Big Lodge* River Access * 11 beds *Sleeps 22*

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Big Lodge* River Access * 11 beds *Sleeps 22*

Outdoor dining
Combined shower/tub, hair dryer, towels
Exterior detail
Smart TV, fireplace, video games, DVD player
5 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Townsend, TN
  • Place, Dark Island Swinging Bridge
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Townsend Visitor Center
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Townsend

With a stay at this lodge in Townsend, you'll be on a river, within a 10-minute drive of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Tube Junction. .This family-friendly lodge is 11.2 mi (18 km) from Cades Cove and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from River Rage Go-Kart Track.

What's nearby

  • Dark Island Swinging Bridge - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Townsend Visitor Center - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Tube Junction - 2 min drive - 1.5 miles

Getting around

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Peaceful Side Social - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Artistic Bean - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪The Townsend Abbey - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Apple Valley Cafe Express - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Elvira's Cafe - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Big Lodge* River Access * 11 beds *Sleeps 22*

Big Lodge at The Little River Cabin: Spacious and relaxing, open concept lodge that will comfortably sleep up to 18 adults plus additional children . Private access on property to the Little River, high speed wifi, hot tub, & just 2 miles from the entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Park!

Impressive 3 story - 5000 sq. ft. lodge. This lodge features 5 total large private bedrooms, 4 contain king beds, and 1 features 2 queens. Each bedroom has its own full bathroom. In addition to the 5 bedrooms, there are 3 queen beds and a twin in the upper loft area. The main level (middle) consists of a foyer, 2 master bedrooms w/full bath, dining area, living room w/fireplace, kitchen, laundry room, and 1/2 bath. This level also features an amazing wrap around deck including an area for grilling and dining, and a screened-in portion with outdoor fireplace and excellent views. Take the spiral staircase to the upper level which consists of another master bedroom w/full bath, and a huge loft area with 3 queen beds and a twin in addition to a cozy sitting area. Take the spiral staircase to the lowest level and you will find 2 additional master bedrooms, one with a king bed, and the other with 2 queens. This level also features a huge wrap around patio with partial mini golf, a huge game room, and fantastic hot tub to relax at the end of a long day of fun!

Guests have access to the entire home. In addition, you will have access to the riverfront located on the Retreat grounds which spans approx. 700' and is located on the part of the property at the bottom of the 1/4 mi. driveway. You may walk down, or use the parking available at the bottom. Hang out by the river, enjoy some tubing, fishing, or even kayaking!

Townsend is a little gem hidden in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and is known as "the peaceful side of the Smokies". Excellent food, local craft beer, chocolate, pancakes, and art, all within a short walking distance!! Trout fishing and tubing the river are extremely popular, and we are just 2 mi. from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and only 12 mi from the famous Cades Cove where you can get a glimpse of history and may even catch some really neat wildlife including bears! Jeep rentals, Horseback riding, and zip-lining are popular in this area in addition to tubing, hiking, and fly fishing. If everything that Townsend has to offer isn't quite enough to please everyone in your group, we are just an easy 30-minute drive to Pigeon Forge and 45 min. drive to Gatlinburg featuring endless entertainment for all walks of life.

Please note that the Townsend Swinging Bridge is currently closed for repairs. The bridge is owned and maintained by the town and has been deemed unsafe for use.
Guests should plan to use the main road / driving routes for access to nearby areas.
Thank you for your understanding, and please feel free to reach out if you need local recommendations
Peaceful environment: To keep the home comfortable for all, parties, smoking, and vaping are not allowed. Monitors are in place to help us protect the space and respect neighborhood quiet hours. Parties strictly prohibited; violators face eviction, a $500 fine, and additional fees. Indoor smoking fined $1000 + ozone remediation cost; lost revenue may apply.
Security: For peace of mind, exterior cameras monitor only outdoor areas—never inside. It records video and audio.
Flexibility: Because of the size of the home, we’re usually unable to offer early check in or late check out due to the extensive cleaning and preparation required between guests. Our team takes extra care to ensure the home is thoroughly cleaned, refreshed, and ready for every arrival. We completely understand that travel plans can vary. If you’d like to request an early check in or late check out, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. Approval will always depend on our cleaning and turnover schedule, but we’re always happy to check whenever possible. If approved, there is a $125 fee for either an early check in or a late check out.
Rental Agreement: To ensure a safe and enjoyable stay, guests may be asked to sign a short-term rental agreement after booking. This agreement covers standard terms such as house rules, occupancy limits, liability, and responsibility for damages.
To make a reservation, the minimum booking age is 24 years old.
Unauthorized Pet: $500 per pet + damages
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM During quiet hours, please keep noise to a level that won't disturb neighboring properties. We simply ask that voices and music remain at a considerate volume.; failure to comply results in a one-night fine.
Liability & Insurance: Guests liable for damages; personal belongings insurance advised.
Service Animals: ADA service animals must adhere to guidelines; misrepresentation results in eviction.
Lost and found items: We will not be held responsible for any items left at the property or resort from the guest(s). As a courtesy, we can ship found items to address of choice for shipping +$30 service fee.
There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. A Smart television and a DVD player are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. The bathroom has a bathtub and a hair dryer. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities including a water park and a hot tub. This lodge also features an arcade/game room and barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access, onsite parking, and a car charging station.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Games
  • Hot tub
  • Water park

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • On a river

More

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 5.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Smart TV
  • Video games

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 24

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

No smoking (inside or within 100 ft) — $1,000 fee if violated. No pets unless registered service animals — $500 fee if violated. Late check-out with

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

orp5b60a27x

Big Lodge* River Access * 11 beds *Sleeps 22* Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 74 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joyce R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is an amazing property. Communication with the hosts was fantastic; we only have good things to say about the entire experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The 12 of us had a wonderful time there. Very close to the park!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hal W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We needed a place for us and our four kids families, and the lodge was the perfect choice! Everyone in our group of 17 loved the space, and commented how big it felt. Both kids and adults loved the game room. It was very clean, the beds were comfortable, kitchen well stocked, plenty of linens, and we all agreed we’d like to stay here again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing host perfect location and balcony view overlooking ocean is amazing. Definitely will stay her again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
comfortable for a crowd. Well decorated and stocked. kitchen small for a larger crowd.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William (Tom) I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
There are so many good things about The Big Lodge that I will simply list the ones that stand out in my mind. Comfortable beds, good water pressure and plenty of hot water, beautiful decor, little extras everywhere that made our stay so nice. The host was great, he even took us on a tour of his farm. And of course his peacocks were a favorite of the kids. We’ve been renting cabins for over ten years and this is our favorite so far. Everyone in our family wants to return. Thanks!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

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

Great Family Vacation

This house was amazing! So clean and soo much to do for all ages! Beds were really comfortable! We will definitely be staying here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike D.

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

Great Time

Great area, Great House, Great Owner
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Francis S.

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

Summer getaway

Fun , adventure, the cove , Pigeon Forge
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan B.

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

Great

Great property
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

TAMMY B.

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

FRIENDS VACATION

Gorgeous house, rooms were very nice and plenty of space.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela C.

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

Family vacation

Everyone enjoyed them self.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee S.

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

Wonderful place for family reunion

This house was perfect for our family reunion. Lots of space for 5 families. The kids loved the game room , spa, and golf area. We found the kitchen perfect to cook in and the serve buffet style. Wonderful place!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beverly M.

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

Wonderful

Amazing time had by ALL!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex M.

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

Everything they said it was

Great property, very clean, comfy beds, lots of things to do with kids and adults...The walk to the river is a chore but worth it!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dima P.

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

A great house on the quieter side of the the smoky mountains park area.

A great house on the quieter side of the the smoky mountains park area. Plenty of space for 12 (6 adults + 6 kids). The host was close by and offered good suggestions.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick B.

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

Fantastic House

It was well set up for our big (17 people) group! Host was very responsive and the place was clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL W.

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

Great place

Overall a great place to stay with the family.we had a fantastic time at the cabin and lots to do all around, but the only dissatisfaction i had with the place is that they stated they had a charcoal grill and its acually a gas grill turned into a carcoal grill with no temperature control so it ended up overcooking the food and burning it.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anita I.

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

Awesome family gathering cabin!

We had 8 adults and 9 grandchildren from 1 year to 7 years old When our 7 old grandson toured the cabin and saw the miniature golf , air hockey, pool table , and PAC Man he said “Grandma picked the perfect cabin !” It was secluded yet with easy access to Townsend and the Smoky Mountains. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roderick C.

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

33rd bday retreat

It was everything the pictures showed. Everything was clean. Very spacious for me and my guests. We enjoyed ourselves and the accommodations. Property owner was very hospitable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris D.

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

Christmas 2023

We had the best time getting together as a family, there are 18 of us. This is our 2nd year staying in the Big Lodge on Little River. We definitely plan to stay again next year. Thank you so much to Parker and Oz for making our stay wonderful.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Autumn W.

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

Very large beautiful home!

This home is just amazing! The pictures do not do it justice. It is beautiful and very large. Great for a large group! The host helped when needed and we loved all the space this home provided.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Inqu. x dueño L.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home for family gatherings

The house and area are amazing. Perfect for family reunions. The game room is out of this world. The owner was quick to respond for several reasons. Thank you.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

shakina l.

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

Overall

This was my 1st time renting through this website and the process was very easy.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

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

Excellent

Beautiful Property - the only thing I seen was that the Kitchen needed to be bigger. It was a challenge to cook for 20 people but we managed. Would recommend for anyone with a large family group to go on vacation together.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023