From space bubbles to treehouses and covered wagons, there are some pretty unusual and unique rentals in Texas! Hotels are for the meek. Break the mold of “normal” and experience a true adventure by staying in one of the most unique and memorable vacations rentals you’ve ever seen.
Here are some of the most creative vacation rentals you’ll see, such as treehouses, covered wagons, shipping containers, tiny houses and even space bubbles! These off-the-beaten-path accommodation options all provide an opportunity to explore Texas in a totally new way – with plenty of comfort and style. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or an adventurous experience in the Lone Star State, these unique rentals can offer the perfect escape. Let’s take a closer look at each one and discover why they are so popular!
Stay In A Treehouse
Treehouses aren’t just for kids anymore! Check out this awesome treehouse vacation rental at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours in Spicewood, Texas. Cypress Valley offers adults the playfulness and joy of childhood, yet with adult comforts in their 5 treehouses. Two of their treehouses (Yoki and Lofthaven) offer romantic settings that include beautiful, private bath suites with soaking tubs.
The Nest is a swiss family retreat with a small kitchen, two bedrooms, and a separate living room space. Juniper and Willow are one-room treehouses with a shared bathroom offering an elevated camping experience. These treehouses are for those looking for adventure at a more economical price. Sleeping in a treehouse at Cypress Valley is an adventure you won’t forget. You will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the creek below or the hoot of owls.
Waking in the morning, you can enjoy your coffee listening to songbirds. These romantic getaways have become a favorite for honeymoons, anniversaries, and proposals. They are an enchanted place to stay while exploring the Texas Hill Country. You should also schedule a fun zipline tour and fly through the canopy of old-growth cypress trees. Read about our stay fun Zip & Stay in one of the treehouses.
Camp In A Covered Wagon
You can the night in Conestoga Settler’s Wagon at Barons Creekside in Fredericksburg, Texas. Barons Creekside is home to a replica of a 150 year old Conestoga Settler’s Wagon that is available for rent! This unique rental covered by beautiful large trees is 220 square feet and has 2 bunk beds and a king size bed. It is also equipped with lanterns, dishes, utensils, an ice chest, and its own private fire pit with chairs, a charcoal BBQ grill and a picnic table.
Ten steps from the Wagon is your your own private bathroom with air conditioning and heating and a shower, vanity, and commode.A short walk from the Wagon is Barons Creekside’s unique and eclectic “The Club” – a combination wine bar, bistro, and tasting room with live music. Baron’s Creekside offers lots of fun things to do onsite as well as in Fredericksburg plus they have some unique log cabins and chalets for rent.
You can also stay in a covered wagpon at Blisswood Bed & Breakfast in Cat Spring, Texas. During your stay at Blisswood B&B you can enjoy modern amenities and still get close to nature in this truly unique Texas getaway.
The Conestoga Covered Wagon you’ll stay in has air conditioning and heating, a private bathroom, a king size bed, small dining table and chairs, and a kitchen with a mini fridge, coffee maker, toaster, hot plate, electric skillet, and sink. You will have an outdoor gas grill, bistro table, and fire pit. Enjoy the outdoors overlooking Lehmann Lake at one of the most unique rentals in Texas.
Pack It In At A Shipping Container Hotel
That’s right, you can stay the night in a shipping container at Flophouze Shipping Container Hotel in Round Top, Texas. Flophouze Shipping Container Hotel has repurposed six shipping containers into some very chic, unique, and well done overnight lodging options. Each container is furnished with vintage furniture and art pieces purchased from the Round Top antique fairs.
Each container will sleep two to six guests comfortably and they have everything you need for a fun getaway. Of course you’ll have heating and air conditioning, along with Dyson air purifiers, WiFi, kitchenette with sink, microwave, mini fridge, and coffee maker. Flophouze is also home to a clear-paneled pool made from a shipping container. There is a convenient 12,000 square foot store on site. You can explore “Recycling the Past” which is a showroom packed some amazing finds, plus a farm house and beach house for rent. This is truly one of the most unique rentals in Texas!
Go Small With A Tiny House
You have to see these up-cycled tiny homes at Salvage Texas in Luling, Texas. Located on 43 acres with a stunning canyon backdrop, Salvage Texas has seven tiny houses for rent. They start at a mere 68 square feet. Each of the tiny homes are made from salvaged and re-purposed materials reclaimed from old houses and barns.
The houses are decorated in an adorable shabby-chic aesthetic.Some houses have full baths, others are minimalistic and even off the grid. There is a co-ed community bathhouse with showers, toilets, and sinks. During your stay you can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and star watching plus a farm with bunnies, pigs, and chickens. They offer programs to learn permaculture and off-grid homesteading and there is even an outdoor salvage market.
Become A Bubble Boy (or Girl)
That’s right, earthling! You can stay in a space bubble at Basecamp in magical Terlingua, Texas. This unusual stay is located on the outskirts of Terlingua Ghost Town and just 20 minutes from Big Bend National Park. The bubbles are an unforgettable way to appreciate the starlit Texas skies. Texas Highway’s Magazine describes it as “staying in a deluxe, transparent tent with the amenities of a hotel room.”
Some of the amenities include: a queen size bed, small seating area, full bathroom plus an outdoor shower, and of course air conditioning and heat, . Enjoy the Keurig coffee maker, mini-fridge, small indoor seating area, and an outdoor fire pit with lounge chairs. Some of the fun things you can see and do during a stay in Terilingua include: hiking, biking, river rafting, horseback riding, golfing, and more. Check out other fun things to do in Terlingua and Big Bend while you’re there.
Each of these rental properties will provide an unforgettable and very memorable experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Some might call the rental properties listed above as “glamping,” glorious or luxury camping, but we consider them much more unusual and unique than clamping. Check them out and have fun! For other types of vacation and weekend rental properties, check Texas Outside’s Vacation Lodging Page.
Author: Simon Trask
Simon loves Texas and the Great Outdoors. From East Texas pines to West Texas mountains, he calls North Texas home but is always ready to float a river in Hill Country or go fishing on the Gulf Coast. Simon loves camping and road trips as well, whether it's cruising Highway 287, 82, 69 or 281, that's the true way to see what Texas is all about!