See all properties
Entire home

Private Lakefront Cottage on Lake Santeetlah

Photo gallery for Private Lakefront Cottage on Lake Santeetlah

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
King Bedroom
King Bed

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Robbinsville, NC
  • Santeetlah Lake
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Cheoah River
  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Main Floor Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Main Floor twin bedroom

2 Single Beds

Upstairs Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Main Floor Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Upstairs Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Private Lakefront Cottage on Lake Santeetlah

Feel unplugged and remote at the Santeetlah Bear Den Cottage. It is a uniquely designed cottage situated at the end of a dirt road. The cottage backs up to 100s of acres of US Forrest Service property. You will be surrounded by trees and have a private dock a walk down the hill and then down the steps. There is not a view of lake from house.
During your days enjoy morning coffee or afternoon refreshments on the deck situated in the woods just above the dock. Go hiking right out the front door deep into the woods. Kayak, canoe, fish, swim, and enjoy the Lake all day long. Read and relax on the upstairs balcony or in the very private backyard. Enjoy grilling and eating outside on the backyard picnic table.

Endless adventures are close by: Visit Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and bring your mountain bike to tackle the Tsali mountain bike trails. Rent or bring your boat and ski and tube on the Lake. Visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center and zip line thru the woods or raft down the river. Shop, eat and listen at Stecoah Valley Center. If you are a motor cycle rider, you will be close the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. Endless adventures of all sorts are available in Graham County.

During your evenings keep warm by the wood stove in the cozy living room. Listen to crickets, tree frogs, and other nocturnal creatures from the private upstairs balcony. Enjoy dusk watching the starlings flying overhead from dock side. Roast up a s’mores feast around the back yard fire-pit while telling stories and rehashing your day’s adventures. Wind down from the day’s activities watching a movie and then sleep soundly on brand new bedding in beautifully decorated bedrooms.

We hope you choose to stay at the Santeetlah Bear Den and enjoy the cottage and location as much as we do.

Property manager

Marty Sullivan

Languages

English
Lock

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.
Find out more

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Front of the house

Cozy Lake-front cabin with a private dock and beautiful views on Lake Santeetlah

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
9.6 out of 10, (46 reviews)
Cozy Lake-front cabin with a private dock and beautiful views on Lake Santeetlah

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
Check out before 10:30 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Young children should be supervised at all time.
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
A non-refundable pet deposit of $125 required.
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Robbinsville

Located in Robbinsville, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center and Cheoah Dam are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Nantahala National Forest and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Robbinsville, NC

What's nearby

  • Santeetlah Lake - 3 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest - 13 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Junaluska Medicine Trail - 17 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Fontana Lake - 49 min drive - 48.9 km
  • Fontana Village Resort Marina - 49 min drive - 49.6 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 110 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lynn's Place - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Kin Cafe - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Willow Tree Restaurant, Catering and Bakery - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Lakefront Cottage on Lake Santeetlah pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Private Lakefront Cottage on Lake Santeetlah?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Lakefront Cottage on Lake Santeetlah?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Private Lakefront Cottage on Lake Santeetlah located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest and Santeetlah Lake. Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest 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. 73 out of 90 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 90 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 90 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 90 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 90 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tristan W.

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

Bear Den

Our stay at the Bear Den cabin is always peaceful. It’s a great place to stay, relax, get away from the outside world, and to be on the water. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tarah S.

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

Kayaking dream

Had an amazing time. The cabin is well equipped and owner was very responsive. We loved kayaking all day on the lake and sitting around the camp fire at night. We highly would recommend Bear’s den for a family get away.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

John B.

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

Better the photos

First off. Musty, there was other reviews saying property was Musty. I went in looking for musty and Did Not find the cottage musty at allPhotos do not refect how close the lake access is, the pictures seem to show a distance between front door and the lake. From the front door to the lake steps is a very short distance Steps to the lake and floating dock was in very good to like new condition The cottage is not fancy, but very clean, well appointed and in good conditionAcess on the private road was level, well graveled with minimum pot holesOverall very good value for the money
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randall M.

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

Fall Family Stay

Overall this was a great stay. The house is off the beaten path but it was quiet and comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keith P.

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

Awesome

Great place
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Louis C.

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

Great spot

Nice clean cabin on a very private road Lots of Hiking and scenery within a 20 mile radius prefect place to decompress and relax
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ross P.

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

Peaceful lake recreation

Perfect fit for us- allows on site and nearby lake recreation and excellent trails for hiking and naturing! Comfortable and peaceful home and environs!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bob L.

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

Clean and comfortable

Great property nestled in the forest with beautiful lake access and fishing. Warm cozy interior with plenty of room for us. Everything you could need is there. Plan ahead for groceries and stuff. A bit of a ride to town but well worth the drive.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Terry B.

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

Fun

Robbinsville wasn’t much to write home about but the lake was very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra

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

North Carolina Beauty

This was a great family retreat celebrating our 30th Anniversary. The location of the house is beautiful. We used the 2 kayaks and 1 canoe. We fished and caught nothing. We did wonder where the fish were, however getting out on Lake Santeetlah was special. The house was very comfortable and clean. All our needs were meant in terms of washing machine & dryer, kitchen needs, and bath. All the rooms were comfortable. We sat outside and built a fire, which was awesome. It did rain a lot when we were there, but it really didn’t hurt our time, as we still managed to have fun. The grocery store is about 20 minutes, but close enough to get all your food and personal wants there. The location of the house is perfect in terms of hiking, waterfalls, etc. We went Rafting at Nantahala Rafting with Adventurous Fast Rivers, which was so much fun and highly recommend that for families to do. We would stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kirk A.

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

Great time!

Great location on the lake! We had a great time.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

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

Loved it!

This was a great place for a quiet getaway with the family. We rented a boat, kids were able to tube. Marty was very responsive when we needed to reach out. Definitely will stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Family vacation

We enjoyed staying at the bear den. The listing is accurate and the owner is very responsive to questions, concerns and recommendations for places to go. It is very secluded but close enough to attractions we wanted to do.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie K.

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

Smokey Mtn getaway

Great place! The lake was great for kayaking and fishing.The dogs were comfortable. Nice to be unavailable for a few days! Don't believe your GPS when driving in, the owner gave great directions. I loved being able to see ALL the stars at night!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josee B.

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

Perfect to decompress!

Lovely place exactly as described. Long long driveway to the house on gravel. Then steep hill to the house all gravel. 43 steps down to the dock. We all enjoyed this very secluded place. It smelled a little damp if you have allergies you may want to take a Zyrtec or Allegra. Every thing you need is there except there was no toaster. King bed very comfortable. Good communication with Marty. We brought our own kayak that fits our dogs but there was two big ones on the dock. Nice curvy roads all around we sure had a blast riding our motorcycles everywhere. Takes about 15 minutes to downtown Robbinsville We would highly recommend this place. Thank you for everything!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sae S.

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

Private quiet lakeside

I want to live there. Didn’t drive the car after arriving. Enjoyed being in the clean water of west buffalo creek and Santeetlah Lake by canoe, kayak, and paddleboard. Grilled out and had a nice fire (pit) in the back yard. Took some walks and then enjoyed the Santeetlah Lake Trail by mtn bike when we left. Rode at Tsali on the way to Bear Den. Host is very responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris R.

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

Great getaway

Enjoyed canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the lake. Very secluded and quiet location and close the most wonderful views of the mountains. We would repeat staying here.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

David P.

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

Slice of heaven

We had a great long weekend. We tried to hit ‘peak leaf season” and we did. Everything was wonderful.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Edith M.

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

Beautiful spot

Lovely wooded and private cabin. Well furnished, clean and cozy. We loved canoeing on the lake and the outdoor fire pit.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Camille Y., Hendersonville, NC

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

Bear Den Exceeds Expectations

We had a wonderful time at the Bear Den! The house is fully outfitted with everything you need including two kayaks, a canoe, paddles and safety gear. The view from the floating dock is awesome. We sat on the dock looking at Funneltop mountain and saw all types of birds including ducks, hawks, kingfishers, warblers and more! We fished and caught some sunfish. The property borders Nantahala Forest and there is a large path through the forest adjacent to the stairs to the dock. We highly recommend Bear Den.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan K.

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

Great getaway

Very nice property with great lake access.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jordan R.

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

Great home

We loved staying here, the location was fantastic. The water was very close to us and the kids loved swimming!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

rob s.

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

Just What We Were Looking For!

We have stayed in multiple VRBO's. This one beat our expectations. Secluded, but not too much so. The yard and firepit were nice and useful. The lake is a scenic treasure. VERY NICE!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christy C.

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

Great swimming and kayaking!

We spent our entire time swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Great time by all! Very clean when we arrived. Check-in/Check-out very easy. Great communication. Our only complaint would be our neighbors across the lake were very loud during our stay. So we didnt get to experience the peaceful aspect of the trip but nonetheless, we would definitely book again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Becky B.

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

Family getaway

If you want somewhere to hide away from the noisy world this is it! If it’s been raining you’ll need 4WD to get up driveway to park beside cabin. Marty is very responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Marty Sullivan

Host profile image

Languages:

English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback