Cabin

Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock

Waterfront cabin with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Watauga River Cabins-Hemlock

Front View in Fall
Front view/summer
Hemlock Dining Area
Hemlock Living Room
Hemlock Queen Bedroom

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 483.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Johnson City, TN
  • Place, East Tennessee State University
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Freedom Hall Civic Center
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Johnson City Medical Center
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional)
    ‪35 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

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Johnson City

Located in Johnson City, this cabin is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Sycamore Shoals State Park and Watauga River reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Johnson City Family Skatecenter and Wallabies. Travelling with kids? Consider Lakeshore Marina and Washington County Fairgrounds. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Map
Johnson City, TN

What's nearby

  • East Tennessee State University - 12 min drive - 10.4 km
  • Johnson City Mall - 14 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Freedom Hall Civic Center - 14 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Johnson City Medical Center - 15 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Winged Deer Park - 20 min drive - 20.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪By-Lo Market - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Cranky's Pump N Pints - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬8 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.

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. 196 out of 210 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 210 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 210 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 210 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 210 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

10/10 Excellent

Brandon C.

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

10/10 Excellent

Brian G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property and great riverfront access
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place at an awesome location. Enjoyed the fire pit, fishing, grilling, family setting outside for cook outs. We had a wonderful time. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodi R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you are looking for a nice little peaceful getaway this one is for you! It has sooo much beauty to offer and so much relaxation. If we go back to the area this is definitely where we will stay again. Everyone was so nice!! They supply so much for you! I miss being there already!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frances L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our dog loved the water in the back of the property. My mother in law was able to get in with her walker. We were only there to sleep and shower. We were visiting family in NC. Thank you for allowing us to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Russ c.

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

nice property overlooking Watauga river

excellent , we will return
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan H.

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

great Stay

Had a great time
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

THOMAS H.

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

Wonderful time very nice area

Like I said good time there nice place to stay nice people good location will return in the future
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christopher S., Knoxville

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

Always great

Always a great place to stay and great price
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Taylor W.

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

Nice weekend getaway

We came up for the weekend to go on a guided fishing trip. The property was lovely. It was so nice it was dog friendly. Had a great stay!

10/10 Excellent

Leah L.

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

Highly recommend!

Our stay was absolutely wonderful. The cabin was clean and homey. The location was great and very close to anything you might need while still feeling remote and in nature. Gary and patty were also amazing—super welcoming, kind and helpful. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

tim p.

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

Great location with lots of activitiess

Nice country setting. Very rustic place. Perfect for a group outing.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pamela J.

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

Just What We Needed

Gorgeous property located on a quiet riverside lot. So very restful that we were torn between casting a line and napping in front of the gas fireplace. Very clean and
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

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

River Cabin

Love the setting, very comfortable and nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Casey M.

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

Review

The place was beautiful and close to the river with a lot of amenities. It was quiet and secluded yet close to town. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay H.

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

Family reunion

We had a large group ages 4-92 and everyone had a blast on this amazing property!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sheri W.

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

This property is absolutely beautiful inside and out! Quiet and peaceful, right on the river.

The rental process from start to finish was very easy. Owners were amazing and friendly. Our group enjoyed our nights on the patio area by the river. I would highly recommend this property to anyone looking at staying in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scharlotte C.

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

Heavenly Retreat

We couldn't have been more pleased with this lovely retreat! The lodging is homey and everyone in my family enjoyed themselves imensly! We enjoyed the cold river water numerous times to get a break from the heat! We can't wait to come back again with more of our family.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eva P.

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

Such a relaxing place

Another great trip! We love this place. Amazing time with friends enjoying the solitude that is offered here. Phil and his wife, Alesia, are the kindest people.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynne B.

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

Fabulous property!

Close enough to Johnson City and Elizabethton but a world away! Relaxing, rustic, just perfect
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn W.

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

Peaceful retreat

Enjoyed our stay. Especially loved sitting by the river. Quiet, peaceful. Everything we needed. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

RUSH S.

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

Rustic River

Great personality starting with an antique forest service truck welcoming you.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Kimberly G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Watauga River Oasis

We love coming here with our family friends. This was our 3rd visit and will continue to have more in the future. We adore the outdoor space and utilize it completely. We call it our home away from home together.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

James H.

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

Peaceful Getaway

This was a great cabin. The cabin was very comfortable. The outdoor sitting areas were comfortable and provided great views. Many hours were spent relaxing by the river. The location was secluded and peaceful, however it was convenient to both Johnson City and Elizabethton. Plan to return next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

William L.

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

Fishing trip

We bring customers up to trout & smallmouth fish the first of May. We always stay at the Watauga River cabins because of the location and the great venue at WRC.It is truly wonderful place
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

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

Premier Host

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