Entire home

Ship Shak on the River

Photo gallery for Ship Shak on the River

Exterior
River View from the Front Door
Fire Pit area with swing-over grill top
River View from the Queen Bed
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 216.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Water view

Explore the area

Map
Bryson City, NC
  • Nantahala Brewing Company
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Gatlinburg, TN (GKT-Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge)
    ‪102 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Studio

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Full Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Garden

About this property

Ship Shak on the River

Stay “inside the box", at our unique 20' shipping container. This studio space boasts gorgeous sweeping views of the Tuckasegee river. You may not want to leave the sounds and views of the river, even with charming downtown Bryson City less than one mile away and the entrance to the Great Smokies National Park with its walking trails and waterfalls only minutes away!

Set on a beautiful river view property, our Shipping Container Studio home is the perfect location for your Bryson City getaway. Watch the river go by from the comfortable chairs on the covered porch or fire pit area. The Great Smoky Mountains train, a scenic passenger train ride, also passes by a couple of times per day!

Step inside the Ship Shak to discover a well appointed space, while small, has all the touches you expect: a queen bed, kitchenette, flat screen internet TV, and a spacious bathroom with a shower.

What to Bring:
Firewood
charcoal
coffee for drip coffee pot
coffee condiments

*We provide a starter amount of toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags etc. These are meant to last a day or two. If you're booking a longer stay, you will want to bring more of these items.

* The kitchenette is equipped with dishes, utensils toaster oven, microwave, hot plate and some cookware.

*New queen mattress installed January 2023:)

*Updated hot system as of Spring 2023 to provide longer showers ;)

The best way to be in touch with us is through the platform messaging center, but we are available via text or phone. Access for the Ship Shak Container home is through keypad door lock and allows for check in after hours.

Ship Shak is located in the town of Bryson City but feels more remote and removed from town life. You have access to Deep Creek, which is part of the Smoky Mountains National Park, in minutes. AND! this location is less than a mile to the heart of downtown Bryson City. It's really the best of both worlds! The house is located on the Tuckaseegee River with the Smoky Mountain Scenic Railroad and Old River Road fronting the property. Guests enjoy watching the tourist train pass by, especially in November and December when it's decorated for the Polar Express! Old River road is also a great resource offering prime river access or take a leisure walk down the long dirt road!

Getting Around: We recommend driving. Biking and walking into town are options. Be aware that there are not sidewalks between the house and town. However, people do walk this section along the side of the road. Traffic can be heavy along this stretch of road and the side of the road isn't well maintained.

1. We have smart television which allows you to login to your favorite internet streaming provider. We do provide You Tube TV service or you can watch the TV Plus app for free without a login.
2. We do allow 1 dog for a fee. Please read and adhere to our pet rules while staying in our house. Once you add your dog to the guest count, the pet fee will be displayed in the summary of charges. We have strick pet rules: No dogs on the furniture/bed(s) for any reason. No dogs running loose on our property. Pickup dog waste. Hair found on furniture or in linens will incur an addition charge beyond the pet fee.
3. The kitchenette has a microwave, toaster oven and hot plate for cooking inside. The fire pit area outside contains a small charcoal grill and grilling grate that swings over the fire pit for cooking. You'll just need to bring along charcoal and firewood to complete the experience!
4. The Great Smoky Mountains railway runs in front of the property. This is a scenic tourist train that runs during the day/evening/early night and is a big reason why people visit Bryson City. It does not run during the night when people generally are sleeping.
5. There are two other vacation rental dwellings on this property. Each house has its own private outdoor space.

Traveling with others? Check out our other homes located on this property.
*Time Flies on The River
and
*Rivers Edge

Looking for something within walking distance to Town? Check out our downtown properties:
*Bryson City Tiny House
*The Bryson City Flat
*City View

Property manager

Lisa
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Water view
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 23
Check out before 11:00 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
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bryson City

Located in Bryson City, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the waterfront. Nantahala Brewing Company and Cooper Creek Trout Farm & Pond are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Smokey Mountain Trains Museum are also worth visiting. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking nearby.
Map
Bryson City, NC

What's nearby

  • Island Park - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Nantahala Brewing Company - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 18 min drive - 20.1 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 137 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪La Poblana - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Arby's - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ship Shak on the River pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Ship Shak on the River?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ship Shak on the River?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ship Shak on the River located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Tuckasegee River and Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Island Park and Nantahala Brewing Company are also within 15 minutes.

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. 18 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shannon M.

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

Great spot

Great place to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelsi M.

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

We loved Ship Shak!

Cozy, perfect for a couple for a weekend! Has everything you need and location was perfect. Such a unique stay, definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harley B.

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

Vacation

Nice place to spend the night.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diana N.

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

Wonderful stay

Perfect for what we needed for overnight stay
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

John K.

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

Great

Great place near town , very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

John K.

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

Great

Very clean and close to town
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

William H.

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

Nice & private

Polar Express runs right by thr cabim & view of the river
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole S.

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

Super cute little house

My husband and I stayed here for an after Christmas getaway. The house was super cute and very clear . We loved sitting on the porch watching the trains go by. House is located super close to everything Bryson city has to offer
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandy B.

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

This place was so cozy!!!

The Ship Shak was exactly as described ! We loved it and would definitely recommend it’
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly Q.

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

Perfect little space

Perfect amount of space for one person. The space was clean and inviting. Comfy bed. It was fun to watch the passenger train go by.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kellie E.

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

Perfect

This property was perfect for a one night stay after our train ride. The property was exactly as described.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lianne P.

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

Perfect crash pad!

Quiet, clean, and cozy! Exactly what we needed for a night in Bryson City.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason K.

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

Independence Day

Great stay for a long weekend. Will definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Went for the Polar Express. Train runs right by the location, so it added to the experience.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hal H.

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

Convenient Overnighter

Needed a place for an overnight stay near the Nantahala River. Pretty quite but very close to shops and restaurants with a view of the Tuck river. Clean, Good supplies, Good lighting inside and out. Plenty of electric outlets for charging electronics. Good Wifi. Enough room for one person but a little tight for two unless you just need a quick and clean overnighter.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha H.

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

Sweet little spot

Close to Bryson City activities. Cute property for a short stay, would probably want something a little larger for a longer stay. Well appointed.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathryn C.

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

Fantastic getaway!

The cabin is small but cozy, ideal for a single person or couple. It was amazingly quiet; I don't think I heard any sounds of civilization except for the sound of the tourist train (daytime only) and a couple of cars driving on a nearby gravel road, yet the town is only a mile away. There is a full-sized shower. The only downside I found is that the mini-fridge does not have a freezer if you want ice, which is a pretty minor inconvenience. r
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miranda H.

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

Relation

We enjoyed our time spent staying at the ship shak! It was all we needed for a perfect, unforgettable relaxing and quiet weekend from our daily busy lives. We highly recommend staying at this location. The view of the river is great and it’s so cool seeing the great Smokey mountain train go by the shak! The outdoor fire pit is great and we put it to use every night. The inside of the ship shak was very up to date and clean. It was so close to town and very convenient to go get what we needed during our stay. If you’re going to Bryson City you mist experience staying here! We loved it!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Lisa

Host profile image
We are a small group of business partners in the trade of construction, long term and vacation rentals. Everything we offer, we also designed, built and manage ourselves :)

This area drew us here as teenagers where we "lived the good life" as white water rafting guides, kayakers and avid mountain bikers. I guess you could say, we kinda FOUND ourselves here and never left. What a grand adventure we embarked on all those years ago... one that led to lifelong friendships! Our children were born here and are close friends as well. This area has been good to us and for us. We work hard but also make time to LIV! After all, what do we have besides this moment?

Liv! Life In Vacation MODE

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests