Cabin

Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock

Photo gallery for Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock

A two-story wooden house with a covered patio, outdoor seating, and a small deck.
A cozy kitchen with wooden cabinets, a refrigerator, a dining table with chairs, a sofa, and a television.
A rustic wooden cabin with a covered porch, surrounded by trees.
A bedroom with a wooden ceiling, a bed with a quilt, a dresser, a mirror, and a window with blinds.
A covered wooden corridor with a concrete floor, wooden walls, and a view of greenery outside.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
Located at the waterfront, this cabin features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, accommodating 4 guests. It offers water views and has a balcony, patio, and deck for outdoor enjoyment. Adventure seekers can explore nearby game walks, rafting, and mountain biking, with attractions like Watauga River and Sycamore Shoals State Park also close by. The property is pet-friendly and includes games for family fun.

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Arcade/game room
  • Balcony
  • Charcoal barbecue
  • Dog-friendly
  • Internet
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Johnson City, TN
  • Place, Watauga River
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, East Tennessee State University
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Winged Deer Park
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock

The Hemlock Cabin is part of our 'rustic lodge'. Our 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 Hemlock cabin has over 900 square feet of living space. The cabin has a queen bed, 2 super twin beds which can be made into a King bed, cat napper sofa, two full baths, along with a full kitchen and living area. The Hemlock cabin can accommodate four comfortably.

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, DVD/VCR, gas fireplace, central laundry facility and gas & charcoal grills.

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.

Keywords: Cabin, Cabins, Lake, River, Watauga River, Fishing

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 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: dogs (limit 2 total)
Well behaved, non aggressive dogs are welcome.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
All dogs must be non aggressive and on flea control. Limited 2 dogs per cabin. Sorry, no cats.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 300585vb
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Johnson City

Located in Johnson City, this cabin is near theme parks and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sycamore Shoals State Park and Watauga River, while Tipton-Haynes Historic Site and The Bonnie Kate are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Johnson City Family Skatecenter, or check out an event or a game at Bristol Motor Speedway. Kayaking and rafting 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.
View more Cabin rentals in Johnson CityOpens in a new window
Map
Johnson City, TN

What's nearby

  • Watauga River - 3 min drive - 1.7 km
  • East Tennessee State University - 11 min drive - 10.0 km
  • Johnson City Mall - 12 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Freedom Hall Civic Center - 13 min drive - 11.4 km
  • Winged Deer Park - 16 min drive - 19.3 km

Getting around

  • Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Penny Man's Diner - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Papa John's Pizza - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Lemon Lab - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock 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-Hemlock?

As of 25 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock on 27 Sept 2026 start from AU$730, 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-Hemlock?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock located?

This family-friendly Johnson City cabin is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Watauga River and Sycamore Shoals State Park. Johnson City Family Skatecenter and Elk Crossing are also within 6 miles (10 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. 217 out of 235 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 235 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 235 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 235 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 235 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property and hosts!We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2026
Hi Joanne. So happy you enjoyed your stay. I enjoyed talking wth Cameron. He's a wonderful young man. Good job mom & dad! We look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent property and beautiful view!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept 2026
Hi Cindy. Thanks so much for the kind review. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Hemlock cabin was on the ground level. Good for the older crowd.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Sept 2026
Hi David. Thank you for the review. We look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views! A bit of confusion finding the cabin at 11pm! Enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Sept 2026
Hi Jenny. So happy you enjoyed your stay. Love the pictures. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Third time back since May, needless to say we like the place.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug 2026
Hi Robbin. We love our return guests! So happy you enjoyed another stay with us. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Take Care. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is amazing. It is not far from town. Has the most beautiful back deck over looking the watauga River. Check in is so easy. Very spacious and . Patty and Gary provide you with a lot of items like coffee, pots & pans. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Sept 2026
Hi Bridget. We're so glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Thank you for the kind review and pictures. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Patty & Gary
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an excellent stay in a quite peaceful cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 July 2026
Hi Luther. So happy you enjoyed your stay at Hemlock Cabin & for the kind review. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Patty Whidden
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed staying there a couple of nights. The outdoor areas were an added plus. Great place to sit outside with a coffee in the morning and a wine in the evening. It was very accommodating and a friendly atmosphere with other families close to us. We will stay there again! My dog loved it too!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Has a great outdoor area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 July 2026
Hi Michelle. So happy you enjoyed your stay at Hemlock Cabin. We look forward to hosting you again soon! Patty Whidden
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property feels very much like home. We love everything about it, from the home to the outdoor space to the peaceful sound of the river flowing below. We will definitely return again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2026
Hi Joanna. Thank you so much for the kind review. I love the river picture:). We look forward to hosting you again soon! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place very relaxing! Could sit outside and listen to the river forever!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 July 2026
Hi Sam. So happy you enjoyed our little piece of paradise:) We hope we can host you again soon! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing stay in the Hemlock cabin for our friend’s wedding. Highly recommend this property if you’re booking a vacation with multiple friends/families. These cabins are perfect in every way.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We have stayed at Watauga River Cabins for many years on a 2 day customer fishing trip. This is the greatest place to stay if you are coming to the Johnson City TN area to fish or juts spend time with family or friends. Such a beautiful and relaxing place!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2026
Hi William. I'm so happy you enjoyed another stay at the cabins. It's always a good day on the river:) Take care and we hope to see you again soon. Patty
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, outdoor spaces are top notch.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov 2025
Dear John, Thank you so much for the kind review. We appreciate your business and look forward to hosting you again if you are in our area. Sincerely, Patty
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed the property. It had a beautiful access to the river and cool vibes around the home. Easy access to Johnson City and Elizabethton. My only comments would be the mini split AC unit struggled to keep up with the heat where it was rather warm. Quite a few ants around the home, but I’m sure will get addressed. Depending on if the other units are occupied, it may be hard to achieve the secluded river vibe. This is one of four units and our neighbors were rather social when we trying to hang out at a family. Beautiful place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was welcoming-The setting was great—-
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan 2026
Good Morning. Glad to hear you enjoyed the holiday at Hemlock Cabin. We appreciate your business and looking forward to hosting you again soon. Happy New Year. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We love staying here, amazing to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the river go by! Great coffee and hikes with in 20 mins! Wonderful everytime, there is a shed with lots of toys for the kiddos and poles for fishing, waders. Lots of great stuff. Great for family reunions!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Apr 2026
Hi Katherine. Thank you so much for the kind review. We look forward to hosting you & your family again in the future. Thank you! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin was wonderful as always. We look forward to this trip every year.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Dec 2025
Hi Michelle. So happy you enjoyed another stay with us. We always look forward to seeing you! Merry Christmas! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed in both Hemlock and Sycamore, and had a great visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2025
Thank you again for the kind review. See you soon! Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Space was great, the fireplace kept the cabin pretty cozy. We enjoyed the grill, fire pit and mostly the river views.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 2025
Hello Greg. Thank you so much for the kind review. We appreciate your business and look forward to hosting you again in the future. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great outdoor space with lots of seating and beautiful scenery. Cabin was very roomy with comfortable beds.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2025
Thanks so much for the kinds review. We look forward to hosting you again in the future. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As usual I would highly recommend Watauga River Cabins
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2025
Thanks so much! We look forward to your next visit. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Very nice quiet comfortable place to stay and relax, definitely planning another trip there again.

Will recommend to other people about this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2023
Hello Jimmy. So happy you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to hosting you again soon. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property and great riverfront access
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2025
Hello Brian. Thank you for the kind review. We look forward to hosting you again in the future. Patty
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great family trip

We loved our stay! Cozy cabin beautiful property.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Dec 2022
We're so happy that you and your family enjoyed your stay with us. We hope to host you again in the future. Merry Christmas! Patty

About the host

Hosted by Patty Whidden

Host profile image
I own a retirement mobile home park in Florida. My wife is a Biology teacher.

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

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