Bear Necessities in Gated Smoky Mtn. Retreat Community

Photo gallery for Bear Necessities in Gated Smoky Mtn. Retreat Community

A spacious living area with a large leather sectional sofa, a wooden staircase, and a kitchen with wooden cabinets.
A log cabin bedroom with a bed, wooden dresser, television, and a ceiling fan.
A wooden cabin with a covered porch, a grill, and a screened door leading to an outdoor seating area.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, and hanging pendant lights.
A log cabin with a large front porch, a chimney, and a stone foundation.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Waterpark access
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Internet access
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
MAGGIE VALLEY, NC
  • Place, Wheels Through Time Museum
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2 reviews)
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About the area

Maggie Valley

Located in Maggie Valley, this holiday home is near theme parks and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shining Rock Wilderness, while Wheels Through Time Museum and Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Maggie Valley Festival Grounds and Fantasy Golf & Game Room. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the sledging.
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Map
MAGGIE VALLEY, NC

What's nearby

  • Wheels Through Time Museum - 13 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center - 13 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Maggie Valley Festival Grounds - 14 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Maggie Valley Opry House - 15 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Maggie Valley Gem Mine - 15 min drive - 12.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Catrina’s Cantina - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Maggie's Galley - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Guayabitos - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Bizzaro Pizza - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bear Necessities in Gated Smoky Mtn. Retreat Community pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Bear Necessities in Gated Smoky Mtn. Retreat Community?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Bear Necessities in Gated Smoky Mtn. Retreat Community?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bear Necessities in Gated Smoky Mtn. Retreat Community?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Bear Necessities in Gated Smoky Mtn. Retreat Community located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Hazelwood Soap Company, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds and Fantasy Golf & Game Room. Waynesville Recreation Center and Barber Orchard Fruitstand are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 83 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 83 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 83 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 83 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 83 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family gathering

Great place, didn’t like the drive into the house but I should have expected it being in the mountains. Plenty of parking
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great View- Great Value

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Spectacular setting! Very comfortable house in a very unique natural setting. Peace and quiet and only 10 minutes to nearby Maggie Valley and Waynesville.
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2025
Dear Doug, thank you for letting us and the community know about your fantastic experience with Smoky Mountain Retreat! We hope to see you again soon, at Bear Necessities!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Mountain memory

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Every visit creates deeper memories that are special to us. The setting is tranquil and is epic. Every need is addressed in our cabin. Great layout; excellent kitchen and multiple recreational games available. Terrific!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Simple Pleasures

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: With the natural beauty of the blue ridge, staying in Bear Necessities is a special place in a special part of the country. Escaping the noise and routine of every day living could not be any greater.. wonderful lodging and memorable days in the mountains.. relax and keep thing simple...
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr 2025
Wow Doug! Thank you so much for the feedback for Bear Necessities! Smoky Mountain Retreat appreciates your business and we hope to see you again soon.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great mountain experience

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Great setting with full view of distant mountain off the back porch. Cabin is comfortable with a rustic, relaxing layout. Amenities are all there for carefree vacationing. Pool table and pingPong set. Perfect place to unwind or regroup with family and friends.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great house!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Lovely spacious home with a view of the mountains and golf course to the north. Well equipped kitchen, plenty of seating, and one of those fancy toilets in the master bath! Wonderful play space downstairs with pool table, darts, game table, TVs. Comfortable and clean.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Winter break vacation in Waynesville

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was more than happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The rental property was beautiful. The home had all the conveniences of home. Well stocked kitchen items. We enjoyed the gas fireplaces. We had a little problem regulating the heat in the cabin and had to call after hours number to get assistance. The thermostat had to be reset and the heat started working, so much so that we had to constantly keep turning it turn because it got so warm. Other than that stay was great. Area is close to ski areas, the Blue Ridge Parkway and not too far from Asheville. Downtown Waynesville had nice area to walk with nice shops and good restaurants . Many need reservations, so call ahead. Very nice cabin and stay. We could not use many outside facilities because of weather. Road was a little daunting, especially at night. Not sure how it would be during any snow or ice conditions. Rental company was very helpful and pleasant to work with. Check in and check out process was very good. Will stay here again!
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Bear Necessities has great interior/decorations

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Love the mountain cabin furnishings instead of modern, very comfortable furniture. ON the downside--the master bedroom closet is locked so cannot hang up clothes which is a problem when staying for a week. Owner should use space downstairs or bring as they need. Also the lighting on main floor is bad, all shades are orange which dims the light, and the master bathroom fixtures are orange and also hung upside down with bulbs pointing upwards instead of down. Very hard to see doing makeup, shaving, etc. the same guy must have installed the kitchen faucet--the hot and cold and on/off is reversed! A bedside lamp actually turns your skin yellow. Definitely cannot do any reading in this cabin, except for the lower level which is well lit. Also, the lower trees should be trimmed as you cannot see the great view of the valley, as can be seen by the next door cabin. Still, the cabin is quite enjoyable and would stay again except missing what could be a great view.
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2025
On behalf of Smoky Mountain Retreat Diane, I would like to thank you for staying at Bear Necessities and appreciate the review you provided. We would not be able to grow without feedback like yours. We hope to see you again!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Peace On Mountain Top

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We stay here 2 times a year. Great house and getting better. While we were there a new air conditioner and microwave were installed. Trees are being trimmed for a perfect Mountain view.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Bear Necessities has great interior/decorations

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Love the mountain cabin furnishings instead of modern, very comfortable furniture. ON the downside--the master bedroom closet is locked so cannot hang up clothes which is a problem when staying for a week. Owner should use space downstairs or bring as they need. Also the lighting on main floor is bad, all shades are orange which dims the light, and the master bathroom fixtures are orange and also hung upside down with bulbs pointing upwards instead of down. Very hard to see doing makeup, shaving, etc. the same guy must have installed the kitchen faucet--the hot and cold and on/off is reversed! A bedside lamp actually turns your skin yellow. Definitely cannot do any reading in this cabin, except for the lower level which is well lit. Also, the lower trees should be trimmed as you cannot see the great view of the valley, as can be seen by the next door cabin. Still, the cabin is quite enjoyable and would stay again except missing what could be a great view.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great View- Great Value

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Spectacular setting! Very comfortable house in a very unique natural setting. Peace and quiet and only 10 minutes to nearby Maggie Valley and Waynesville.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Simple Pleasures

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: With the natural beauty of the blue ridge, staying in Bear Necessities is a special place in a special part of the country. Escaping the noise and routine of every day living could not be any greater.. wonderful lodging and memorable days in the mountains.. relax and keep thing simple...
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Repeat Renter Observations

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: May 10-day visit: This is the 4th time we've rented this house from Smoky Mountain Retreat after previously renting two others on the mountain. Main reason for sticking with this home: Easy access from driveway with main living area on this level. Like the otheres, the house is always well-cleaned, except for the deck furniture. This has been the case each time, but a call to the office resulted in the job getting done on our first day. Kitchen is well-equipped and the decor and furnishings are outstanding. The exceptions is the deck furniture (old cushions, some coming apart on both deck and around firepit) and the main bedroom mattress (okay until this year when we found it to be too soft with a harder middle ridge). Rental office - A++ for customer service and staff personalities.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Luxury Paradise Atop Maggie Valley

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Our family visited Bare Necessities for the second time to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. This is an exceptionally equipped home. There are so many amenities to the home, you could never leave and have plenty to do. The master has a very comfortable bed, heated toliet, and large master bath on the main level. Our son and wife took the upstairs where there are two bedrooms, one with a king and one with king and large bathroom. My husband appreciated the gourmet kitchen with every possible high-end pot and pan and appliance. For me, the screened in patio with a fire pit and sectional looking out on the trees was my favorite spot to spend hours of my vacation unwinding. We will return to this paradise of peace in the mountains.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Mountain Mastery

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Another wonderful vacation in Smoky Mountain Retreat. Great view from our deck. Comfortable and full equipped cabin. An annual trip to rediscover the simple pleasures of nature. Management staff are excellent.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Our Second Home

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Stay here 2 times a year. Great house and very well stocked kitchen. Maids do need to get cobwebs out when cleaning!!!!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

bear

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: very nice home
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jun 2023
Glad to hear you enjoyed Daniel! We hope to see you again!
From a partner site

4/10 Poor

Bear necessities review

Rating Details: The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Windows and general cleanliness, filthy. Broken hooks and hangers in bath that fell off the wall.Locked closets that were needed for our long stay. Would not rent again. The price was not worth the quality of the rental. Never again.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Girls Trip

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: My girlfriends and I had a wonderful stay at Bear Necessities cabin. Being from the Virginia Beach area, it was a great respite from the August heat. The cabin provided everything we needed and more. The only hiccup was the ceiling fan in one of the bedrooms upstairs had an issue that kept flipping the breaker. This room also had the wifi router and made it difficult to get in touch with the office but once we were able to let them know the maintenance crew came and fixed the problem enough to get the lights and wifi back on the next morning. The office staff were very nice and check in and check out was easy.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jun 2023
Joanne, we are glad you were able to come and enjoy the cooler weather! We truly appreciate your feedback! We hope to have you back again!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Family Vacation

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Everything went as instructed for check in after hours and package had additional details for our stay. Directions were given to the rental and we only had one wrong turn off, which was the road signage confusion. Once we made it to the cabin, we had no other issues driving up or down. Fair warning going down, you’ll need to down shift your transmission to save your brake wear. It’s a really beautiful view going up and if you’re looking for being on top of a mountain this is the place. We only had one issue and that is the gas grill was empty. Once I made a call down to the office Gloria took care of having it delivered promptly. It’s a very we’ll furnished and beautiful home inside with great decor. It’s ideal for more than one family having privacy on each floor. Highly recommend and we’ll return again. Saw a lot of wildlife going and coming on the mountain. Close to any attractions you may want to visit. We went to Cherokee, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Also Fly Fished the Smokey Mountain National Park Streams. We saw Herds of Elk and one very big Black Bear over 350 pounds. Wonderful trip and very peaceful.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great Home

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This home is equipped with anything and everything needed for comfort. Kitchen has every tool in the world! View is great, would be better if trees are trimmed.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful Retreat

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The house was in a great location in Maggie Valley> I will recommend this property to my family and friends. The house is vey spacious and has plenty of amnesties. We would have loved a hot tub on that amazing balcony, but everything else was just wonderful.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Bear Necessities!!! :)

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Our experience was great and I would recommend this cabin to anyone!! The only item that stood out to us was the fireplace downstairs was not working, but other then that, it was a very comfortable place!!!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Fall in the Mountains

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Lovely house in a beautiful place. We rent 2 times a year. Beautiful view. Hope they trim trees before summer for even better view
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Mountain Magic

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Another terrific experience in the Smokies... very comfortable stay in our rental cabin in a spectacular setting. Private Android quiet community where I can relax and enjoy nature. Wonderful time.
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