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BEST VIEW IN THE SMOKIES - Huge Group Lodge - Hot Tub/Game Tables/WIFI

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Amazing views from the rocking chairs on the balcony.
Entrance to Bear Lodge
Open dining room and living room with gorgeous hardwood floors.
Dining
Cozy living room with Cable TV and free WIFI.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms6+ bathroomsSleeps 32

Popular amenities

  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer/dryer
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Townsend, TN
  • Place, Tuckaleechee Caverns
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Cades Cove
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Airport, Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 32)

Downstairs bedroom (4)

2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Downstairs bedroom (5)

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Sleeper sofas

1 Double Futon

Upstairs bedroom (1)

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Upstairs bedroom (2)

2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Upstairs bedroom (3)

2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Bed

6 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 6

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 7

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area

About this property

BEST VIEW IN THE SMOKIES - Huge Group Lodge - Hot Tub/Game Tables/WIFI

Welcome to Tuckaleechee Retreat Center, a Christian non-profit, which is home to the National Office for Children's Bible Ministries, Inc. We offer seven cabins/lodges of varying sizes, sleeping from 2-40 guests! The main lodge features a beautiful saltwater pool, which is available to all of our guests, open Memorial Day through Labor Day. All cabins have fully equipped kitchens, grills, hot tubs, and gas fireplaces (Firefly Lodge has an electric fireplace). Bed and bath linens are also provided! Activities available to all of our guests include the shared saltwater pool, corn hole, and fire pit.

Bear Lodge offers five bedrooms, each with one queen bed and two sets of twin bunkbeds. Each bedroom has its own private bath. There is a large, fully equipped kitchen (two stoves, two dishwashers, two refrigerators, and plenty of prep space, pots/pans, plus silverware, utensils, etc.), and large dining room with farmhouse-style tables. Adjacent to the dining room is a large family room with dual-sided gas fireplace (available October through April) and flat screen Roku Cable TV/DVD.

Downstairs is a second living room with dual-sided gas fireplace (available October through April), flat screen Cable TV/DVD, pool table, carpetball table, piano, and common space for meetings or just hanging out. There is also a washer/dryer downstairs in the laundry room. Both top and bottom levels have decks overlooking the mountains. Enjoy the mountain view from the rocking chairs on the top deck. Relax in the hot tub on the lower level outdoor patio. Bear Lodge is the perfect place for your family reunion, men's, women's, or youth retreat, and so much more!

Parking area holds 10-12 cars. Additional parking space is available at the office, about 1/4 mile away.

Please Note: The driveway to Bear Lodge is steep and windy - 4 switchbacks up from our check-in office. Vehicles over the size of a 15 passenger van will not easily make it up the driveway and around the final corner. A large bus could park in our main parking lot by our office - please pre-arrange with guest services before arrival.

Discounts for first time bookings for CHURCH AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ARE AVAILABLE!

Ask about our discounts for pastors and full time ministry workers.

Our policies do not allow us to host wedding ceremonies on our property.

Guest will be required to sign Tuckaleechee Retreat Center's rental agreement after the booking is confirmed, which includes the rules and policies for our property including our no pets and no alcohol policy.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties

Parties NOT involving alcohol would be permitted.

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Gather used towels

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys

Please wash your dishes and put them away.

Return room keys to the bowl in the kitchen.

Book your next stay! Stop by the Gift Shop Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and pick up a t-shirt, sweatshirt, handmade artisan item, or other memento!

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

NO ALCOHOL (including beer, wine, champagne, liquor, etc) is permitted anywhere on the property (including your cabin). NO PETS!!!

Quiet hours for the porches/decks and all outdoor spaces are 11pm-7am.

A signed rental agreement is required within 48 hours of booking. Agreement can be viewed here and will be emailed to you for your signature.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1030617vb
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50
Note from host: Parties NOT involving alcohol would be permitted.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Townsend

Located in Townsend, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum and Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Tube Junction and River Rage Go-Kart Track. Consider The Trillium Venue for a night out or Hedgewood Gardens if you're travelling with kids. Water tubing and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and hiking/biking trails nearby.
View more Cabin rentals in TownsendOpens in a new window
Map
Townsend, TN

What's nearby

  • Tuckaleechee Caverns - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 11 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Cades Cove - 28 min drive - 28.1 km
  • Cades Cove Visitor Center - 37 min drive - 38.7 km
  • Dollywood - 40 min drive - 45.3 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Walland Shop Groceries And Gas - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Peaceful Side Social - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Barn at Blackberry Farm - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪The Artistic Bean - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Townsend Abbey - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does BEST VIEW IN THE SMOKIES - Huge Group Lodge - Hot Tub/Game Tables/WIFI have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is BEST VIEW IN THE SMOKIES - Huge Group Lodge - Hot Tub/Game Tables/WIFI pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at BEST VIEW IN THE SMOKIES - Huge Group Lodge - Hot Tub/Game Tables/WIFI?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at BEST VIEW IN THE SMOKIES - Huge Group Lodge - Hot Tub/Game Tables/WIFI?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at BEST VIEW IN THE SMOKIES - Huge Group Lodge - Hot Tub/Game Tables/WIFI?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is BEST VIEW IN THE SMOKIES - Huge Group Lodge - Hot Tub/Game Tables/WIFI located?

This family-friendly Townsend cabin is located in the mountains, 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Tuckaleechee Caverns, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Tube Junction and River Rage Go-Kart Track. Hedgewood Gardens and Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect! Host was great and the house was a blessing to hold our whole family and not for a crazy rate like others.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alfred C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family reunion

Loved this location for our family reunion!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean and well organized. Great labeling of where to find things. Awesome kitchen! Loved having so many beds and a bathroom for each bedroom.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Experience

Cabin was very clean and check in process was amazing. If you want to be in the mountains this is the place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

david p.

Great!

Awesome place, great view
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Thank you for reviewing us! We look forward to serving you in the future if you are able to come stay again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Micheal F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

This cabin was amazing. It has a beautiful view, it's quiet, and just an all around great cabin! I would rent it again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you!

This cabin was AMAZING!! Very clean and a perfect location for our groups retreat. 10/10 recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Women of joy trip

Trip was great house was nice and clean kitchen was awesome could use a few more bowls and Tupperware style containers hot tub was nice. Lots of hot water and great water pressure Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Trip!

We took our youth group to a Christian conference, and this cabin fit the space and everything we needed very well. The cabin was clean and enjoyable, and the managers were very easy to work with. No issues, we simply enjoyed our stay and look forward to possibly staying again in the future - would highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenilee V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

College team fun!

We had such a great stay with our large group of 26 here. The 5 bedrooms each with an adjoining bathroom were perfect. The kitchen was very well stocked with dishes for us to cook for the big group. Location was amazing to overlook the Smokies. Staff was super helpful and friendly. I will recommend this to my family as a great get together and hope to be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family get away

The property was everything described, and more. The morning view of the majistic mountains, was my favorite. Everything was fantastic! I can't think of anything to make the stay any better, except more time! Would love to revisit in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessi T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything we needed for large group

This house suited our large group so well. We had everything we needed including double fridges, double ovens, enough room to sleep etc. Not to mention the incredible views. Check in process was a breeze and the keypad on the door made entry easy getting in and locking up.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas at the Bear Lodge

Very good experience well stocked kitchen very roomy rooms. Very attentive host. Clean lodge. Lodge was warm at all times. The view was the best of the whole trip. We will be back. Nothing to complain about.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was perfect for our first ever extended family vacation! Each family had a room with own bathroom just for them and there was plenty of space and activities for kids of all ages! The double appliances were extremely useful, and it was the only place we found that had enough dining room seating for everyone at one time! It set the bar for vacation rentals for 30 people (6 families) pretty high and will be hard to beat in the future! Staff was very responsive and friendly! (Yes, the driveway was steep... 28% grade. But it too became part of the memorable adventure!) Would definitely consider coming back!
Gorgeous sunset after a storm!
Sunrise with the clouds rolling into the valley. Kids lived hearing the distant sound of cows and rosters from a nearby farm once they stepped outside in the morning.
Imagine during 30 people in this front porch area while grilling!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Mike P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family wedding

The property and views were great, the location relative to other things to do was great, but the driveway was a surprise. It was not a problem but the grade and switchbacks were unexpected.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful peaceful location

Nestled high up in the Smoky Mountains, this lodge is one of the most peaceful locations I have ever visited. It is perfectly situated in the small town of Townsend, just a stone’s throw away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a 40 minute drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. One could spend their whole vacation just in the Townsend area though. There is river tubing, horseback riding, hiking, and plenty of little shops to visit throughout town. The hosts were very generous with the amenities and supplies. Plenty of towels, clean linens and pillows and a good starter supply of consumables such as dishwasher detergent and toilet paper. If you have a large group and would like to get a little closer to nature, this is the lodge for you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun 2024
Thank you for your kind review. We hope to see you back again next year.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

PaMela H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Christmas in Bear Lodge

Our family continued our 15-year tradition of having a family Christmas weekend at our new location this year...Bear Lodge. The cabin was perfect for our ever-growing family with all ages being represented. We had enough room for every family within our family to have their own space...and have their own bathroom...which is huge. There was even more space for us to come together as a big family to eat, play games, and do our traditional Christmas program...with the grands being the stars. We loved having the huge kitchen...this was a big plus for a family that has some fabulous cooks that love to cook...even the grands participated in the cooking. We loved having the Christmas tree and other decorations that made our stay feel like Christmas. All in all it was a fabulous weekend and we made a lot of memories. Once we work out all our details for 2024 we will be calling and booking for our Family Christmas for next Christmas. Oh, and the view...PRICELESS!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Dec 2023
We didn't have much direct contact, but she always responded to emails. Very nice people, they left the place in great shape.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Saundra F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Property is all that we were told it would be and we loved staying there

Enjoyed the stay very much. Plenty of room for the whole family. Beautiful view and relaxing atmosphere.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ashley M.

Liked: Check-in, location

Fun but had some issues

We had a very good time during our stay, it was a very beautiful view but there were several issues. The first night we stayed a couch broke. I called and told them about it and they apparently had known for two months that there were issues with it. But they did not fix it or remove it knowing they had people coming to stay. Glad it was me that fell and not my grandma. All of the lights were out down by the hot tub. There was trash in one of the bedrooms. There is creaking noise in the downstairs bedroom wall so loud that it sounded like knocking on the wall. Saw two cockroaches in the kitchen. The pool cues were not very good. My sister-in-law got a splinter from them. For this much being spent, there should be workers looking through the cabins to make sure everything is ready and SAFE for their next guests.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jan 2022
We regret to hear that your stay had some issues. We desire to provide amazing and enjoyable vacations for all of our guests!! We were not aware that the couch was faulty - only that a previous group may have been rough on it. We promptly removed it when we knew it was unsafe for guests. We were happy to replace the light bulbs first thing the next morning after we were made aware of the need. We have a contracted pest control company that treats on a regular basis, but due to our location close to the National Park, sometimes unwanted pests are spotted. We are so sorry that this may have affected your stay. We appreciate all of your feedback as it helps us know how and where to improve the guest experience. Thank you for being our guests!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joshua B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time!

Loved this place. Good drive from attractions but we liked that. Great views. Clean place well kept. Plenty of space! We had 4 families and a great grandmother. 19 total people w all the kids and we had plenty of space. Would love to come back in the future
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JEAN B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Breathtaking Views

Loved the cabin! Perfect for large gatherings!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Fabulous destination

We came here for my parents 50th anniversary celebration.. this place is absolutely beautiful and we had a Great time
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place

The cabin was beautiful and comfortable. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lenita W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly recommend!

This cabin was everything we needed and more. The owners were super helpful and communicative, and even went above and beyond to help me get some first aid supplies when I needed some. If you plan on cooking a lot, bring your own can opener and scissors (not their fault, I know people misuse or steal things so it’s hard to keep these items stocked and in shape). But our stay was perfect, and I hope we can rent here again!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

YEARLY FAMILY TRIP

We spend 4-5 days, as a family, under one roof (22 of us) the week after Christmas. We eat, watch football/basketball, and play games. We reserved this cabin during the summer. The cost was in our price range; it was centrally located for each family; the owner was very helpful. Check-in/out was so easy. The cabin was amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

About the host

Hosted by Sandy Hungerford

Host profile image

This property is owned and operated by Children's Bible Ministries and is home to the National office. The property is used by this ministry, but rented to others when not in use, to support the ministry. We host individuals, couples, family reunions, churches, college groups, and more!!

Why they chose this property

This cabin is in Townsend, TN which a peaceful town right beside the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the few free national parks in the U.S.!! We are nestled on the side of Little Mountain, overlooking the beautiful Dry Valley and Rich Mountain, where serenity abounds!

Townsend provides delicious restaurants, several options for river tubing, souvenir and antique shopping, museums, caverns, horseback riding, and more! The National Park has endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, picnics, and viewing wildlife. A favorite is the Cades Cove Loop Rd which is 11 miles of scenery with wildlife in its natural habitat.

Just a short 30 minutes away, is Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood and many fun tourist attractions and shopping options. Gatlinburg, located right beside Pigeon Forge, offers a wide range of attractions and shopping for the whole family!

Our online travel guide (link provided with the guest agreement after you book) offers our top recommendations for catering, restaurants, shopping, attractions, etc. We also offer a Welcome Book in each of our cabins/lodges with the same information. Contact our office to ask about discount tickets that may currently be available!

What makes this property unique

Most of our staff live on the property, so although our office hours are Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, we are always just a phone call or text away if you have any needs during your stay! We love e-mail and social media, and we love to get to know our guests! We offer the opportunity for a full-property tour for all who are interested!

Languages:

English

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