Cabin
AirBear: Treehouse-Airstream Cabin
Photo gallery for AirBear: Treehouse-Airstream Cabin





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom 2 bathrooms Sleeps 7 74.3 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Bryson City, NC
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad4 min drive
- Smokey Mountain Trains Museum4 min drive
- Nantahala Brewing Company4 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 7)
Bedroom 1
1 Single Bed and 3 Queen Beds
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub
Bathroom 2
Spaces
Kitchen
Balcony
About this property
AirBear: Treehouse-Airstream Cabin
AirBear Treehouse at 3 Little Bears Retreat
Disconnect & Reconnect to nature & loved ones in this one-of-a-kind, unique stay at 3 Little Bears Retreat with views of the Smoky Mountains and the nature amenities of our resort adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
• Deck Hammock
• Forest shower
• Hot tub
• Onsite Manager
• Shuffleboard
• Trails & Creek
• SOLO firepit
• NEW! SOLO Gas Pizza Oven
• Paved Drive & Parking for motorcycles, luxury cars & trailers
• NO Cleaning Fees! We do charge 3% for the Mountains, which we use 100% to help rehabilitate local wildlife, replant native trees, restore struggling hemlock trees, and support other sustainable initiatives with the community.
The Retreat
Unique Glamping! Welcome to Three Little Bears Retreat, THE only place to retreat, reconnect, relax and experience great adventures with your family and friends! You’ll feel the excitement you once had as a child arriving at AirBear! Come retreat, renew, and refresh at our regenerative nature resort.
Social
Follow us on social @3littlebearsretreat
Cabins to Choose From
Copy these links to view our other two cabins.
3 Little Bears Cabin https://t.vrbo.io/WdTfO19xeTb
Poppa Bear Cozy Cabin: https://t.vrbo.io/Fnl26uLyeTb
Sky Bear Lodge: https://t.vrbo.io/cF5P6qRyeTb
Smoky Bear Lodge: https://t.vrbo.io/rjKycLXyeTb
Also have Wedding Venue, Meeting Space & Nuwati Spa - inquire for more information.
Location
This cabin is located 5 minutes away from a variety of breweries, restaurants, the train, downtown Bryson City, and 2 entrances to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, where you can hike, bike, fly fish, paddleboard and kayak to your heart's content.
And only 3 hours from Atlanta, 3 hours 20 min from Charlotte, and 2 hours from Greenville, SC
Cabin
This one-of-a-kind cabin/barn/treehouse combines a restored barn originally built by settlers removed from the national park and a vintage Airstream and cantilevered over the hillside into the trees for a glamping experience like no other. The cabin was sustainably designed with 80% of the materials coming from adaptive reuse and being locally sourced along with eco-friendly energy saving appliances and heating and air along with eco-friendly toiletries. The Airstream serves as the cozy primary bedroom inside the cabin, featuring a queen and single bed, plus a half bath. Two charming lofts above the Airstream offer queen beds with charging outlets and tiny-house-style low ceilings. The cabin also boasts a full bath with a stunning nature-view shower and a kitchenette equipped with a burner, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
Step outside to enjoy a cantilevered deck high among the trees with a creek serenade below and mountain ridgeline and peak views including Sharp-Top Mountain. Relax in the hot tub, refresh in the outdoor shower, roast marshmallows at our firepit, or cook on the Blackstone griddle. A dedicated nature meditation area completes the outdoor amenities.
Nature
Experience nature in a setting that immerses you in the culture and history of the area, the sustainable and regenerative efforts to nourish the environment by the Retreat, along with all the luxuries of the modern world. This luxury glamping experience is the pinnacle of a mountain escape where it is secluded and adjacent to the National Park; has its own trails, creeks, and ponds; provides the concierge level services of a resort; and is only minutes from wineries, whitewater rafting, hiking trails, waterfalls, the railroad and downtown Bryson City (the adventure capital of the Smokies!).
Sustainability & Regeneration
The Retreat is also on a constant quest towards not just sustainability, but regeneration of nature. We work with wildlife rehabilitators to heal and release injured wildlife, are actively working on healing our Hemlock trees from the adelgids that are killing them, have implemented our own recycling pickup and transfer program, and also look towards adaptive reuse and consistent modifications in the properties towards better energy efficiency and use of materials. The Retreat wants to be the great national park lodge model for the next generation and is constantly marching towards the Cherokee tradition of ᎣᏍᏓ (Osda) ᎤᏃᏴᏫ (Unolvtanv) "Sacred harmony with all living things" through our own motto of “Beyond Just Right, Be Livin’ Right.” Your 3% for the Mountains resort fee goes directly to these ongoing efforts, and we appreciate you being a part of our path forward!
Privacy
Every cabin on the Retreat is designed to have incredible privacy. The cabin shares a driveway with other cabins and lodges at the retreat but is tucked into its own forest alcove with nothing behind it where all of the amenities are, and it is perched cantilevered above in the trees giving it both great views and additional seclusion with views of Sharptop Mountain and the ridgeline. .
Other things to note
Updates
Winter of 2025, we took on accomplishing the recommendations of our guests and ways to improve our guest experience, which included hiring an onsite guest experience manager, adding in-cabin spa services, new SOLO fire pits and pizza ovens, a greatly expanded common area with the Nuwati trail extending from our activities pavilion closer to the top down to Lands Creek at the bottom giving access to waterfalls, hammocks, a hideaway playground, a stream fed oasis pond and more to come. We also added an event/meeting space/wedding venue, which will open up in Summer 25 for weddings, group retreats, family reunions, and other experiences that we do in common for our guests at the Retreat.
Local Recommendations
Walk around Bryson City. A Hallmark style town that has been featured in several movies and is a quintessential mountain basecamp town. 5-minute drive. Lots of shops and restaurants.
• Our favorite winery is Deep Creek. 15-minute drive with great views.
• Our favorite hangout is Bryson City Outdoors where tourists and experienced hikers gather to buy new gear and share their experiences of the day.
• Our favorite restaurant is Bryson City Brewery. It has a great farm to table menu, excellent beer selection, live entertainment, and a huge yard for kids to play and be free.
• Our favorite Summer hike is Deep Creek Waterfall Loop Trail. 5-minute drive. 2 mile hike with 3 epic waterfalls! If you have little ones or dont want to struggle, skip Juney Whank and all ages can do the hike to see Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek in an out and back walk along the famous Deep Creek (stay for tubing too)!
• Our favorite Winter hike is Nolands Creek Trail through the National Park entrance by the Retreat. The hike is beautiful down to Fontana Lake crossing several bridges and the water drop in the lake in the winter extends the hike into a lakebed valley that is beautiful with big cascades.
We have many more local recommendations for eateries and activities. Message us to get a link to our guidebook for the area.
House Rules
1) Pets only with prior arrangement. It is a $100 fee of which $50 is refundable if all messes are picked up.
2) No smoking inside the cabin. No butts, cigars or other in firepits. Dispose in bagged trash.
3) Check-in after 4:00 PM (unless you have arranged for an early check-in of 2pm)
4) Checkout before 11:00 AM (unless you have arranged for a late checkout of 1pm)
5) No parties or events
Pricing
Nightly rates vary based on specific dates. Weekends are priced higher.
Single Night Stays
Single-night stays are automatically made available when adjacent to a previously booked night. Otherwise, a two-night minimum is required.
Early Check-in + Late Checkout
We offer both early check-in (2 pm) and late checkout (1 pm) add-ons for $50. The amount is limited, though, depending on the date. Please message us to add it to your reservation.
Security Camera
There is one security camera at the property's entrance gate facing the driveway.
Liability Waiver
After booking, you will be asked to complete a Release of Liability Waiver. The waiver is a standard step we ask all guests to take, and it helps us continue offering unique stays in a natural setting.
Disconnect & Reconnect to nature & loved ones in this one-of-a-kind, unique stay at 3 Little Bears Retreat with views of the Smoky Mountains and the nature amenities of our resort adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
• Deck Hammock
• Forest shower
• Hot tub
• Onsite Manager
• Shuffleboard
• Trails & Creek
• SOLO firepit
• NEW! SOLO Gas Pizza Oven
• Paved Drive & Parking for motorcycles, luxury cars & trailers
• NO Cleaning Fees! We do charge 3% for the Mountains, which we use 100% to help rehabilitate local wildlife, replant native trees, restore struggling hemlock trees, and support other sustainable initiatives with the community.
The Retreat
Unique Glamping! Welcome to Three Little Bears Retreat, THE only place to retreat, reconnect, relax and experience great adventures with your family and friends! You’ll feel the excitement you once had as a child arriving at AirBear! Come retreat, renew, and refresh at our regenerative nature resort.
Social
Follow us on social @3littlebearsretreat
Cabins to Choose From
Copy these links to view our other two cabins.
3 Little Bears Cabin https://t.vrbo.io/WdTfO19xeTb
Poppa Bear Cozy Cabin: https://t.vrbo.io/Fnl26uLyeTb
Sky Bear Lodge: https://t.vrbo.io/cF5P6qRyeTb
Smoky Bear Lodge: https://t.vrbo.io/rjKycLXyeTb
Also have Wedding Venue, Meeting Space & Nuwati Spa - inquire for more information.
Location
This cabin is located 5 minutes away from a variety of breweries, restaurants, the train, downtown Bryson City, and 2 entrances to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, where you can hike, bike, fly fish, paddleboard and kayak to your heart's content.
And only 3 hours from Atlanta, 3 hours 20 min from Charlotte, and 2 hours from Greenville, SC
Cabin
This one-of-a-kind cabin/barn/treehouse combines a restored barn originally built by settlers removed from the national park and a vintage Airstream and cantilevered over the hillside into the trees for a glamping experience like no other. The cabin was sustainably designed with 80% of the materials coming from adaptive reuse and being locally sourced along with eco-friendly energy saving appliances and heating and air along with eco-friendly toiletries. The Airstream serves as the cozy primary bedroom inside the cabin, featuring a queen and single bed, plus a half bath. Two charming lofts above the Airstream offer queen beds with charging outlets and tiny-house-style low ceilings. The cabin also boasts a full bath with a stunning nature-view shower and a kitchenette equipped with a burner, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
Step outside to enjoy a cantilevered deck high among the trees with a creek serenade below and mountain ridgeline and peak views including Sharp-Top Mountain. Relax in the hot tub, refresh in the outdoor shower, roast marshmallows at our firepit, or cook on the Blackstone griddle. A dedicated nature meditation area completes the outdoor amenities.
Nature
Experience nature in a setting that immerses you in the culture and history of the area, the sustainable and regenerative efforts to nourish the environment by the Retreat, along with all the luxuries of the modern world. This luxury glamping experience is the pinnacle of a mountain escape where it is secluded and adjacent to the National Park; has its own trails, creeks, and ponds; provides the concierge level services of a resort; and is only minutes from wineries, whitewater rafting, hiking trails, waterfalls, the railroad and downtown Bryson City (the adventure capital of the Smokies!).
Sustainability & Regeneration
The Retreat is also on a constant quest towards not just sustainability, but regeneration of nature. We work with wildlife rehabilitators to heal and release injured wildlife, are actively working on healing our Hemlock trees from the adelgids that are killing them, have implemented our own recycling pickup and transfer program, and also look towards adaptive reuse and consistent modifications in the properties towards better energy efficiency and use of materials. The Retreat wants to be the great national park lodge model for the next generation and is constantly marching towards the Cherokee tradition of ᎣᏍᏓ (Osda) ᎤᏃᏴᏫ (Unolvtanv) "Sacred harmony with all living things" through our own motto of “Beyond Just Right, Be Livin’ Right.” Your 3% for the Mountains resort fee goes directly to these ongoing efforts, and we appreciate you being a part of our path forward!
Privacy
Every cabin on the Retreat is designed to have incredible privacy. The cabin shares a driveway with other cabins and lodges at the retreat but is tucked into its own forest alcove with nothing behind it where all of the amenities are, and it is perched cantilevered above in the trees giving it both great views and additional seclusion with views of Sharptop Mountain and the ridgeline. .
Other things to note
Updates
Winter of 2025, we took on accomplishing the recommendations of our guests and ways to improve our guest experience, which included hiring an onsite guest experience manager, adding in-cabin spa services, new SOLO fire pits and pizza ovens, a greatly expanded common area with the Nuwati trail extending from our activities pavilion closer to the top down to Lands Creek at the bottom giving access to waterfalls, hammocks, a hideaway playground, a stream fed oasis pond and more to come. We also added an event/meeting space/wedding venue, which will open up in Summer 25 for weddings, group retreats, family reunions, and other experiences that we do in common for our guests at the Retreat.
Local Recommendations
Walk around Bryson City. A Hallmark style town that has been featured in several movies and is a quintessential mountain basecamp town. 5-minute drive. Lots of shops and restaurants.
• Our favorite winery is Deep Creek. 15-minute drive with great views.
• Our favorite hangout is Bryson City Outdoors where tourists and experienced hikers gather to buy new gear and share their experiences of the day.
• Our favorite restaurant is Bryson City Brewery. It has a great farm to table menu, excellent beer selection, live entertainment, and a huge yard for kids to play and be free.
• Our favorite Summer hike is Deep Creek Waterfall Loop Trail. 5-minute drive. 2 mile hike with 3 epic waterfalls! If you have little ones or dont want to struggle, skip Juney Whank and all ages can do the hike to see Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek in an out and back walk along the famous Deep Creek (stay for tubing too)!
• Our favorite Winter hike is Nolands Creek Trail through the National Park entrance by the Retreat. The hike is beautiful down to Fontana Lake crossing several bridges and the water drop in the lake in the winter extends the hike into a lakebed valley that is beautiful with big cascades.
We have many more local recommendations for eateries and activities. Message us to get a link to our guidebook for the area.
House Rules
1) Pets only with prior arrangement. It is a $100 fee of which $50 is refundable if all messes are picked up.
2) No smoking inside the cabin. No butts, cigars or other in firepits. Dispose in bagged trash.
3) Check-in after 4:00 PM (unless you have arranged for an early check-in of 2pm)
4) Checkout before 11:00 AM (unless you have arranged for a late checkout of 1pm)
5) No parties or events
Pricing
Nightly rates vary based on specific dates. Weekends are priced higher.
Single Night Stays
Single-night stays are automatically made available when adjacent to a previously booked night. Otherwise, a two-night minimum is required.
Early Check-in + Late Checkout
We offer both early check-in (2 pm) and late checkout (1 pm) add-ons for $50. The amount is limited, though, depending on the date. Please message us to add it to your reservation.
Security Camera
There is one security camera at the property's entrance gate facing the driveway.
Liability Waiver
After booking, you will be asked to complete a Release of Liability Waiver. The waiver is a standard step we ask all guests to take, and it helps us continue offering unique stays in a natural setting.
Property manager
Matthew McGee
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Mountain view
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House Rules
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets 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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Bryson City
Bryson City is home to this cabin. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake. Smokey Mountain Trains Museum and Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail are also worth visiting.

Bryson City, NC
What's nearby
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
- Smokey Mountain Trains Museum - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
- Nantahala Brewing Company - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
- Island Park - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
- Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 23 min drive - 27.7 km
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 6 min drive
- Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant - 6 min drive
- Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - 6 min drive
- La Poblana - 8 min drive
- Arby's - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
9 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
About the host
Hosted by Matthew McGee

Three Little Bears Retreat was inspired by a lifelong love for nature, adventure, and connection. As an avid backpacker and hiker, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the far corners of the world—from the remote mountain trails of Patagonia and Kilimanjaro to vibrant cultural hubs in Brazil and Thailand, and from rustic cabins to luxurious lodges and resorts. The experience I gained from these places and cultures instilled a dream to one day create my own resort, and I believe that the inspiration of the warmth of a remote village guesthouse in the Himalayas, the thoughtful design of eco-lodges in Central America, and the communal spirit of a safari camp in Africa all have their place in the design and creation of this Retreat.
Why they chose this property
Our retreat rests alongside a pivotal piece of history—the site of the first deed given to Horace Kephart for the formation of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on Lands Creek. Kephart came to Bryson City and the Smoky Mountains seeking solace in a place he deemed "the back of beyond," and then fought for its preservation as a national park through his work as a writer and as the foremost outdoorsman of his time. Inspired by his vision, we too see this land as something to be cherished and protected. Through our sustainability initiatives, we strive to honor his legacy by preserving and regenerating the natural environment that makes this place so extraordinary.
While the Park now preserves the beauty of the mountains, this land carries the memory of sacrifices made by families whose homes once stood within its boundaries. Generations later, their stories of resilience remain woven into the fabric of these hills, shaping our community’s spirit. To ensure that future generations can enjoy this landscape, we commit to practices that restore the land, conserve resources, and support the biodiversity of these mountains.
Even here, where the forest whispers its age-old songs, we remember that this land was first home to the Cherokee Nation. Their deep understanding of and respect for the environment inspire our own efforts to live in harmony with nature. The Cherokee principles of balance and stewardship guide many of our sustainability practices.
"Here, in the Back of Beyond, life moves to the rhythm of the mountains, not the ticking of a clock." -Horace Kephart
While the Park now preserves the beauty of the mountains, this land carries the memory of sacrifices made by families whose homes once stood within its boundaries. Generations later, their stories of resilience remain woven into the fabric of these hills, shaping our community’s spirit. To ensure that future generations can enjoy this landscape, we commit to practices that restore the land, conserve resources, and support the biodiversity of these mountains.
Even here, where the forest whispers its age-old songs, we remember that this land was first home to the Cherokee Nation. Their deep understanding of and respect for the environment inspire our own efforts to live in harmony with nature. The Cherokee principles of balance and stewardship guide many of our sustainability practices.
"Here, in the Back of Beyond, life moves to the rhythm of the mountains, not the ticking of a clock." -Horace Kephart
What makes this property unique
At Three Little Bears Retreat, we honor the histories of the mountains and the Cherokee People while creating a space where stories can be shared, bonds strengthened, and memories made—all with a commitment to leaving the land better than we found it. Our retreat spaces are designed not only to bring people together but also to minimize their environmental footprint. From our use of energy efficient technology and eco-friendly materials to our initiatives in reforesting and wildlife rehabilitation and preservation, every aspect of our retreat is crafted with care for the environment.
We also love that the location of our retreat offers endless, easy access opportunities for adventure. From hiking and fishing to tubing and exploring hidden waterfalls, the Smokies are a playground for the curious and the bold. For those who prefer a slower pace, the trails and streams surrounding the retreat, the Road to Nowhere, and Deep Creek invite quiet reflection and a chance to recharge. As you explore, know that each visit contributes to our ongoing efforts to preserve this landscape through trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and pollution reduction projects.
"In the school of the woods, there is no graduation day." --Horace Kephart
At Three Little Bears Retreat, every stay is an invitation to be part of something bigger: a fellowship that bridges past and present, a respite from the demands of daily life, an adventure in reconnecting with what truly matters, and a commitment to nurturing the environment we all share.
"Preserve, study, absorb, revere, and enjoy the primeval woods before its too late." --Horace Kephart
We also love that the location of our retreat offers endless, easy access opportunities for adventure. From hiking and fishing to tubing and exploring hidden waterfalls, the Smokies are a playground for the curious and the bold. For those who prefer a slower pace, the trails and streams surrounding the retreat, the Road to Nowhere, and Deep Creek invite quiet reflection and a chance to recharge. As you explore, know that each visit contributes to our ongoing efforts to preserve this landscape through trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and pollution reduction projects.
"In the school of the woods, there is no graduation day." --Horace Kephart
At Three Little Bears Retreat, every stay is an invitation to be part of something bigger: a fellowship that bridges past and present, a respite from the demands of daily life, an adventure in reconnecting with what truly matters, and a commitment to nurturing the environment we all share.
"Preserve, study, absorb, revere, and enjoy the primeval woods before its too late." --Horace Kephart
Languages:
English
Premier Host
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