Cabin

Very Private Horse Friendly Dog Friendly Cabin in the Pines

Cabin in Payson with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Very Private Horse Friendly Dog Friendly Cabin in the Pines

Exterior
Looking from kitchen to living area.
 TV DVD and VHS player.Lots No cable or dish service,but we have many movies!
Breakfast bar.
1941 Hot point electric stove works great!!!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 665.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Mazatzal Casino
  • Place, Woods Canyon Lake
  • Place, Payson Golf Course

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Very Private Horse Friendly Dog Friendly Cabin in the Pines

The cabin was completely renovated in 2011 with a strong feeling of the old west.The large stone fireplace along with propane heat keep the cabin warm and cozy. The spacious upstairs loft features queen size and full size beds. There is one single rollaway available for extra sleeping downstairs. Kids love the separate bunk house out back. Kitchen has all the features of a modern home with a dinning table and bar. Bathroom has a shower/vintage claw foot tub combo along with a washer and dryer. All towels, linens and paper products are provided. There is a covered wrap around porch that features views of Myrtle Point, gorgeous pine, juniper and oak trees. Renters can relax around the table on the porch which has plenty of room to enjoy an outside meal. A year round spring attracts wildlife with frequent viewings of elk and turkey. We encourage you to bring your horses -- the riding is fantastic in the Tonto National Forest, which is right through the back gate. There are two 12x12 clean horse pens. Water provided. Renters are responsible for their horses feed and vet supplies.
We do not allow ATVs on the property except during hunting seasons. There is a 4 adult limit.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children of all ages are most welcome!!
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights
Please wash all dishes and put them away.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Payson

Located in Payson, this cabin is in a rural area. Rim Country Museum and Myra's Art Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout and Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Payson, AZ

What's nearby

  • Mazatzal Casino - 53 min drive - 47.7 km
  • Green Valley Park - 54 min drive - 47.3 km
  • Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout - 54 min drive - 47.3 km
  • Woods Canyon Lake - 56 min drive - 46.9 km
  • Payson Golf Course - 56 min drive - 48.4 km

Getting around

  • Mesa, AZ (MSC-Falcon Field Municipal) - 125 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Zane Grey's Steakhouse & Saloon - ‬32 min drive
  • ‪Double D Restaurant & Bar - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Snowy's Mountainside Pub - ‬32 min drive
  • ‪Double D Store and Cafe - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Kohl's Ranch - ‬27 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Very Private Horse Friendly Dog Friendly Cabin in the Pines pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Very Private Horse Friendly Dog Friendly Cabin in the Pines?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Very Private Horse Friendly Dog Friendly Cabin in the Pines?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Very Private Horse Friendly Dog Friendly Cabin in the Pines located?

Situated in a rural location, this cabin is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Tonto National Forest and within 25 miles (40 km) of Mongollon Rim Visitor Center and Banner Payson Medical Center. Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout and Mazatzal Casino are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 193 out of 205 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 205 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 205 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 205 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 205 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steve W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a fantastic property and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing stay in the mountains away from busy city life. Gino was a perfect host with just the right amount of support. He was there if we needed help. He even came out to meet us on the drive in to make sure we found the property without a hitch.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

rosie f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin in the woods

We had a great stay… plenty of stuff to do and the cabin has everything u need…
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Weekend!

Nice getaway location. Host was very responsive and friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Kimberly L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice rustic cabin

We had a good time and enjoyed meeting Nigel, and the beautiful forest ambience.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect weekend getaway

My fiancé and I had the most perfect stay at the cabin. Gino was a spectacular host. The cabin is perfectly suited - and we had everything we needed for a comfortable and blissful stay. We even got engaged there - so needless to say we’ll be back. Thank you Gino - and thank you Nigel!!!❤️
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Rim Country Get Away

My husband, daughter (10yo) and dogs stayed at Dead Mule Ranch for a few days and it was lovely. The cabin is well appointed with necessary cooking equipment, DVDs, a couple games, etc. We had our dogs with us and there is a ton of space for them to run around and play. The property abuts Forest Service lands and is a huge backyard playground. Gino and Django were lovely hosts. We can’t wait to go back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christine E.

Amazing stay!

My friend, puppy and I stayed in the cabin for three amazing days. I have to say this was one of the best vacations we had ever taken! The cabin is just as described and better, we loved everything about it. There was pleanty of space for the three of us. The views from our deck were so beautiful and relaxing and the pup had an amazing time exploring in the forest. Gino was very helpful and there for anything we needed. Thank you so much for you hospitality. We hope to be back very soon!

10/10 Excellent

Trisha H.

An absolute gem in the middle of the forest!

My family and I loved the Dead Mule Ranch! Everything about it was exactly what our family needed to escape the city! The cabin had character, charm, peace and quiet, the property backed right up to the forest.....it was absolutely perfect!! Gino and Django were great as well, the perfect hosts! We can’t wait to visit again!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jerry C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our Favorite

We have stayed at many properties across Arizona and this is by far the best. Yes, it is 8 miles off the main road, but that was better then being at several that traffic could be heard at night. The location was fantastic. The cabin appearance and decorations was really fabulous. with many western/ cowboy decorations that was wonderful. Also, the kitchen utensils, plates, cups and glasses was plentiful and good quality. The cabin was very clean, and Gino was very responsive to any questions we had. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Darren W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend up north

We had a fun weekend up north. The cabin was great. Perfect location in the middle forest. We had plans to go to Woods Canyon lake, but had to change due to a thunder storm. We actually preferred the thunder storm. The only thing that we recommend is clearing the exterior of the cabin of spider webs and other pets nesting around lights. Thank you Gino for being a great host and checking on us the first night.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carrie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adorable cabin in the woods.

This cabin was perfect for our girls getaway. We wanted some thing off the beaten path to relax and unwind, and this fit the bill Gino is a wonderful host. Very communicative always responding within 24 hours or less. The house was exactly as it was described. The directions were clear and we had no issues. We saw elk in the backyard across the fence. Air conditioning was perfect and overall we had a wonderful time and I would definitely come back, it is a rustic lodging and is secluded. Which is what we wanted and why we chose this place. It was easy enough to get into Payson. We also went to Willow Lake and had no issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rustic, warm and welcoming getaway

Unique rustic cabin with a lot of character and charm. Mullet type adventure. Front door- neighborly, back door- all nature. School break adventure with granddaughter met so many goals. Listened to bull elks bugle and cow elks talk all night. Direct gate out back door to national forest for hiking/adventures. Our host Gino and his pal Jango were so interesting and helpful. Thank you Gino for granddaughter's elk teeth "find" and arranging her visit with your neighbors horses. Also for helping with our s'mores by the fire overlooking the gulley. Your Jango will not be forgotten and the pictures have been enjoyed by many. Cabin was clean and ready, just wish could have stayed longer. Thank you Gino for sharing so much with us. Your place is amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anne G., Cincinnati

Outstanding Birds, One-of-a-Kind Host, Dog's Paradise

I procrastinated writing this review because I knew it would be a challenge to capture all of the unique aspects of this place. We often rent houses on VRBO, and we are more interested in the outdoor space than what's inside. That said, I must say we scored big time by finding this secluded and charming cabin that was so lovely inside and out. Though it isn't technically off-grid, it has a rustic and cozy off-grid appeal. The back yard of the cabin overlooks national forest land, so for bird watchers or just people who enjoy romping around in the woods, it's quite wonderful. For city dwellers with dogs, this is an off-leash paradise. The unexpected bonus for this stay was Gino himself. He gave us plenty of privacy but also made himself quite available, and we thoroughly enjoyed his company on more than one occasion, for cocktail hour and even dinner one night (which, to our utter amazement, included his very last pieces of local elk meat -- the best we had ever tasted). We would like to thank Gino for sharing his cabin, and more importantly, for sharing his time.

10/10 Excellent

Dereath P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A magical place! Located at the end of a road and at the edge of National Forest land, it is beautiful and quiet, a wonderful place for rest and refreshment, as well as hiking. The cabin is as cute as can be, furnished with everything we needed, and the host was available for any questions. Our dog loved it too! We've stayed there twice and hope we can go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stayn
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darla M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin in Pine Forest

Nice get away in an old rustic cabin.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pam R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace in the forest

The cabin is in a great location for peace and quiet and amazing star viewing at night!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keara V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute cabin!! We enjoyed being in the mountains !

We had a blast! Having no internet/cell service was tough. A little far off the path from the city but still enjoyed it!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Dennis S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Too short

Cabin is as stated. It is very deep in the woods. Payson is 40 minutes away. There is a small general store about 3 miles. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay but a few hours. Our rescue kitten fell from the lift, luckily she wasn't hurt. But it would've been hard to sleep knowing it could happen again. We don't blame Gino, just didn't work out. Don't let this review sway you. If you like seclusion, this is the place. because our rescue kitten
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin

Nice!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Rustic Cabin Getaway

We had a great stay… right next to the national forest and the cabin has everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffery S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

Rustic and well appointed, anazing place
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Had a great trip and Gino went above and beyond for our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Josh C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Gino is an absolute rockstar when it comes with being a host as well as someone to spend time with. It was such a pleasure to get away and unplug from the daily grind of the city. The cabin is clean, quaint, beautifully tucked away in the pines which truly makes you feel connected to the environment. Thank you for everything Gino, my wife and are can’t wait to come and stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Juliet T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy/remote

Our second time back and it’s still the perfect place to get away. The cabin is cozy and welcoming and located in such a beautiful place. Gino was very helpful if anything was needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Gino Ater

Host profile image
I live next to the cabin in a log home I built in 1986. I also own the old log ranch house on the property that dates back to 1898, which I am renovating.

Why they chose this property

I bought my land in 1984 with the intent of building a vacation home. Having grown up in Tempe, my family would often come up to the Rim area for fun. After completion of my home I seemed to spend more time here and less in Tempe. In 1993 I moved here full time.

What makes this property unique

Privacy. Solitude. Wildlife. Excellent hiking and horseback riding. The views from almost any where on the property are incredible. The spring behind the cabin attracts all sorts of wildlife

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests