Netflix's 'Virgin River' Isn't Real—But These 10 Cozy Airbnbs on the Virgin River Are

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: from $111/night
• Amenities and attractions: fire pit, grill, all-you-can-eat apples, Peekaboo Slot Canyon tour

I’m pretty sure Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) would've had less qualms about Virgin River if the McCrea Lodge had looked like this cutie tiny house. True to its name, Apple Hollow sits on 14 acres of apple orchards and farmland, surrounded by dazzling mountains. It’s a 25-minute drive to Zion, and you can be at Bryce Canyon within an hour. The rustic (but modern!) property has a fire pit and grill, and while the house is cozy, it won’t feel claustrophobic, thanks to its 12-foot ceilings. But why spend your time inside? The apples are literally ripe for the picking—advertised as the tastiest you’ll ever eat—and the area is great for stargazing at night.

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: from $166/night
• Amenities and attractions: sofa bed, streaming services, porch and patio, Sand Hollow Dunes ATV Tour, stargazing tour with Stargazing Zion

I’m not a country girl (I live in New York, after all), but a cottage this cute does have me rethinking my life choices. The front porch alone is all I need, with its coffee table, lounge chairs and my personal favorite—a trellis. Perfect place for curling up with a book if you ask me. The historic home has been charmingly remodeled and is within a half hour’s drive of Zion, surrounded by the mountains. It’s also an easy drive to the Zion Canyon Hot Springs, where you’ll find more than 50 bodies of water, from cold plunges to natural mineral pools.

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: from $206/night
• Amenities and attractions: in-unit laundry, covered porch, private garden and orchard picnic

One look at Pioneer Cottage and I got a flashback to McCrea Lodge—but maybe it’s just the ranch-style layout talking. This pioneer home, originally constructed in 1858, is completely modernized while retaining its rustic heritage. History buffs will appreciate this as the John Steele home—the man was one of Utah’s first settlers. Toquerville has a dark sky ordinance, meaning it’s a prime location for stargazing, and the property is also conveniently close to Zion National Park, St. George and Cedar City.

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: from $155/night
• Amenities and attractions: fresh farm eggs, in-unit laundry, fully equipped kitchen, hike the narrows in Zion

While not situated right on the river, The White Cottage does sit next to a gurgling stream. That’s all the convincing I need to spend the entire day on the front porch, in the swing with a book. Here the birds chirp and the horses graze; evenings are capped with walks down the sandy riverbank. Naturally, you’re in a terrific spot for stargazing, while also being within an hour’s drive of Zion. Oh, and did I mention the farm eggs they supply for breakfast?

• Sleeps: 2
• Rate: from $86/night
• Amenities and attractions: luxe beds and sheets, leather wingback chairs, Greater Zion Rock Crawling Tour

If you’re a glamper, the Zion Twin Tent experience will be a winner. Even I, firmly on team bed-and-breakfast, would consider booking this. Why? Well, the tent includes real beds, for starters. And topping those beds are luxury, high-thread-count sheets, plush comforters and plenty of blankets and pillows. A far cry from the slumped air mattresses my family hauled along on our annual camping trips. A rug, bedside tables and leather wingback chairs complete the setup. This is an off-the-grid experience, meaning electricity is limited (though the campsite does provide solar-powered lamps). Take this as a true opportunity to unplug, look at the sky and leave the chaos of life behind. 

• Sleeps: 3
• Rate: from $136/night
• Amenities and attractions: full power/water, kitchen, bathroom, mountain biking and hiking

Another Virgin River Airbnb for the adventurous. Meet this adorably retro (but retrofitted) Airstream, with full power and water (including AC!). It sits on an acre of serene land filled with sheep and goats, plush fresh eggs and vegetables cheerfully planted in raised beds. Here, you’re within half an hour of Zion, with plenty of local attractions at the foot of Gooseberry Mesa. Go mountain biking on any of the numerous trails, zip up to the Kolob Reservoir or hike the “Subway” trail.

• Sleeps: 10
• Rate: from $549/night
• Amenities: swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit, grill, electric fireplace, Quail Creek Reservoir, Sand Hollow State Park

Planning a large group gathering? Pickleball Palace is a property meant for a crowd, accommodating up to ten guests. With a swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit and grill, plus stunning red rock views all around, there’s plenty to see and do. And, true to the name, there’s an outdoor pickleball court, plus an indoor one that can be reserved for an additional fee. The home is well-situated, 30 miles to Zion and within 20 miles of Sand Hollow State Park and Quail Creek Reservoir, where you can ATV, paddleboard, wakeboard, dive, fish and more.

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: from $340/night
• Amenities and attractions: equipped kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, easy access to Zion

For the whimsical, The Historic Rose Cottage in quaint Springdale is a must. It’s located near the town center, within easy walking distance of art galleries and restaurants. On the inside, you’ll find a home filled with original oil paintings by the property’s owner (for sale!) and a cozy reading nook that fills with sunlight. Perhaps the best feature of this town, stargazing aside, is the fact that you can access Zion National Park…on foot.

• Sleeps: 4
• Rate: from $283/night
• Amenities: kitchenette, national park views, easy foot access to park shuttles

This duplex tiny home marries modern luxury with the great outdoors. The living room overlooks Zion, and a quartz countertop provides a central gathering space for meals and coffee prepared in the kitchenette. There’s a second-floor loft with sweeping windows and more breathtaking views, plus a half bath and workspace. The best place to see the sunset (or look at the stars) is by far the park, which is just under two miles away; shuttle access is two minutes by foot. But if you’re ending the day at home, the best views are found on the balcony.

• Sleeps: 2
• Rate: from $405/night
• Amenities and attractions:

Book this property for one thing only: views, views and more views. The property boasts vaulted ceilings and panoramic windows that offer an unobstructed view of the canyon. But rather than see it from afar, you can walk five minutes and hit the national park entrance. And if that wasn’t convenient enough, the loft sits directly above an art gallery with a neighboring coffee shop and bike rental. Basically, everything you need for a perfect stay.