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Wilderness Vacations - Our Top 20 Spots for "Roughing It" in Romantic Luxury

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Author: Greg Mattson, Excellent Romantic Vacations Editor

By: Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Mar 23, 2025  

Need a romantic trip with some wide-open spaces? So do we! Here’s our favorite lineup of romantic wilderness getaways for couples who want seclusion and a little luxury. Think remote lodges, cozy cabins, and breathtaking views—perfect for “roughing it” without really roughing it! These spots—hotels, resorts, ranches, and B&Bs—are tucked away from the hustle and bustle, but you won’t need a 4x4 or a compass to get there. And don’t worry, even out in the wild, you’ll find amenities that rival your favorite city hotel. 

(Please Note: Prices are ballpark figures and can shift. Check with the properties before locking in your plans!)

Romantic & Secluded Wilderness Lodging in the U.S. 

1. Alaska

Secluded Resort in AlaskaAlyeska Resort, Alaska
  • Alyeska Resort - Luxury chateau-style resort set in a beautiful valley with both ocean and mountain views, and only 1 hr drive from Anchorage. There's skiing, spa, heated pool, and tasty dining at Seven Glaciers, plus tons of nature trails to explore Alaska’s wild side. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Their Nordic Spa with mountain views would be an awesome spot to watch the Northern Lights. ERV Rating* for Alaska Wilderness Resorts: 90% - Excellent. Rates from $149/night. (1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 907-754-2111)

2. Arizona

Arizona Romantic Guest RanchSaguaro Lake Guest Ranch in Arizona
  • Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - Just 30 minutes east of Mesa, this ranch has 20 rustic cabins nestled by Bulldog Cliffs, with kayaking, horseback rides, and cowboy cookouts under desert sunsets—try the Salt River Tubing for a real treat! What Makes This Resort Romantic: Private cabin porches are perfect for cuddling up under the Arizona desert skies, which are dark and spectacular. ERV Rating* for Secluded Arizona Resorts: 95% - Excellent. Rates from $199/night. (13020 N. Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 480-984-2194)

3. California

California Wilderness Resort, YosemiteSunset at the Pool, Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
  • Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite - 3 hours from San Francisco and on the doorstep to Yosemite National Park, with rooms, suites and hillside villas outfitted with gas fireplaces and private decks. Activities include swimming, guided hikes, biking, fishing, s'mores around the fireplace and much more. What Makes This Resort Romantic: The on-site spa's Cool Mist Room and Warm Waterfall Coves are a must-do for your Yosemite stress-busting getaway. ERV Rating* for California Wilderness Lodges: 86% - Very Good. Rates from $229/night. (34001 Hwy 120, Groveland CA 209-379-2373)

Romantic Wilderness Getaway at Rush Creek Lodge 

4. Colorado

Gateway Canyons Luxury Colorado Resort
Luxury Suite at the Gateway Canyons Resort
  • Gateway Canyons Resort - In a state full of wilderness vacations and mountain resorts, our choice for a secluded getaway is this newly-updated luxury resort in Western Colorado's secluded Unaweep Canyon. There's accommodation in Lodge rooms or their new all-inclusive Casitas, and activities range from hiking, mountain biking and UTV riding to Colorado wine country tours. Amenities include 3 pools, hot tub, spa and Tesla charge stations. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Try to book their Kiva Signature King with it's romantic private outdoor patio with hot tub. ERV Rating* for Wilderness Vacations in Colorado: 92% - Excellent. Rates from $219 /night. (43200 Colorado 141, Gateway CO 970-931-2458)

Video: Gateway Canyons Romantic Wilderness Resort in Colorado

  • Hotels.com Nature Destinations - Save on your next trip to the great outdoors across the country. Free cancellations on most hotels when you book now and stay later.

5. GEORGIA

Georgia Wilderness ResortBrasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Destination Wedding North GeorgiaNewlyweds in North Georgia Mountains
  • Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa - Travelers from Atlanta seeking solitude usually head up to North Georgia, and that's exactly where you'll find this romantic Blue Ridge Mountains retreat. There's both lodge and cottage suites, and activities include swimming, hiking, golf, horseback riding, guided lake tours, rafting and much more. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Daytrip options galore - waterfalls, hiking, wine tasting, river tubing, shopping. ERV Rating* for Georgia Wilderness Resorts: 82% - Very Good. Rates from $209/night. (6321 Hwy 76, Young Harris GA 800-201-3205) 

5 Budget-Friendly Wilderness getaways

Who doesn't want a secluded vacation for 2 without the big bill? Check out these affordable romantic getaways in nature —all under $200/night and new to our list!

  • Best Western Pier Point Inn - Fireplace suites make for snuggly nights by the coastal wilderness in this Florence, OR inn. River views, gardens, koi pond and dune trails just outside add to this romantic and affordable Oregon retreat near the sea. ERV Rating* for Oregon Budget Coastal Hotels: 88% - Very Good. Rates from $169/night. (85625 Hwy 101, Florence, OR 541-997-7191)
  • Blackberry Farm - Gourmet meals and a wine cellar with over 150,000 bottles means you'll be roughing it in luxury at this rustic Great Smoky Mountains retreat. Choice of cottages and suites, plus hiking trails and rolling hills—pure wilderness romance on a budget! ERV Rating* for Tennessee Budget Wilderness Retreats: 88% - Very Good. Rates from $179/night. (1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 865-984-8166)
  • Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort - A secluded romantic lodge near a national park is a real find, and a few nights in one of these vacation homes or cabins under the starry sky could be the perfect Utah wilderness getaway. ERV Rating* for Utah Budget Wilderness Resorts: 90% - Excellent. Rates from $179/night. (Twin Knolls Rd, Orderville, UT 435-648-2700)
  • Yosemite View Lodge - Serenity now in this one-of-a-kind hotel minutes from Yosemite’s gates in El Portal. Riverfront rooms, hot tubs, and park adventures—budget-friendly wilderness at its best! ERV Rating* for California Budget Wilderness Lodges: 89% - Very Good. Rates from $189/night. (11136 Hwy 140, El Portal, CA 209-379-2681)
  • The Inn at Lost Creek, Telluride, CO - This cozy Inn tucked in the San Juan Mountains has fireplace suites perfect for après-ski snuggles. ERV Rating* for Colorado Budget Wilderness Inns: 88% - Very Good. Rates from $179/night. (119 Lost Creek Lane, Telluride, CO 970-728-5678)

6. Idaho

Wilderness Lodge in IdahoTalus Rock Retreat, A Luxury Lodge in Sandpoint, IDaho
  • Talus Rock Retreat - Although it's only 1 mile from downtown Sandpoint ID, seclusion is easy to find at this luxury Idaho wilderness lodge. Just out the back door, there's a 30-acre woodland ideal for hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking. For accommodation, the themed Grand Arbor looks like an instant honeymoon favorite, with a jetted Whirlpool tub for 2. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Only 6 suites gives this a exclusive feel and ensures a relaxing stay. ERV Rating* for Idaho Secluded Lodges: 94% - Excellent. Rates from $119/night. (291 Syringa Heights Rd, Sandpoint ID 208-255-8458) 

7. ILLINOIS

Goldmoor Inn, IllinoisRelaxing and Peaceful Goldmoor Inn, a Luxury B&B in Western Illinois
  • Goldmoor Inn - Occupying a lovely secluded spot along the banks of the Mississippi River on the Illinois/Iowa border. We loved our stay at this luxury B&B, which has both suites and luxury cottages and cabins, some with in-room Whirlpool tubs. What Makes This Resort Romantic: We have very fond memories of relaxing in Adirondack chairs here while soaking up the view of the Mississippi. ERV Rating* for Romantic Illinois Country Inns: 94% - Excellent. Rates from $295/night. (9001 Sandhill Rd, Galena, IL  800-255-3925)

8. MAINE

Maine Luxury Wilderness ResortSecluded Maine Waterfront Inn - Inn by the Sea
  • Inn By The Sea - Wilderness, luxury, oceanfront. That's the Inn by the Sea. And convenient, as it's located just 15 minutes from Portland ME. The Beach Suites are especially romantic, with patios, gas fireplace, soaking tubs and ocean views. Outside you'll find an unspoilt beach, pool, kite flying, complimentary bikes for lighthouse exploring, and evening s'mores by the fire pit. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Their outdoor fire tables come with a seat warming system and cozy blankets. ERV Rating* for Maine Oceanfront Luxury Resorts: 90% - Excellent. Rates from $249/night. (40 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth ME 207-799-3134)

9. Michigan

Western Michigan Lakefront ResortSunset, Bay Pointe Inn in Western Michigan
Michigan Wilderness Lodge SuiteWhirlpool Suite - Bay Pointe Inn, Michigan
  • Bay Pointe Inn - get set for a great vacation in Western Michigan's romantic outdoors! This luxury lodge is ready for you with an indoor pool & hot tub, pontoon boat and kayak rentals, an on-site award winning farm to table restaurant, and cottages and lakefront suites, all in a great waterfront location on the shores of Lake Gun in Western Michigan. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Fireplace + Whirlpool tub + Lake View = a Michigan wilderness getaway to remember! ERV Rating* for Luxury Michigan Wilderness Lodges: 84% - Very Good. Rates from $149/night. (11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville MI  269-672-8111) 

10. Minnesota

Wilderness Resort in MinnesotaLakefront at the Grand View Lodge, MN
Grand View Lodge, MinnesotaRomantic Room at the Grand View Lodge, MN
  • Grand View Lodge - historic lodge on Gull Lake in Central Minnesota, with dining, golf, an on-site spa, and a whole range of activities to choose from. The resort occupies several hundred acres, with over 2500 ft of beachfront area to explore and relax on. What Makes This Resort Romantic: The North Hotel's rooms offer premium bedding, walk-in showers, and are within walking distance to the Glacial Waters Spa. ERV Rating* for Minnesota Wilderness Vacations: 86% - Very Good. Rates from $189/night. (23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa MN 866-801-2951) 

Top 5 Most Romantic Wilderness Experiences

From the extra spark department, our pick of unforgettable moments from the wilderness gems on this page:

  • Stargazing from a Treehouse - Primland, VA: Sleep among the treetops and watch the stars align.
  • Northern Lights Spa Night - Alyeska Resort, AK: Soak in the Nordic Spa as the sky dances.
  • Sunset Pontoon Cruise - Bay Pointe Inn, MI: Quietly Drift on Lake Gun with your sweetie.
  • Private Cabin Fireplace - Rush Creek Lodge, CA: Cozy up by the flames in Yosemite’s glow.
  • Sleigh Ride Adventure - Spring Creek Ranch, WY: Snuggle under blankets in the Teton snow.

11. Montana

Montana Wilderness ResortLone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky Montana
Luxury Cabin Getaway in MontanaRomantic Log Cabin in Big Sky, Montana
  • Lone Mountain Ranch - Big Sky Country is home to some terrific wilderness experiences, and the Lone Mountain Ranch can offer a generous amount of both relaxation and adventure. Whitewater rafting, painting & photography, horseback riding, dog sledding, snowshoeing and lots more. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Log cabins are luxuriously outfitted with amenities such as wood stoves, clawfoot tubs, stone fireplaces and King beds, making Lone Mountain one of the best wilderness ranches in Montana for couples. ERV Rating* for Montana Wilderness Lodges: 94% - Excellent. Rates from $369/night. (750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd, Big Sky MT 406-995-4644)

12. New York State

Secluded Resort Upstate New YorkWhiteface Lodge - NY Wilderness Resort
Whiteface Lodge Luxury RoomRoom at the Whiteface Lodge
  • Whiteface Lodge - luxurious, rustic, and romantic. Welcome to your NY State wilderness getaway at the Whiteface Lodge, just a short drive from Lake Placid but tucked away in a secluded spot surrounded by the Adriondack Mountains. Suites feature cast iron fireplaces, heated floors and private balcony, as well as amenities like robes and turndown service. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Check out their indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, campfires, bowling alley (!), movie theater and skating rink. ERV Rating* for Upstate New York Wilderness Lodges: 92% - Excellent. Rates from $429/night. (7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid NY 518-523-0505) 

13. North Carolina

North Carolina Wilderness InnGreystone Inn, Blue Ridge Mountains NC
Luxury Blue Ridge Mountain InnSuite at the Greystone Inn
  • The Greystone Inn - historic and luxurious retreat on the shore of private Lake Toxaway, deep in NC's Blue Ridge Mountains. Fill your NC getaway with lake and mountain exploring, or stick closer to home with swimming, golf and spa services. Accommodation is in one of their Swiss-styled Mansion rooms, or in a luxury cottage overlooking the lake. What Makes This Resort Romantic: How about a luxury lakeside romantic boat tour in the North Carolina mountains? Easy at the Greystone with 2 options: 1) Glide hand-in-hand across the shimmering lake on the elegant Lucy II, an escorted tour in a handcrafted mahogany masterpiece, or 2) steal away for an intimate, whisper-quiet electric cruise on the self-guided Lightning Bug, both promising moments of pure romance amidst breathtaking lakeside views. ERV Rating* for NC Blue Ridge Mountains Luxury Inns: 84% - Very Good. Rates from $279/night. (220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway NC 828-966-4700) 

14. Ohio

Ohio WildernessHocking Hills, Ohio
Ohio Wilderness ResortInn & Spa at Cedar Falls
  • The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls - ideally located in the heart of Ohio's Hocking Hills wilderness area, this inn offers a choice of lodging in luxury cabins, yurts, cottages or B&B rooms. A complimentary hot breakfast is yours each morning, there's an on-site full-service spa, and romantic dining at their Kindred Spirits restaurant. What Makes This Resort Romantic: The Inn is one of the few offering private yurt retreats for couples close to Hocking Hills, OH, with a choice of cozy, woodland yurts, or a private log cabin haven. ERV Rating* for Ohio Wilderness Resorts: 90% - Excellent. Rates from $199/night. (21190 State Rte 374, Logan OH 740-385-7489) 

15. Oregon

Oregon Oceanfront LodgeOverleaf Lodge & Spa, Yachats OR
Oceanview Jetted Tub Suite, Yachats ORWhirlpool Suite at the Overleaf Lodge
  • Overleaf Lodge & Spa - the Oregon cost is a natural draw for wilderness lovers, and the Overleaf Lodge is extra-special for it's outstanding oceanside location, with waves crashing, storm watching, wildlife and tide pools just steps from the front door. In addition to the wonderful beach combing, highlights are the Inn's fantastic ocean views, spa, wine tastings, seaside picnic baskets and more. What Makes This Resort Romantic: A secluded Oregon lodge with ocean-view jetted tubs - it doesn't get any better than that! ERV Rating* for Oregon Oceanfront Lodges: 96% - Excellent. Rates from $189/night. (280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, Yachats OR 541-547-4880) 

16. pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Wilderness ResortSecluded PA Lakefront - The Lodge at Woodloch
Lodge at Woodloch SuiteLuxury Suite, The Lodge at Woodloch
  • The Lodge at Woodloch - luxury all-inclusive lodge on 400 acres of prime wilderness in the Pocono Mountains, just 90 minutes drive from NYC. Accommodation includes suites with marble baths and verandas, and for activities, there's spa treatments, cooking classes and wine tasting as well as hiking, guided walks and kayaking in and around the resort's own private lake. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Their Aqua Garden's Hydromassage WaterWalls easily makes this lodge one of the best romantic outdoor vacations with a spa in the Northeast U.S. ERV Rating* for Secluded Pennsylvania Resorts: 96% - Excellent. Rates from $489/night. (109 River Birch Lane, Hawley PA 570-685-8500) 

17. texas

Luxury Resort in Texas Hill CountryTexas Hill Country - Lost Pines Resort
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort PoolPool at the Lost Pines Resort & Spa
  • Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa - a Texas Hill Country AAA 4-diamond resort on the Lower Colorado River, and one of the most secluded romantic resorts near Austin (just a 30 minute drive). Enjoy luxury accommodation and on-site spa, as well as 400+ acres of hiking, climbing, kayaking, fire pits and relaxation by the pool and lazy river. What Makes This Resort Romantic: The Hyatt can arrange a romantic Texas kayak tour for 2 the beautiful Rio Bonito Trail, with shuttle pick up, kayak, paddle and life vest. ERV Rating* for Texas Luxury Wilderness Resorts: 82% - Very Good. Rates from $289/night. (575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Lost Pines TX 512-308-1234) 

18. Virginia

Luxury Suite - Primland, Virginia
  • Primland - pick your style of accommodation: lodge, mountain home, cottage, cabin or...tree house! Don't let the "Busted Rock" address fool you though, this VA resort high in the Blue Ridge Mountains awaits with Wi-Fi, soaker tubs, and a 2-story wine room. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Cozy cabins and tree houses with viewws of the Dan River Gorge make this one of the most unique wilderness vacations in Virginia. ERV Rating for Virginia Wilderness Vacations: 96% - Excellent. Rates - Contact Hotel. (2000 Busted Rock Rd, Meadows of Dan, VA  866-960-7746) 

19. Washington State

Couple at Sun Mountain Lodge
  • Sun Mountain Lodge - about 230 miles NE of Seattle, WA, and fully outfitted for both warm weather and winter activities. Lodge or lakefront cabins include fireplaces, Whirlpool tubs, private decks, with onsite dining just steps away. What Makes This Resort Romantic: "Luxury at the Edge of the Wilderness" is how Sun Mountain describes themselves, and with a petting zoo, hiking and year-round hot tubs, there's something for every couple here. ERV Rating* for Washington State Nature Getaways: 84% - Very Good. Rates from $179/night. (604 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop, WA  800-572-0493) 

20. Wyoming

Wyoming Wilderness GetawayView from the Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson, WY
  • Spring Creek Ranch - located on a wildlife sanctuary with amazing views of Wyoming's Teton Mountains. Choice of Inn, Townhouse or Villa accommodation, with summer and winter activities ranging from horseback riding to white water rafting and sleigh rides and tubing. What Makes This Resort Romantic: Cuddle up by the fireplace to watch the sunset behind the Teton Range. ERV Rating* for Wyoming Ranch Getaways: 80% - Very Good. Rates from $191/night. (1600 N. East Butte Rd, Jackson WY 307-733-8833) 

*ERV Rating: our unique, non-scientific ratings for romantic accommodation include:

  • Amenities: including Whirlpool or JACUZZI® Tub, walk-in shower, fireplace, lounge, etc
  • Location: proximity of hotel to restaurants, pubs, downtown, etc
  • Clientele: demographic the hotel attracts (couples, families, business travelers, etc)
  • Popularity: based on social media & crowd-sourced reviews 
  • Value: product offered compared to room rate 
  • Please Note: percentage ratings are not absolute but for comparative use only  

Disclaimer: Pros and Cons listed on our pages are based on information gathered both from our own hotel stays and from various online sources, including user reviews from TripAdvisor, X and Google. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the information is entirely up-to-date or error-free. Please verify all details with the hotel directly.

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