Cabin

Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch

Photo gallery for Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch

A log cabin with a porch, a satellite dish, and a stone wall.
A directional signpost with multiple wooden signs pointing to various lodges and a castle.
A log cabin interior with a stone fireplace, wooden staircase, and a television mounted on the wall.
A wooden play structure with a swing set and tire swings.
A fire pit with seating, surrounded by a wooden pergola, set in a garden with trees and a wooden cabin in the background.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Foosball on-site
    A rare find — the foosball table is waiting for you.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 14

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Clyde, NC
  • Place, Pigeon River
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Cataloochee Valley
    ‪48 min drive‬
  • Airport, Asheville, NC (AVL-Asheville Regional)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Double Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch

Summary:

Looking to get away to the mountains with your family? Tatonka Lodge is the perfect choice for large families, or groups, traveling together!

Our log cabin is located in the Smoky Mountains on a 65 acre buffalo ranch. Come enjoy Gods country!



The Space:

Enjoy viewing our buffalo when you drive in or stop by in the morning at feeding time! The cabin is over 3500 square feet, plenty of room for everyone to spread out. So, whether you are looking to hit the slopes at Cataloochee Ski Resort in Maggie Valley (only 12 miles away) or visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville (only 30 minutes), there is plenty for everyone to do in The Great Smoky Mountains!



Tatonka Lodge, (Indian word for buffalo), is ideal for large families vacationing together because we have 2 master suites which each have private doors leading to the back deck with a fantastic mountain view.



Once inside, you will be in awe of the huge stone fireplace in the great room, surrounded by plenty of seating area for a large group. Also, rest assured the children will be well entertained downstairs in the game room where we have a life size chess set, pool table, air hockey, ping pong & foosball. Also enjoy an evening in our 8 person hot tub out back!



Bedroom #1 = King log bed

Bedroom #2 = King log bed

Bedroom #3 = Queen log bed

Bedroom #4 = Twin covered wagon bed & twin over full bunk bed

Loft= 2 full size futon beds



Children will love the hike through the woods to the brand new play area, The BC Corral! This custom designed area has everything from swings, zip line, slides, teeter toter, cargo nets, rock wall & even a horse shoe pit for the adults! The kids will love it here!



If you are looking for a quiet 'get away from it all' retreat, this is it! Enjoy long hikes on the property, fishing on the Pigeon River (within walking distance from the log cabin) or take a trip into town to do some shopping or antiquing.



We are pet friendly, size doesn't matter!



Fun things to do: Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Biltmore Estate, Ghost Town, hiking at Chimney Rock, tubing at Deep Creek, Fun Factory, Indoor skydiving, visit the Elk in Cataloochee Park, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Casino in Cherokee, slide down the rocks at Sliding Rock in the Pisgah National Forest, downhill skiing, snowboarding & tubing at Cataloochee Ski Resort, golf at Waynesville Country Club, Maggie Valley Country Club or Ironduff Golf Course!



We hope many wonderful memories will be made while vacationing at Tatonka Lodge!



Please call Cheryl for more information about Tatonka Lodge. Also, more photos can be viewed of the property & large playground



Guest Access:

Hiking trails, seeing the bison, llamas, goats, mini horses. There is a shared playground, picnic area, horse shoes, tire swing & tether ball!



The Neighborhood:

On a 65 acre bison ranch. Can hike around & see:

bison, llamas, alpacas, mini horses, goats.



Also have a playground, tire swing & tetherball.



Getting Around:

Conveniently located just 4 miles off of I-40



Other Things to Note:

Check in is 4:00 pm

Check out is 11:00 am



We are pet friendly, the pet fee is $125 + tax = $140 for the 1st dog & $50 + tax = $56 for the 2nd dog & must be paid directly to Buffalo Creek Vacations after reservation is made.



* Must be kept on leash

* Must be up to date on flea & tick medication

* Must be up to date on shots

* Please pick up after your pet

* No pets on furniture

* If leaving the cabin for the day, please use our kennel for your pet



Interaction with Guests:

We are just a call away if you need us!



The BC Depot is located behind the red Southern Caboose. Here we have a store, game room & (laundry room for caboose guest).



Agapeland Station is located in the 2nd floor of the depot & has a 30x50 "O" gauge model train layout! Buy your tickets at the BC Depot Store!





You can come down to the buffalo viewing area in the mornings usually between 9:30-10am to see them run in for their morning oats!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
A fee applies if more then 14 guests
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please dispose of butts properly

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
We ask that you treat our property like your own. Rental Rules: 1.SMOKING: No smoking. Cabins are all non-smoking/non-vaping. By booking this res...

Important information

You need to know

Property # 163324vb
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: 14
Note from host: A fee applies if more then 14 guests
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
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

Clyde

Located in Clyde, this cabin is in a rural area and on a river. LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography and Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Cataloochee Ski Area and Lake Junaluska Golf Course. Consider Folkmoot Friendship Center for a night out or Waynesville Recreation Center if you're travelling with kids. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding, hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Map
Clyde, NC

What's nearby

  • Pigeon River - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center - 18 min drive - 17.1 km
  • Biltmore Estate - 44 min drive - 62.6 km
  • Cataloochee Valley - 48 min drive - 26.0 km
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 57 min drive - 60.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger King - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Haywood 209 Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Sherrill's Pioneer Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Caffeine & Chaos - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch 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 Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch?

As of 28 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch on 29 September 2026 start from NZ$2,808, 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 Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Tatonka Lodge: 2 master suites on a bison ranch located?

This family-friendly Clyde cabin is located on a river, 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Pigeon River, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Haywood County Public Library and Blue Ridge Health - Haywood. Waynesville Recreation Center and Lake Junaluska Golf Course are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 141 out of 156 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 156 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 156 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 156 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 156 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay with clean accommodations! We'll be back for sure.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
It was fun for the whole family to stay surrounded by bison and goats, along with llamas and alpaca.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 25 July 2026
Thank you for your review!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our stay! We had plenty of room, double master suites were wonderful. Everything was well stocked and comfortable. Hosts were great! Animals on site are huge bonus with knowledge staff to talk about history. Loved watching the bison feeding. Great location for some short drives to other attractions. We will be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Outstanding property. My family and I had a wonderful visit. My grandkids loved the game room. Beds were very comfortable and the rooms were decorated to the buffalo theme. I highly recommend the ranch hand and feeding the buffalo options. The Depot had a lot of great things to buy. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. We bought bison ground meat which made awesome hamburgers. We even saw fire flies after dark, what a treat! Thanks for the memories!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2026
Glad you all enjoyed your stay! We appreciate the review. Cheryl
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was absolutely perfect in every way. What a dream home.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 February 2026
Thank you for your review! Cheryl
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
it was a great family Christmas space!!!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 December 2025
Thank you for your review. So glad you enjoyed your stay. Cheryl
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location. Kids love the Bison. Super steep driveway. Family loved the house!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 January 2026
Thank you!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay! The property is beautiful inside and out. It is also very clean. Had everything we needed. The hot tub broke 2 kids out in hot tub rash. The driveway is so steep, so we didn’t really leave. The folks who own the property are the nicest people. We really enjoyed our time at Buffalo Ranch!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 January 2026
Thank you Ashley for your review. Glad you all enjoyed your stay. I am very sorry the kids got a rash. We drain & clean the hot tub after every guest. We double checked everything after we got your review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a great time. The owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. They and the whole staff were very helpful and kind to the children. They really wanted us to have a good time. Would go back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Awesome Cabin on a hill

We all enjoyed the Great Buffalo Creek vacation
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Glad you enjoyed your stay!
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great Time. Great Cabin!!

The cabin and property was great!! Minor issues not worth presenting, overall we would definitely do this again......and plan too!!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 March 2023
Glad you all enjoyed your stay. Cheryl
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Long weekend getaway

Great experience with this property! Seal beach is a great local spot, easy walking distance to beach and downtown. Quick drives to the more crowded spots.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Sorry, Nicole...wires might've been crossed...we are in the Smoky Mountains :) not the beach.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was absolutely gorgeous. The kitchen was fully stocked with all the utensils, pans, bowls, coffee pot, toaster etc. The wi-fi was great and it had Dish network. The one lane road to the cabin was alittle sketchy but we did fine with a car and a minivan
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great vacation rental for large families. Enjoyed the buffalo feeding

We spent Thanksgiving week and our 50th wedding anniversary at the Tatonka Lodge. It was everything we wished for and more. Great family memories were made.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thanks Lon! :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Tatonka Stay

Nice cabin in the woods. Enjoyed the hot tub, camp fire and grilling out. Lots of games to play when it rained. Plenty of space for our group to spread out. We also enjoyed the animals on the farm, especially the buffalo feeding.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2025
Thank you for your review. Cheryl
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Birthday reunion

My family and I spent a wonderful week at the Lodge. There were 9 of us and it was very comfortable for all of us
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thanks for taking time to leave a review! Glad you all enjoyed your stay. Cheryl
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place to stay.

Such a great location. We had a large group of family and had lots of room along with lots to keep us busy. Game room in the cabin with pool, Foss ball and even air hockey. Kitchen was good size for cooking up some big meals and the heated floor in the 2 master bedrooms were a big hit. The ranch had bison, lamas and even got to hold a baby goat. Staff was super friendly and really couldn't ask for more.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 November 2022
Thanks Frank! Glad you enjoyed your stay!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Perfect Family Vacation

We arrived to find a lovely home, perfectly decorated, for our family vacation. We mostly enjoyed the outdoors at the cabin and the park within walking distance. The game room at the cabin was an added bonus! We had a small problem with the TV and he was there in about 10 minutes to fix it! This is the perfect home for a family retreat!!
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2020
Dear Gail, So glad to hear you all enjoyed your stay at Tatonka Loge. We greatly appreciate you taking time to leave us a review online. Thanks, Cheryl
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Escape with views and plenty to do

This property was perfect for our group of eight—including our furry friends! Cheryl was fantastic to communicate with, and when we encountered a minor issue, she promptly sent someone to assist. The house had everything we needed and more, from the game room to the hot tub. We loved walking our dogs around the property and had so much fun seeing the goats, llamas, alpacas, and bison! I highly recommend this property, as well as any of Cheryl's other rentals. Buffalo Creek Vacations is truly amazing—we'll definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

#10 Experience

Had a great weekend. I will be back. Alot to do. Everyone was so friendly. Cabin was extraordinary. Very clean and beautiful. Views were breathtaking.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thanks Yvonne! So glad you all enjoyed your stay! Cheryl
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Property was excellent

House was beautiful, just as pictured. There was something for everyone to enjoy and there was so much to do in the area. I did not pay enough attention to the advice about 4 wheel drive being recommended but we made out okay on our July trip. Highly recommend this lodge if the steep road with cutbacks doesn't intimidate you. (It didn't stop us from doing anything we wanted.)
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thanks Deborah for taking time to leave us a review. So glad you all enjoyed your stay! Cheryl
Archival

10/10 Excellent

A great Mountain experience w a family Ranch feel!!

Our family plus extended family had a great reunion on this mountain/ranch!! Tatonka Lodge was cozy, well equipped, and there was plenty to keep us busy and relaxed (loved the hot tub). We appreciated the family feel with nearby family owners to answer our questions and allow us to help feed the baby goats:) The Great Smokey Mountains offered tons of nearby parks and recreation albeit steep climbs! Our favorite was Deep Creek park with the tubing down the creek/"rapids." Blue ridge parkway and Ashville also highlights. We saw God's handiwork and will come back !!
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Dear Betty, Thank you so much for taking the time to sign our online guest book. So glad you all enjoyed our ranch & your stay! Till next time, Cheryl
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful Home and Views

The house was absolutely beautiful. It was warm and charming and had all the natural touches of a log cabin. It was spaceous enough for two families with teenage kids and had ample space for additional guests if needed. The house was clean and very well kept. When you visit, you must check out the photo album of the cabin inthe construction phase--awesome. The only problem we encountered was the road up the cabin--in the winter you really need a truck. They were kind enough to grade the road with a tractor which made it much easier to access the home which made the view all worth it!!!
Response from VrboOwner on 19 June 2020
Dear Bobbie, I am glad you all enjoyed Tatonka Lodge. Thank you for taking the time to leave us feedback. We also have plans to pave the rest of our road this year as well. :) Cheryl
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Best Vacay and we didn't leave the State!!!!

We loved this place and can't wait to go back! We spent 8 days at the Buffalo Creek Vacations in Tatonka Lodge. The house is beautiful, fully stocked and has so much to do you hardly have to leave! From a 5 year old, "I had no idea there was so much to do in the mountains (she didn't leave the ranch). From a 13 year old, athletic, boy who has traveled a lot, "The best trip I have ever taken. Mom....when are we coming back?". For me....well we stayed an additional day because I wasn't ready to go. The views are gorgeous, the owners, very hospitable and again....the house is beautiful!
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Dear Emily, I am so glad you & your family enjoyed your stay at Tatonka Lodge & didn't want to leave :). We would love to have you all as our guest again. Thank you again for your fabulous pictures. Sincerely, Cheryl Hillis
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Heaven

We have been to Tatonka Lodge twice now. 2010 was only a month after my husband passed away. Such a difficult time but the beauty and life that surrounds the Lodge brought hope. This year we choose it again, the anniversary of his death. We used that time to contemplate, relax, remember. You are so close to heaven there that it can't help but restore hope for the future. I look at all of those magnificent windows and know that the light that shines through is the light of hope, peace and promise for whatever life brings.

About the host

Hosted by Cheryl Hillis

Host profile image
My brothers & my husband had shared a vision of expanding my fathers buffalo ranch when additional property became available to purchase. With all our knowledge & experiences combine we have built 4 log homes & have been renting them out since 2004. All the furniture in this cabin has been handmade by the wood on the property! Even the covered wagon bed, that was custom built my my father. Once my husband retires from the US Army in about 3 yrs our dream will be to build our log cabin on the property & be more hands on. God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams. We hope you love the mountains like we have all come to love being transplants from a very flat NY!

Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

While staying at Tatonka Lodge we feel you will really enjoy the peace & tranquility of being secluded on 65 acres. So many of our previous guest have wrote back & told us they had all these plans to sight see but then just loved hanging out in the cabin together enjoying the big game room & the children all love the uniquely designed playground as well as seeing the miniature horse, buffalo, goats & llamas.

Languages:

English

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