Cabin

Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites

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Spacious great room features large stone fire place & plenty of seating.
Tatonka Lodge
Fully equipped kitchen has everything you will need to cook meals at the cabin.
Open floor concept has kitchen, dining & great room on main level, loft up top
King master suites #1 & #2 are the same.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 143504 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Clyde, NC
  • Place, Pigeon River
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Harrahs Cherokee Casino
    ‪51 min drive‬
  • Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bunk Bed and 1 Single Bed

Loft

2 Double Futons

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites

Experience a one-of-a-kind Smoky Mountain getaway on a private 65-acre bison ranch. Wake up to peaceful mountain views and watch our herd of bison roam the pastures—then stop by during morning bison feedings for an unforgettable ranch experience.

Guests staying here can enjoy unique activities offered at the ranch including watching the bison feedings, signing up to be a ranch hand for the day, becoming a bison feeder, exploring our impressive model train museum, and joining in the fun during Hollywood Game Night. It’s an experience you won’t find at an ordinary mountain cabin.

With over 3,500 square feet, this spacious custom log lodge is perfect for large families or groups traveling together. The home features two private master suites with doors leading to the back deck, where you can relax and take in beautiful mountain views while enjoying the quiet of the ranch.

Inside, the heart of the home is the impressive great room with a massive stone fireplace, perfect for gathering after a day of mountain adventures. Comfortable seating makes it easy for everyone to relax together.

Downstairs, the game room is a favorite for kids and adults alike, featuring:
• Life-size chess
• Pool table
• Air hockey
• Ping pong
• Foosball

After a fun day exploring the mountains, unwind in the private 8-person hot tub while enjoying the quiet surroundings of the ranch.

Family Fun Right on the Property

Children love hiking through the woods to our custom playground area known as The BC Corral. This outdoor adventure area includes:
• Swings
• Zip line
• Slides
• Rock wall
• Cargo nets
• Teeter totter
• Horseshoe pit for the adults

It’s the perfect place for kids to play while parents relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Perfect Smoky Mountain Location

The lodge is conveniently located near some of the region’s most popular attractions:

• Cataloochee Ski Resort – only 12 miles away
• Biltmore Estate in Asheville – about 30 minutes
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drives
• Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
• Elk viewing in Cataloochee Valley
• Cherokee Casino
• Sliding Rock & Pisgah National Forest
• Tubing, hiking, waterfalls, and more

Guests can also enjoy fishing on the Pigeon River, located within walking distance of the cabin, or take a short drive into town for shopping, dining, and antiquing.

Pet Friendly

We welcome pets of all sizes, because we know they’re part of the family too.

Whether you're looking for adventure in the mountains or a peaceful place to relax and reconnect, this unique Smoky Mountain lodge offers the perfect setting to make unforgettable memories.
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: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
A fee applies if more then 14 guests
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Please dispose of butts properly

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 14
Note from host: A fee applies if more then 14 guests
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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

Clyde

Located in Clyde, this cabin is near theme parks. LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography and Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Balsam Spa. Consider Folkmoot Friendship Center for a night out or Waynesville Recreation Center if you're travelling with kids. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.
Map
Clyde, NC

What's nearby

  • Pigeon River - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center - 15 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Biltmore Estate - 39 min drive - 49.5 km
  • Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville - 39 min drive - 51.8 km
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 51 min drive - 57.0 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ben’s Backdraft BBQ - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Sherrill's Pioneer Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Blue Ghost Outpost - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites?

As of 22 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites on 12 Apr 2026 start from £334, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites located?

Located in Clyde, this family-friendly cabin is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Pigeon River, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Haywood County Public Library and Blue Ridge Health - Haywood. Waynesville Recreation Center and Queen's Farm Stables are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 136 out of 151 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 151 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 151 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 151 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 151 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was absolutely perfect in every way. What a dream home.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location. Kids love the Bison. Super steep driveway. Family loved the house!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tonya S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
it was a great family Christmas space!!!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay! The property is beautiful inside and out. It is also very clean. Had everything we needed. The hot tub broke 2 kids out in hot tub rash. The driveway is so steep, so we didn’t really leave. The folks who own the property are the nicest people. We really enjoyed our time at Buffalo Ranch!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a great time. The owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. They and the whole staff were very helpful and kind to the children. They really wanted us to have a good time. Would go back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Penny B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was absolutely gorgeous. The kitchen was fully stocked with all the utensils, pans, bowls, coffee pot, toaster etc. The wi-fi was great and it had Dish network. The one lane road to the cabin was alittle sketchy but we did fine with a car and a minivan
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca A.

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

Tatonka Stay

Nice cabin in the woods. Enjoyed the hot tub, camp fire and grilling out. Lots of games to play when it rained. Plenty of space for our group to spread out. We also enjoyed the animals on the farm, especially the buffalo feeding.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Roger C.

Awesome Cabin on a hill

We all enjoyed the Great Buffalo Creek vacation
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael M.

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

Great Time. Great Cabin!!

The cabin and property was great!! Minor issues not worth presenting, overall we would definitely do this again......and plan too!!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nichole E.

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

Long weekend getaway

Great experience with this property! Seal beach is a great local spot, easy walking distance to beach and downtown. Quick drives to the more crowded spots.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lon E.

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

Great vacation rental for large families. Enjoyed the buffalo feeding

We spent Thanksgiving week and our 50th wedding anniversary at the Tatonka Lodge. It was everything we wished for and more. Great family memories were made.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cindy O.

Wonderful place and people!

Fantastic stay! House is amazing and hand built by family. Owners are courteous and helpful. Property is spectacular! Our kids loved the hiking and animals. Highly recommend!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Tammy R.

Family vacay

What an awesome family vacation this was for us!!!!! Cheryl we cant thank you enough for everything you did!!!!!! The Roberts and Sisco family highly recommend this rental!!!!!!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail M.

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

Birthday reunion

My family and I spent a wonderful week at the Lodge. There were 9 of us and it was very comfortable for all of us
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

House was beautiful. Perfect for our family. Loved the life size chess game, fire pit, hot tub

Very comfortable furniture and beds. Could use more flatware but kitchen is well stocked. Great floor plan. Loved seeing all the animals and the owners were very nice.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley D.

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

Beautiful Escape with views and plenty to do

This property was perfect for our group of eight—including our furry friends! Cheryl was fantastic to communicate with, and when we encountered a minor issue, she promptly sent someone to assist. The house had everything we needed and more, from the game room to the hot tub. We loved walking our dogs around the property and had so much fun seeing the goats, llamas, alpacas, and bison! I highly recommend this property, as well as any of Cheryl's other rentals. Buffalo Creek Vacations is truly amazing—we'll definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

frank h.

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

Great place to stay.

Such a great location. We had a large group of family and had lots of room along with lots to keep us busy. Game room in the cabin with pool, Foss ball and even air hockey. Kitchen was good size for cooking up some big meals and the heated floor in the 2 master bedrooms were a big hit. The ranch had bison, lamas and even got to hold a baby goat. Staff was super friendly and really couldn't ask for more.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

PATRICIA GAIL M.

Perfect Family Vacation

We arrived to find a lovely home, perfectly decorated, for our family vacation. We mostly enjoyed the outdoors at the cabin and the park within walking distance. The game room at the cabin was an added bonus! We had a small problem with the TV and he was there in about 10 minutes to fix it! This is the perfect home for a family retreat!!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Carol F.

This cabin was awesome!!!...

This cabin was awesome!!! We had so much fun- our plans were to go skiing but the rain stopped that, we enjoyed spending time together in the cabin, plenty to do!! And when we got our car stuck the guys were more than happy to help us out. Very grateful!!! Would love to come back and probably will soon!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

YVONNE J.

#10 Experience

Had a great weekend. I will be back. Alot to do. Everyone was so friendly. Cabin was extraordinary. Very clean and beautiful. Views were breathtaking.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah D.

Property was excellent

House was beautiful, just as pictured. There was something for everyone to enjoy and there was so much to do in the area. I did not pay enough attention to the advice about 4 wheel drive being recommended but we made out okay on our July trip. Highly recommend this lodge if the steep road with cutbacks doesn't intimidate you. (It didn't stop us from doing anything we wanted.)
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Betty A.

A great Mountain experience w a family Ranch feel!!

Our family plus extended family had a great reunion on this mountain/ranch!! Tatonka Lodge was cozy, well equipped, and there was plenty to keep us busy and relaxed (loved the hot tub). We appreciated the family feel with nearby family owners to answer our questions and allow us to help feed the baby goats:) The Great Smokey Mountains offered tons of nearby parks and recreation albeit steep climbs! Our favorite was Deep Creek park with the tubing down the creek/"rapids." Blue ridge parkway and Ashville also highlights. We saw God's handiwork and will come back !!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl A.

Great ski vacation

We stayed at Tatonka Lodge with family friends for a great ski getaway. The home has plenty to entertain kids of all ages, and the owners were quick to respond to any questions we had. The location is good. 15-20 minutes from Cataloochee, 10-15 from the grocery store, restaurants, etc. It had rained before we came, so we didn't do a lot of hiking, but would love to return in the fall. Great spot for family getaways, girls' weekend, etc. The lodge is on a ranch with a single lane dirt road and the home sits on a steep hill -- just be prepared when consdering which vehicle to take.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Tatonka Lodge = Great Family Fun

We decided on a last minute mountain getaway midweek & were so glad we chose Tatonka Lodge! First impressions walking into this cabin!! Wow!!! It was close to area attractions as well! We loved seeing the bison fed in the mornings!! Also, sitting under the stars in the big hot tub was fabulous! There was everything we needed in the kitchen as well to cook at the cabin a few nights--we also tried some bison steaks one night. Those were delicious! Can't wait to come back...Also, read alot of reviews about the drive, we had a minivan & got there fine. Thanks to the owners for all the thoughtfulness that went into this cabin!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Steve M.

Beautiful Home and Views

The house was absolutely beautiful. It was warm and charming and had all the natural touches of a log cabin. It was spaceous enough for two families with teenage kids and had ample space for additional guests if needed. The house was clean and very well kept. When you visit, you must check out the photo album of the cabin inthe construction phase--awesome. The only problem we encountered was the road up the cabin--in the winter you really need a truck. They were kind enough to grade the road with a tractor which made it much easier to access the home which made the view all worth it!!!

About the host

Hosted by Cheryl Hillis

Host profile image
My brothers & my husband had shared a vision of expanding my fathers buffalo ranch when additional property became available to purchase. With all our knowledge & experiences combine we have built 4 log homes & have been renting them out since 2004. All the furniture in this cabin has been handmade by the wood on the property! Even the covered wagon bed, that was custom built my my father. Once my husband retires from the US Army in about 3 yrs our dream will be to build our log cabin on the property & be more hands on. God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams. We hope you love the mountains like we have all come to love being transplants from a very flat NY!

Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

While staying at Tatonka Lodge we feel you will really enjoy the peace & tranquility of being secluded on 65 acres. So many of our previous guest have wrote back & told us they had all these plans to sight see but then just loved hanging out in the cabin together enjoying the big game room & the children all love the uniquely designed playground as well as seeing the miniature horse, buffalo, goats & llamas.

Languages:

English

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