give it a whirl without any long-term commitment, consider spending a few nights at a tiny-home resort. With all the hype around tiny living, it’s no surprise that there’s a growing number of these lovable resorts across the nation from Colorado to New York to Wisconsin.

The interior of a narrow wooden cabin, with a kitchen sink, dining table, seating area and wooden ladder leading up to a loft bunk space. — Cabin interior at Think Big! © Courtesy of Think Big! A Tiny House Resort

Think Big! A Tiny House Resort – South Cairo, New York

A few hours north of New York City in the Catskills, you’ll find Think Big! A Tiny House Resort tucked away among the mountains and waterfalls. It’s 11 fantastically outfitted tiny homes with everything you need to relax and recharge. We’re talking fire pits, an arts and crafts studio, cedar soaking tub and a pool. Even farm animals, including ducks, goats and bunnies, roam these parts.

When you arrive, you’ll likely meet mother-and-daughter duo, Margie and Melissa, who will show you around. All the creature comforts are here including heat, air-conditioning, a kitchen, shower, flushable toilet and dedicated wi-fi.

Keep yourself busy by cooking up dinner on your Weber grill or ordering from local restaurants, play a lawn game, watch a family movie on the outdoor screen and roast marshmallows over your fire pit. When you’re ready to venture out, it’s a short walk to the on-site waterfall. Or try creek tubing, goat yoga or a stroll along the Hudson River Skywalk. In the wintertime, ski at nearby Hunter or Windham and hike the trails at North-South Lake. Woodstock and Hudson are a short drive away and worth a visit.

The exterior of a wooden cabin with round windows and round doorway, leading to wooden steps — The Gnome Home is one of 22 places to rent at WeeCasa Tiny House Resort, Lyons © Sarah Sekula / Lonely Planet

WeeCasa Tiny House Resort – Lyons, Colorado

WeeCasa Tiny House Resort, a cluster of 22 tiny homes for rent in a small town in Colorado, is a place that’s easy to fall in love with. Some homes are sleek and European, others are more whimsical. The wee abodes range in size from 140 to 200 sq ft. The Gnome Home, which looks like a dwelling fit for a hobbit, is a popular choice.

This area is an adventurer’s paradise thanks to the epic mountain-biking trails and the St. Vrain River, a mecca for whitewater kayaking. Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can spend days on end and not cover it all, is a quick drive away. You’ll also be within walking distance of downtown Lyons for restaurants and shopping. What’s not to love?

A large two-storey wooden cabin on wheels in a woodland setting — Enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Canoe Bay Escape Village © ESCAPE RV / Steve Niedorf

Canoe Bay Escape Village – Chetek, Wisconsin

Canoe Bay Escape Village, a cluster of six tiny homes for rent in Chetek, Wisconsin, is located in a dream-like setting. About two hours away from Minneapolis, this area sure has a lot going for it. Not only does it have a heavy dose of natural beauty (think: rolling hills straight out of a fairy-tale and lakes galore), but there’s also easy access to adventure. Put hiking, fishing and kayaking at the top of your list in the summertime, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Each tiny home has a modern design with a heavy Frank Lloyd Wright influence, and ranges in size from 183 to 400 sq ft. And each has a high ceiling, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, fancy kitchen with full-size appliances, bathroom and comfy bed.

Escape Village guests have access to canoes, kayaks, an impressive library and DVD collection, the fitness center, extra hiking trails and snowshoes for an additional fee. Relax on your covered porch, take a hike or stroll through the organic garden filled with acres of flowers, raised vegetable beds and fruit trees. Much of the produce goes straight to the Canoe Bay lakefront dining room and is incorporated into gourmet meals there.

At the end of your stay, if you’ve fallen in love with tiny living, there is the option to buy. The tiny homes start at $88,350.

A stylish wooden cabin lit up at dusk. A large white tent is in the background. The mountains rise above the site in the distance. — Fireside Resort is the perfect base for Grand Teton NP © Krafty Photography / Fireside Resort

Fireside Resort – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If you’re in the mood for a mountain getaway, consider Fireside Resort where you choose from 23 Wheelhaus tiny-house cabins for rent. One thing’s for certain: you can’t beat the location. It’s minutes away from downtown and Grand Teton National Park. Spend your days hiking through the Tetons and strolling past Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders. Each swanky cabin is sustainably built and LEED-certified. You even have your own private campfire and can rent a 4WD on-site.

A smart interior of a tiny house, with a fully equipped kitchen and doors that open up on to a decked area. — Enjoy waterfront views at Sunshine Key © Leah Henrikson / Sunshine Key Tiny House Village

Tiny House Village at Sunshine Key – Ohio Key, Florida

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village is on a 75-acre island near Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. Here, you’ll find five tiny homes – Kai, Pearl, Lucy, Isla and Hemingway – that are all less than 350 sq ft. The brightly colored houses have decks and waterfront views, so you can spend plenty of time outdoors. Inside, you’ll have a shower, AC/heat, refrigerator, TV and kitchen essentials. When you are ready to explore, there’s plenty to see. Bahia Honda State Park is nearby and Key West is 30 miles away.