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Claudia's Caboose
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"The train is a reminder that Life is a journey meant to be savored, not rushed"
Exclusive Summer Offer: Receive a $20 Desoto State Park Gift Card Redeemable for refreshing pool access, convenient parking, or food purchases within the park when you book 2 + days on the Week-end. One card per stay; June only as supplies last.
About the Caboose
A Fully Renovated Train Car Rental
All aboard the most iconic vacation rental experience in the Southeast!
Once a real working caboose, this train car now sits about 175 feet from the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, on 1 acre in Valley Head, Alabama. The interior space of the caboose is decorated in a midcentury - industrial style while maintaining many of the elements of the original working caboose. This is a fully heated and air-conditioned train car. Open the entrance door off of the platform and walk into the Kitchen/dining area where there is a coffee bar, microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, sink, and dishwasher. There is a dining table that will convert to seating 4 people for dining or games. The living room has a leatherette couch that folds out to a double bed. Enjoy the flat screen TV with Roku and streaming tv along with high speed internet. Beyond the living room you'll see an old original entrance door that opens to the uniquely designed bathroom with luxury towels and all the amenities of a hotel bathroom. Down the hall is the "master bedroom" with an antique wooden barn door that provides privacy. The cozy, private bedroom offers a queen size mattress along with luxury linens and a duvet topper. A transformation of space that any train conductor or engineer would relish.
Our outdoor space has a 16 x16 deck, firepit, and a park style charcoal grill. The separate railroad "shanty" is actually a wash house with a washer and dryer available to guests who stay over 2 nights.
Although the railroad track behind the property is not a "mainline", railfans can still enjoy train watching and photography a few times a day as Norfolk Southern, and BNSF engines travel from Chattanooga to Fort Payne and on to Birmingham.
Claudia's Caboose 2025 rental Rates
Midweek rates, Sun -Thurs: $119.00/night
Week-end rates, Fri, Sat: $126.00/night
Housekeeping fee: $45.00
Alabama Taxes: 7.5%
Availability Calendar
Find Claudia's Caboose
Claudia's Caboose Renovation
Testimonials
AIRBNB REVIEW
"We had a wonderful stay at Claudia's Caboose! The place is so cute and unique! It was perfect for our girls trip. Claudia provided so many great recommendations for places to eat and things to do. We really enjoyed exploring during the day and relaxing by the fire pit at night." – Heather
AIRBNB REVIEW
"Claudia and Robert’s caboose was by far one of the coolest places we’ve stayed. It was very clean and well maintained with great amenities. Valley Head was beautiful with its friendly neighbors and an awesome drive in movie. DeSoto Falls was beautiful as well and with it only being a few minutes down the road was an absolute plus. Claudia was an incredible host who gave great info along with wonderful kindness." – Robert
AIRBNB REVIEW
"This is the most unique place to stay. There is a train track close by and you can hear the trains and horn as it goes by. The decor is awesome. My husband and I just loved this place. Claudia is so informative and such a joy to talk to. we will definitely be telling all our friends and family. This is a once in a lifetime place to definitely put on your bucket list of places to stay....Thanks again for everything and making our 36th anniversary so special." - Julie
Other fees and rental details:
Reservation CHANGE fee: ANY changes to your reservation outside of the no refund period will incur a $25.00 change fee. We do not change dates if you are within the 2 week, no refund period. We usually cannot re-book dates within that time period. Please be sure of your availability for the dates you reserve BEFORE you secure your dates.
Administrative refund fee: When we take payment through Paypal we are charged a 3.9% processing fee that is NOT returned when we refund a guest. Any refund will be less 3.9%.
Late Check out fee or early check in fee: $45.00 (IF AVAILABLE), allows check out at 2:00pm CT or early check in at 12:00 pm CT.
*A two night minimum is required on all reservations excluding major holidays and festivals which may require 3 nights. Memorial weekend, July 4th, Antique Alley, Longest Yard Sale, Rhododendron Festival, Colorfest are an example of events that may require a 3 day reservation. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years require a minimum 3 days that INCLUDE the actual holiday. No check in or check out on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New years Eve and New Years day. Please inquire if you have questions. Weekends are booked Friday -Sunday. We don't have check in or check out on Saturday.