If a unique getaway or staycation is on your radar, Kristina stayed at a tiny house with Saluda Tiny on the Saluda River in Easley. It’s the perfect little overnight glamping trip to take a break from the world and she tells us all about it. Thank you to the Saluda Outdoor Center and Saluda Tiny for hosting us.
Kidding Around Earns through an affiliate relationship with Stay22 when you book through links on this page.
Not going to lie – I’ve been dying to stay in a tiny house for a long time. I’ve watched too much HGTV and have this romantic notion of them, plus I just like the idea of being forced to not take much with me on a trip if the place I’m staying at is small. I found just the place not even thirty minutes from my house outside Greenville at Saluda Tiny, situated right on the banks of the Saluda River.
These places would be great if you’re a couple looking for an overnight together or a smaller family wanting to kind of camp but with some amenities. The tiny house we stayed at was a two-bedroom with bunk beds so perfect for kids. The other ones are smaller but very stylish and the best part is that during the summer, you can tube along the river, which is mere steps away.
Tiny Home
The tiny home we stayed at was beautifully decorated and comfortable. It had a kitchen, a full bathroom, a living area, and one TV in the master bedroom and another in the main living space. It has a coffee maker and all the comforts of home plus a porch, chairs, and a stunning view. The home was sparkling clean and even had some snacks, water, and coffee. I mean, what else do you need?
The design was conceived with the river in mind so all windows have beautiful views of the Saluda. I loved waking up to views of the water!
Book a Tiny Home on the river.
My kids really enjoyed the bunk beds and while the bedrooms are on opposite ends of the tiny house, I felt comfortable that if they needed anything, I’d hear them.
We stayed there in late May so the water was great for tubing. We brought our own tubes and did short runs from a spot under the nearest bridge back to in front of our tiny house at the take out point. It was so peaceful and quiet. I recommend bringing your own life jackets if you’re going to do this just for safety’s sake.
Parking is right behind the house so you don’t need to carry your bags far. The tiny homes, of which three are in operation right now, are somewhat close together. The two-bedroom we stayed at the furthest from the others, around 50 feet.
The other two tiny homes are one bedrooms and are closer together but both overlook the water and have fire pits. All the tiny homes have AC and heat.
River Pods
If you love camping but hate setting up a tent and would love to sleep comfortably, the River Pods along the Saluda at the Saluda Outdoor Center are for you. These are small camping cabins that are adorable. Can I say that about pods? I will because they are.
One is an A-frame beauty that has two twin beds and opens to a view of the river. All the pods have river views. The other pods also have twin beds and are on raised platforms overlooking the water.
You can have a tent if you like but these are pretty fun as they are. They all have fire pits and parking is just feet away from the pods. There are shower facilities on site as well. The pods are solar powered so you’ll be able to charge your phone or have a fan going.
Saluda Outdoor Center
In the summer, expect the Saluda Outdoor Center to get busy, but I think that’s really part of the fun. The SOC is set up with community in mind. The brewery, 13 Stripes River Lodge, is open serves beer and food, plus there is a stage and wide open grassy space for games and relaxation.
The camp store for the SOC sells s’more kits, koozies, snacks, and drinks.
The SOC is ideal, in my opinion, for people who want to get away for a night or two but not drive several hours to do so. My kids and I really had a lot of fun during this trip and took advantage of everything the SOC offered.
We got there on a Friday night and tubed by ourselves and had dinner. The next morning we went tubing for a couple hours and were home by Saturday afternoon. Sometimes even a short break like that in nature and away from home can do wonders.
Booking Tiny Homes and River Pods
Currently, the tiny homes and river pods are on various booking sites, you’ll find those links below. Tiny homes overnights start at $109 and river pods are $45-$55 a night depending on day of the week and season. Kids can stay in a river pod with a parent/guardian.
Book a Tiny Home on the river.
Book River Pod 1
Book the Sassafras Glamper
Since we stayed there in the summer of 2021, they have added several more tiny homes to the SOC roster, including an awesome family camping pod!
See More Rentals! Browse through the homes at the Saluda Outdoor Center website, where you can also book your lodging and tubing adventures.
Saluda Outdoor Center
3790 Calhoun Memorial Highway, Easley
864.777.3053