Cozy Waterfront Cabins to Rent in NC This Fall

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Spend your autumn casting a reel while the leaves change at one of these wonderful waterfront cabins available to rent in North Carolina.

Fall is a beautiful time in North Carolina, and with more than 1,800 lakes measuring 10 acres or more, there are countless cabins lining waterfronts across the state to choose from if you’re looking to rent a space and watch the boats go by or cast a reel while the leaves change. 

Most years, we might focus a list like this on the western part of the state, where leaf-peeping alone is a major tourist draw. However, when Hurricane Helene passed through in late September, it ravaged western North Carolina, leaving a trail of destruction across the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

At the time of this writing, a travel advisory was still in effect, warning travelers to stay away from the area as recovery efforts continued. 

“State and local officials strongly advise motorists avoid travel in Western North Carolina due to the risks associated with landslides, slope failures, road closures and downed trees,” reads the advisory

With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list of cabins we found for rent at some of the larger lakes in the Piedmont area and eastern North Carolina. 

Waterfront cabins in Piedmont

Lake Norman

Warm Days and Cool Knights, Mooresville

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

The largest lake in North Carolina, Lake Norman is known as a watersport paradise due to its sheer size and depth, which provide perfect conditions for any boater. Whether you are tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, or surfing, this lake is perfect, and with all the coves and inlets, there’s a way to escape choppy waters to find your private oasis.

Including a private dock with expansive lake views, this cabin cultivates a cozy vibe mixed with artsy charm that makes for a great stay on the water. Cook dinner in the fully equipped kitchen, pour a cocktail on the screened-in porch, or relax in one of the hammocks or chairs around the fire pit. 

Average price per night: $233

Lake Wylie

Winter Lake Getaway Villa, Clover, SC

2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

Located on the state border between Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Lake Wylie, North Carolina, Lake Wylie covers more than 12,100 acres and has 227 miles of shoreline to enjoy. Attractions include a Bagel Boat, Papa Doc’s Shore Club on the water, Lily’s Bistro, or zo.ra Food & Wine, while fish include largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. 

Pay no mind to this rental’s name; it’s as beautiful in the autumn as it is in the winter. This picturesque getaway features breathtaking balcony views, a deck boat to enjoy on the open water for an extra charge, and a private beach for fishing with fishing gear to use if you don’t have any.

Average price per night: $331

Lake James

Lake James Cottage, Nebo

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom

Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Morganton and Marion, fed by three rivers, Lake James is the up-and-coming lake destination in North Carolina for good reason. The humongous lake is split into two areas: the Catawba River area and the Paddy Creek area. 

This vacation rental is a quarter-mile to the nearest swimming entrance and right next to the Lake James Marina, offering an uncovered boat slip for maximizing your time on the water. When you’re not on the lake, kick back and relax with a barbecue and cold drinks on the spacious deck or cozy up by the smokeless fire pit. 

Average price per night: $234

Waterfront cabins in Eastern North Carolina

Badin Lake

Badin Lake Retreat, New London

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Located in the middle of the Uwharrie National Forest, the Badin Lake Recreational Area is a focal point for campers, hikers, anglers, hunters, boaters, swimmers, and picnickers. The lake is also home to plenty of game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, spotted bass, white bass, and striped bass. 

Nestled into a beautiful Uwharrie cove, this retreat features an expansive deck that spans the back of the house and leads to a dock on the water. Inside is nothing to be sneezed at, either. There is a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a cozy living room with large windows and sliding glass doors that allow natural light to fill the space, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. 

Average cost per night: $262

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Gathering Place, Wilmington

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

One of the smaller lakes on this list, the location of Greenfield Estates makes up for it thanks to its proximity to downtown Wilmington and the Cape Fear River. The area features lush gardens and mossy cypress trees lining the shoreline, with amenities that include a 5-mile walking trail, picnic area, playground, tennis courts, and skate park. There is also an amphitheater on site that hosts live performances by the lake. 

A great place for families and get-togethers, the furnished deck and backyard open up right into Greenfield Lake Park. Here, you can rent a reasonably priced kayak or paddle boat to cruise past the cypress trees in the lake, take the kids to the swing set and playground, enjoy a picnic, or hit the trail. 

Average cost per night: $113 

Lake Gaston

Rustic Gaston Lakefront Cabin, Littleton

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Located on the North Carolina/Virginia border between interstates 85 and 95, Lake Gaston is considered one of the most accessible lakes in the state. More than 350 miles of shoreline surround 20,300 acres of exceptionally clean water that creates a mirror, doubling some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the state.

This cabin also doubles up on the waterfront angle, as it’s located on a large creek but still has expansive views of the lake. The newly remodeled cabin provides the perfect escape, with Hubquarter Creek creating a buffer between yourself and nearby properties. The flat, open lot only adds to the great views. Cooks will love this place, as the new outdoor cooking area includes an outdoor sink, Weber grill, Blackstone griddle, burners, deep-fry basket, large seafood boil pot, and pizza stones. 

Average cost per night: $325


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Author

  • Ryan Pitkin is a writer and editor based in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he runs an alternative weekly newspaper called Queen City Nerve. He is also editor of NoDa News, a community newsletter in the neighborhood where he has lived for 15 years.

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