25 Serene Riverside Homes You Can Rent On Airbnb

A river vacation conjures up many images: the rapids of the Colorado River, fishing for catfish on the Mississippi River like Mark Twain's Huck Finn, boating on Pennsylvania's Allegheny River, or cruising along Europe's Danube. Besides their beauty, rivers provide ecosystems to all sorts of plants and animals, according to the United States Geological Survey. After all, water promotes life, both sustaining us and offering opportunities for trade and travel. 

Life along the river can offer fast-paced adventures as well, from kayaking to tubing, or just provide time to relax and reflect — allowing you an opportunity to contemplate the shining water, speckled with sunlight, and breathe. Even a silly old bear can find the wonder in the waters. As A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh once said, "Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day" (via Kidadal). 

Finding a perfect spot for your time on the river is easy with these 25 peaceful Airbnb locations that will have you returning home rested and restored ... with maybe a few escapades behind you, too.

This quaint cabin in Potsdam, New York, offers riverside views from its screened-in porch and provides four guests with ample sleeping space, per Airbnb. There's a large deck facing the forest and a fire pit near the water. When you finish hiking on private trails, try the Finnish wood fired sauna. 

Visit this three-bedroom log cabin in Northern Ireland on the Blackwater River. It offers a perfect family retreat with a large garden and play area, along with a hot tub, according to Airbnb. At night, cuddle around the fireplace and contemplate the quiet.

This rental in Bend, Oregon had perfect views inside and out. The River View Inn on the Deschutes River accommodates four guests in its two bedrooms, as noted by Airbnb. You can swim, fish, or just enjoy the scenery from your deck and yard.

This Tennessee cabin has all the amenities: a hot tub, porch, fireplace, and a view of the river that you can share with your friends, family, and pets, per Airbnb. It's just 10 minutes from attractions like Dollywood and hiking trails.

Watch the calming waters of the Delaware River from this Bloomville, New York cabin on a working farm. Tour the facility, milk a cow, or feed some calves, according to Airbnb. You're also near the Catskill Scenic Trail, where you can walk, run, bike, or horseback ride. 

Stay in a historic mill in Starksboro, Vermont. The upper level has a 600-square-foot private bedroom suite, with a sitting room and bathroom. The rental rests 30 feet over the Lewis Creek Gorge, according to Airbnb. You'll see gorgeous views of the mountains and the river from the deck and skylight — and, really, all around you. 

Imagine yourself on the hillside, watching the Saugeen River in Ontario, Canada. Sound serene? You'll also have access to 700 acres of trails, as noted by Airbnb. Enjoy the remote countryside, with up to eight guests, and still have WiFi.

Spend some time in Europe's first hydro-electric power station in Worcestershire, England, per Airbnb. Go swimming in the River Teme, enjoy the views of the Old Powick Bridge, and relax on the balcony that overlooks the water. All this and continental breakfast, too.

Want to kayak on some of Florida's most beautiful waters? This Airbnb on the Weeki Wachee River gives you prime access to this crystal clear, spring-fed river. Kayaks and more are included. Be sure to look out for manatees in the cooler months!

Why not go off the grid in Liguria, Italy? This Airbnb tent seriously glamps out the space with furniture, lamps, and a carpet. You'll fall asleep easily listening to water trickling in the nearby creek.

This cozy houseboat, named Enstone, is moored on the River Adur in West Sussex, England amid a community of houseboats, according to Airbnb. Its big window allows you to watch the estuary in the comfort of your living space. 

Bring your 10 best friends to this home on the Buckhannon River in Tallmansville, West Virginia. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom Airbnb provides serene views, lots of hiking trails, and all kinds of outdoor activities, including a canoe.

Come to Ivy's riverside cabin in Ellijay, Georgia. This Airbnb allows you to relax near the tranquil Cartecay River. You'll enjoy the electric fireplace, fishing from the outdoor deck, sitting on the screened in porch or outdoor table, or soaking in the two-person hot tub. 

You can enjoy lots of outdoor activities while staying at this guest cottage next to the North Toe River in Green Mountain, North Carolina. Fish, kayak, swim, or go tubing just seconds away from your Airbnb. When you tire of the water, just sit on the deck and look for bald eagles and osprey.

Enjoy your privacy at this Airbnb cottage in the Berkshires' Pioneer Valley. Walk along its 1.8 acres by the small river, take a dip in the pool, or venture to some of the local sights such as Mount Greylock, Tanglewood, the Williamstown Theater Festival, or Hancock Shaker Village. 

Get away from it all in this three-bedroom, two-bathroom Airbnb on the world-famous Ichetucknee River. This pristine, spring-fed river is crystal clear, perfect for lazy tubing or kayaking. The home has a large deck for gathering, and a long boardwalk to one of the most stunning rivers out there.

This German Airbnb sits next to a river, with forests and lakes in the nearby vicinity. You can hike, cycle, swim, boat, fish, and just relax. Enjoy the cellar bar and a special freezer for the anglers to store their daily catch.

This one-bedroom cabin in La Pine, Oregon, is privy to some stellar scenery, according to Airbnb. There's eight acres of private riverfront property to walk along and observe the wildlife. Sights like Deschutes Forest and Crater Lake are close by.  

Come stay in this modern riverfront home, Brucke Zum River Haus, in Leavenworth, Washington. Here you'll be minutes from the bustle of downtown while still close to nature along the Wenatchee River, per Airbnb. There's an outdoor living space with a patio, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and BBQ. 

This rustic, two-bedroom cabin in Hacker Valley, West Virginia, is on the Little Kanawha River, per Airbnb. Enjoy the woods from your covered front porch, the fire ring, or go indoors and make it toasty with the fireplace. You'll be just five miles from Holly River State Park, and plenty of trails. 

This tiny home In Fosters, Alabama, sits on the Black Warrior River and provides a cozy getaway to unplug for a few days, as noted by Airbnb. Open your porch doors wide and enjoy the morning's fresh air; you might even catch sight of the barges as they move through the water. 

Enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson River at this waterfront Airbnb in Catskill, New York. Have your meals outside in the gazebo, and be sure to enjoy the hot sauna. Word is the sunrise and sunset views are not to be missed!

You'll really get off the gird in this two-bedroom, Craftsman style cabin in Baldwin, Michigan, on the Pere Marquette River, according to Airbnb. Say goodbye to TV, internet, and WiFi and exchange that technology for a quiet life along the river. The large windows and deck offers picturesque views.

The Hideout in Bali takes you away from your usual life to the mountains by the Gunung Agung volcano, according to Airbnb. This beautiful bamboo eco-friendly home in the jungle affords gorgeous river views — the waters are sill used for cleansing ceremonies. Breakfast and a scooter for traveling are provided.  

Stay on the water with this floating red cedar cabin shaped like a wine barrel. It's located in Ontario, Canada, close to the vineyards, per Airbnb. Site includes a tiki bar (with a complimentary bottle of local wine) and some rustic conditions (solar power, port-a-john, and you need to boil water for a hot shower).