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

By: Greg Mattson, Founder & Editor, Excellent Romantic Vacations.com

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Updated: Oct 26, 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 Wilderness Lodges by State/Region

1. Alaska: Luxury & Adventure in the Wild

• 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*: 90% - Excellent. (1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 907-754-2111)

• Rates from $149/night. 

2. Arizona: Desert Cabins & Stargazing Retreat

• 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*: 95% - Excellent. (13020 N. Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 480-984-2194)

• Rates from $199/night.

3. California: Wilderness Resorts Near National Park

• 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*: 86% - Very Good. (34001 Hwy 120, Groveland CA 209-379-2373)

• Rates from $229/night. 

Romantic Wilderness Getaway at Rush Creek Lodge 

4. Colorado: Mountain Lodges for Romance

• 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*: 92% - Excellent. (43200 Colorado 141, Gateway CO 970-931-2458)

• Rates from $219/night.

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: Blue Ridge Mountain Retreat

• 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*: 82% - Very Good. (6321 Hwy 76, Young Harris GA 800-201-3205) 

• Rates from $209/night. 

Affordable Romantic Wilderness Getaways (Under $200/Night)

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*: 88% - Very Good. (85625 Hwy 101, Florence, OR 541-997-7191) Rates from $169/night.

• 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*: 88% - Very Good. (1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 865-984-8166) Rates from $179/night.

• 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*: 90% - Excellent. (Twin Knolls Rd, Orderville, UT 435-648-2700) Rates from $179/night.

• 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*: 89% - Very Good. (11136 Hwy 140, El Portal, CA 209-379-2681) Rates from $189/night.

• 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*: 88% - Very Good. (119 Lost Creek Lane, Telluride, CO 970-728-5678) Rates from $179/night. 

6. Idaho: Secluded Luxury in Nature

• 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*: 94% - Excellent. (291 Syringa Heights Rd, Sandpoint ID 208-255-8458) 

• Rates from $119/night.

7. Illinois: Scenic Riverfront Inn

• 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*: 94% - Excellent. (9001 Sandhill Rd, Galena, IL  800-255-3925)

• Rates from $295/night.

8. Maine: Oceanfront Wilderness Escape

• 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*: 90% - Excellent. (40 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth ME 207-799-3134)

• Rates from $249/night. 

9. Michigan: Lakeside Romance & Cozy Cabins

• 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*: 84% - Very Good.  (11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville MI  269-672-8111) 

• Rates from $149/night.

10. Minnesota: Historic Retreat on the Lake

• 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*: 86% - Very Good. (23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa MN 866-801-2951) 

• Rates from $189/night.

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: Adventure Lodge in Big Sky Country

• 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*: 94% - Excellent. (750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd, Big Sky MT 406-995-4644)

• Rates from $369/night.

12. New York State: Adirondack Mountain Hideaway

• Whiteface Lodge - 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*: 92% - Excellent. (7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid NY 518-523-0505) 

• Rates from $429/night. 

13. North Carolina: Lakeside Luxury in the Blue Ridge

• 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*: 84% - Very Good. (220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway NC 828-966-4700) 

• Rates from $279/night.

14. Ohio: Hocking Hills Cabins & Yurts

• 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*: 90% - Excellent. (21190 State Rte 374, Logan OH 740-385-7489) 

• Rates from $199/night.

15. Oregon: Seaside Wilderness 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*: 96% - Excellent. (280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, Yachats OR 541-547-4880) 

• Rates from $189/night.

16. Pennsylvania: All-Inclusive Wilderness Spa Resort

• 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*: 96% - Excellent. (109 River Birch Lane, Hawley PA 570-685-8500) 

• Rates from $489/night.

17. Texas: Hill Country Resort for Couples

• 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*: 82% - Very Good. (575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Lost Pines TX 512-308-1234) 

• Rates from $289/night.

18. Virginia: Treehouse Stays & Blue Ridge Cabins

• 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: 96% - Excellent. (2000 Busted Rock Rd, Meadows of Dan, VA  866-960-7746) 

• Rates - Contact Hotel.

19. Washington State: Wilderness Resort for Every Season

• 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*: 84% - Very Good. (604 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop, WA  800-572-0493) 

• Rates from $179/night.

20. Wyoming: Mountain View Getaway

• 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*: 80% - Very Good. (1600 N. East Butte Rd, Jackson WY 307-733-8833) 

• Rates from $191/night.

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Romantic Wilderness Getaways

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About the Author: Greg Mattson, ERV Editor

Greg Mattson, ERV Editor, brings 35+ years of travel expertise, with over a million miles across 28 countries and 40 U.S. states. A former travel agent & airline professional, he’s stayed in hundreds of hotel honeymoon suites with jetted tubs & walk-in rain showers, curating top romantic getaways for Excellent Romantic Vacations.

*ERV Rating: Our unique, non-scientific ratings for romantic accommodations are based on:

• Amenities: Whirlpool or JACUZZI® Tub, walk-in shower, fireplace, lounge, etc.
• Location: proximity to restaurants, pubs, downtown, etc.
• Clientele: the types of guests the hotel typically attracts (couples, families, business travelers).
• Popularity: based on social media presence and guest reviews.
• Value: what’s offered compared to room rate.

Please Note: percentage ratings are for comparative use only and not absolute.

√ERV Clean Score: A cleanliness rating (A = 80–100%, B = 70–79%, C = 60–69%, etc.) based on our own stays and/or recent guest reviews.

Disclaimer: We do our best to keep hotel and suite information accurate, with details verified by ERV using official hotel websites and supported by sources like TripAdvisor and Google user reviews. Each listing shows the date we last confirmed amenities, but hotel features may change. Please verify directly with the hotel before booking.

Photos: Images on our site come from our own hotel stays, official hotel sources, and TripAdvisor Professional Photos (used with permission). Because hotels may update their décor and room layouts, photos may not always show the exact suite you’ll book. For the most current images, please check directly with the hotel.

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