2024’s Best States for Remote Getaways

Which states offer the most secluded vacation spots for travelers seeking minimal distractions?

To find out, Window Gnome ranked 2024’s Best States for Remote Getaways.

We compared all 50 states based on 4 categories. We considered access to remote vacation rentals, guest ratings, average nightly rates, and the number of outdoor attractions, among 9 total metrics.

Start planning your next trip with help from our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the states, see our methodology. 

Prefer an urban escape? Check out our ranking of the Best Vacation Cities for Amazing Views.

Contents

• Rankings
• Top 5 Close Up
• The Upshot
• Ask the Experts
• Behind the Ranking
• Final Thoughts: Bring the Outdoors In

Rankings

See how each state fared in our ranking:

Top 5 Close Up

Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 states.

The Upshot

The South offers wide open spaces for vacationers, with 7 Southern states finishing in the top 10 of our ranking. Tennessee (No. 1), North Carolina (No. 2), and Texas (No. 3) impress with abundant, well-rated, and affordable escapes.

Meanwhile, smaller states like Rhode Island (No. 46), Delaware (No. 47), and Connecticut (No. 48) landed near the bottom, alongside Nevada (No. 49) and New Jersey in last place. These 5 states lack many remote accommodations and ideal environments for travelers seeking a trip that’s both rustic and relaxing. 

Surprising Findings

• Despite plenty of space to spread out and a high rank in Outdoor-Friendliness, Alaska fell to No. 37 with fewer remote rentals and the 10th most expensive rates. 
  
• Despite the lower cost of living, Wyoming (No. 39) cashes in with the most expensive average nightly rate of $442.16. Louisiana (No. 41) is the most affordable at $159.66. 
  
• Minnesota (No. 12), Montana (No. 13), and Nebraska (No. 25) ranked at the top of Outdoor-Friendliness due to their high off-grid potential, low natural hazards, and great air quality. However, Minnesota and Nebraska lag behind Montana in access to remote accommodations with good reviews.

Ask The Experts

We turned to some experts to learn more about the benefits and challenges of a rural escape, as well as how to get kids to have fun away from their screens. Explore their insights below.

1. What are 3 key benefits of disconnecting from day-to-day stresses and reconnecting with nature?
2. What are 3 challenges guests might encounter during a remote getaway?
3. What unique amenities might guests encounter at remote or off-the-grid resorts and hotels?
4. What are your best 3 tips to encourage kids to unplug while on vacation?

Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

Professor of Hospitality Management

Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

Professor of Hospitality Management

The Collins College of Hospitality Management, Cal Poly Pomona

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Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

Professor of Hospitality Management

The Collins College of Hospitality Management, Cal Poly Pomona

What are the three key benefits of disconnecting from day-to-day stresses and reconnecting with nature?

Getting away from our regular routine can help us “escape” from what bothers us. Naturally, an unfamiliar environment would force us to focus on new experiences and adventures.

Besides escaping from our routine activities, reconnecting with nature can also help us improve our physical health because it often involves some non-routine physical movements. Deep breaths of fresh air in nature can help us clean up our bodies and mind.

What are three challenges guests might encounter during a remote getaway?

1. We must resist the temptation of getting reconnected to our routine activities. Putting away our smartphones and tablets can help.

2. Some remote getaways require careful planning and preparation. It is not easy to get to a remote location, for example.

3. We must mentally prepare to stay in an isolated area with limited amenities, entertainment options, and service. Sometimes, people would feel lonely in a remote location.

What unique amenities might guests encounter at remote or off-the-grid resorts and hotels?

Something not available in a typical resort or hotel, such as:

• Wildlife encounters
• Stargazing opportunities
• Outdoor adventures
• Natural spas

What are your best three tips to encourage kids to unplug while on vacation?

1. Involve them in planning the activities in which they want to participate.

2. Keep them physically engaged with lots of exciting activities. They want challenges and to have fun!

3. Lastly, lead by example and give the kids all the attention they deserve.

Behind the Ranking

First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Best States for Remote Getaways. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 4 categories: Access, Quality, Cost, and Outdoor-Friendliness. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.

For each of the 50 U.S. states, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table.

Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each state to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A state’s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked “Best” (No. 1) and the lowest “Worst” (No. 50).

Sources: America’s State Parks, Expedia, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Glamping Hub, LawnStarter, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Final Thoughts: Bring the Outdoors In

It’s not always possible to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, so optimize the beautiful view from indoors with nice big windows. 

Read our tips below for upgrading the views at home (or in your rental property if you own one).

• Install a big bay window overlooking your property.
• Add a sliding window to open the house to fresh air and birdsong.
• Expand natural lighting in your home with double hung windows.
• Repair any windows that show signs of damage.
• Clean windows for the prettiest view possible.
• Install window screens for ventilation without the mosquitoes.

Want to enhance the view in your home or rental property? Hire a local Window Gnome pro for window cleaning, repair, and installation. 

Window Gnome is part of the Home Gnome family of home services sites.

Main Photo Credit: Anastasia Shuraeva / Canva Pro / Canva License

Sav Maive

Sav Maive is a writer and director based in San Antonio. Sav is a graduate from the University of Virginia and is a loving cat and plant mom.

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