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Lake Retreat Rustic Fishing Cabin Near University of Alabama Tannehill Mercedes

Lakefront cabin with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Lake Retreat Rustic Fishing Cabin Near University of Alabama Tannehill Mercedes

Front entrance
Fishing right on the dock! Done fishing?Throw fish food for a catfish show!
The refrigerator has an ice maker, so fill the cooler for the big game!
A nice pedestal sink leaves more space in the bathroom
Shelving for towels, hair dryer, and first aid kit

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 670.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Vance, AL
  • Place, Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Alabama
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Place, Bryant-Denny Stadium
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Common area 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Lake Retreat Rustic Fishing Cabin Near University of Alabama Tannehill Mercedes

This is a rustic fishing cabin on quaint and quiet Lake Retreat. The cabin truly is rustic and quaint. Built (we assume) by weekend warriors back in 1979, it became ours in May of 2018. Lake Retreat is part of the Lake View Property Owners Association. The owners, Chris and Nancy have paid the dues for the year, so the dock is available for fishing. The lake has Bass, Catfish, Blue Gill, and other Brim. Lake Retreat is a no-wake lake. The LPOA does not allow non-owner motorized boats on the lake.

This cabin is a peaceful getaway right on the serene water of Lake Retreat! The dock also has two Adirondack chairs so you can sit and fish or enjoy the view! We provide pond fish food so you can feed the fish and an occasional turtle off the dock.

This cabin includes a smart TV in the living area and another smart TV in the Queen bed bedroom. Both have remotes. The kitchen features an electric range, microwave, and a refrigerator with ice maker. You can fill the cooler on the way to the game! The cabin is great for relaxing after an Alabama football game.
Watercraft are not available.
* 10 miles to Tannehill Historical State Park
* 22 miles to the University of Alabama. ROLL TIDE!
* 2 miles to the Flagstone Farm Wedding/Event venue
* 22 miles to Mercedes-Benz plants, Vance
* Only 75 feet from the back door to the lake!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Water view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please lock the doors when you leave. If you have a dog, please bathe them on the porch if they go in the lake before letting them inside.
ATV’s, 4 wheelers, and dirt bikes are prohibited. Do not flush anything but toilet paper in the toilet. Don’t try to access the cabin b4 check in day
Please wash dishes and put wet towels in bathtub. Place garbage in Brute can on deck and secure the lid. Please Provide accurate guest count.

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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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
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

Vance

Located in Vance, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Tannehill Park and Black Warrior River reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Alabama Splash Adventure and Paul W. Bryant Museum. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing.
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Map
Vance, AL

What's nearby

  • Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center - 23 min drive - 27.2 km
  • Mercedes Benz U.S. International - 25 min drive - 30.0 km
  • University of Alabama - 36 min drive - 42.9 km
  • Tuscaloosa River Walk - 38 min drive - 45.4 km
  • Bryant-Denny Stadium - 38 min drive - 45.0 km

Getting around

  • Birmingham International Airport (BHM) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Little Caesars Pizza - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Korner Store & Deli - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Jack's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪The Club at LakeView - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Smoked Magic - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Retreat Rustic Fishing Cabin Near University of Alabama Tannehill Mercedes pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Lake Retreat Rustic Fishing Cabin Near University of Alabama Tannehill Mercedes?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Retreat Rustic Fishing Cabin Near University of Alabama Tannehill Mercedes?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lake Retreat Rustic Fishing Cabin Near University of Alabama Tannehill Mercedes located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 16 miles (25 km) of Tannehill Park, Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center and Mercedes Benz U.S. International. Black Warrior River and Bessemer Civic Center are also within 20 miles (32 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. 70 out of 72 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 72 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 72 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 72 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 72 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tomika L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was wonderful!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Danielle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxed and enjoyed the time spent with my husband. Would love to bring the kids and spend even longer next time. Loved all the pretty plant's
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

randy c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cool property. Lake in the back yard. Chris showed me how to feed the fish. Really quiet location.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it! Really cute and peaceful place. Better than in the pictures! My son caught SO many fish…2 of them being HUGE catfish. Made his trip. Would definitely stay again. Thank you for having us!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

marc d.

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

Absolutely loved this place

Great property, was nice to be close to UA campus but also out enough to enjoy the quiet. Definitely will book again. Roll Tide 2025
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

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

Great Cabin & Host

The cabin is a great place to stay very clean and great host.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M.

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

4th of July weekend

Amazing place. The pictures do not lie. My boys and I caught several fish. We will definitely look for this again.Would love to see you add rails for all the steps in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

LALA D.

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

Great place to stay for Alabama football fgame

Loved the peace and tranquillity
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jan V.

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

Family visit

It was a blessing to have somewhere to stay close to family. I loved being in the country.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly P.

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

Fishing cabin stay

I am so glad i found this cabin! It is beautiful and the owners were very kind! The cabin is welcoming, the deck is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outside views. Its pet friendly so we brought our pomeranian. She had just as much fun as we did!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison M.

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

Great location and great hosts

A very cozy, lovely place to relax and spend time away. Hosts were very accommodating. I recommend staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yuriko S.

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

Vacation

The cabin is beautiful and super comfortable! We love our stay here :)
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barry C.

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

Great location, view and solitude.

Very relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

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

Fantastic!

This is the perfect cabin for a relaxing and peaceful getaway. We enjoyed our stay and will be visiting again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hope

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved the peaceful, quiet, and private stay! Fit our needs for a reasonable, non-hotel space for an AL football weekend. The drive is nice but wouldn’t recommend doing it at night!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

David P.

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

Excellent!! Beautiful and Quiet. We had everything we needed.

Thank you for allowing us to stay in your cabin. I can't wait to take my wife there in the spring. It was so quiet and relaxing. The place was very clean and accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly F.

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

Perfect

Beautiful getaway perfect for alone time and privacy! Just too short wish had more days! Would definitely love to come back! Thank you Chris and Nancy be Blessed
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris W.

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

Get away

We attend a church conference every year in the area and tired of the hotel life. We tried staying here so we can relax between events and cook. This place is a perfect little peaceful get away. My wife and I saved it to favorites as a place to get away for the weekend. The pond view is awesome. Owners are very responsive and friendly. I highly recommend this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon D.

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

Great fishing getaway

Lovely little cabin. We caught a lot of bluegill. It was a great weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin V.

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

Quiet Getaway

Nice and quiet spot, exactly what I was looking for. Rural area so bring your groceries in with you if you can.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Janet J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

It’s okay

The best thing about property was the deck and back porch!..wouldn’t call it a lake, more a pond. Only 2-3 towels-2 washcloths and no sheets or pillowcases for 2nd bedroom. I think someone didn’t bring back laundry for house. No grilling supplies- tried texting/calling owner, no response and where’s the frozen pizza?? lol…recommend owner to buy a toaster ( not that expensive)… overall it was just okay
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It’s a quaint cabin and worked well for our stay. We were in town for a football game so didn’t get to spend much time at the cabin. We did enjoy feeding the fish and sitting on the dock in the morning. Very relaxing scenery. It fit our needs and Chris was awesome at communication!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The view from the deck is amazing. Its so quiet and peaceful. Love the fish food on deck. Definitely helped with the fishing Great place to stay. We will absolutely be back!!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect stay! The cabin was clean, in a great location (private, quiet, relaxing atmosphere). We sat on the balcony and enjoyed the early morning and mid afternoon, cool breeze and watching the hummingbirds and fished several times a day. We caught several fish but released them. Such a great place to get away from it all! Our dogs enjoyed as well! Definitely will be booking again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the peaceful location and quiet. Close to Tuscaloosa and easy to find. Great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Chris and Nancy Carr Please contact us through the platform.

Host profile image
We purchase this cabin at a foreclosure auction. No other bidders showed up! We loved it at first sight although it took quite a bit of time and money to get it in the shape it is now.

We were born in Michigan and attended Rochester High School. We moved to Alabama in 2008 when Chris was transferred here.

We love the Alabama climate!

Nancy retired from the University of Alabama 's IT dept. Chris works as a measuring equipment Sales Engineer.

We have spent a lot of time refurbishing the cabin. We have tried to keep it rustic and add some charm.
We love it. We hope you do too. It feels so great to host guests so they can enjoy the tranquility of the lake and woods like we feel. We respect your privacy and feature a self check-in process.

One of my most favorite things to do is to get up early in the morning, throw pond fish chow off the dock, then sit on the back deck and watch the fish have breakfast with my coffee. We intentionally purchased tall chairs so we could see over the deck railing. The most peaceful morning of my life.


Why they chose this property

The woods and lake are what attracted us to the cabin. We love the location. We love having coffee on the back deck after throwing pond fish chow out on the water and watching the fish and a few turtles.

Chris loves to fish for catfish, bass, and bluegill off the dock.

While Chris enjoys fishing, Nancy enjoys sitting on the back deck and watching the birds and other wildlife that happens by. The hummingbird feeders in the summer are always entertaining.

It is very quiet outside, and peaceful. We are so glad to share this peace with our guests.

Located only 18 miles from Tuscaloosa (22 miles to the University) , it is a great place to stay for Alabama football games. You can come back after the game and enjoy an evening of fishing or just hanging out at a campfire (when the fire danger is low).

At night, we have white string lights that keep the outdoor decks illuminated. They are on a timer that you can set as you wish.

What makes this property unique

The Rustic Fishing Cabin is on a quiet no wake lake. Lots of wildlife. My favorite thing to do at the cabin is to sit on the deck or the front porch It is so peaceful!

So the cabin is perfect for fishing, relaxing, and a quiet retreat after an exciting Alabama football game.

For extra entertainment, the storage bin on the pier has pond fish chow. We throw a coffee can full out on the water and watch the fish swarm in to feed along with a few turtles. Keep that lid closed and locked at night or the raccoons will go inside and get trapped if the lid closes on them!

The cabin has a DVD player and a smart TV. As well as various games and DVDs.

We have installed a fishing bragging board in the cabin.
What is that you may wonder?
Send us your pics of your best catch of the day, and we will add it to the bragging board! If you have a great stadium selfie at an Alabama football game, we will post that too!

We have good luck catching fish with live worms. You can get them at the Citgo gas station about 7 miles north east on highway 216.

Languages:

English

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