catskills ny overwater bungalow

Overwater Bungalows in the US

November 6, 2023 /

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Are there overwater bungalows in the US?

As someone who’s worked in the travel industry for over a decade, one of the most common questions I’m asked is: are there overwater bungalows in the US? And my answer is, “kind of”. While yes, there actually are a few overwater bungalows in the US, they’re not the typical dreamy overwater bungalows that you see in photos. Those overwater bungalows are mostly in the South Pacific and a super long flight from the US. But that’s not to say that there aren’t some unique overwater bungalows in the US!

Are there overwater bungalows in Hawaii?

One of the things people find most disappointing is that there are no overwater bungalows in Hawaii. Between the jagged lava rock coastline and the rougher waters, there is no way to safely build overwater bungalows in Hawaii.

Table of Contents

Fast Facts: How Overwater Bungalows Compare

  • Catskills on Lake Albanese
  • Harbor House at the Ledges Resort
  • Flamingo House
  • Float Hose at Jack Creek
  • Dock End Floating Home
  • Columbia River Floating Home
  • Location: on the shores of Lake Albanese in the Catskills Region of New York
  • Number of overwater villas: 1
  • All inclusive resort: No
  • Starting price: $243/night
  • Sleeps: 6 adults (2 Queen Beds)
  • Bathrooms: 1.5
  • Other spaces: Wood-burning fireplace, glass floor, living room, full kitchen, second-floor balcony, wrap-around porch
  • Direct water access from your bungalow: No
  • Beach access: No

  • Private pool: No
  • Best for: Families, Couples
  • Best time to visit: Summer if you want to take advantage of the provided kayaks; Fall to enjoy the changing leaves
  • Is extra transport required?: No seaplane flight is required, just drive your rental car from the airport.

  • Location: Alexandria Bay, The Thousand Islands Region of New York State
  • Number of overwater villas: 1
  • All inclusive resort: No
  • Starting price: around $485/night
  • Sleeps: 8 (3 Queen Beds)
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Other spaces: Outdoor dining area with gas grill, wrap-around deck, second level balcony with view of Boldt Castle, boat tie up from your deck, living room, kitchen
  • Direct water access from your bungalow: No
  • Beach access: No
  • Private pool: No, Shared pool available
  • Best for: Adults or families who like outdoor activities like boating and fishing.
  • Best time to visit: Late Spring through early fall
  • Is extra transport required?: A car is needed to get to the property from the airport.
  • Location: Portland, Oregon
  • Number of overwater villas: 1
  • All inclusive resort: No
  • Starting price: $79/night
  • Sleeps: 4 (1 Queen Bed, futon)
  • Bathrooms: 1
  • Other spaces: Bedroom loft, full kitchen, bathroom with tub, waterfront deck
  • Direct water access from your bungalow: Yes.
  • Beach access: No
  • Private pool: No
  • Best for: Singles or couples who want to get away from it all
  • Best time to visit: Year round
  • Is extra transport required?: It’s just a short drive from the airport, and no boat transportation is needed

  • Location: Astoria, Oregon
  • Number of overwater villas: 1
  • All inclusive resort: No
  • Starting price: around $232/night
  • Sleeps: 8 (1 Queen, 1 King, 2 Singles)
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Other spaces: Full kitchen, washer and dryer, cleats to tie up your boat
  • Direct water access from your bungalow: Yes
  • Beach access: No
  • Private pool: No
  • Best for: Families or large groups
  • Best time to visit: Late Spring through early fall
  • Is extra transport required?: A car is needed to get to the property from the airport.
  • Location: Bayview, Idaho
  • Number of overwater villas: 1
  • All inclusive resort: No
  • Starting price: around $200/night
  • Sleeps: 6 (1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Doubles, 2 Singles, 1 sofa bed)
  • Bathrooms: 1.5
  • Other spaces: spacious dock, large kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas
  • Direct water access from your bungalow: Yes
  • Beach access: No
  • Private pool: No
  • Best for: Families or large groups
  • Best time to visit: Late Spring through early fall
  • Is extra transport required?: A car is needed to get to the property from the airport.
  • Location: Vancouver, Washington
  • Number of overwater villas: 1
  • All inclusive resort: No
  • Starting price: around $280/night
  • Sleeps: 10 (2 Queen Beds, 3 Single Beds, 1 Sofa Bed)
  • Bathrooms: 2.5
  • Other spaces: Wraparound waterfront deck, washer and dryer, BBQ grill, vaulted ceilings
  • Direct water access from your bungalow: No
  • Beach access: No
  • Private pool: No
  • Best for: families or large groups
  • Best time to visit: Late Spring through early fall
  • Is extra transport required?: A car is needed to get to the property from the airport.

New York

New York is certainly not the first place that comes to mind when you think of overwater bungalows, but the state features two AirBNB options. Closer to New York City in the Catskills region, you can find one on the shores of Lake Albanese or you can head upstate to the Thousand Islands Region to find one nestled in Alexandria Bay.

via Catskills Over Water Bungalow on Lake Albanese/AirBNB

Catskills Over Water Bungalow on Lake Albanese

From the rustic wood plank walls to the charming wrap-around porch the Catskills Overwater Bungalow on Lake Albanese is the opposite of Bora Bora overwater bungalows in every way. Located in the Catskills region of New York State, the two-bedroom vacation rental cabin is the very definition of cozy. From the rustic wood plank walls and the charming wrap-around porch to the location on 200 acres, this overwater bungalow is the ideal spot for a fun family vacation!

Highlights

  • Views

    Overlooks the tree-lined Lake Albanese providing scenic vistas of changing leaves in the Fall

  • Close to Home

    At just over two hours from New York City, the Catskills are much more accessible than French Polynesia

  • Amenities

    From a wood burning fireplace and glass floor to provided kayaks and 200 acres to hike on, the amenities are top notch

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via Harbor House at The Ledges Resort & Marina/AirBNB

Harbor House at The Ledges Resort & Marina

New York State’s Thousand Islands is possibly the most picture-perfect locale for an overwater bungalow in the US and Harbor House at the Ledges Resort & Marina makes the most of that opportunity! Located on the St. Lawrence River across from historic Bold Castle, the resort features a cozy three-bedroom floating cottage.

Highlights

  • Fido Friendly

    Bring your pup along because The Ledges is a dog friendly resort.

  • Iconic Views

    The balcony from the primary bedroom has views of Bold Castle, a popular historic attraction.

  • Outdoor Dining

    Drink your morning coffee or enjoy dinner outdoors on the wrap around deck.

Planning a trip?

From driving on the left to travel credit cards, check out our travel resources!

Florida

Overwater bungalows in Florida hit differently. Because the state is warm, dare I say, hot most of the year, the bungalows can feel a bit more like the iconic Bora Bora bungalows you may be dreaming of. I’ve got a whole post on Florida overwater bungalows, so head there for detailed information.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows

Oregon

When researching overwater bungalows in the US, Oregon was not on my bingo card, but here we are!

Portland’s Flamingo House via AirBNB

Portland’s Flamingo House

Keeping with the theme of “Keep Portland Weird”, Portland’s Flamingo House is a charming overwater bungalow option in a more urban environment. Whether you’re looking for a long weekend or a long-term stay, this colorful cottage is a great value in a great location.

Highlights

  • Steal of a Deal

    Starting at just $79/night, this is probably the most affordable overwater bungalow you’ll find

  • Close to the Action

    Walking distance to nearby shops and restaurants

  • Digital Nomad Dream

    Fully stocked kitchen, washer & dryer, Wi-Fi, and location make this a digital nomad’s dream

The Float House at Jack Creek via AirBNB

The Float House at Jack Creek

Located adjacent to 16 acres of farmland in Astoria, Oregon, the Float House at Jack Creek is a larger property perfect for accommodating families or groups. Converted from an old floating store, the property retains its old-world charm and acts as an entry point for boating on the John Day River.

Highlights

  • Views

    Located near the Pacific, the float house is affected by the tides so you can enjoy the river at different stages.

  • Rustic Charm

    Originally a floating store, the float house has been converted into a cozy cottage with rustic charm.

  • Spacious

    With four bedrooms and 7 beds, this spacious property is great for families or groups.

Idaho

An overwater bungalow in Idaho? Trust me, no one was more surprised than me!

Dock End Floating Home via AirBNB

Dock End Floating Home

Located on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s biggest and deepest lake, Dock End Floating Home is a charming 3 bedroom overwater bungalow that’s ideal for families and larger groups. Fishing and boating are obvious activities, but you’ll also find a fun diversion at the nearby Silverwood Theme Park and a variety of outdoor activities at Farragut State Park.

Highlights

  • Something for Everyone

    While the lake-front location makes water activities an obvious choice, a nearby theme park and state park offer additional activities that ensure there’s something for everyone in your gorup

  • Outdoor Living

    From the floating deck with direct lake access to the beach chairs and outdoor dining area, this overwater bungalow focuses on outdoor living

  • BYOB(oat)

    Boat tie-ups are available right off the deck

Washington State

Rounding out the “I can’t believe there’s an overwater bungalow there” list is Washington State!

Columbia River Floating Home via AirBNB

Columbia River Floating Home

Twilight film fans, Columbia River Floating Home is the overwater bungalow for you! Located in Vancouver, this spacious modern home is located in an area that was featured in the films. It sleeps 10, so grab your friends or family and have your own movie moment (vampires not included).

Highlights

  • Ideal Location

    Columbia River view location that’s close to Main Street’s local restaurants and breweries

  • Film Favorite

    The Columbia River area was featured in the Twilight films

  • Bright and Beautiful

    This spacious home features updated amenities and loads of natural light

Is an Overwater Bungalow in the US right for you?

If you’re looking for dreamy tropical vibes, overwater bungalows in the US may not be the right choice for you. But if you’re open to a unique overwater bungalow experience, it’s definitely worth considering an overwater bungalow in the US!

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Hi, I’m Lori. But you can call me Lors. I’m a middle-aged New Jersey-born gal, currently based in Orlando, Florida. My background is in editorial travel photography and writing and I've been to more than 30 countries. I’m obsessed with tropical locales and my favorite city is Tokyo. Have camera, will travel! I’m a Disney adult, Lord of the Rings fan, certified crazy cat lady, and sushi addict! I hope this blog inspires your wanderlust. Feel free to follow me on Instagram for snippets of daily life on and off the road.