Vacation rentals in McDowell County

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Top-rated vacation rentals in McDowell County

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Top guest favorite
A cozy cottage is surrounded by vibrant flower gardens featuring yellow coneflowers and pink blooms. Potted plants adorn the windows, and a small white picket fence lines the property. The lush greenery offers a tranquil setting, inviting a sense of privacy and seclusion.
Cottage in Little Switzerland
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 459 reviews

High Cottage Retreat At 3500ft

Discover the perfect blend of cozy comfort and breathtaking adventure at our cottage. Nestled high on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at a refreshing 3500ft elevation, this getaway offers unparalleled tranquility. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the private deck, gazing at a sea of stars in the crisp mountain air. While you'll feel miles away from it all, you're a short stroll from charming local restaurants and shops. Explore the world-renowned Penland School of Craft, Toe River Arts studios.

Top guest favorite
A creek flows gently past a grassy area, framed by tall trees. A rustic home is visible on a slight rise, accessible by a set of wooden steps. A bench is positioned nearby, inviting quiet reflection in nature.
Cabin in Marion
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 251 reviews

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

Top guest favorite
The interior of the cabin showcases wooden walls and a warm, rustic decor. A wood-burning stove is positioned on a stone base, along with comfortable seating arranged to invite relaxation. Large windows allow natural light to illuminate the space, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Cabin in Marion
5 out of 5 average rating, 219 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
Cabin in Old Fort
5 out of 5 average rating, 174 reviews

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**

Guest favorite
A wooden staircase leads up to the entrance of a yurt, framed by trees. The yurt is white with a wooden door featuring horizontal slats, creating a harmonious blend with the natural surroundings. Railing elements enhance safety along the path.
Dome in Marion
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

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!

Top guest favorite
The modern tiny house features a covered outdoor patio with string lights, providing a welcoming space to relax. The exterior is designed with dark paneling and green accents, while gravel pathways surround the structure, enhancing accessibility and connectivity to the surrounding nature.
Tiny home in Marion
5 out of 5 average rating, 355 reviews

"mac": romantic tiny home + outdoor tub + fire pit

mac provides all the luxuries of large living + an expansive outdoor area. the outdoor tub/shower in the screened-in patio is your own private spa/lounge w privacy curtains! hanging chairs by the fire pit offer a serene and comfy nook. mac is a perfect base camp for the many trails, lakes, rivers, mtns + cute nearby towns or just stay put! mac is situated on a 1.34 acre plot in a modest neighborhood 2 miles from marion's cute main street. mac knows love is love and he welcomes all!

Top guest favorite
An open living space features an octagonal design with a wooden ceiling and skylights. A kitchen island with a stove and seating is visible alongside a dining area. A pool table sits in one corner, while a seating area with a blue couch is adjacent.
Cottage in Nebo
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 240 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
A swinging bridge leads to a cozy home nestled among trees. Soft lighting outlines the path, surrounded by native greenery. The front door is framed by rustic finishes, inviting guests into a serene woodland environment.
Treehouse in Old Fort
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 781 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
A hot tub is situated on the expansive deck, surrounded by a wooden railing. Lush green trees are visible in the foreground, with a panoramic view of rolling mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Cabin in Spruce Pine
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews

Secluded/Hot tub/Fast Wifi/Mountain View

"Bear's-Eye View" Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, at just over 3,000 feet elevation, you will find our private 3br/2.5ba cabin, with year-round long range mountain views. There are no neighbors in sight from the cabin, yet you are only a few minutes away from a convenient grocery location (Walmart - 3.7mi). The quaint downtown of Spruce Pine is 5 miles away, and we are just 10 minutes off the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 331). High speed Internet

Guest favorite
A gravel seating area is surrounded by red Adirondack chairs, each featuring a decorative pillow. In the center, a fire pit rests on the ground, with the tranquil green landscape and a tiny home visible in the background, embraced by trees.
Home in Old Fort
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 284 reviews

Cozy 2 bedroom home with firepit!

Relax with the whole family at this peaceful 2 bedroom tiny home! Its the perfect spot for couples or small familes looking for a quiet getaway!! This is the perfect location being just minutes to the best hiking/biking trails around and 10 minutes to black mountain, 25 minutes to popular down town Asheville! We are also just 25 min to lake James! So much fun in one area! Enjoy a day tubing down catawba river, hiking catawba falls, or exploring around andrews geyser!

Top guest favorite
Two elegant glasses filled with wine are placed on a stone table, accompanied by a bottle of wine. A stunning sunset casts warm hues across the distant mountain range, creating a serene backdrop.
Farm stay in Burnsville
5 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
A hot tub is positioned on a wooden deck, overlooking a serene mountain view. Surrounding greenery enhances the natural setting, while a few Adirondack chairs provide additional seating. The space is illuminated by natural light, creating a relaxing atmosphere for guests.
Treehouse in Marion
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 263 reviews

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

Popular amenities for McDowell County vacation rentals

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