Know the area. The Blue Ridge Mountains, the eastern branch of the Appalachian Mountain Range, are located in northwestern South Carolina (they border North Carolina). This region, known "Up Country," actually only covers 2 percent of the state, but it's still one of the most popular tourist areas in South Carolina. The closest airport to this region is in the City of Greenville.
Because the term "rustic" can span a wide spectrum of options, define what it means to you. Do you need plumbing, or would you rather rough it with an outhouse? What about electricity and heat? Or maybe you want a cabin with modern accommodations that simply feels rustic. Make a list of priorities, but keep it flexible in case you can't find everything you want.
Decide when you want to go. Many of these cabins are available year-round. However, because some of them are on lakes (Lake Jocassee, near Devil's Fork State Park, is one popular lake destination), summer is the prime time for visiting. You can book up to 12 months in advance.
If you're looking for a truly rustic cabin, check out a South Carolina tourism websites to start planning. This will give you information about the Blue Ridge Mountains, complete with state park maps, activities and an accommodation finder. Some state parks offer cabin rentals. Sometimes, the lack of a website in the contact information guarantees you a rustic experience, but make sure you know what you're getting. When you call, ask the owner to email photos if you'd like to see the cabin before you go.
For larger, more modern cabins, HomeAway.com (see Resources) is another easy-to-use resource. You can search by region, price and features. This website is especially helpful in knowing what to bring for kitchen use, such as a coffee pot. You can also find out if the cabin is pet friendly.
