Cabin

Romantic Luxury Safari Tent, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Deep Creek, Smoky Mountains

Photo gallery for Romantic Luxury Safari Tent, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Deep Creek, Smoky Mountains

Fire crackling, stone benches, string lights glowing on the hillside above — this is your evening at Shakonohey. Sit, breathe, and let the forest wrap around you as you listen to the peaceful nighttime sounds.
A cozy tented accommodation with a living area featuring a sofa, a small round table, and a television. The kitchen is equipped with a microwave and stove.
A tented structure with a wooden deck and stairs leading up to it, surrounded by trees.
Turquoise sofas, Navajo throws, a tufted leather ottoman, and cowhide rug — the living room is a love letter to the Southwest, under a soaring canvas sky. Gather, unwind, and reconnect with your love.
A cozy bedroom with a large bed, a bedside table with a lamp, and a tray of grapes and cheese.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
  • Travel with ease
    Guests love the location for easy access to top-rated transport.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry room
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Bryson City, NC
  • Place, Tuckasegee River
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Smokey Mountain Trains Museum
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

Romantic Luxury Safari Tent, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Deep Creek, Smoky Mountains

★ A couples' safari tent on a wooded hillside, with the deck wrapped all the way around.

Shakonohey (pronounced Sha-Kon-O-Hey) is a Cherokee term meaning "Land of Blue Smoke," for the mist that rises through the Smokies. Dolly Parton has a song of the same name about that idea of home, and the tent leans into it: a calm, romantic retreat with subtle nods to Cherokee heritage, turquoise and warm-orange tones, and a log king bed.

This is glamping, not camping. The walls are canvas, but the comforts aren't: a full kitchen with granite counters, a spa-style bath, heat and AC, strong WiFi, and keyless entry. You'll fall asleep to the woods through wraparound windows, or draw the curtains for full dark.

The bath is the slow-down room. A private hot tub on the deck looks into the trees, and inside there's a soaking tub positioned for mountain views, plus a walk-in tiled rain shower with a bench, big enough for two. Soak under the stars, soak out of the weather, soak twice in a day.

🛋️ INSIDE
➝ Open living area under one big canvas, with a loveseat, chair, and Smart TV
➝ Three large front doors and wraparound windows for light and forest views
➝ Full kitchen: granite counters, gas range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, live-edge table for two
➝ Strong WiFi, a desk, heat + AC year-round

🛏️ WHERE YOU'LL SLEEP
➝ Log-style king bed with a quilt, luxury linens, and mattress warmers for cool nights
➝ Soaking tub with mountain views
➝ Walk-in tiled rain shower with a bench, room enough for two
★ Sixty-plus five-star stays call it immaculate, and the bed one of the comfiest they've slept in

🌲 OUTSIDE
➝ Massive wraparound deck that surrounds the whole tent, perched on a hillside with panoramic forest views
➝ Covered lounge with cushioned swivel chairs and string lights for evening
➝ Private hot tub, open year-round
➝ Fire pit nearby for s'mores under the stars
➝ Gas grill for sunrise coffee or dinner under the trees

♥ WHO IT'S FOR
Couples. Anniversaries, honeymoons, birthdays, or a quiet reset for two busy people. It sleeps two and is built for romance, not for groups or kids.

🚗 GETTING HERE
The road in is steep and gravel, so we recommend AWD or 4WD and arriving before dark on your first trip; take the climb slow at night. From parking, you step down about 11 steps to the wraparound deck. Five minutes from downtown Bryson City, with the Deep Creek trails less than a mile away.

➳ GOOD TO KNOW
It's a canvas safari tent, so you'll hear the rain, the birds, and a bit more of the outdoors than a cabin. It's peaceful and wooded, though not fully isolated: a couple of neighbouring tents are visible from the deck and windows, so you may see other guests. It's glamping with a full kitchen, spa bath, and heat and AC, not roughing it, but the canvas and the steps are real and worth picturing before you book.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
No pets are allowed, this includes emotional suppo
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Must sign rental agreement upon booking
A security hold will be placed 2 days prior to arrival and released 2 days after departure, if no damages are reported.
Follow house rules: no pets, no inside smoking, no parties.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3447870vb
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Bryson City

Located in Bryson City, this cabin is in the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Smokey Mountain Trains Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail and Bryson City Gem Mine. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hunting nearby.
Map
Bryson City, NC

What's nearby

  • Tuckasegee River - 8 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 8 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum - 8 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Nantahala Brewing Company - 8 min drive - 6.1 km
  • The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians - 8 min drive - 6.1 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 143 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Bryson City Brewing - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪La Poblana - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Romantic Luxury safari tent, Deep Creek-Smoky Mountains NP, Hot Tub & Firepit pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Romantic Luxury safari tent, Deep Creek-Smoky Mountains NP, Hot Tub & Firepit?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Romantic Luxury safari tent, Deep Creek-Smoky Mountains NP, Hot Tub & Firepit?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Romantic Luxury safari tent, Deep Creek-Smoky Mountains NP, Hot Tub & Firepit?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Romantic Luxury safari tent, Deep Creek-Smoky Mountains NP, Hot Tub & Firepit located?

Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Juney Whank Falls and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

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. 7 out of 7 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dana S.

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

Unique and perfect place to relax

Was great to come back here after a day of exploring the area
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jasmine M.

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

Luxury Getaway

We enjoyed the property very much. Very clean, would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelly S.

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

Spectacular Glamping experience

Everything was fantastic. Kitchen well stocked, amazing shower, comfy bed, delightful deck space to relax in the rain while staying dry. Hot tub was perfect. 100% would stay again Just make sure your car has a down hill assist. The road is tricky!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colin C.

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

Unique Experience

We had a great time. The tent was super fun, spacious, clean and something different. The view and hot tub is a nice way to end the night. The driveway is very steep and could be challenging with a low clearance vehicle.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy J.

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

DO IT!!

A safari tent peaked our interest but we weren’t sure what it would entail. So glad we decided the take the chance and try it. The design and details were so meticulous and everything was just wonderful. A jewel tucked into the mountains but easily accessible and not far from town for easy access.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andre K.

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

Heaven on earth!!!

This place is so much more than the videos and pictures can show you. We got there and were amazed by the beauty and detail in every inch of the property. Wished we would’ve stayed longer and definitely will next time. It’s so peaceful and relaxing we had to make ourselves go into town the night of the 4th to celebrate Independence Day. Thank you for making such an amazing place available for everyone to have away to escape from day to day life y’all have out done yourselves.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was very easy to get to and clean. We loved the size of the place for the two of us. Plenty of room and the bedding was nice. Very comfortable. Kitchen was fully stocked with everything for cooking. My wife loved the soaker tub. The only complaint is the hot tub seemed a bit slimy. Maybe just needed some chemicals. All in all, a great place to stay. Easy access to Bryson City as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026

About the host

Hosted by Kendra Jackson

Host profile image
Hi, I'm Jeanetta, your host at Elk Hollow.

After 34 years in the rental industry, and with my husband Mike behind me the whole way, I built the retreat I'd always wanted to stay in. Elk Hollow sits a mile from the Deep Creek entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on quiet ground with a stream running through it, hardwoods overhead, and wild turkeys and deer that turn up like they own the place. They kind of do.

What I care about is that you arrive and exhale. That you feel relaxed, safe, and at home, with more to do nearby than you'll have time for.

I'm happiest outdoors. I have two children, six grandchildren, and friends I've kept my whole life, and most of my favorite memories were made in these mountains. I hope you make some here too.

Come see us.

Why they chose this property

Shakonohey is the flagship, and it's built for two.

The whole tent sits on a wooded hillside with the deck wrapped all the way around it, so you get panoramic forest views from every side and a level of privacy the other tents can't quite match. Sixty-plus five-star stays and counting, one of the most loved homes on Airbnb, and guests keep using the same word: immaculate.

The name is Cherokee, "Land of Blue Smoke," for the mist that rises through the Smokies. Inside, that shows up as turquoise and warm-orange tones and a log king bed with mattress warmers for cool nights. Outside, a soaking tub with mountain views, a hot tub on the deck, and a fire pit below.

Anniversaries, honeymoons, or a quiet reset for two.

What makes this property unique

Features at a Glance

- Flagship couples' safari tent, one of the most loved homes on Airbnb, sleeps 2
- Massive wraparound deck that surrounds the whole tent, on a hillside with panoramic forest views
- Log-style king bed with mattress warmers, a quilt, and luxury linens
- Soaking tub positioned for mountain views
- Walk-in tiled rain shower with a bench, room enough for two
- Private hot tub, open year-round
- Fire pit for s'mores under the stars
- Full kitchen: granite counters, gas range, oven, microwave, dishwasher
- Open living area with a loveseat, chair, and Smart TV under one big canvas
- Covered lounge with cushioned swivel chairs and string lights
- Strong WiFi and a desk
- Gas grill for meals outside
- Heat and AC year-round, keyless entry
- Subtle Cherokee-heritage design in turquoise and warm-orange tones
- Steep gravel road, AWD or 4WD recommended. About 11 steps down to the deck
- Five minutes from downtown Bryson City, next to Deep Creek and the Smokies

Languages:

English

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