The most remote vacation rentals in the US

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Airbnb; Alyssa Powell/Business Insider

• Post-pandemic, social distancing is the new measure of luxury, and private vacation rentals offer travelers splendid isolation.
• We looked for the most remote, isolated escapes across the US on vacation rental sites such as Airbnb, TurnKey, and Vrbo to find the best off-grid options for remote vacationing.
• Our picks are priced between $80 and $375 per night to start to accommodate many budgets and group sizes.

Traveling in the age of COVID-19 has meant a new focus on domestic trips and priorities tied to hygiene and personal space. Indeed, the chance to stay somewhere remote — as opposed to exclusive — is this summer's marker of real luxury.

And while striking out off the grid is admirable, most travelers cannot afford to buy or even rent out a Richard Branson-style private island in the Caribbean.

Luckily, there are more affordable ways to vacation this year while still remaining miles from civilization, without sacrificing comfort or exceeding your budget.

We searched for some of the most remote private vacation rentals that are available to rent through companies such as Airbnb, TurnKey, and Vrbo. Our aim was to find places that are affordable and accessible to a point (they are all reachable by car, even if the closest big city is a couple of hours away) but still allow for relative isolation so guests may reduce their risk of potential exposure to COVID-19.

Of course, it's crucial to remember that without a vaccine, it's impossible to guarantee safety. Also, consider whether you're leaving or traveling to a hotspot, so as not to contribute to infection spikes. And follow guidelines from the CDC and WHO such as wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing, no matter where you go.

But if a safe vacation during COVID is what you seek, booking a remote getaway is one of the best ways to maintain social distancing. Just keep in mind that while these homes often come with electricity and running water, a secluded stay means exactly that. Arrive stocked with the supplies you'll need and carefully check what the rental includes. You'll likely be a long drive from the closest store.

Of course, hygiene protocols are still important. We detailed policies and procedures, where available, and most private rental companies have issued guidelines, but it's up to individual owners to employ them. Taking your own sanitizing wipes and materials is recommended.

For our list, we selected properties across various locales (mountain, woodlands, lakes, national parks) that met the following criteria:

1. The vacation rental is for the entire home (the intent is to avoid encountering others, after all).
2. All are highly-rated listings with confirmed cleaning protocols and locations surrounded by nature with nary a neighbor in sight. But access to nearby towns is available for supply runs.
3. All properties range from simple adobe huts to deluxe compounds with inviting decor, amenities, and exceptional attention to detail.
4. Prices range between $80 and $375 to start to accommodate a wide variety of budgets and group sizes.

For more reporting on vacation rentals, click a link below to jump directly to related coverage:

• Which is safer: Airbnb or hotels? Here's what doctors say
• 6 things to know before booking a vacation rental, and where to search if Airbnb is booked or too expensive
• Safer, expert-backed ways to take a vacation during the pandemic, from road trips to private vacation homes and remote campsites
• Everything to know about vacation rentals, COVID-19 safety, and the best places in the US

These are the most remote vacation rentals in the US, sorted by price from low to high.