24 Incredible Pete Nelson Treehouse Rentals You Can Actually Book (2026)
Pete Nelson, the Treehouse Master, helped transform treehouses from childhood hideouts into remarkable vacation homes, combining imaginative architecture, handcrafted details, and a strong connection with nature. His creations range from intimate writers’ retreats and romantic hideaways to spacious treehouse communities designed for families and groups.
This guide covers eight distinctive individual rentals alongside Treehouse Grove, a collection of 16 Pete Nelson-designed treehouses near Gatlinburg.
This article contains affiliate links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase via these links.
My Top 9 Pete Nelson Treehouse Rentals
These are my top choices for different travelers, group sizes, and types of treehouse vacation.
- Best Luxury Forest Stay – Emerald Forest Treehouse
- Best for Honeymoons – Bella Rose Treehouse
- Best Near Chattanooga – The Elements Treehouse
- Best for a Peaceful Escape – Sunset Reset Treehouse
- Best Off-Grid Adventure – KY Climbers Hideaway
- Best for Families and Groups – Treehouse Grove
- Best Creative Retreat – Africa in Auburn
- Best in Arkansas – Whitetail & Pine Luxury Treehouse
- Best Romantic Treehouse with Hot Tub – Magical Treehouse with Hot Tub
Pete Nelson Treehouse Rentals Comparison Table
Use this table to compare the nine main treehouse destinations, including the complete 16-treehouse collection at Treehouse Grove.
| Property | Location | Sleeps | Best For | Pets | Hot Tub |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetail & Pine Luxury Treehouse | Fayetteville, Arkansas | 2 | Romantic escapes | No | Private |
| Sunset Reset Treehouse | Sedgwick, Kansas | Up to 4 | Peaceful countryside stays | Yes | No |
| KY Climbers Hideaway | Brooksville, Kentucky | Up to 4 | Off-grid adventures | Check before booking | No |
| Treehouse Grove | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | 4–10 | Families and groups | Yes | Shared |
| The Elements Treehouse | Walker County, Georgia | 4 | Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain | No | No |
| Africa in Auburn | Auburn, Washington | 2 | Writers and artists | Yes | No |
| Emerald Forest Treehouse | Redmond, Washington | 4 | Luxury forest stays | No | Private |
| Magical Treehouse with Hot Tub | Fairbanks, Alaska | 2 | Romantic getaways | No | Shared |
| Bella Rose Treehouse | Lynchburg, Virginia | 2 | Honeymoons and anniversaries | No | No |
Best Luxury Forest Stay – Emerald Forest Treehouse, From Treehouse Masters
- Location: Redmond Washington
- Sleeps: 4
- Pets: No
- Hot Tub: Yes
Emerald Forest Treehouse, From Treehouse Masters
Emerald Forest Treehouse is one of the most recognizable Pete Nelson rentals, having been featured on Treehouse Masters. It is hidden among 30 acres near Redmond, with a 55-foot suspended walkway leading guests through the trees to the accommodation.
The light-filled interior includes a queen bed, reclining couch, and twin bunk bed in the loft. A kitchenette provides a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee machine, while a 100-inch screen and HD projector transform the treehouse into a private forest cinema.
Outside, guests can relax in the private hot tub, use the hot outdoor shower, or climb to the elevated crow’s nest overlooking the pond. Complimentary continental breakfast is delivered from the main house by a 150-foot zipline, adding another memorable element to the stay.
Why We Picked It: Its suspended entrance, private hot tub, forest cinema, outdoor shower, crow’s nest, and zipline breakfast make this the most complete luxury treehouse experience in the guide.
Worth Knowing: The attached bathroom contains a toilet and sink, while the full hot shower is outside. Additional charges may apply for the third and fourth guests.
Best Romantic Treehouse with Hot Tub – Magical Treehouse with Hot Tub
- Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
- Sleeps: 2
- Pets: No
- Hot Tub: Shared hot tubs
Magical Treehouse with Hot Tub
Designed by Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters, Magical Treehouse with Hot Tub is a whimsical retreat in the heart of Fairbanks, Alaska. This compact treehouse combines playful architectural details with a cosy interior, making it a memorable choice for couples looking for a distinctive place to stay.
The treehouse features a queen bed in an upstairs loft reached by a spiral staircase, a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, hot plate and coffee-making facilities, and a custom-built hammock-style cargo net for lounging. Despite its small footprint, it has plenty of character, with a TV in the loft and a comfortable space to unwind after exploring Fairbanks.
Guests also have access to shared outdoor hot tubs, a barrel sauna and a separate bathhouse with walk-in showers. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring Fairbanks, although some train and aircraft noise is possible.
Why We Picked It: Its imaginative Pete Nelson design, cosy loft bedroom and access to shared hot tubs and a sauna make this a distinctive choice for couples seeking a romantic Alaskan getaway.
Worth Knowing: The treehouse has no running water, and the hot tubs, sauna and bathhouse facilities are shared. Guests must climb a steep staircase to reach the loft bedroom.
Best for Families and Groups – Treehouse Grove
- Location: Gatlinburg, in Tennessee
- Sleeps: 4–10, depending on the treehouse
- Pets: Yes
- Hot Tub: Shared hot tubs
Treehouse Grove is a collection of 16 Pete Nelson-designed treehouses near Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Instead of being one rental, it gives travelers a choice of differently sized treehouses within the same wooded development, ranging from intimate creekside retreats for four to substantial multi-bedroom options sleeping up to ten guests.
The collection includes Blackjack Oak, Cedar, Cherry, Cottonwood, Dogwood, Elm, Green Ash, Hemlock, Hickory, Magnolia, Maple, Moosewood, Mulberry, Poplar, Spruce, and Willow. All share the same convenient Smoky Mountains setting, but their capacities, layouts, and standout design features vary considerably.
For couples or families of four, the creekside Cedar, Dogwood, Elm, Hemlock, Magnolia, Maple, Poplar, and Willow treehouses offer compact two-bedroom layouts. These are the best options when location, forest scenery, and access to shared amenities matter more than having extensive indoor space.
Cottonwood and Cherry accommodate up to six guests and provide flexible bedroom and loft sleeping arrangements. Moosewood and Blackjack Oak sleep up to eight, with Blackjack Oak standing out for its garage-style bedroom wall that opens directly onto the deck for a memorable sleep-under-the-stars experience.
Larger families and groups should consider Green Ash, Hickory, Mulberry, or Spruce, which accommodate up to ten guests. Hickory and Green Ash provide practical multi-bedroom layouts, while Mulberry offers a more adventurous multi-level design. Spruce is the best choice for guests with mobility considerations because its main floor offers no-step access and an accessible roll-in shower.
Guests have access to shared hot tubs, firepits, grills, picnic areas, and an outdoor pizza oven. The development is also conveniently situated approximately five minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and around 15 minutes from central Gatlinburg.
Why We Picked It: Treehouse Grove provides the widest choice of Pete Nelson treehouses in one destination, with suitable options for couples, families, large groups, dog owners, and travelers requiring more accessible accommodation.
Worth Knowing: The hot tubs and several outdoor facilities are shared rather than private. Capacities, bedroom arrangements, accessibility, and individual design features vary, so compare the 16 listings carefully before booking.
Best Off-Grid Adventure – KY Climbers Hideaway
- Location: Germantown Kentucky
- Sleeps: 5
- Pets: Yes
KY Climbers Hideaway built by Treehouse Masters Pete Nelson
KY Climbers Hideaway offers a more rustic and adventurous experience than the polished luxury treehouses elsewhere in this guide. Associated with the Kentucky Climbers Cottage seen on Treehouse Masters, it sits within an expansive wooded property where guests can disconnect from busy everyday life.
The sleeping area includes a king bed for adults alongside hammock-style sleeping arrangements that are likely to appeal to older children. Its isolated setting makes the stay feel closer to elevated glamping than a traditional vacation cabin.
Why We Picked It: The secluded woodland setting and playful sleeping arrangements capture the adventurous spirit of an authentic off-grid treehouse stay.
Worth Knowing: The private bathhouse is detached and approximately a three-minute walk from the treehouse, so guests must be comfortable going outside to reach it.
Best Creative Retreat – Africa in Auburn – Writer’s Cottage
- Location: Auburn (30 mins to Seattle WA)
- Sleeps: 2
- Pets: Yes
- Hot Tub: No
Africa in Auburn – Writer’s Cottage
Africa in Auburn was built by Pete Nelson and appeared on Treehouse Masters as the African Safari Hut. Created as a writer’s cottage, its interior is filled with carefully chosen African artifacts that reflect the owner’s background as an author and African historian.
The compact treehouse includes a custom-made bed, writing desk, microwave, mini-fridge, coffee facilities, heating, and portable air conditioning. Guests also have private use of a nearby bathroom building with a toilet, vanity, and spacious walk-in shower.
A small gazebo, woodland pathway, firepit, and barbecue provide additional places to relax outdoors. The thoughtful decor and personal history make this feel like a genuine creative retreat rather than a generic themed rental.
Why We Picked It: Its distinctive design, meaningful collection of African artifacts, and original purpose as a writer’s cottage give it one of the strongest individual identities in this guide.
Worth Knowing: Reaching the treehouse involves a somewhat steep pathway and spiral staircase. A nearby racetrack and neighboring farm animals may also create occasional noise.
Best Near Chattanooga – Treetop Hideaways: The Elements
- Location: Walker County Georgia near Chattanooga
- Sleeps: 4
- Pets: No
- Hot Tub: No
Treetop Hideaways: The Elements
The Elements Treehouse is tucked into the woodland of Lookout Mountain while remaining approximately 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. This makes it a particularly convenient choice for travelers who want a quiet natural retreat without being isolated from restaurants, attractions, and family activities.
Inside, guests can choose between the main-floor queen bedroom and a loft furnished with two twin beds. Climate control, comfortable mattresses, heated bathroom floors, and a highly regarded walk-in shower give the treehouse a more refined feel than its rustic surroundings might suggest.
A private outdoor firepit provides an inviting place to spend the evening, and a s’mores kit is included to complete the experience.
Why We Picked It: It offers an excellent balance between woodland seclusion, polished interior comforts, and convenient access to Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga.
Worth Knowing: Pets are not permitted, and guests must take a short walk through the woods to reach the treehouse from the parking area.
Best for a Peaceful Escape – Sunset Reset Treehouse
- Location: Sedgwick, Kansas
- Sleeps: 4
- Pets: Yes
- Hot Tub: No
Sunset Reset Treehouse
Sunset Reset Treehouse provides a quiet place to disconnect in the Kansas countryside without giving up important modern comforts. Unlike a very rustic treehouse, it includes heating and air conditioning, hot and cold running water, and a full indoor shower.
The loft sleeping area allows the property to accommodate up to four guests, while the private balcony creates an inviting place to enjoy the sunset. Guests can also explore approximately two miles of walking trails or spend the evening around the outdoor firepit.
Why We Picked It: It combines a peaceful rural location and authentic treehouse atmosphere with the practical amenities needed for a comfortable multiday stay.
Worth Knowing: There is no hot tub, but the balcony, firepit, and surrounding walking trails provide several ways to enjoy the outdoor setting.
Best for Honeymoons – Bella Rose Treehouse
- Location: Lynchburg Virginia
- Sleeps: 2
- Pets: No
- Hot Tub: No
Bella Rose Treehouse
Bella Rose Treehouse is a romantic Pete Nelson-built retreat overlooking a historic 18th-century event venue with a working watermill. The setting feels secluded and atmospheric while remaining close to central Lynchburg and its restaurants and attractions.
The elegant bedroom includes a king-size four-poster bed and chandelier, giving the property a more traditional romantic style than the rustic interiors found in many treehouses. A fireplace, sitting area, kitchenette, air conditioning, and private bathroom add the comforts required for a relaxing couples’ stay.
Its position above the historic grounds makes it especially suitable for honeymoons, anniversaries, wedding weekends, and short romantic escapes.
Why We Picked It: The four-poster bed, fireplace, working watermill, and historic surroundings make this the most overtly romantic Pete Nelson treehouse in the collection.
Worth Knowing: The property is designed exclusively for two guests and does not provide a hot tub or full kitchen.
Best in Arkansas – Whitetail & Pine Luxury Treehouse
- Location: Fayetteville in Arkansas ( 1 hour from Eureka Springs)
- Sleeps: 2
- Pets: No
- Hot Tub: Yes
Whitetail & Pine Luxury Treehouse
Whitetail & Pine Luxury Treehouse is an intimate couples’ retreat elevated approximately 25 feet above Goose Creek. Its position among the trees creates an immediate sense of seclusion, while the thoughtfully finished interior provides the comfort expected from a luxury vacation rental.
The outdoor areas are a major part of the experience. Guests can soak in a private wood-fired cedar hot tub, use the outdoor shower, or sit outside listening to the creek below. It is an especially appealing choice for anniversaries, quiet weekends, and couples who want privacy rather than a busy resort atmosphere.
Why We Picked It: The creekside setting, dramatic elevation, private cedar hot tub, and outdoor shower make this the strongest all-around romantic retreat in the collection.
Worth Knowing: The treehouse is designed specifically for two guests, and the wood-fired hot tub may require more preparation than a conventional electric hot tub.
Where to Stay in a Pete Nelson Treehouse
Choose Whitetail & Pine Luxury Treehouse for a romantic retreat with a private wood-fired hot tub, or Bella Rose Treehouse for a honeymoon-style stay with an elegant four-poster bed and historic surroundings.
For the most luxurious forest experience, Emerald Forest Treehouse stands out with its private hot tub, outdoor shower, suspended walkway, projector screen, and breakfast delivered by zipline. Africa in Auburn is a more intimate and characterful alternative for writers, artists, and couples seeking creative inspiration.
Families and groups should concentrate on Treehouse Grove, where 16 different treehouses accommodate between four and ten guests. Smaller families can consider Cedar, Dogwood, Elm, Hemlock, Magnolia, Maple, Poplar, or Willow, while Green Ash, Hickory, Mulberry, and Spruce are better suited to larger parties.
Choose The Elements Treehouse for convenient access to Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga, Sunset Reset Treehouse for a peaceful Kansas countryside break, or KY Climbers Hideaway for a more rustic and off-grid experience.
For a romantic escape in Alaska, Magical Treehouse with Hot Tub in Fairbanks offers a distinctive Pete Nelson-designed stay with a queen loft bed, a playful hammock-style cargo net, and access to shared hot tubs and a barrel sauna. It is a great choice for couples who want a memorable treehouse experience, provided they are comfortable with the compact layout and shared facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rent a treehouse built by Pete Nelson?
Yes. Several privately owned Pete Nelson treehouses accept overnight guests, while Treehouse Grove near Gatlinburg contains a collection of 16 Nelson Treehouse-designed vacation rentals.
How many rentals are included in this guide?
The guide covers nine main treehouse destinations. Treehouse Grove contains 16 individual rentals, so the article represents 24 bookable treehouses altogether without treating every Grove property as a separate destination.
Does Pete Nelson have a treehouse in Alaska?
Yes. Magical Treehouse with Hot Tub in Fairbanks was designed by Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters. It sleeps two guests and features a queen bed in an upstairs loft, a kitchenette, and access to shared outdoor hot tubs and a barrel sauna. The treehouse has no running water, so guests use the separate bathhouse for showers.
Which Pete Nelson treehouse rentals have hot tubs?
Whitetail & Pine Luxury Treehouse and Emerald Forest Treehouse offer private hot tubs. For a stay with shared hot tubs, Magical Treehouse with Hot Tub in Fairbanks is another option, with access to a shared barrel sauna as well. Always check the individual property details before booking.
Which Pete Nelson treehouse is best for couples?
Bella Rose Treehouse is particularly well suited to honeymoons and anniversaries. Whitetail & Pine Luxury Treehouse, Africa in Auburn, and Emerald Forest Treehouse are also excellent romantic choices.
Which option is best for a large group?
Treehouse Grove offers the greatest variety for groups. Green Ash, Hickory, Mulberry, and Spruce each accommodate up to ten guests, while Moosewood and Blackjack Oak sleep up to eight.
Are any Pete Nelson treehouses pet-friendly?
Yes. Africa in Auburn, Sunset Reset Treehouse, and the current Treehouse Grove collection offer pet-friendly accommodation. Always check the individual listing for fees, limits, and other pet rules.
Which treehouse is best for guests with limited mobility?
Spruce at Treehouse Grove is the strongest option because its main floor offers no-step access and an accessible roll-in shower. Guests should confirm that its complete layout meets their individual accessibility needs.
Are the Treehouse Grove hot tubs private?
No. Treehouse Grove’s hot tubs are shared amenities. Choose Whitetail & Pine Luxury Treehouse or Emerald Forest Treehouse if having a private hot tub is important.
Related Treehouse Rental Guides
That’s my lowdown on the best Pete Nelson treehouse cabins, if you’re looking for more treehouse rentals check out these related posts:
- Best Treehouse Rentals in Kentucky
- Top Tree House Rentals in Gatlinburg
- Best Gatlinburg Treehouses at Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek
- Top Treehouse Stays in Tennessee
- Best Treehouse Rentals in Smoky Mountains
- Treehouses in Tennessee with Hot Tubs
- Best Washington Treehouse Cabins To Rent
- Best Georgia Tree House Rentals
- Top USA Treehouse Rentals
Save to Pinterest for Later
