Cabin

Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin

Photo gallery for Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin

The Cabin in Summer (1)
The Cabin in Summer (2)
The Cabin and the River (1)
The View of the River from the Porch Swings
The "Little" River, Townsend, TN (1)

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 13

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Internet access
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 1

1 Single Bed, 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

2 Double Sofa Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower

Bathroom 2

Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms

About this property

Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin

This cozy, rustic cabin is nestled on the bank of the scenic Little River in quaint Townsend, TN. Just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, Cades Cove, and other attractions, this cabin combines the feeling of solemn remoteness with the convenience of local walking-distance amenities, including a grocery store, gas station, and restaurants. We are family friendly and welcome you to make a tradition out of bringing your family to Townsend each year, just like our family did when we were children!



Rippling Waters Retreat is situated directly on the Little River in Townsend, TN right in the heart of Townsend. The cabin has a secluded feel, though it is less than a mile from restaurants, attractions, a gas station, convenient store, supermarket, and more. The cabin shares many acres of land and river frontage with other cabins. Free parking is provided at the retreat, making getting around Townsend easy. This is a rustic cabin situated directly on a river, backed up to woods. Though we maintain pest control and pest prevention services on the property, it is impossible to guarantee our guests with a pest-free experience (e.g. fireflies, flying bugs, crawling bugs, other insects, squirrels, etc.), while also maintaining a rustic look and experience to the property. Though the vast majority of our guests have never reported pests, all guests are required to be aware they are booking a rustic experience, including all the natural elements found in nature.



Similarly, though we seek to maintain stringent cleaning practices and standards, it is impossible to guarantee our guests a stay at our property completely free of dust, cobwebs and other elements indicative of being in a rustic cabin. Given the rustic nature of the cabin and the experience the majority of our guests expect, all guests are required to be aware they are booking a rustic experience, including all the natural elements found in nature.



By booking, you agree not to allow the aforementioned qualities of a rustic cabin to impact your review on our property, acknowledging you are purchasing this experience as described above.

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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About the area

Townsend

Located in Townsend, this cabin is on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove. Tube Junction and River Rage Go-Kart Track are also worth visiting.
Map
Townsend, TN

What's nearby

  • River Rage Go-Kart Track - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Townsend Visitor Center - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Dark Island Swinging Bridge - 2 min drive - 1.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Peaceful Side Social - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Artistic Bean - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Townsend Abbey - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Apple Valley Cafe Express - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Elvira's Cafe - ‬10 min drive

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. 70 out of 88 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 88 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 88 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 88 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 88 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Owner very helpful and responsive. Property is quiet and conveniently located.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! We brought our bikes and the location made it so easy to hop on and ride around Townsend all day. The porch swings were also great to sit on during the day and watch the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa and Roger T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We have been coming up here for years and this by far has been our favorite cabin to stay in. It is centrally located to everything, well-appointed with all the amenities you need for a comfortable relaxing stay regardless of the season. We will definitely be coming back, again and again.
Stayed 19 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Troy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location! Cutest little cabin
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Everything was awesome and peaceful
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tami Williams

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Wonderful cabin! Close to everything in Townsend . Clean and so comfortable!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roger L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So cozy, sound of the river was intoxicating! Swinging on the porch was wonderful. Will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffery K.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

We loved the cabin and location
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Misty A.

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

Great location

Great porch to relax on and watch the water. Townsend is always a great area to stay in
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nikki C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin was beautiful, right on the water! Kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed. Owners were responsive to any questions/concerns we had. Overall a fantastic place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dawn L.

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

Gorgeous Location!

Amazing views, relaxing atmosphere, clean and exactly what we needed. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert C.

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

Nice Place.

3 nights in Townsend. Centrally located right on the river with easy access to GSMNP.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Wilma S.

Liked: Location
The view from this cabin was beautiful location was great. But inside was a different story. The floors needed cleaning, and there was a spill in front of the refrigerator. The refrigerator and oven were dirty, with dust and crumbs beside the microwave, dirt in front of the couch, and hair and lint on the couch. Husband took a nap on the couch and started itching and broke out in a rash. The mirror in the bedroom was dirty. I contacted the owners and was told that the guest in front of us didn't clean before leaving. I told the owner the cleaner didn't do their job. I have learned to take pictures for proof. I sent them to the owner. They forwarded them on to the cleaner. We left early so that they would have time to come in and clean up before the next guest. The owner was really nice, and I know they are relying on the cleaner to do their job. They had no complaints before me, but I have not always mentioned things before but, this time it needed to be brought to the owner's attention. I have cleaned offices and houses for over 30 yrs. so I know what's clean is . It's not the owner's fault, but hopefully they got it resolved before their next guest came in.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Whitney H.

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

Nice

We loved the location. It was very quiet and peaceful. It was very warm upstairs so bring fans.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Fred W.

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

Cabin on the River

There was 4 brothers and our sister on our 3rd annual sibling vacation in the Smoky Mountains. The swings on the back porch watching and listening to the Little River was our favorite evening experience. We truly enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

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

Best Cabin in Townsend!

Cozy, comfy, BEAUTIFUL! I can’t wait to go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip T.

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

Callahan First Baptist

Great location in Townsend city limits. Close to events, dinner outlets and the entrance to mountains.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca D.

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

Great stay

I would recommend this cabin to anyone. It was very clean and perfect location. We enjoyed the porch every night - watching the river and geese. I would give this cabin 10+ out of 10.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the location, right on the river at the end of the road,the porch swings were great and very quiet. Overall the cabin was clean, we did find a sock, popcorn and a coaster under the tv in the living room and the refrigerator needs a good cleaning.The wood burning fireplace caused an odor in the cabin,reminded me of my childhood home, but my wife didn't like it. It is an older property and shows some age but I enjoyed it.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Brian A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Nice place and quiet

Cleaning people need to a better job,but therefore nice cabin
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark L.

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

Great spot!

Loved the porch and river. So relaxing. Enjoyed it very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane L.

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

Great, relaxing family vacation/wedding.

Got in after dark, but was greeted with lights being on. First impression was AMAZING! My family felt very comfortable and enjoyed our stay. Listening to the Little River made it so relaxing. Great location and I would definitely recommend this cabin to others.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Denietra D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Nice relaxing and peaceful

So peaceful and the king bed was magical...i didnt want to get out
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg W.

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

Rippling Waters EXCELLENT LOCATION

We spent 4 nights at the Rippling Waters cabin on the Little River in Townsend. Excellent location on River, very close to Wears Valley Road, the Townsend bike path, IGA grocery store and the hardware store. Plenty of room for our big family ! Will look to stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Breanna H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our weekend

Overall the stay was pretty good. There were a few issues we ran into as far as things that house keeping had left behind. However, we immediately reached out to the property manager and she was very apologetic of the situations. The location was amazing. Our kiddos loved being so close to the water. Overall we would stay here again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
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