
House vacation rentals in McDowell County
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Top-rated house rentals in McDowell County
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Little Cabin in the Woods
Relax with the whole family at this peaceful, unique log cabin completely updated, nestled in the woods. Secluded mountain feel, but 5 minutes from I-40. Minutes from Lake James, and a short drive to the eateries/ entertainment of Morganton or Marion. Access all the amazing activities that WNC has to offer including hiking, biking, boating, tubing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, with beautiful weather & scenery year round from this convenient location or sit on the front porch & enjoy the beauty.
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 238 reviews
Creekside Celo Farmhouse
Tucked below Mt. Celo Knob, you can expect to enjoy spectacular views of the mountains, the sweet hum of the creek and our gardens. Come for a rustic, simple stay in our clean, light filled home! Located off Highway 80 on 5 acres near the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounded by nearby hiking trails and the gorgeous Celo Knob and South Toe River. Closest towns are Burnsville (15 min) & Spruce Pine (20 min). Super close to Camp Celo, Mt Mitchell, Waterfall hikes, Penland, Arthur Morgan School.
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 217 reviews
Lake James Private Dock Quiet Cove Starlink
Our house is the last on a quiet "no outlet" street on one of the best hidden coves on Lake James. It’s only a couple hundred yards to the main channel and big Mountain View’s and sunsets. Our home is comfortable and expansive. A place to relax, fish, swim, use our 4 kayaks, or tie up your own boat or pontoon rental for your stay. Black Bear, Hidden Cove, or Canal Bridge are the closest boat launches. We now have lightening fast Star-link internet for remote workers and your entertainment!
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews
Cozy 2 bedroom home with firepit!
Relax with the whole family at this peaceful 2 bedroom tiny home! Its the perfect spot for couples or small familes looking for a quiet getaway!! This is the perfect location being just minutes to the best hiking/biking trails around and 10 minutes to black mountain, 25 minutes to popular down town Asheville! We are also just 25 min to lake James! So much fun in one area! Enjoy a day tubing down catawba river, hiking catawba falls, or exploring around andrews geyser!
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 293 reviews
Awesome Views
Ready for a quiet retreat with breathtaking views and all the comforts of home? Book your stay today and discover why Burnsville is a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge. Welcome to your mountain escape! Nestled on a private 1.5-acre lot just off Hwy 19E in beautiful Burnsville, NC, our cozy 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers stunning long-range views and peaceful seclusion – without sacrificing easy access. Just minutes to shops, dining, and outdoor adventures in Burnsville.
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 146 reviews
Quaint Mt. Mitchell Condo with Stunning Views
Take a break and unwind at this peaceful oasis. Gorgeous mountain views from the front porch and Pisgah National Forest in the back yard make this condo a cozy and quiet place to relax and watch the stars at night. Plenty of hiking trails nearby, minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and more just outside the door! During the summer the HOA hosts local musicians to perform at the pool or clubhouse once a month. The pool may close a little earlier on those evenings.
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews
Stylish Retreat with Views, Gym & Prime Location!
Wake up to Blue Ridge Mountain views from a stunning A-Frame retreat. This is a custom-built 4-bedroom is the most well-equipped vacation rental near Lake James. Spend mornings on the water or golf course, then relax by the fire pit or in the game room with a 70" TV. Enjoy a full gym, bunk room, and spacious kitchen. 14 mins to Marion Lake Club Golf Course, 5 mins to Bear Creek Marina, 10 mins to Lake James State Park. Perfect for families and group getaways.
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews
Mountain Views | Hot Tub | Family/Friend Retreat
Welcome to A View to Remember! Escape to your private mountain retreat just minutes from downtown Marion, Lake James, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Spend your days exploring Western North Carolina, then relax in the hot tub, gather around the fire pit, or unwind on the deck as the sun sets over the mountains. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, you’ll find the perfect place to reconnect and make unforgettable memories.
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 165 reviews
Artisan Gem -2BR- Walk to river, coffee + more
You'll feel at home at the Blue Walnut House, a freshly updated cottage in "The Gem of the Mountains". Relax, play some records & enjoy proximity to local attractions. • Only 1 mile to Blue Ridge Hospital • Close to everything by foot or car! • 5-min walk to a local coffee shop • 10-min walk to downtown dining and shops • 9-min drive to Blue Ridge Parkway • 14-min scenic drive to Penland School of Craft • 8-min to groceries
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews
Blue Ridge Mountain Retreat |Walk to Trails+ Views
Escape to your private Blue Ridge Mountain retreat in Burnsville. Tucked away among the trees, this peaceful cabin offers stunning mountain views, an open-concept living space, a fully equipped kitchen, and comfortable accommodations for up to 6 guests. Enjoy hiking, waterfalls, scenic drives, star-filled nights, and the tranquility of nature—all while being just a short drive from downtown Burnsville and local attractions.
4.76 out of 5 average rating, 474 reviews
Incredible Views at Continental Divide Retreat
Escape to a luxurious 2,600 sq ft mountain retreat at 3,200 ft on the Eastern Continental Divide. This private home comfortably sleeps 10 and offers breathtaking 35-mile panoramic views. Adjoining the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's the perfect blend of serene seclusion and easy access to hiking, scenic drives, and local attractions. Enjoy stunning sunsets from the expansive deck of your premier mountain escape.
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews
Seehaus at Lake James
“Seehaus” at Lake James is a European inspired new construction. Whether you are looking for a vacation or workation place, weekend getaway or long term rental, Seehaus has it all. It offers a unique Lake Life experience and is spacious enough to accommodate multiple families or provide workspaces for your remote students or home office away from home. Lake views and outdoor adventures included.
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviewsPopular amenities for McDowell County house rentals
House rentals with a pool

Pool open til Oct, mtn views, leaf view impending!
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews
Lake James Deep Water Cove, Screen Porch & Kayaks!
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 94 reviews
The Overlook at Lake James
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews
Cleanest Lake in NC | Lakefront Getaway
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 33 reviews
Lake James Waterfront with Dock, Pool, and Kayaks!
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 69 reviews
Dream Big and Take a Breath
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 32 reviews
Relaxing lake front home
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 16 reviews
Fall Getaway at Lakeview Cottage | Lake James
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 9 reviewsWeekly house rentals

Blue Ridge Mountain Air
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 299 reviews
The Retreat at Parson's Glen
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews
3Bed 2Bath Private Getaway in Blk Mtn
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 286 reviews
"Rooms with a View", A Rustic-Modern Mnt. Retreat
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 64 reviews
Mountain vistas & river access on 90 acres
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviews
Flora Cabin
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 91 reviews
22-Acre Riverfront Estate: Beach, Hot Tub, Pets
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 27 reviews
Cozy Cottage Retreat, Fire Pit, Near Waterfalls
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 59 reviewsPrivate house rentals

Catawba falls, biking, and brews! Old Fort Getaway
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 29 reviews
Luxe Modern Group Rental w/Hot Tub, Sauna, & Views
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 7 reviews
Little House on Maple St.
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 28 reviews
New Listing | Waterfall w/King Suite~Pets Welcome
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews
Lakefront Escape | Dock Access and Mountain Views!
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 58 reviews
Golf Course Retreat | Family-Friendly | Lake James
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 28 reviews
Cozy mountain home with amazing views near hiking
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 74 reviews
Lakefront, private cove w/ creek
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 38 reviewsDestinations to explore
- Private suite rentals McDowell County
- Rentals with pools McDowell County
- Rentals with a kayak McDowell County
- Tiny house rentals McDowell County
- Rentals with a hot tub McDowell County
- Rentals with lake access McDowell County
- Apartment rentals McDowell County
- Pet-friendly rentals McDowell County
- Family-friendly rentals McDowell County
- Cabin rentals McDowell County
- Cottage rentals McDowell County
- House rentals North Carolina
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- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Pisgah National Forest
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
- River Arts District
- Land of Oz
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Max Patch
- Wolf Laurel Country Club
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Lake James State Park
- Grandfather Mountain
- Appalachian Ski Mtn
- Appalachian State University
- Banner Elk Winery
- Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville
- Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- DuPont State Forest
- East Tennessee State University
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- South Mountain State Park
- Things to do McDowell County
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- Wildlife North Carolina
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