12 stunning off-the-grid vacations in the US

With technology seemingly present in every aspect of life, it can feel almost impossible to truly unplug and relax. But there are still some sacred spots where you can escape the world and all its stresses – you just need to know where to look.

These are our favorite cabins and lodges scattered across the USA that allow you to unclench, reconnect with the natural world and recharge yourself, rather than your devices.

Before we dive into our list of off-the-grid vacations in the United States, let’s clarify what qualifies as off-the-grid. The term, off the grid, traditionally refers to not being connected to an electrical grid, but can also include utilities like water, gas and sewer systems, to name a few. They offer endless opportunities to rest, reconnect and recharge in nature, without the internet, cellphone service and social media. 

1. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, Alaska

Best for campers and hikers

Reaching this coastal lodge on Fox Island in Alaska requires a 12-mile boat ride from Seward. The eight-guest cabin property and its main lodge are located on an island just outside Kenai Fjords National Park and are situated in the woods between a pristine pebble beach and a quiet lagoon.

Relying on renewable energy as a power source (but backed up by propane generators), the cabins go without electrical outlets, TVs, radios or phones (don’t worry: emergency communication access is available in case of a serious issue). Guests can also hike, kayak and learn more about the area’s marine life from on-staff naturalists. The lodge is open from June to September. 

2. Osprey Cabin, Lake Metigoshe State Park, North Dakota

Best for adventurers used to roughing it

This backcountry cabin within a state park in northern North Dakota is accessible by one of two ways: a two-mile hike or a 1.5-mile canoe ride and short portage. Once you get there, you can expect throwback rural simplicity, making it one of the best off-the-grid vacations that’s open year-round. The property sleeps up to four with bunk-style beds. It includes a wood-burning stove, supplied wood to fuel it and a lantern with propane cylinders.

Now, here comes the hard part: along with no electricity or cell service, a vault toilet is available onsite, but drinkable water has to be packed in. Breathe in that clean country air on more than eight miles of trails open to hikers and mountain bikers and go swimming or boating within small lakes.

3. Glamping Getaway Goblin Valley Yurts, Utah

Best for night sky views

Within southern Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park, you'll find two heated and cooled yurts that blend in with the park’s rock formations and look like they arrived from outer space. Available to reserve year-round, the tan-colored yurts contain just a porch, living area and a single bed bunked on a double bed and a futon.

You'll need to pack a flashlight and candles, as the yurts lack electricity. Yet this certified Dark Sky park will keep you busy. Wander among its Valley of Goblins or go canyoneering down into Goblin’s Lair.

4. Taos Goji Eco-Lodge, New Mexico

Best for aspiring writers

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, miles outside of Taos, New Mexico, this eco-lodge will inspire you with its forest views and peaceful surroundings. These turn-of-the-century-built cabins hosted writers DH Lawrence and Aldous Huxley; the latter built an outhouse at the property that’s still intact.

Heat comes from wood-fired stoves; wi-fi can be spotty and cellular service can be little to none. Nonetheless, the property also introduces a bit of farm living by growing organic goji berries, fruits and vegetables, and raising free-range chickens, goats and alpacas.

5. Timberlock, New York

Best for summer camp nostalgia

This camp-style retreat in New York State’s Adirondacks region provides a nostalgic experience for those who fondly remember spending their summers away from home and time in the woods with new friends.

The family-owned retreat features rustic cabins ranging in size from small to extra large, all with views of Indian Lake’s shoreline. Note that none of the cabins have electricity: propane both provides light and warms up the water heaters, and a wood stove helps out with chilly nights. The cabins are open for a few weeks in the summer and a few weeks in the fall. 

Complaints about no wi-fi or TV are few to none, as visitors keep busy kayaking, canoeing and enjoying other waterside activities along with biking or playing tennis.

6. Pioneer Cabins, Kumbrabow State Forest, West Virginia

Best for pet-friendly lodging

Situated on top of Rich Mountain, along the edge of the Allegheny Highlands, this West Virginia state park provides the opportunity to stay in one of six West Virginian pioneer cabins. These rustic gems will transport guests far back from our digital age – as in no electricity and running water – yet all feature modern-day comforts and are pet-friendly, with gas lights and gas refrigerators, a kitchen, linens, a wood fireplace and a grill. There’s also a central bathhouse and outdoor toilets. The cabins are available from April through the first week of December.

7. Appalachian Mountain Club Maine Wilderness Lodges, Maine

Best for relaxation and creature comforts

This property in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness is a collection of lodges along with a trail system that truly provides an off-the-beaten-path feeling. Originally a private camp in the mid-19th century, the pond-side Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins have four deluxe cabins with private bathrooms and eight shoreline cabins with woodstoves and gas lamps, plus a bunkhouse.

The Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins’ nine private cabins offer a combo of doubles and bunk beds plus a porch, a wood stove and gas lamps; for an additional fee, dogs can camp out here, too. Medawisla Lodge & Cabins (“medawisla” means “loon” in Abenaki) has five private hilltop cabins and four waterfront cabins with electric LED lighting and a wood stove. Each of these accommodations is open from January to March and June through October. 

8. Len Foote Hike Inn, Georgia

Best for hiking the Appalachian Trail

You reach this backcountry inn in Georgia via a hike to Amicalola Falls State Park. Before you go, know that cellphones, radios and most other electronic devices aren’t allowed. (The park’s visitor center can be used for emergency communication.) Its four main buildings hold 20 bedrooms with fans or heaters, bunkbeds, furnished linens and ample lighting.

Within the dining hall, guests are served family-style breakfasts and dinners. After hiking, go for a soak in the bathhouse or hang out and chat with others in the Sunrise Room. The inn is also a gateway to the Appalachian Trail and the moderate 9.8-mile loop Len Foote Hike Inn Trail.

9. Moloka’i, Hawaii

Best for a remote tropical getaway

Our list of off-the-grid vacations in the United States would be incomplete without the Aloha State, Hawaii. This state has several islands and opportunities to unplug from the outside world, but Moloka‘i truly stands out in this way. The pace of this island is much slower; there are no traffic lights, and nightlife is virtually nonexistent. However, there are many opportunities to explore and relax in nature, including hiking to see waterfalls, beaches, coves, rainforests, or mountain biking. 

Stay at the Pu‘u O Hōkū Ranch, a family-owned organic ranch, farm and rustic retreat center on the remote east end of Moloka‘i. The lodge is ideal for larger groups, while the smaller cottages are perfect for families or couples. 

10. Camp Orenda, Johnsburg, NY

Best for backcountry camping

Find tranquility in the Adirondacks at Camp Orenda and enjoy an authentic backcountry camping experience. Located in the beautiful Adirondack State Park in New York, Camp Orenda offers several canvas cabin options. All cabins are furnished and include bedding, towels, lighting, fans, outlets and wood-burning inspired electric heating stove. Camp Orenda has limited cell phone service and wi-fi is available, but it is very slow. 

Staying inside a state park means there are plenty of activities to enjoy with friends, partners or family. In this area, you can go hiking, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting and mountain biking.

11. Red Mountain Alpine Lodge, Ouray, Colorado 

Best for a large group

The Red Mountain Alpine Lodge is a remote, off-grid getaway located in Colorado. You’ll have a front-row seat to the pristine backcountry of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado’s most diverse mountain range. At this lodge, you’ll have complete access to Red Mountain Pass, known for its lofty elevation and unmistakable red-orange color. In this area, you can go hiking, skiing, snowboarding and private backcountry skiing, or you can simply relax at the lodge and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. 

The timber-frame backcountry lodge can accommodate up to 18 people. It has several showers and sinks, a large living room and dining area, a licensed tavern on site, radiant in-floor heat and wi-fi. While there is reliable wi-fi at the lodge, there is no cellular service coverage, making this one of the best off-grid vacations if you’re looking to unplug with a big group in a cozy, rustic setting. 

12. Ventana Campground, Big Sur, California 

Best for camping – or glamping – among the redwoods

While the Golden State has beautiful beaches, national parks like Yellowstone National Park and excellent nightlife, parts of it are very remote. Ventana Campground, located in Big Sur, is a 40-acre redwood canyon and a tent-only campground, meaning no RVs, motor homes, travel trailers or camper vans are allowed. Each campsite includes a fire ring, water faucets, a picnic table and two modern bath houses. No generators or additional hookups are allowed at Ventana. 

You’ll have easy access to the Big Sur community while relaxing and spending time in nature. Hike among the redwoods, visit a state park, and spot a California condor.  

For those who don’t want to rough it, Ventana also has a glamping experience with more premium and luxurious facilities and amenities.