Bama Lakeside Retreat-Pools, Lake, Fire-pit, Child & adult fun!
Welcome to the Bama Lakeside Retreat! We are family-owned & operated and we are open year-round! Book the home for Alabama football games, family reunions, corporate retreats and more!
**Please Read Prior to Booking: If you plan to have more than 15 people, there will be an additional charge of $50 per person per night after the booking comes through, plus tax/fees.**
Bama Lakeside Retreat features 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, accommodating between 13 to 15 guests, with the possibility of sleeping up to 30 for an additional charge. For larger groups, extra beds can be provided, and the office area can be converted into a sleeping space. Located just 10 miles south of the stadium, this home is the perfect escape from the chaos of everyday life! Our amenities make it the ideal lodging in Tuscaloosa for vacations or family gatherings. The home includes the Bama Game Room, offering fun for the entire family! Here, you'll find a pool table, air hockey table, assorted toys and games, and an indoor swimming pool. Additionally, there is a large outdoor pool, a fire pit swing area, kayaks, boats, and much more!
The Bedrooms: Most bedrooms come equipped with mini-fridge in or near the bedroom & a microwave. All bedrooms have smart TVs.
Master Suite (main level): 1 King Bed 3 Optional Twin XL Beds
Bama Guest Quarters (lower level): 1 King Bed 2 TwinXL Beds in Loft 2 Optional Flip Sofas
Arabian Nights Suite (upper level): 1 King Bed 1 Twin Window-Seat Bed 1 Optional TwinXL Bed
Cozy Cottage Suite (upper level) 1 Queen Bed 1 Optional TwinXL Bed
Bama Suite (upper level) 1 King Bed 1 Optional TwinXL Bed
Sunshine Suite (upper level) 1 King Bed 1 Optional Flip Sofa 2 Optional TwinXL Bed
The kitchen is fully equipped for fixing meals - featuring large pots and pans, plenty of serving dishes and utensils for large groups, and a well-stocked spice cabinet. You’ll also find a French door-style refrigerator, an extra chest freezer, and a stand-alone ice maker.
The outdoor space at Bama Lakeside Retreat is the highlight of the property! In addition to the beautiful outdoor pool and slide, there’s a playground complete with a triple twist slide, rope climbing wall and traditional rock climbing wall. A spacious seating area with swings and a fire pit enhances the outdoor experience, and the lake is conveniently located right in the backyard, complete with a dock with kayaks. There is no swimming allowed in the lake.
*Parking:* The property allows parking for up to 8 vehicles. You can have 4 more pending written permission from Bama Vacation Rentals Management.
We are here to make your stay a wonderful one. We know we’ve done our job well when you ask about coming back to stay with us again. We love having repeat guests, because it feels like family or close friends coming home for a visit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!
*Please Read Prior to Booking:
*Check-in time is 4:00pm CST, unless prior written permission has been granted by management. Early check-ins are available upon request, pending availability. There’s a $50 charge per hour, plus tax/fees. Please note, we are unable to confirm an early check-in until 24-48 hours prior to arrival as the property is still open for booking.*
*Be sure to enter the correct number of people to receive an accurate quote/price. Pricing varies based on the number of people. If you plan to have more than 15 people, there will be an additional charge of $50 per person per night after the booking comes through.*
*There are exterior security cameras located at the front and back of the property. This includes the exterior and interior pool area only. These devices may not be tampered with, covered, or unplugged by guests.*
*All reservations made within 2 weeks of date of arrival are subject to require in person Government Issued ID verification.*
*Optional Twin XL beds are NOT made up unless requested payment is made. It is not set up unless requested VIA our sleeping arrangement form, upon booking.*
*A maximum of 2 pets are allowed with a pet fee of $100 per pet, per stay, plus tax. If you have additional pets, you must receive permission in writing from management and pay additional pet fees.*
*Please be aware that upon booking, you will be required to sign the Bama Vacation Rentals forms and submit photo ID verification directly with our property management company texting system called AKIA. This will also be the primary platform used for communication.*
*For stays that are longer than 2 weeks, you will be charged an additional cleaning fee. All properties are required to be cleaned and inspected every other week.*
STR license: [#117452]
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Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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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
About the area
Tuscaloosa
Located in Tuscaloosa, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Bryant-Denny Stadium and Moundville Archaeological Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Druid City Brewing Company and Children's Hands-On Museum. Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center and R&R Cigars are also worth visiting. Rafting and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby.
Shelton State Community College - 9 min drive - 6.7 km
Black Warrior River - 9 min drive - 6.3 km
Alabama Fire College - 9 min drive - 7.1 km
Generations Primary Care - 10 min drive - 7.1 km
University of Alabama - 20 min drive - 18.7 km
Getting around
Tuscaloosa Station - 14 min drive
Birmingham International Airport (BHM) - 73 min drive
Restaurants
Chick-fil-A - 12 min drive
Waffle House - 8 min drive
La Gran Fiesta Mexican Restaurant - 7 min drive
McDonald's - 10 min drive
Circle K - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Bama Lakeside Retreat-Pools, Lake, Fire-pit, Child & adult fun! have a pool?
Yes, this property has an indoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Bama Lakeside Retreat-Pools, Lake, Fire-pit, Child & adult fun!?
As of 8 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bama Lakeside Retreat-Pools, Lake, Fire-pit, Child & adult fun! on 19 Apr, 2026 start from S$1,662, 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.
Is Bama Lakeside Retreat-Pools, Lake, Fire-pit, Child & adult fun! pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Bama Lakeside Retreat-Pools, Lake, Fire-pit, Child & adult fun!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bama Lakeside Retreat-Pools, Lake, Fire-pit, Child & adult fun!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bama Lakeside Retreat-Pools, Lake, Fire-pit, Child & adult fun!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Bama Lakeside Retreat-Pools, Lake, Fire-pit, Child & adult fun! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Black Warrior River, Shelton State Community College and Generations Primary Care. Alabama Fire College and Moundville Archaeological Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Such a perfect place for great family time together! We will be back!
Beth M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Nov, 2024
Thank you! We are so glad you had a great stay! We hope you come back again soon!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Michael H.
18 Nov, 2025
Excellent Place to Stay--Perfect for our Large Group
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 21-person group had a perfect experience at the Bama Lakeside Retreat. Excellent service from Bama B&B Rentals, great communication, beautiful house with multiple bedrooms, well-equipped kitchen, easy drive to and from Tuscaloosa on a game weekend. Great outdoor spaces. No negatives at all. Highly recommend this spot.
Anniversary Celebration with our children and grandchildren
This beautiful facility was perfect for us, the grandparents, our children and their spouses and our 7 grandchildren. It was very well appointed and everyone particularly enjoyed the beautiful lake view and the pool. It was a wonderful place for us all to be together!
Gail A.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jul, 2025
Thank you so much for your awesome review! It is a wonderful house to spend time in together as a family. Y'all were wonderful guests! Come back again soon for another stay!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Christopher F.
14 Oct, 2025
Best Stay near Tuscaloosa
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 is beautiful! The kayaks were so fun, the pool is very nice. Everything is fool proof with instructions written everywhere. The hosts are very responsive and friendly.
Upon arriving the first impression is a wow, and then you immediately notice how every nook and cranny is so clean. There was never a bored moment, even for our teenagers, The pool, slide, fishing dock, kayaks, paddle boat, games, pool table, air hockey, books, piano, and large yard were used by all. The kitchen is stocked to the max with pots, pans, and every other kitchen gadget you can think of. The supply of beach towels was impressive and most useful. We had a wonderful time!
Trudy K.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug, 2025
Thank you! We are so glad you had a great stay! We hope you come back again soon!
We had a great stay for our visit to UA for Homecoming. The house was very clean and the property manager was very helpful with any questions and needs we had.
Meg B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Nov, 2023
Thank you Meg! I am so glad that you had a wonderful stay! Come back again soon!
I chose this property for a corporate meeting for my sales team of 11 people. It was everything we could have hoped for in a property. This place is my number one pick in the state for my meetings from now on.
Jason B.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2023
Thank you for this great review Jason! Y'all were such a wonderful group and we can't wait to have you back!
This place was awesome. All the children enjoyed it so very much. The owners responded to my text and even came out to check the pool. We had a great time and enjoyed it so very much.
Hope T.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2023
I am so glad you had a wonderful stay! Y'all were fantastic guests and we appreciate how well you took care of the house. Come back again soon!
We stayed for about a week, and can’t say enough good things about it. The house and host over exceeded our expectations. Very helpful and attentive host, pool was cleaned and chemical levels checked regularly. They let us know before coming by to do so. House has every amenity you’ll need. No need to bring anything, they have it all! You will be happy you booked this gorgeous and spacious home!
Shari M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Brenda K.
5 May, 2025
Special Experience in a Special 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:
Bama Lakeside Retreat is an amazing home for family gatherings are other group get-togethers. We were there for a UA graduation celebration and has plenty of room for our extended family to join us. The kitchen and main living area were fully equipped to meet any need or desire, and every single bedroom was wonderfully furnished and included individual coffee makers and snack bowls with some also including a small fridge. The pool was great for the kids, and they especially enjoyed the slide from the upstairs master bedroom deck into the back yard. The view into the lake from the top screened in porch or from the wonderful back yard swings was beautiful. We all enjoyed the game room and shooting a little pool as well. The storytelling throughout the home made me feel connected to the owners. And speaking of the owners, they were so very kind and so very connected and responsive throughout our pre-visit planning and during our stay. A wonderful experience all the way around!
Brenda K.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Brendan G.
16 Oct, 2024
1st Timer
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 great. The location was perfect especially since we needed the room. The pool and lake gave the kids a day to relax and unwind. Gave the parents the opportunity to hang with their kids,; swim and bbq. The rule book is a bit overwhelming. I’m hoping the owners & mgmt felt we left it the way we found it.
Brendan G.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mary Ellen H.
22 May, 2024
It was fantastic
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was more than happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Everything was as advertised and more. These pictures in the advertisements did not do the place justice. It was phenomenal. It was my personal 10th vacation rental with family and friends. It was my bar best.
Mary Ellen H.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
THOMAS M.
15 Apr, 2024
Everything and More
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 willingness of the host to answer questions leading up to and during the stay made everything run so smooth. The house is spotless, the amenities are great, and I highly recommend paying for the pool to be heated during colder months. It was absolutely perfect.
THOMAS M.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
gary f.
12 Oct, 2022
Bama/ ATM Football game
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was more than happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Everything was great ! Perfect location, and plenty of room for 13 people. The owners were very accommodating and and responsive if we needed anything. Will use them again in the future !
gary f.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
beth k.
1 Aug, 2022
Best Vacation Rental By Far!!
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 have rented over a dozen different properties over the years and this one was the BEST. Staff was extremely helpful with booking, and swearing questions very promptly and very kind and attentive. I typically pack a bin of my “must haves” for food prep and did not need to bring any of them. This house fleas fully equipped and then some! We had 14 people, our 4 daughters and their spouses and 4 granddaughters. There was plenty of room for everyone. Ending each evening down by the lake on the swings roasting s’mores was a highlight as well as the huge pool with plenty of umbrellas for shade. We will be back!!!
beth k.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Heith P.
16 May, 2022
A++ Home and Host
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:
Excellent Host and home. Will definitely be using them again
Heith P.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Rhonda B.
9 Nov, 2021
Family Foorball Weekend gathering
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Our family of 16 enjoyed the property. We all had some private space and a large space to gather as a family. The home is situated on a small lake with lovely views from the property. The home was well appointed with many many items to help make a short stay have the conveniences of home. It is about 25 minutes in traffic to downtown Tuscaloosa and the U of A. We were so lucky to have the weather on our side so we could enjoy the pool, small kayaks and the outside play area. There were toys for the outdoor pool that they heated for us for a small fee and pool and air hockey tables inside.The manager/owner responded promptly to our requests when we had issues and questions. We all felt that the rules and consequences were excessive and made us uncomfortable , but, the manager explained that the City of Tuscaloosa has placed many restrictions on short term rentals. Overall, it was a fun weekend with many memorable moments with the grandchildren snd our adult children and their spouses.
Rhonda B.
From a partner site
2/10 Terrible
Ben P.
11 Sept, 2021
STAY AWAY
Rating Details:
The property manager was very unhelpful.
The vacation rental was clean.
I was somewhat unhappy with the location.
I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Awful - her contract doesn’t make sense, but you have to sign it. You’ll have to name all guests and tell her where they plan to sleep, then you’ll have to agree to excessive policies that threaten extra charges, ensure multiple signs in the home that threaten extra charges while you’re there. She’ll send unannounced strangers into the home where your children are playing and have her husband stop by daily to “check on the pool” and police your activity. People like this shouldn’t rent out their homes.
Ben P.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Colleen D.
9 Aug, 2021
Huge house with everything you need
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 including 7 kids and 7 adults had a wonderful time. The pool is everything you could need for a summer trip. The house has everything you could possibly need including the most well equipped kitchen and space for everyone to spread out.
We chose this property because it was able to accommodate our large family of 20+. The home is spacious enough to give everyone their own room/bathroom and provides areas for everyone to gather as well. The kitchen is fully stocked with any equipment you need to cook. We fixed every meal together and enjoyed family meals as a group. Each room has its own coffee maker, mini fridge, and snacks. Absolutely perfectly designed. There are tons of games, a pool table, air hockey, amazing outdoor space and equipment for s’mores around the fire pit or fishing off the dock! Communication with the host is flawless and they were always quick to answer any questions or concerns. If you’re looking for a wonderful place in this area, don’t hesitate! Thank you for being the hostess with the mostess :) - The Hay Family.
Jennifer H.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2023
Oh WOW! Thank you so much for taking time to write such a sweet review with so many important details! I hope y'all will be back for another trip soon!
It was a fantastic property that accommodate a large party people, very good social setting we really enjoyed it
Kurt R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2023
Thank you Kurt! It was such a pleasure having y'all stay with us, and we hope you'll be back again soon:)
About the host
Hosted by Bama Vacation Rentals
We built this, our dream house, after losing our other home to a tornado in 2000, and a 2nd home to a fire in 2006. We're both retired school teachers that have embarked on a new career path! We have a 200 year old B&B located just 2 blocks from the stadium, and we manage over 50 game-day rental properties all across town. We love to entertain, and we often host visitors in our home. Some of our former guests include Hurricane Katrina victims, and other visitors from all over the world, including the University of Alabama's Foreign Language Department. Our children are older now, so we decided as a family to try something new - making our home into a special retreat for other families! Roll Tide!
Why they chose this property
We built our home in this lovely location in south Tuscaloosa because of the quiet beauty of the lake, and its close proximity to town. We thought about building on Lake Tuscaloosa, but it's so far away from everything! We also wanted a quiet lake instead of one that sounded like the interstate! Our lake does not allow motor boats, so instead you only hear the sounds of nature all around you! Swimming is not allowed in the lake, but we have a huge pool to enjoy instead!
What makes this property unique
We have a fully stocked lake and the fishing gear to go with it! You can fish from the pier, use the paddle boat, row boat, or one of the kayaks. We also have a great outdoor heated swimming pool, an indoor exercise pool, pool table, air hockey table, 2 spoiled cats, and much more.
** Please be aware that this house used to be a Bed and Breakfast. You will see some old reviews indicating that. We are no longer a Bed and Breakfast, but a whole house rental.**
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests