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5 Tiny Home Resorts That Are Big on Fun

Try out the eco-friendly housing trend at one of these resorts across the U.S.

aerial view of several Orlando Lakefront tiny homes
Travelers can rent tiny homes in the Orlando Lakefront community in Florida. ​
photo courtesy Orlando Lakefront Tiny Home community
By

Susan B. Barnes,

 
AARP
Published September 14, 2023

Tiny homes started gaining mainstream popularity in the early 2000s, but the idea took off in Portland, Oregon, in 1997, when the city amended housing regulations to allow homeowners to build accessible dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties. 

​Those ADUs can also be called tiny homes, defined as single-unit dwellings typically less than 500 square feet, or about the size of a two-car garage, though there is not a definitive standard size. According to Today’s Homeowner, a team of home-improvement experts and professionals, there are more than 10,000 tiny homes in the U.S. 

​The tiny home movement really took hold during the 2007-’08 financial crisis as an affordable alternative to traditional housing, not to mention those looking to lessen their carbon footprints and live a simpler life. According to The Tiny Life, a website dedicated to tiny home living, approximately two out of five tiny homeowners are over the age of 50. 

​Curious about tiny homes but not ready to take the leap? We’ve got your answer: tiny home resorts. Over the past few years, a number of these resorts have popped up across the country. Here, we take a look at a handful of tiny home resorts to consider for your next getaway.

​Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, Oregon

​It only seems right to start with a tiny house resort about an hour outside of Portland, Oregon — Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, near the town of Welches. 

​The seven tiny homes in this resort are on the smaller side (up to 358 square feet) and can accommodate between three and seven guests. The secret? Lofted bedrooms and pullout couches make sure there’s room for everyone in your party. Two of the tiny homes are pet-friendly so you can bring Fido along for the fun, too. And there’s a lot to do outside your tiny door including hiking and biking trails, plus Mt. Hood National Forest is less than a 30-minute drive from the village. Rates start at $139; a two-night minimum stay is required. Additional Tiny House Villages are in Florida, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin.​

the interior showing the kitchenette of a WeeCasa Tiny House Resort
The WeeCasa resort features tiny homes with kitchenettes in Lyons, Colorado.
Photo courtesy WeeCasa Tiny House Resort

WeeCasa, Lyons, Colorado

​Don’t let the name fool you: The largest tiny homes resort in the world is WeeCasa. The resort was developed in partnership with local neighbors who were recovering from a major flood and wanted to offer high-end accommodations that show off the possibilities of living in a tiny home. Twenty-two homes dot WeeCasa’s riverside property in Lyons, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and range in size from 165 to 400 square feet (between two and six guests). Each tiny house has its own fully stocked kitchenette, luxury bedding and a French press coffee maker. Lawn games such as corn hole and boccie ball are available. Rates start at $119; a two-night minimum is required from mid-May through mid-October. Additional WeeCasa properties are in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Rapid City, South Dakota.

​Fireside Resort, Wilson, Wyoming

​All of the adventure that awaits in Jackson Hole is just minutes away from the cabins at Fireside Resort. Fireside’s 25 luxury cabins are available in two sizes that can accommodate between four and six guests. The Wedge Cabin is ideal for couples, while the Caboose Cabin has enough space to comfortably sleep families or a small group of friends. Both models of cabins feature kitchenettes, private decks, outdoor fire pits and are dog-friendly. It’s a short walk (about a two-minute drive) to Calico Bar & Restaurant for house-made lasagna and margarita wood-fired pizza. Rates start around $270 per night.

Guests can celebrate big events at A Tiny House Resort in New York.
Guests have room to celebrate big events at A Tiny House Resort in New York.
photo courtesy A Tiny House Resort

​A Tiny House Resort, South Cairo, New York

​A Tiny House Resort is located in the Catskill Mountains about two hours from New York City. Choose from 15 tiny homes for two to six guests. The resort is great for large groups traveling together (family reunion, anyone?) and can arrange for multi-house rentals, such as renting two homes for up to 10 guests or six homes for up to 30 guests. The resort is dog-friendly (and two homes welcome cats). There’s plenty to do right at the resort: pickleball and basketball, hiking and biking trails and goat yoga year-round. Rates start at $185 for two people; each additional person is $50 per night.

The exterior of an Orlando Lakefront tiny home with palm trees
The Orlando Lakefront Tiny Home community offers vacation rentals with water views.
photo courtesy Orlando Lakefront Tiny Home community

​Orlando Lakefront, Florida

​Get away from the hustle and bustle in Orlando and its theme parks with a stay at Orlando Lakefront, a tiny home resort that is reimagining the classic RV park. The 14 options range in size (between two and five guests), and welcome pets, too. And if you have your own tiny home on wheels, you can rent a lot on which to park it for the duration of your stay in Orlando. Take advantage of the resort’s lake by borrowing kayaks, paddleboards and fishing gear — all complimentary. Rates start at $65, plus a one-time $50 cleaning fee.

Susan B. Barnes is a Florida-based freelance journalist with a passion for travel and the environment.

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