Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Dog-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Johnson City, TN
Watauga River
Place, Watauga River
3 min walk
East Tennessee State University
Place, East Tennessee State University
13 min drive
Freedom Hall Civic Center
Place, Freedom Hall Civic Center
15 min drive
Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional)
Airport, Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional)
33 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Loft Area
1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin
This cabin (Sycamore Cabin) is part of our 'rustic lodge'. Our 'rustic lodge' is located on the banks of the beautiful Watauga River, halfway between Johnson City and Elizabethton. The lodge was designed to resemble a horse barn and sits on 5 acres with over 600 feet of river frontage and consists of 3 cabins.
The downstairs Sycamore cabin has over 800 square feet of living space. The cabin has a queen bed and full bath downstairs. In the loft there is a queen bed, two single beds and a half bath.
All linens are included -- all you have to do is pick up some food and bring your personal items -- all other items will be provided for you! The kitchen is fully equipped with dishes, cookware, toaster, coffee maker and microwave.
The cabin has heat/air conditioning, ceiling fan, flat screen satellite TV (Direct TV is provider), DVD/VCR, central laundry facility and gas grill.
There is also a full hook-up RV pad with 50 amp service, located on the river. (extra cost) The RV lot has a private deck that overlooks the river.
Very convenient to both Johnson City and Elizabethton (10 minutes) as well as Roan Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and Hawksnest ski resorts (45-60 minutes). Immediately adjacent to the lodge is the Watauga River which is about 100 feet wide and is home to some of the finest Trout fishing in the Eastern United States. Trout species in the Watauga River are Rainbow, Brook and Brown as well as several types of Bass and various non-game species. This lower part of the Watauga has been designated as the 'Quality Trout Zone.'
We have other cabins available please call for dates and prices.
Add dates for prices
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Important information
You need to know
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
Johnson City
Located in Johnson City, this cabin is on the waterfront. The Bonnie Kate and Tipton-Haynes Historic Site are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Carter Mansion and Jonesborough Historic District. Johnson City Family Skatecenter and Wallabies are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating.
East Tennessee State University - 13 min drive - 11.7 km
Johnson City Mall - 14 min drive - 14.7 km
Freedom Hall Civic Center - 15 min drive - 13.1 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
Jersey Mike's Subs - 9 min drive
Penny Man's Diner - 10 min drive
Papa John's Pizza - 11 min drive
The Black Olive - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin ?
As of 8 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin on 29 Jun, 2026 start from S$285, 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 Sycamore Cabin ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin ?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin ?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin located?
Situated on the waterfront, 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.
Good Morning.
Happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Sycamore cabin. We appreciate your business and hope you will be a return guest:)
Happy New Year!
Patty
It was a nice little cabin with all the ammenities we needed and then some on an absolutely beautiful piece of property all for less than a Hampton Inn motel room. We never met the owners. We got a text on Sunday with a key code. Arrived Monday afternoon entered the key code and made ourselves at home for four days they locked up and left on Friday morning. Just a wonderful week of telling lies and fishing.. If only all vacations were that simple!
Hoke P.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Apr, 2026
Hi Hoke.
I'm so happy you enjoyed your at Magnolia Cabin. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Patty
Hi Dean,
So happy you enjoyed your stay at Sycamore cabin. We look forward to hosting you again if you are in our area.
We appreciate your business.
Sincerely,
Patty Whidden
Beautiful spot. They thought of everything. Dry nice. Enjoyed our stay.
Gandee B.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Dec, 2025
Hello Gandee.
So happy you enjoyed your stay at Sycamore Cabin.
Thank you for the kind review and we look forward to
hosting you again soon.
Merry Christmas!
Patty
The property is amazing and the cabin is nice with an excellent location on the river. There were two door codes listed for check in but neither one worked. Had to call the property manager who gave me 2 different codes, one of which worked. The bed and pillows were a bit uncomfortable, the coffee maker was dirty and it said the filter needs to be changed, there was quite a bit of dust and spider webs accumulated in areas throughout the cabin. Would I stay here again, absolutely 100%. Those issues weren’t a dealbreaker by any means, mostly telling you so you could improve for the next guests.
We have had great experiences in recent years woth Watauga River Cabins, and this one was no exception.
Fred C.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct, 2025
Hi Mr. Churchhill.
It was so nice seeing you & your family again.
Thank you for the kind review.
We look forward to your next visit in May:)
Take Care.
Patty
Loved the setting. It was so quiet and the outdoor space was beautiful.
Darletta M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug, 2025
So happy you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to hosting you again in the future.
Patty
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kristen
24 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved this property. The outside amenities are great. Plenty of seating,grills, and firewood. The view of the river was awesome and peaceful. Cabin was clean and cozy. Would definitely come back again.
We had a great getaway weekend! We throughly enjoyed the fire pit and wood splitter on site. Out boys enjoyed hunting for “River treasures” each day. Lots of fun things to do! The only appliance missing was a toaster. They have a toaster oven- works just takes a bit longer. We will definitely stay again!
Michelle M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Dec, 2025
Hi Michelle.
Thank you for the kind review & suggesting a toaster.
I will take care of that:) So happy you and your family enjoyed time at the river. We hope to host you again soon.
Merry Christmas!
Patty
The property was well stocked and up to date. Plenty of space for our family and pet. Warm and welcoming upon our arrival. It was also nicely decorated for the holidays (we stayed in December) which was beautiful. The only thing that would have made our stay better would have been an updated heater in the downstairs bedroom as the one provided did not stay on and the room did stay cold, however with lots of layers and extra blankets it wasnt that bad and we didn’t need to address it with the hosts as it didn’t really impact our overall stay.
Lace H.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2026
Good morning.
Thank you for the kind review and letting me know about the heater. We will see that it is replaced. Phil & Alesia, our property managers, are responsible for the beautiful Christmas decorations:). They do a wonderful job. So nice to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to hosting you again soon.
Happy New Year!
Patty
very nice, tranquil setting right on the river. quiet, clean and accommodating. we had a great time playing in the river, playing horseshoes, spending time with family. the outdoor areas are so nice and relaxing. we will certainly be back when we can!
Very laid back. The sound of the river was so soothing. Property owners and caretakers were very friendly. The location was far enough away yet getting to places was easy.
Lorianna D.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept, 2025
Thanks so much for the kind review. We look forward to hosting you again soon.
Patty
Cabin was clean with exceptional furniture and decor. Property directly on river with multiple seating areas. Numerous large trees provided shade. Absolutely great stay.
Paul P.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jun, 2025
Hi Paul.
So happy you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to hosting you again in the future.
Patty
About the host
Hosted by Gary Whidden
I owned a retirement mobile home park in Florida & sold it in 2019. I am happily retired! My wife is a happily retired Biology teacher. We live in Tennessee from June to the end of October. We winter in a small town in Florida, Frostproof:) We call it chasing the 70's.
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
Located on the Watauga River Trophy Trout Section, between Johnson City and Elizabethton, TN.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests