Cottage getaways you can afford

Cabins and yurts
For those of us not into pitching a tent, a cabin rental within a provincial or national park offers numerous advantages. It's quiet, you're close to nature, but hey, you've got walls (and, often, heating, if you're at the beginning or tail-end of the season, when it can get chilly at night). Usually within walking distance to shared shower and washroom facilities, it's a good option for that semirustic adventure.

Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park, for instance, rents yurts (eight-sided tentlike structures on a raised wooden pallet) for about $70 per night, and deep in the park's interior offers remote, historic ranger cabins from $50 per night to $120 per night (based on one person, additional costs for more occupants). Check your provincial parks to see if they rent cabins, huts or yurts. To search for facilties in Canada's National Parks, go to pc.gc.ca and do a search under the word "cabins." TIP: Bring your own sleeping bag and don't expect maid service.

RVing
Exploring by recreational vehicle offers freedom and a certain off-the-beaten-track road-warrior appeal that's worth embracing. RVs can be rented in no-frills through luxury configurations, with a basic four-berth model with shower, toilet, fridge and microwave and stove and picnic awning renting for as little as $50 per day, while $215 per day and up will get you a late-model, extra-roomy, extra-comfy version with those amenities, plus TV and VCR and private master bedroom. Overnight spots in national and provincial parks are inexpensive, and the best part? Unlike those tent folks, you've got your own private shower.

Get more on cottage living from styleathome.com:
• Primer: Cottage rentals
• Quiz: Which cottage is right for you?