Cabin

Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River

Photo gallery for Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River

A two-story wooden house with a covered patio, outdoor seating, and a small deck.
Property video
A rustic wooden cabin with a covered porch, surrounded by trees.
A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, a ceiling fan, and a door with windows.
A covered wooden corridor with a concrete floor, wooden walls, and a view of greenery outside.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Watauga River
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air-conditioning
  • Pet-friendly
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Johnson City, TN
  • Place, Watauga River
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, East Tennessee State University
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Winged Deer Park
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River

The Laurels Cabin

A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River

The Laurels Cabin is part of our unique rustic lodge, designed to resemble an old-fashioned horse barn. The lodge consists of three private cabins situated on five beautiful acres with more than 600 feet of frontage along the Watauga River, conveniently located between Johnson City and Elizabethton, Tennessee.

Located upstairs in the lodge, the Laurels offers more than 600 square feet of comfortable living space and is perfect for couples, small families, fishermen, or anyone looking for a relaxing getaway on the river.

The cabin comfortably accommodates 2–4 guests and features a queen bed, a comfortable Catnapper sofa, a full bathroom, a cozy living area, and a fully equipped kitchen. The living room also includes a queen-size sleeper sofa that can comfortably sleep two additional guests.

Everything You Need for a Comfortable Stay

We want you to arrive, settle in, and start enjoying your time on the river. All linens are provided, so all you need to bring are your personal belongings and your favorite food and drinks.

The kitchen is fully equipped with dishes, cookware, a coffee maker, toaster, microwave, and other essentials needed to prepare meals during your stay.

The Laurels also features a gas fireplace, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a flat-screen TV with Spectrum streaming. Guests have access to our central laundry facility as well as our shared outdoor cookhouse.

The cookhouse is a favorite gathering spot and features a gas grill, charcoal grill, and gas griddle—perfect for cooking breakfast before heading out for the day or enjoying dinner after an afternoon on the river.

Some of East Tennessee's Finest Trout Fishing

One of the things that makes the Laurels truly special is its location right on the banks of the beautiful Watauga River.

This section of the Watauga is well known for its exceptional trout fishing and is part of Tennessee's Quality Trout Zone. The river is home to rainbow, brown, and brook trout, along with several species of bass and other fish.

Whether you're an experienced fly fisherman, trying trout fishing for the first time, or simply want to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river, you'll have one of East Tennessee's most beautiful waterways just outside your door.

Close to Everything, Yet Away From It All

The Laurels offers a peaceful riverside setting while still being conveniently located approximately 10 minutes from both Johnson City and Elizabethton.

We're also within easy driving distance of Roan Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, and Hawksnest, making the Laurels a wonderful home base for exploring the mountains, hiking, skiing, sightseeing, and enjoying all that Northeast Tennessee and the surrounding area have to offer.

After a day of fishing or exploring, come back to the cabin, prepare dinner at the cookhouse, and unwind beside the Watauga.

Whether you're planning a fishing trip, romantic getaway, mountain adventure, or simply a peaceful escape, the Laurels Cabin offers a comfortable and inviting place to experience the beauty of East Tennessee.

We have additional cabins available at Watauga River Cabins. Please contact us for availability and rates.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Well behaved, non aggressive dogs are welcome.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
All dogs must be on flea control. Limit 2 dogs per cabin. Sorry, no cats.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 842649vb
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
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Johnson City

Located in Johnson City, this cabin is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Carter Mansion and Tipton-Haynes Historic Site are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Sycamore Shoals State Park and Watauga River. Johnson City Family Skatecenter and Lakeshore Marina are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the sledging.
View more Cabin rentals in Johnson CityOpens in a new window
Map
Johnson City, TN

What's nearby

  • Watauga River - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • East Tennessee State University - 13 min drive - 11.7 km
  • Johnson City Mall - 15 min drive - 14.7 km
  • Winged Deer Park - 18 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Bristol Motor Speedway - 31 min drive - 33.7 km

Getting around

  • Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Papa John's Pizza - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Penny Man's Diner - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Lemon Lab - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River?

As of 7 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River on 6 Nov 2026 start from £308, 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 Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Watauga River Cabins-Laurels Cabin A Cozy Riverside Cabin on the Watauga River located?

Located in the heart of Johnson City, this cabin is steps from Watauga River and within 6 mi (10 km) of Sycamore Shoals State Park and Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Tweetsie Trail Trailhead and Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park are also within 6 miles (10 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. 194 out of 223 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 223 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 223 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 223 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 223 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible place to stay! Cant wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2026
Hi Kendall. Thank you for the kind review. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great and as advertised
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct 2026
Hi William. Thank you for the kind review. We look forward to hosting you again in the future. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second time staying here as it is close to our family in the Bristol area. We really enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the ability to allow our dog to play in the open field. The site hosts and maintenance folks are friendly and helpful if you need them. We will definitely stay here in the future. Thank you for sharing your property with us!!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept 2026
Hi Larry. Thank you for the kind review. We appreciate your business and look forward to hosting you again in the future. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
There were no matches to start a fire. Excellent location and owners!! Beautiful!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Sept 2026
Hi Cindy. Thank you for letting me know about the matches. We leave the long fire starting matches and a lighter in each cabin. Someone must have borrowed them:( I'll make sure they are replaced. We thank you for the business and kind review! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome property. The laurels cabin was a perfect spot to stay while exploring the great fisheries of the area. Some great fishing right on the property during lower water. Little details like a TV that was super easy to operate and coffee filters in the cabinet made this trip a great one and I will definitely be booking again. Also the recliner in the laurel cabin is super comfy. So don’t be surprised if you fall asleep in it like I did twice.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept 2026
Hi Nick. Thank you for the kind review and we look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty & Gary
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Cute little place located right on the river perfect for just getting away from the hustle and bustle and relaxing for the weekend. Although I did not realize that the renovated barn was home to three separate cabins and sharing the space with other Renters. It wasn’t a huge issue, but I didn’t feel like that was clearly stated when researching the property to book.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Sept 2026
Hi Eriika. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay with us. On our website regarding the barn cabins; we have videos, photo gallery, a map of the property, and a description of the barn cabins. I welcome suggestions on how to make the barn cabin layout clearer for our guests. We also have Magnolia Cabin which is private. Thanks again for the suggestion. We look forward to hosting you again! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful riverfront property
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2026
Hi Tracy. Thank you so much for the kind review. We hope to host you again in the future. Take Care! Patty
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was as described. It was comfortable and we enjoyed the river access. If you fish, the flow of the river, even at times where they weren’t generating, was swift. Hard to find a shallow and easy place to access the wading. That said, being on the river was very relaxing. It’s a great place for kayaking.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2026
Hi Rick. Thank you so much for the kind review. Yes, the current at times can be swift. We have a river camera on our website so you can check the water flow. You can also find information about the water release on the TVA website. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We always love staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 May 2026
Hi Chad. Thank you so much for the kind review. We appreciate your business and look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property and still close drive to lots of restaurants. We loved staying steps away from the serene river and just a short drive (under 20 minutes) to shopping, dining and hiking options.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jun 2026
Hello Olivia. I'm so happy you enjoyed your stay at Laurels Cabin. Thank you for the kind review and we look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean and nice
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul 2026
Hi Angelic. Thanks much for the kind review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Laurels cabin was just what we were looking for. Clean and quiet location. Kitchen was well stocked. We could have sat down by the river all day. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun 2026
Hi Amy. So happy you enjoyed your stay at Laurels Cabin. We look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty Whidden
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well stocked, clean, and as advertised. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
HI Chris. Thank you for the kind review. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the location of the property…right along the river.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Apr 2026
Hi Sheryl. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place is very pet friendly. Your dogs has a wide and safe place to run free without any danger of cars. The place is spotless and has everything you need to cook. It is very quiet at night and peaceful during the day.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2026
Hi Chris. I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay at Laurels Cabin. Thank you for the kind review and we look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a wonderful time with family.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Dec 2025
So happy you enjoyed your stay at Laurels cabin. We hope to see you again soon. Patty
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
it was a very secluded perfect spot near the river and beautiful bridge with friendly cows across the road
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Dec 2025
Hello Paul. Thank you for the review. We are happy you enjoyed your stay with us. Is there anything that needs improvement? We strive to earn a 5 star review & take guests suggestions seriously. Thank you for your business. Merry Christmas! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin is amazing.great location . Beautiful grounds.We will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Oct 2025
Hi Judy. So glad you enjoyed your stay with us. I will be mailing your jacket tomorrow through USPS. We look forward to hosting you again. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sweet apartment. Loved the furnishings. Need was a little hard for my liking but i got sleep. Wonderful amenities on the property! Would love it anytime of year!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan 2026
Good Morning. So happy you enjoyed your stay at Laurels cabin. We appreciate your business and look forward to hosting you again in the future. Happy New Year! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

GREAT PLACE!!!!

Great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2023
Hi Chris. So happy you enjoyed your stay with us! We hope to host you again in the future. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed in the upstairs apartment and view was worth a thousand words! It was amazing! Definitely going to become a yearly destination.
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Oct 2025
Hi Kelly. Thanks so much for the kind review and great photos! We look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing stay

Enjoyed our stay. Beautiful, clean, accommodations had everything we could possibly need.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Apr 2024
Hello Denis. Thank you for the kind review. We look forward to hosting you again in the future. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Place to Stay!

Enjoyed time with family! Great location and place to spend a peaceful weekend away!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Dec 2024
Hello Dennis. So happy you enjoyed your stay with us. We hope to host you again in the future. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Laurel Cabin

Excellent place to stay when visiting Johnson City area
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2025
Hi Denis. So happy you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to hosting you again in the future. Patty

About the host

Hosted by Patty Whidden

Host profile image
I owned a retirement mobile home park for 38 years. My wife is a retired Biology teacher. We were both born and raised in Frostproof, FL.

Why they chose this property

The river property came into my mother’s family in the 1890’s. My great grandfather built the family homestead. In 1901 (pre-dam) a flood came and damaged the home. With mules and logs they moved the 3,000 square foot, 2 story home across the creek and placed it on higher ground. Before the dam was built in the mid 1940’s, the river would sometimes look like a creek, at other times it would rise and come out its 50 foot banks. In the winter, the river would freeze and my great grandparents would cut squares of ice from the river and bury it in their home for later use. Before the bridge, there was a natural shelf that allowed the horse and buggies to cross the river in front of the cabins.

The ground was farmed until I received it in 2003. My mother was raised on the property, until she married my father in 1947 and moved to Florida. We vacationed here every year, so I have always loved this place. I wanted a place of my own but hated the idea of having it sit empty most of the time. I am in the rental business in Florida so I decided to build something that could be rented when we are not able to be here. At that time, there were no buildings on the property so I was able to start from scratch. I really like the character of horse barns and thought, why not build one that could house people. So, in 2004, we built the cabins and it has been a great adventure! This past winter, we completed our retirement cabin. The cabin has three bedrooms, three baths, and an apartment on the lower level.

We hope you choose us for your lodging in East Tennessee. We know you will enjoy it.

- Gary and Patty Whidden

What makes this property unique

The cabins are located on the trophy trout section of the beautiful Watauga River.

Languages:

English

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