Cabin

Fontana Lake Cabin w/ Private Dock , Fishing Pond, Huge Covered Porch & 50+ Acre

Photo gallery for Fontana Lake Cabin w/ Private Dock , Fishing Pond, Huge Covered Porch & 50+ Acre

Fontana Lake
Outdoor Deck with Gas Grill, Charcoal Grill, Fireplace, Bathroom, & Dining Table
View of entrance into your cabin.
View of cabin from the stream
Outdoor Fireplace - 1/2 of deck sheltered from weather for 365 day enjoyment
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12214 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Fireplace
    FireplaceFireplace
  • Dryer
    DryerDryer
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendlyPet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Robbinsville, NC
  • Popular LocationFontana Lake4 min walk
  • Popular LocationFontana Village Resort Marina16 min drive
  • Popular LocationSanteetlah Lake31 min drive
  • AirportKnoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)109 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Master

1 King Bed

New Addition Lower Level

1 King Bed

New Addition Upper Level

2 Single Beds and 2 Queen Beds

Tiny Cabin

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Master

Toilet · Shower only

New Addition Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Outdoors Full bathroom

Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Fontana Lake Cabin w/ Private Dock , Fishing Pond, Huge Covered Porch & 50+ Acre

This is a unique property for those who really want to get away from it all and who enjoy an active lifestyle in the great outdoors. Extremely private, this vacation home is nestled on 50+ acres of property that backs up to thousands of acres in the Nantahala Forest. Right on a pond with a private dock to Fontana Lake.

A 5 minute walk down the driveway next to our private and pond and then across a dirt road leads to our private cove and dock on this lovely jewel of the Smokies.

Jump off your own private dock into 25' of the purest, cleanest water imaginable. 85 degrees all summer long. Many guests bring their own kayaks, canoes, and fishing boats. Fish, swim or just relax next to the water. Bring the toys to splash in the lake. You won't want to leave the dock during the summer season.

*Please note that the lake levels are dam controlled and vary throughout the year. Typically we have a full lake from Memorial Day to Labor Day with accessibility year round from Fontana Marina - 10 minutes from the house. If you are visiting in the Fall or EARLY Spring, the cove will be lowered. We adjust our seasonal prices to accommodate for this. That said, you can still absolutely access the lake and enjoy it from several public access points.

The Main cabin has three bedrooms, a master bedroom with a King bed, a downstairs bedroom with a king bed and an upstairs bedroom with two bunk beds. Each bunk bed has a queen bed on the bottom and a twin bed on the top. The main cabin has a primary bathroom with shower, laundry room, vanity, and toilet. There is a second bathroom off the main floor king bedroom with a shower, vanity, and toilet.

There is also a separate, tiny cabin with a deck that has a queen bed. It is a short walk from the Tiny cabin to the 800 square foot covered porch nestled on the side of a hill. There is also a bathroom with a shower and toilet on the outdoor deck. The cabin is designed to encourages outdoor living and we spend 90% of our time on the porch, with three ceiling fans, when not playing in the lake or on the property.

The porch (outside living room) has a massive stone fireplace, surrounded by comfy seating. You will love roasting marshmallows by the fire every night or sipping coffee in the morning.

The porch also features a bathroom and an instant hot water shower. So the tiny cabin inhabitants don't need to go into the main house when showering or using the facilities. The shower has a little window overlooking the stream that runs next to the porch in the side yard. Our girls love to pan for gold in the stream for hours.

A charcoal grill is provided but guests should add charcoal to the grocery list to be sure they are fully equipped when arriving to the property (charcoal is not provided).

Walking up the property, there are several trails that lead to the top of the ridge where the old forest road runs for miles. If you're up for a leisurely 3 mile hike (once at the top) you can travel it to the end and you will be in the cove where they shot the Jody Foster movie, "Nell".

If you love to fly fish, it does not get better than this! Native Browns a short boat ride away.

This is a great place for outdoor adventurers. Some of the best mountain biking in the world is a 15 minute drive away at Tsali, where there are miles of trails that sweep along remote coves of Fontana lake.

The Nantahala Outdoor Recreation center is only 15-20 minutes away where you can go for lunch, a beer, or take a guided white water rafting, ziplining, hiking, or kayaking trip.

Wintertime enthusiasts: While the lake is too low to use from our cove, you can still absolutely access it from Fontana Marina. Additionally, Beech Mountain is only 45 minutes away, for fun NC skiing day or night.

We are also only 25 minutes from beautiful Bryson city, often voted the prettiest mountain town in America. There is so much to do in town, from browsing quaint little antique shops to riding the valleys and river on the old Bryson train.

Bikers are welcome, and our road is accessible to motorcyclists. We also have a covered garage area to accommodate your ride! The Tail of Dragon starts right outside our road, the best motorcycling on the East Coast and you're a short ride to the Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28, Blueridge Parkway, and more.

Please note that we will NOT rent to large groups who are just here to party.

If you're looking for a city experience, this is not it. If you're looking for breathtaking views, adventure, hiking, fishing, biking, exploring, and time with family and friends, look no further.

*Please note that the lake levels are dam controlled and vary throughout the year. Typically we have a full lake from Memorial Day to Labor Day with accessibility year round from Fontana Marina - 10 minutes from the house.

Property manager

Don Cotton
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 3 pets total)
Weekly fee

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking strictly not allowed inside premise.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Robbinsville

Located in Robbinsville, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Fontana Lake and Nantahala National Forest, while Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Smokey Mountain Trains Museum are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Robbinsville, NC

What's nearby

  • Fontana Lake - 4 min walk
  • Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center - 14 min drive
  • Fontana Village Resort Marina - 16 min drive
  • Santeetlah Lake - 31 min drive
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 41 min drive

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 110 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stecoah Diner - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Fontana Pitstop - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Stecoah Diner - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fontana Lake Cabin w/ Private Dock , Fishing Pond, Huge Covered Porch & 50+ Acre pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Fontana Lake Cabin w/ Private Dock , Fishing Pond, Huge Covered Porch & 50+ Acre?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fontana Lake Cabin w/ Private Dock , Fishing Pond, Huge Covered Porch & 50+ Acre?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fontana Lake Cabin w/ Private Dock , Fishing Pond, Huge Covered Porch & 50+ Acre located?

This family-friendly Robbinsville cabin is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Nantahala National Forest and Fontana Lake. Fontana Village Resort Marina is 8 mi (12.9 km) away.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 55 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 55 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 55 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 55 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 55 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christopher G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful
Quiet, serene, beautiful. Location is secluded, plenty of space. Great hikes, rafting, town all near by. Had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

brad h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place in the Mountains of NC
The property is beautiful with a private pond and access to the lake. It has a great outdoor shelter with a fireplace. Plenty of room and beds for a large family. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michele D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Getaway
We had a great time at Camp Cotton. We didn't want to leave. Great place in the mountains. Fontana Lake is beautiful. Love it all. Want to come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca I., Briarcliff Manor, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice cabin, remote location
We enjoyed our stay at the cabin and it was a lovely get-away! We enjoyed the trails on the property and exploring Fontana Lake with the water level low. The cabin was of a good size and the beds were comfortable. Tips for those staying here, we were glad we had AWD for the driveway, which is a bit steep, and a couple of the numbers are missing from the mailbox as far as identifying the property. I would also suggest bringing matches or a lighter for the wood stove that is used for heat if you are traveling when it is cold. We also enjoyed trips into Bryson City for the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and the Three Waterfalls hike, and a trip to the Fontana Dam, all of which we found to be a bit farther drive from the house than mentioned in the listing. (For us Bryson City was at least 35 min and Fontana Dam was 20 minutes.). It is also helpful to allow extra time for communication with owner through the VRBO messages. Beautiful property!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Earle B., Nokomis

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
QUITE RETREAT
If you're looking to unplug, relax and re-connect with your family....this is the place. Private, beautiful and peaceful. Town is 20 minutes away and we only saw a few people while we were staying there. This is a mental rehab for a stressed mind. Re-connect with nature here.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ashley M., South Florida

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serenity
Beautiful cabin, with amazing views, isolated just enough to feel so yet still close enough to local amenities. Great space for a group or family or friends. Peace full, cozy, quiet - perfect for some R & R !
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chad S., Nashville

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful time.
We had such a wonderful time staying here. It was so comfortable and plenty of room to run. The views around the cabin are spectacular. We’ve never stayed in this particular area of the mountains before but this was exactly what we were hoping for. Tons of area to mountain bike, hike, fish and just get out & explore. The cabin had lots of space for adults and kids. The kids loved the games and loft areas and we all enjoyed the outdoor areas as well. It was very scenic and just far enough from all the hustle & bustle of city life.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kari Y., Alpharetta

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location & overall!
The cabin was perfect for our group. We loved hanging on the huge porch & fishing in the pond & lake. The lake was low, but we were still able to kayak & swim. And the lake is beautiful! The Cottons were very attentive. I highly recommend this rental!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Misty B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Drive a truck
We enjoyed a great time with our friends and kids at the cabin. The drive was much longer to get places than we anticipated. Mountain miles aren’t the same as road miles. (Totally our fault.) The lake was low, which we knew ahead of time, and I bet it’s so gorgeous when it’s full. It didn’t stop us from using it. We bought tubes and floated around. The house was very clean and well stocked. The only thing that was challenging for us was taking the garbage to the dump everyday. No one wanted to put it in our SUVs. Next time we would drive a truck. Very peaceful.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Garnet T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We could call it paradise!
But we wouldn't want to kiss it good bye! Best country Lake house property ever. The cove this house is on is so private; the water pristine and warm. The lake is up there with the beauty of Lake Tahoe in my opinion! We rented a pontoon from Alarka marina for our whole stay. You should too. Thank You Don Deborah Vaala
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Richard D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location was amazing, a nice getaway for my family and I.
Great location close to the lake and trails behind the cabin to hike. Had an amazing time with my family here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gregory D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing week in the mountains
We had a great time with our 4 kids and two dogs at this secluded cabin. Swimming in the lake every day was the highlight without having to worry about close neighbors or excessive boaters. We brought kayaks and used the provided canoe to explore the coves and take a day trip across the lake for hiking in the smokies. The cabin is NOT a luxurious mountain estate with a professional kitchen, multiple master suites, and all the amenities…and the was perfect for us. Thanks for letting us share your amazing property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Loved it :)
Had a great time
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

James B., Lakeland Florida

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Get Away From It All
Great retreat for our family.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

AMBER P., LENOIR

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great owner
We loved this place... great house, lake, pond, yard. We recommend it! The house wasn't particularly clean when we arrived, but the owner was very apologetic and made things right. His communication was excellent and I would highly recommend this rental not just for the rental itself, but for the excellent customer service.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Byron H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family getaway
This property fit our needs well. We planned a family meet up here for activities and time together. We ziplined and white water rafted but we also spent plenty of time together at the property. The lake area was so nice we did not even bother to rent a boat, which we planned on for a day but everyone agreed there was no point given the lake access and private cove plenty deep. The covered deck area was also a great place for games and meals.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin in Robbinsville North Carolina
Everybody have a good time

10/10 Excellent

Kumar G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disconnect and Enjoy the Mountains
Awesome location to disconnect and spend time with family and friends. We had a great time hiking the trail up to the back country mountain road and enjoying the remote location. The outside fireplace was a big hit with us being able to gather everyday and enjoy the company.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mike M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
50th anaverery bonding weekend with park rangers
Mail box numbers could face the road Microwave would be nice Hooks in the bedrooms would be nice to hang close on. In the plus walking around the pond our was dogs favorite thing We had a great weekend
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Holly N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Vacation
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Camp Cotton. The cabin was cozy and the property grounds were beautiful. We took full advantage of all this property has to offer....from fishing in the pond to enjoying time out on the covered porch in the evenings! Love the proximity to the lake and it's secluded dock access. It was the perfect escape for our family of four during the pandemic and we hope to visit again n the near future.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Debbie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
The great get away !
Great the lake does pose a problem with anyone who is not it good condition there is a problem with a hornet nest around the pavillion we got stung several times could use some more indoor sitting space but nice place
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Heather E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very peaceful and quiet
This house is a rare find! Due to the remote location and surrounding national forests, there are very few houses on Fontana Lake. This property is peaceful and perfect for a family getaway. Of our 7 day trip, we only left the house 3 times (GSMR train ride, rafting, and hiking), because there is so much to do without leaving. We spent our days fishing in the pond, picking blueberries and blackberries on the trail behind the house, reading in a hammock by the creek, swimming, skiing, boating, and hanging out under the covered porch. As a few other reviewers noted, we also experienced above-average maintenance issues while there. The most inconvenient was the lack of hot water in the 3rd shower, which the property manager said was caused by a recent storm and repairs are slow due to COVID and remote location. Internet was out 6 of our 7 days, same reasons as above. Those are understandable, but there was also a long list of small things that would be quick and easy fixes – at least 10 light bulbs were either missing or burned out, the outdoor sink didn’t have a drain pipe so the water soaked your shoes if you used it, dead batteries in remote controls, grass needed to be cut, dead tree in the front yard, several windows would not open/close, etc. Overall sense that the place doesn’t receive regular maintenance. Yet, there are signs everywhere about all the rules you have to follow and how much you will be charged for disobedience, including a fee for losing a puzzle piece or a washcloth. We certainly did not let these things ruin our trip, but I have rented 15+ VRBO properties and it just stood out as not a typical experience. BUT, don’t let that deter you from renting! It’s an incredible place and you’ll be glad you booked. The property manager was very responsive while we were there so hopefully this list of items will be corrected soon.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful as always!
3rd year visiting this property - had another amazing vacation at one of the most beautiful places!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2020

8/10 Good

Stephanie M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serene beauty in the mountains
We just returned from our trip to the Smokies and staying at the lake cabin. My family of 5 (three teenage boys) loved the set up of the house. There was plenty of room to spread out, and the boys fished in the house's pond daily. We had arrived at the property after dark, and I have to say that when I walked down to the cove in the morning, it was the most wonderful surprise. THAT is the absolute highlight of the property -- a magical, pristine cove with your own private dock. It was truly stunning. The weather this past week wasn't great, but we took every advantage of breaks in the clouds to be out on the cove or enjoying the lake life. We had a great experience renting pontoon boats from Price Boat Dock (for Fontana Lake, near Bryson City) and Deyton Camp Boat Dock (at Santeetlah Lake), as well as a super fun fishing excursion with Ronnie Parris on Cheoah Lake/Dam. The house is perfectly situated to get around the area. It took about 1 1/2 hours to drive to Newfound Gap to begin our hike on the AT in the park (which was cut short due to a crazy hailstorm!). If you are looking for gorgeous lakes to boat, swim and fish on, this home is the perfect jump off point to explore several, and then come back to the cabin to relax by the cove. We also enjoyed the outdoor fireplace. One minor negative is that we didn't find that many appealing restaurants in either Bryson City or Robbinsville. There are a couple spots we liked, but bear in mind that BC is 25 mins away and Robbinsville is 20 (also where the nearest grocery store can be found). The house has mostly adequate cooking supplies, but you do need to plan ahead. All in all, we absolutely loved Fontana Lake and the ability to spend quality family time together in this private setting.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
home was great. We had a wonderful time
secluded, clean, as advertised
Stayed 21 nights in May 2020

About the host

Hosted by Don Cotton

Host profile image
We live in South Florida and love the Smoky Mountains. This is our seventh year renting Camp Cotton and we're so glad to welcome you. We love this property, it has been a dream for us to own such a place. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Why they chose this property

It is very unlikely you will find anything like our 50+ acres with trails, epic hiking on the ridge through Nantahala, a private cove and dock just a short walk away, a fully stocked fishing pond and an amazing, huge porch with a massive stone fireplace to keep everyone enjoying the outdoors until bedtime.

What makes this property unique

So private. Yet we still have Internet! If you're hoping to stream for days, this is not ideal. The remote nature of our property does mean you will need to forgo a digital trip and get outside to enjoy! Cell coverage is not great. We're near Tsali, the NOC, the Appalachian Trail, the world famous Tail of the Dragon, Bryson City and the 20-Mile entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Languages:

English

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