Uncommon Overnighters: Kingston Cabin
Winter 2024-2025
Middle-of-Nevada lodging is the perfect place to find your center.
BY MEGG MUELLER
Many moons ago, I wrote about my best-ever stay in Nevada, at a little place in Kingston. Times change and businesses close, so my search began anew for my favorite spot. I’m thrilled to say I’ve got a new leader on the clubhouse wall, and I’m not surprised it happens to be in the same locale.
Kingston Cabin—in the small hamlet of Kingston (population less than 150)—offers that exceptional combination of a perfectly furnished stay in a sublime location. The two are inextricably linked to me, so let’s tackle them one at a time.
Cabin Comforts
Cabins conjure images of rustic woods, overstuffed bedding covers, and cozy evenings tucked safely inside. Maybe I read too much Laura Ingalls Wilder, but at any rate, Kingston Cabin fits that bill and then some. Two nicely sized bedrooms flank a well-stocked kitchen and comfortable living room. The bedrooms have queen-sized beds with ample bedding and plenty of room to move about. The spacious bathroom has standard amenities and is adorably decorated. OK, the whole cabin is decorated exactly like it should be: homey, with cute and clever touches.
The kitchen has just about everything you’d need to cook your favorite meals, sans groceries. Two coffee makers are available, and one comes with several types of beverage pods for guest use. There are some basic items such as salt and pepper and cooking oil, plus pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and the like.
One thing the cabin doesn’t have is Wi-Fi, which I found to be blissful. And to be honest, I did have some service, which I chose to ignore. Instead, board games and a DVD library were much better ways to enjoy the living room and its cushy couch, not to mention faux fireplace.
Great Outdoors
To be clear, I wouldn’t mind one bit being snowed in at Kingston Cabin, but the recreational ambiance of the local area is a huge draw for me. The Big Smoky Valley is renowned for its beauty and opportunities to enjoy nature. Right out the cabin’s front door is the town’s stocked fishing pond. To the west of Kingston lies the Toiyabe Range with Kingston Canyon, Groves Lake, and the now-deserted Kingston Guard Station. To the east is Nevada’s geographical center, Spencer Hot Springs, and Toquima Cave. Head south and you’ll find Arc Dome Wilderness, tasty sandwiches at Shoshone Market just before Carvers, and a grocery store in Hadley.
The limit of things to do within a short radius of Kingston is governed only by your imagination. That, and how much room you have for fishing gear, hiking paraphernalia, wildlife-spotting supplies, and camera gear. Did I mention how insane the stargazing is in this remote locale? Or the ability to see the Milky Way with the naked eye on many nights?
Make It So
Kingston Cabin has been hosting guests since 2018, and one visit makes its popularity understandable. The cabin has a two-night minimum, but trust me, after just 5 minutes, you’ll have wished you booked an entire week. The only other business in town is the Lucky Spur, the perfect saloon for its settings and the best way to meet other Kingston lovers. Hunting season is a popular time for Kingston, with many hunters camped in the canyon and hunkered down in town, and winters are definitely felt in this location. But hey, if you book a trip and the snow flies, look on the bright side: You’ve got the ideal cabin from which to watch nature’s work.
