Cabin

Very Private Horse Friendly Dog Friendly Cabin in the Pines

TV DVD and VHS player.Lots No cable or dish service,but we have many movies!

1941 Hot point electric stove works great!!!

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 6700 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Fireplace
Washer
Parking available
Kitchen

Explore the area

Payson, AZ

Horseshoe Lake
Mazatzal Casino
‪53 min drive‬
Woods Canyon Lake
‪56 min drive‬

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.

Property manager

Gino Ater

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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Fenced in front yard for your fur babies and little ones safety

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Children of all ages are most welcome!!

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

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

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.

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

‪Double D Restaurant & Bar - ‬23 min drive
‪Zane Grey Saloon - ‬32 min drive
‪Double D Store and Cafe - ‬22 min drive
‪Double D Bar and Cafe - ‬23 min drive
‪Zane Grey Country Barbecue at Kohl's Ranch Lodge - ‬19 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?

Set amidst the mountains, this ski-in/ski-out cabin in Payson is steps from Tonto National Forest and close to winter activities, such as cross-country skiing and sledging. Rancho Tonto Catch-A-Trout and Payson Golf Course are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Pam R.

13 Jul, 2025

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

Jeffery S.

27 Jan, 2024

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

Jon B.

16 Apr, 2024

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

Frank M.

18 Oct, 2023

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

Verified traveller

17 Oct, 2022

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

Awesome place!

My dogs and I had a great time and the host is amazing!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

rosie f.

15 Jan, 2024

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.

8 Feb, 2024

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

Joe and Jeana S.

28 Apr, 2023

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

Easter weekend get away

Beautiful rustic cabin with breathtaking views of nature.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tyler R.

28 Jun, 2023

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

Nice quiet getaway

Gino was exceedingly friendly and gave us tips on the best times to see elk as well as other great destinations across Arizona. Would love to stay here again!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Kimberly L.

8 Sept, 2023

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

Alisa C.

19 Jun, 2024

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

Cabin

Nice!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juliet T.

18 Aug, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Serena S.

26 Dec, 2020

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

Cozy holiday getaway

We had a wonderful time staying at this isolated, beautifully restored cabin. Gino greeted us warmly by making a fire. The location was prime and our dogs enjoyed exploring the forest behind the cabin. The clawfoot bathtub was amazing. We will definitely be back!

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

24 Sept, 2023

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

lindsey v.

17 Apr, 2023

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

Perfect weekend get away

Our weekend get away was great! The little cabin was perfect! Beautiful back yard with a flowing creek. National forest behind the cabin for endless hiking. We brought our 2 dogs and they got along great with The owners dog, Nigel. Cute little restaurant/bar down the road. We would defiantly stay here again.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

aracely b.

25 Jul, 2017

Beautiful views, surrounded by God's creation

What more can one ask for? Our family was delighted in spending time together going for walks, sitting in the porch and exploring. It was beautiful. Thank you Gino for having your cabin available at a reasonable price.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Josh C.

12 Oct, 2023

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

Cara B.

2 Jul, 2020

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.

11 Dec, 2013

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.

4 Sept, 2018

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

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Theresa D.

4 Dec, 2017

Clean, serene and welcoming! Oh yea AND beautful!

Greg and I have done a lot of camping in Payson but have never been to a cabin. Our experience was lovely. The authenticity of the old western, log cabin we stayed in was wonderful. We were overwhelmed with Gino and Jango's welcome. The view was priceless and the serenity was needed. We will be back and enjoyed every moment of our time. Thank you.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jerry C.

18 Jun, 2022

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

Jennifer T.

30 Mar, 2022

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

Wonderful time!

I spent a wonderful weekend in the cabin! Everything was just as listed. I was very comfortable in the cabin and had everything I needed. I mainly rented the cabin because of the proximity to the forest and this was even better than expected! I saw elk just outside the gate, took walks through the forest and on forest roads nearby. Gino was a fantastic host and great guy to talk to! I hope to bring my family back soon!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Dennis S.

31 Jul, 2024

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

Darren W.

28 Aug, 2022

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

About the host

Hosted by Gino Ater

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