Cozy Cabin on Lake Santeetlah in the Smoky Mountains
4.7
Outstanding(44 Reviews)Cabin in Lake Santeetlah, NC
3 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Includes essentialsPets allowed, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
About this cabin rental
Our cozy cabin on Lake Santeetlah is great for a couple or couple with one child to relax and unwind. PLEASE NOTE - LIMITED OCCUPANCY. Lake Santeetlah is located in Graham County, just south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in the Nantahala National Forest. Lake Santeetlah is a pristine and clear 3000 acre lake with a 1939 foot lake elevation, with an average depth of 56 feet and a maximum of 213’. About 80% of the lake shoreline is national park, with only 20% developed.
The Cabin has 2 bedrooms, living room, single bath, screened in porch, decks and a private dock. The first bedroom has a queen sized bed (sleeps 2) and the second bedroom has a twin bed (sleeps 1). The cabin is newly renovated with a new kitchen and bath. The first bedroom has a queen bed with great views of the lake. The second bedroom has a twin bed. Dinner on the screened in porch, followed by a board or card game is a great way to end the day after a long day in the lake swimming, tubing, boating or playing.
There is a canoe available on the property and two kayaks, along with a few noodles and other lake toys. The lake is deep and clear. You can see the fish swimming around the dock! Bring your own boat and launch it at the public boat ramp or rent a boat at the local Marina. The water at our dock is very deep and will allow almost any size boat to be docked there. There is fresh water fishing in the lake, with all different types of bass: largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, white and striped bass. Walleye, catfish and crappie are also caught on the lake. Fly fishing for trout is just off the lake in the creeks leading to the lake, with Buffalo Creek, Big Snowbird Creek and Yellow Creek local favorite places. Some rivers are hatchery supported and some only have wild trout.
The area around the cabin has a lot to offer to explore or for a rainy day. Cherokee is about 1 hour north on Hwy 74/441. Scenic train rides take you around the mountains starting in Bryson City. Tsali Recreation Area is nationally known for its mountain bike rides, with 42 miles of trails. Closer to home, the famous Tail of the Dragon starts just outside of Town, along with Moonshiner Highway (Rt 28) and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest has trees so large it takes a group of people to put their arms all the way around a single tree. The Appalachian Trail is just 8 miles from Lake Santeetlah along with other shorter hikes to waterfalls and beautiful creeks. And yes, there are bears in the area, so be aware! There is also white water rafting on the Nantahala River or the Little Tennessee River just outside of Town. Fontana Dam is a site to see - the tallest dam east of the Mississippi.
Come, enjoy your stay, relax, have fun and make memories!
(*Please be aware that VRBO has started charging you a "Service Fee" of about 12%.)
The Cabin has 2 bedrooms, living room, single bath, screened in porch, decks and a private dock. The first bedroom has a queen sized bed (sleeps 2) and the second bedroom has a twin bed (sleeps 1). The cabin is newly renovated with a new kitchen and bath. The first bedroom has a queen bed with great views of the lake. The second bedroom has a twin bed. Dinner on the screened in porch, followed by a board or card game is a great way to end the day after a long day in the lake swimming, tubing, boating or playing.
There is a canoe available on the property and two kayaks, along with a few noodles and other lake toys. The lake is deep and clear. You can see the fish swimming around the dock! Bring your own boat and launch it at the public boat ramp or rent a boat at the local Marina. The water at our dock is very deep and will allow almost any size boat to be docked there. There is fresh water fishing in the lake, with all different types of bass: largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, white and striped bass. Walleye, catfish and crappie are also caught on the lake. Fly fishing for trout is just off the lake in the creeks leading to the lake, with Buffalo Creek, Big Snowbird Creek and Yellow Creek local favorite places. Some rivers are hatchery supported and some only have wild trout.
The area around the cabin has a lot to offer to explore or for a rainy day. Cherokee is about 1 hour north on Hwy 74/441. Scenic train rides take you around the mountains starting in Bryson City. Tsali Recreation Area is nationally known for its mountain bike rides, with 42 miles of trails. Closer to home, the famous Tail of the Dragon starts just outside of Town, along with Moonshiner Highway (Rt 28) and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest has trees so large it takes a group of people to put their arms all the way around a single tree. The Appalachian Trail is just 8 miles from Lake Santeetlah along with other shorter hikes to waterfalls and beautiful creeks. And yes, there are bears in the area, so be aware! There is also white water rafting on the Nantahala River or the Little Tennessee River just outside of Town. Fontana Dam is a site to see - the tallest dam east of the Mississippi.
Come, enjoy your stay, relax, have fun and make memories!
(*Please be aware that VRBO has started charging you a "Service Fee" of about 12%.)
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Balcony or Patio
Hot tub or spa
TV
Family friendly
Map of Lake Santeetlah, NC
Reviews
4.7
Outstanding(44 Reviews)4.7
Loved the screened in porch and dock. It was wonderful sitting on the sofa on the porch reading and looking out on the lake and mountains. Unfortunately, we had quite a bit of rain which hampered our activities.
4.7
Our version of paradise. Cabin is perfect for 2. Dock view of Santeetlah is the best! Have stayed in other cabins on lake over many years. This is by far our favorite. Perfect for a water dog who loves jumping in for a swim. Thanks for such a peaceful place to swim, bike, kayak, hike and recharge!
4.7
Everything was as listed and communication with owner was easy and timely. Good experience.
4.7
Cozy cabin on the lake. Great spot in October with little boat traffic but several kayakers. Boat ramp near the cabin is very convenient. Very clean lake with lots of inlets to explore. Nice hiking and dinner venues nearby. The cabin is cute, clean and comfortable!
4.7
The pictures can't do the view justice. It is so beautiful sitting on the screened in porch. We had a wonderful relaxing weekend with the dogs and didn't want to leave. The cabin was clean and very comfortable. The kitchen had everything you could possibly need. We enjoyed building a fire with the amazing view! I can't wait to go back to the Cozy Cabin!!!
4.7
We had an amazing visit to Lake Santeetlah and the cabin. the cabin was clean and had everything that we needed to enjoy our stay. Steps to the lake were easy and the dock was perfect for our boat and swimming. We're looking for dates to come back in the future.
4.7
A little piece of heaven. We will definitely be returning. Tina's communication was great. :-)
4.7
We love the location, the views, the porch, the dock. The bathroom remodel is fantastic! Just a great little lake cabin. Can’t wait to come back next year!
4.7
We found this little cabin a welcoming spot. The online description is accurate, informative, and helpful on most points.
The view is beautiful, especially from the dock. The furnishings are ample and comfortable. The kitchen is a bit small, but adequate for a couple.
There are several places to enjoy a meal—the screened-in deck, the outside deck, or the kitchen island. The TV works well. (We enjoyed watching the US Open while eating at the kitchen island bar.)
I had read reviews complaining about animal fur and odor, but we found no odor or fur.
There are not a lot of frills—bring your own soap and shampoo for bathing. You might check with the owner if you’re going to need certain cooking supplies. But the kitchen has most necessities, and the appliances work well. No dishwasher or laundry facilities.
I would caution older guests: there is a step down from the kitchen to the living room. And the outside steps going to the dock from the house are uneven. People with balance- or mobility issues might have problems.
The bathroom is quite small, the shower tight. Large or elderly persons might have problems.
The outdoor pathways are well-lit, which is very helpful at night.
Overall, very clean and cozy. Sunsets from the dock are worth the price of admission.
4.7
I enjoyed the view & lake access.
4.7
I enjoyed the view & lake access.
4.7
We had a wonderful stay at the cabin on the lake. Everything was as described. We loved spending time outdoors on the dock and enjoying our breakfasts while soaking up the lake views in the sun room. I feel relaxed and renewed after our time here and can’t wait to return!
4.7
Everything by from start to finish was simple and easy. There was detailed instruction left in the cabin with everything from how things worked within the cabin to places of interest in the surrounding area. We have already talked about staying here in the future. 10/10 would recommend
4.7
Very quiet and relaxing. We went in October and had the neighborhood to ourselves. The cabin was comfortable snd clean. Kitchen was well stocked. What a way to wake up every morning...the view us gorgeous!!
4.7
Very quiet and relaxing. We went in October and had the neighborhood to ourselves. The cabin was comfortable snd clean. Kitchen was well stocked. What a way to wake up every morning...the view us gorgeous!!
4.7
The area is very nice and secluded, perfect for a getaway from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Has just one AC unit but it was sufficient for the size of the place. We really enjoyed all the outside areas ( screened in porch, swing under the porch, deck with fire pit and grill, then of course the dock). Towards the end of our stay we noticed a strong odor outside which we brought to the owners attention. They came over and said it was probably the field lines from the septic tank because the toilet had been running almost constantly. They told us they would replace the toilet the next day after we left. That night the WiFi went out and stayed out into the next day, which I know they have no control over that.
Between the couple of issues and a misunderstanding on our part we left a day early. We realized on the way home but decided just to continue home partly because of the strong odor outside in the areas we liked to hangout in.
My wife and myself tried to contact the owner via text and VRBO messages to see if she would refund our last day. She did respond to my wife’s text once and said she would check her records or something and get back to her. Here we are months later and have never heard back from the owners after multiple attempts to contact them.
With all that said the place is great to unplug and get away, we were just disappointed with the communication from the owners after the stay and their unwillingness to refund the one night.
4.7
I booked this cabin on short notice and the owner was very responsive and helpful. Pictures do not do it justice and the location is excellent for visiting many hiking areas. The neighborhood within its self offers a 2 mile walk around the mountain and lake. Property is pet friendly and cleaned very well. We will definitely be back again.
4.7
I booked this cabin on short notice and the owner was very responsive and helpful. Pictures do not do it justice and the location is excellent for visiting many hiking areas. The neighborhood within its self offers a 2 mile walk around the mountain and lake. Property is pet friendly and cleaned very well. We will definitely be back again.
4.7
Good!
4.7
We really enjoyed our stay again this year. The views from the porch and dock are amazing. We met the hosts this year and they were very friendly. We look forward to coming back soon!
4.7
A man (who later introduced himself as John, Tina's husband) came up to us before we ever got out of the car to tell us to be frugal with our water usage due to their fragile septic system. Between the two of us, we only took three showers in the three nights we stayed there and afterwards there was a noticeable acrid odor near the screened porch. The only artwork in the bathroom is a caligraphied lecture on saving water due to the septic system, including a suggestion that we shower together.
You need to be extra careful getting around the walkways and inside. From the driveway, the flagstone steps have uneven risers and treads and no handrails. The two steps into the house have unequal risers. Past the door, enroute to the lake, you have to navigate a long series of very shallow and uneven concrete steps, unlit at night - these deliver you to the firepit area you see on the website where the more typical wooden stairways commence.
No photos show the one-step floor level change between two main areas of the house - the kitchen/bathroom/twin bedroom and the living room/queen bedroom/screen porch. Be prepared to step up or down the one step every time you go to the bathroom or between the kitchen and living room. The single step isn't marked in any way (say - with a rope light); after my husband fell the first night, we set up bar stools as a visual warning of the danger.
The third reason I would never stay again is the uncomfortable bed situation. The queen bed is incredibly hard, desperately in need of a new mattress or at least a thick mattress topper. ALL of the pillows are so old, they've worn down to less than 2" thick; I found I needed to put two together to get any sort of loft. The twin mattress is too small for its frame and it shifts from side to side. We almost left after two nights but rather than sleep again on the queen rack, my husband ended up "sleeping" on the leather sofa and I "slept" on the slightly-more-comfortable twin bed.
Three more notes - the door is almost impossible to lock, inside or outside. And because there was no trashcan in the bathroom (or in any other room), you have to hand-carry any trash to the one large trashcan in the kitchen. Obviously a dog-lovers' house (lots of dog dishes provided), we encountered dog hair on the sofa's throw pillows and the dog smell on a spare fleece blanket kept us from using it.
4.7
A man (who later introduced himself as John, Tina's husband) came up to us before we ever got out of the car to tell us to be frugal with our water usage due to their fragile septic system. Between the two of us, we only took three showers in the three nights we stayed there and afterwards there was a noticeable acrid odor near the screened porch. The only artwork in the bathroom is a caligraphied lecture on saving water due to the septic system, including a suggestion that we shower together.
You need to be extra careful getting around the walkways and inside. From the driveway, the flagstone steps have uneven risers and treads and no handrails. The two steps into the house have unequal risers. Past the door, enroute to the lake, you have to navigate a long series of very shallow and uneven concrete steps, unlit at night - these deliver you to the firepit area you see on the website where the more typical wooden stairways commence.
No photos show the one-step floor level change between two main areas of the house - the kitchen/bathroom/twin bedroom and the living room/queen bedroom/screen porch. Be prepared to step up or down the one step every time you go to the bathroom or between the kitchen and living room. The single step isn't marked in any way (say - with a rope light); after my husband fell the first night, we set up bar stools as a visual warning of the danger.
The third reason I would never stay again is the uncomfortable bed situation. The queen bed is incredibly hard, desperately in need of a new mattress or at least a thick mattress topper. ALL of the pillows are so old, they've worn down to less than 2" thick; I found I needed to put two together to get any sort of loft. The twin mattress is too small for its frame and it shifts from side to side. We almost left after two nights but rather than sleep again on the queen rack, my husband ended up "sleeping" on the leather sofa and I "slept" on the slightly-more-comfortable twin bed.
Three more notes - the door is almost impossible to lock, inside or outside. And because there was no trashcan in the bathroom (or in any other room), you have to hand-carry any trash to the one large trashcan in the kitchen. Obviously a dog-lovers' house (lots of dog dishes provided), we encountered dog hair on the sofa's throw pillows and the dog smell on a spare fleece blanket kept us from using it.
4.7
The area is very nice and secluded, perfect for a getaway from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Has just one AC unit but it was sufficient for the size of the place. We really enjoyed all the outside areas ( screened in porch, swing under the porch, deck with fire pit and grill, then of course the dock). Towards the end of our stay we noticed a strong odor outside which we brought to the owners attention. They came over and said it was probably the field lines from the septic tank because the toilet had been running almost constantly. They told us they would replace the toilet the next day after we left. That night the WiFi went out and stayed out into the next day, which I know they have no control over that.
Between the couple of issues and a misunderstanding on our part we left a day early. We realized on the way home but decided just to continue home partly because of the strong odor outside in the areas we liked to hangout in.
My wife and myself tried to contact the owner via text and VRBO messages to see if she would refund our last day. She did respond to my wife’s text once and said she would check her records or something and get back to her. Here we are months later and have never heard back from the owners after multiple attempts to contact them.
With all that said the place is great to unplug and get away, we were just disappointed with the communication from the owners after the stay and their unwillingness to refund the one night.
4.7
We really enjoyed this peaceful little mountain lake cabin. There's so many places to sit and enjoy the mountain lake view (you can see if from the couch and from the outdoor screened porch and under the porch on the swing and get a different and most stunning mountain view from the dock). The outdoor patio is leafy and shaded and has a view of the lake cove (you can bring some logs and a lighter for the firepit). It's nice that there is the 'people side' of the cove where there is pleasant activity of other folks enjoying kayaking, swimming, or some with pontoon boats, and then the other end of the cove is the wooded mountains without any houses that opens up into the rest of the lake. The cabin has two kayaks and a canoe and floats and life vests and paddles. I liked floating off the dock the most and couldn't believe how warm the water was (in August). It's great to watch the clouds and light change over the layers of the blue ridge mountains. Different each day and always changing.
I like that the cabin owners allow dogs. I was able to walk Elliott up around the Lake Santeetlah neighborhood and enjoy looking at the other cabins and different views of the lake.
I brought one type of each towel for me (hand, bath, beach) but wished I had brought 2 of each because sometimes they need to dry overnight. I also wished I had brought my own pillows so that I had a fluffier pillow and could use them to prop myself up in bed for reading. They had plenty of blankets. The couch is also a comfortable place for one person to sleep.
Driving there and parking was easy even with low-to-the-ground cars. They provide a recycling bin and you can drop off your recycling at the nearby town hall at the lake marina.
Tina was very responsive and nice. I could see myself coming back. It's in a lovely part of NC with so many mountains around for dozens of miles in any direction.
4.7
Loved the location on the water and the kayaks/canoe. Howevrer, the place was very small and smelled strongly of animals. I had to buy candles to help with the odor. The front door lock was difficult to use and the cooling unit did not work consistently. Dont forget kitchen or paper towels!
4.7
Loved the location on the water and the kayaks/canoe. Howevrer, the place was very small and smelled strongly of animals. I had to buy candles to help with the odor. The front door lock was difficult to use and the cooling unit did not work consistently. Dont forget kitchen or paper towels!
4.7
The cabin was great and exactly as described. We had everything we needed and really enjoyed our stay.
4.7
This cabin was the perfect getaway. Lake Santeetlah is beautiful and peaceful. Plenty to do both on the lake and in the surrounding area. We ended the week relaxed and refreshed!
4.7
What a beautiful setting. If you like the water and the mountains like we do, this is the place. The water is very clear, with lots of cooperative fish. I would worn those that will be towing a boat, route 129 just west of this location is something know as Tail of The Dragon, a tow I wouldn't recommend. Also don't pull down the lane with your boat, which the owner worned us, and that turned out to be very solid advice, but there is a place up by the guard shack to drop it befor you launch. All and all, I would highly recommend this location for a relaxing get away.
4.7
The cottage was great and the location even better. Lake Santeetlah is a truly beautiful and magical place. We all enjoyed swimming, kayaking, canoeing and fishing throughout the week. Not far from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Tail of the Dragon - so go check them out. You can even take a short drive to explore the beautiful Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Fontana Dam (ask John for directions). Tina and John (owners) made the trip even more memorable as they were nothing short of amazing...hospitable, generous, kind and thoughtful. Happy Birthday John!
4.7
Rustic but very clean with all the essentials. The new outdoor Deck and dock is where we spend all day long. Great place with really nice owner and one of the best views on the lake.
4.7
Perfect view of Lake Santeetlah. Comfortable cabin. Kayaking, swimming, dining on the outdoor bar tables, swinging on the porch swing... just such a lovely place.... so much to see and do...or simply relax
4.7
what a perfect vacation. The cabin was perfect. The lake water was clear and perfect. The trip to Fontana dam was a great side trip. One of The best vacations we have ever had
FAQs
How much does this cabin cost compared to others in Lake Santeetlah?
The average price for a rental in Lake Santeetlah is R 5,597 per night. This rental is R 1,938 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cabin?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Cozy Cabin on Lake Santeetlah in the Smoky Mountains. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cabin?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cabin. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Cozy Cabin on Lake Santeetlah in the Smoky Mountains pet friendly?
Yes! This cabin is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Cozy Cabin on Lake Santeetlah in the Smoky Mountains?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.
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