2025-03-06T16:30:01Z Read in app I've enjoyed staying in treehouses on vacation, but I probably wouldn't do it again. Courtenay Rudzinski This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? I stayed in 2 different treehouses during my Washington trip, and the stays reminded me of camping.Most treehouse accommodations can be difficult to get in and out of with luggage.Treehouses often have less-than-ideal bathroom situations, and stays come with nature-related risks.When I decided to road trip through Washington state, staying in a treehouse was high on my list of priorities.The Pacific Northwest is known for its lush scenery and treetop rentals, and I planned to take full advantage of the stellar views.I booked two very different treehouse Airbnbs: one in Mukilteo that looked out over Puget Sound and a remote two-story house in the woods near Olympia.Both stays felt oddly similar to camping. Although I was technically indoors, way up high in a tree, I felt immersed in nature and had limited modern conveniences.My first treehouse was in the backyard of a stunning, million-dollar house in a beautiful neighborhood that looked out over the water.I booked one night at a bargain price of around $100 and slept with the shades wide open to take in the amazing water views. It was small the bed was pushed against a wall with barely any room to walk, but worth the drive (it was an hour off my route).The other treetop villa was a splurge that had been featured in travel blogs. It required a two-night booking (which was a bit more time in a tree than I wanted) and didn't have WiFi, but it had multiple decks and was surrounded by forest.After having stayed in two different treehouse rentals, though, I feel that they're better in theory than reality for three reasons.It can be difficult to lug belongings up and down the stairs Many treehouses have stairs or ladders. Courtenay Rudzinski Although some extra-fancy treehouses have elevators, I'd argue most will require a bit of a workout to enjoy.My waterside cabin had very steep stairs, and I was traveling alone with a heavy suitcase, a small cooler, and a backpack. I didn't want to leave my belongings or devices in the car, so everything came up with me, requiring multiple trips.At the other treehouse, there were three staircases up to the bedroom loft. It was quite a workout for a short stay.Bathroom options in a treehouse are often less than idealUsing the bathroom in a treehouse can require thought and planning. However, I don't want to think so hard on vacation when I just need to pee.In many cases, treehouse accommodations have toilets designed for campers or bathrooms that must be accessed by leaving the treehouse.In Mukilteo, the bathroom was downstairs, attached to the main house, and it required a key. To me, this felt like a lot to remember when I woke up in the middle of the night after drinking too much water.At the larger treehouse, the facility was in the tree but had an RV toilet with a flush pedal. It didn't feel very luxurious, and, to be honest, I struggled to fully understand how to operate it.Given how tricky it can be to install plumbing up a tree, I'd suggest checking the listing before you book and making sure you're OK with whatever the bathroom situation may be. You're at the mercy of weather and wildlife I've experienced some incredible views from treehouses. Courtenay Rudzinski Treehouses often come with unmatched views, but the wildlife immersion may have drawbacks.Although it might feel nice and cozy in a treehouse during a rain or snowstorm, it can become treacherous if you need to leave and the steps are icy or slippery.Plus, in a treehouse, you're more exposed to the elements, drafts, rain leaks, and wind than you would be at a hotel.During my stay at the treetop villa, the owner told me that if the wind started blowing, the house would creak and sway. If it got really bad, he warned, I'd need to evacuate, possibly in the middle of the night.This was a bit more than I'd bargained for, and I ended up leaving a night early.A treehouse stay also means keeping an eye out for nearby wildlife owls and bears are prevalent in Washington state and possums, raccoons, and mice can climb.Overall, I'm glad I stayed in treehouses but I wouldn't do it againMy trip to Washington was great, and I have no regrets.Thankfully, I had no animal run-ins, and the weather was beautiful during both of my stays. Sleeping in the air was kind of fun and peaceful, and I was as close to nature as I'll possibly ever get.Treehouse stays are cool to try at least once, but I can't say I'd want to regularly incorporate them into my travels. The cons don't quite outweigh the pros for me.