Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Beach equipment
A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Air-conditioning
Barbecue
Internet access
Fireplace
Barbecue
Explore the area
Townsend, TN
Townsend Visitor Center
Place, Townsend Visitor Center
16 min walk
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
Place, The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
2 min drive
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Place, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
2 min drive
Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
Airport, Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
33 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Bedroom 1
1 Single Bed, 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Living Room 1
2 Double Sofa Beds
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower
Bathroom 2
Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms
About this property
Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin
This cozy, rustic cabin is nestled on the bank of the scenic Little River in quaint Townsend, TN. Just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, Cades Cove, and other attractions, this cabin combines the feeling of solemn remoteness with the convenience of local walking-distance amenities, including a grocery store, gas station, and restaurants. We are family friendly and welcome you to make a tradition out of bringing your family to Townsend each year, just like our family did when we were children!
Rippling Waters Retreat is situated directly on the Little River in Townsend, TN right in the heart of Townsend. The cabin has a secluded feel, though it is less than a mile from restaurants, attractions, a gas station, convenient store, supermarket, and more. The cabin shares many acres of land and river frontage with other cabins. Free parking is provided at the retreat, making getting around Townsend easy. This is a rustic cabin situated directly on a river, backed up to woods. Though we maintain pest control and pest prevention services on the property, it is impossible to guarantee our guests with a pest-free experience (e.g. fireflies, flying bugs, crawling bugs, other insects, squirrels, etc.), while also maintaining a rustic look and experience to the property. Though the vast majority of our guests have never reported pests, all guests are required to be aware they are booking a rustic experience, including all the natural elements found in nature.
Similarly, though we seek to maintain stringent cleaning practices and standards, it is impossible to guarantee our guests a stay at our property completely free of dust, cobwebs and other elements indicative of being in a rustic cabin. Given the rustic nature of the cabin and the experience the majority of our guests expect, all guests are required to be aware they are booking a rustic experience, including all the natural elements found in nature.
By booking, you agree not to allow the aforementioned qualities of a rustic cabin to impact your review on our property, acknowledging you are purchasing this experience as described above.
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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 indicated that there is no 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
About the area
Townsend
Located in Townsend, this cabin is on a river. Ober Mountain is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove. River Rage Go-Kart Track and Hedgewood Gardens are also worth visiting.
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
Dark Island Swinging Bridge - 2 min drive - 1.3 km
Getting around
Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 34 min drive
Restaurants
Walland Shop Groceries And Gas - 13 min drive
Peaceful Side Social - 11 min walk
The Townsend Abbey - 19 min walk
The Heavenly Roast - 11 min drive
Burgermaster Drive-in - 2 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin?
As of 3 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin on 11 August 2026 start from NZ$828, 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.
What time is check-in at Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Rippling Waters Retreat | Riverfront Rustic Cabin located?
Situated on a river, this cabin is 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. River Rage Go-Kart Track and The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great location! We brought our bikes and the location made it so easy to hop on and ride around Townsend all day. The porch swings were also great to sit on during the day and watch the river.
We have been coming up here for years and this by far has been our favorite cabin to stay in. It is centrally located to everything, well-appointed with all the amenities you need for a comfortable relaxing stay regardless of the season. We will definitely be coming back, again and again.
We enjoyed the cabin! There were places to eat and grocery close by. The kitchen had lots of items and utensils to cook with. The hosts was very responsive. The place was very clean and inviting. We loved the porch swings and was so relaxing to sit and listen to the river. Lots of wildlife around to see.
Margaret G.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Troy
20 December 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Cabin was beautiful, right on the water! Kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed. Owners were responsive to any questions/concerns we had. Overall a fantastic place to stay!
I would recommend this cabin to anyone. It was very clean and perfect location. We enjoyed the porch every night - watching the river and geese.
I would give this cabin 10+ out of 10.
There was 4 brothers and our sister on our 3rd annual sibling vacation in the Smoky Mountains. The swings on the back porch watching and listening to the Little River was our favorite evening experience. We truly enjoyed our stay!
Got in after dark, but was greeted with lights being on. First impression was AMAZING! My family felt very comfortable and enjoyed our stay. Listening to the Little River made it so relaxing. Great location and I would definitely recommend this cabin to others.
We spent 4 nights at the Rippling Waters cabin on the Little River in Townsend. Excellent location on River, very close to Wears Valley Road, the Townsend bike path, IGA grocery store and the hardware store. Plenty of room for our big family ! Will look to stay again.
Greg W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
About the host
Hosted by Melanie Chandler
We are the Chandlers, owners and operators of what we think is one of the best little cabins in all of Tennessee. My (Michael’s) family began vacationing in Townsend when I was a child, and came back every Summer to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains, the offerings of Pigeon Forge, and the awesome amenities that Townsend has to offer. Now, we bring our children here and create memories with them every year. Our cozy cabin is nestled on the bank of the scenic Little River, with access to more than 500 feet of river frontage. Just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, Cades Cove, and numerous attractions, this rustic cabin combines the feeling of solemn remoteness with the convenience of local walking-distance amenities, including a grocery store, gas station, and many restaurants. We are family friendly and welcome you to make a tradition of bringing your family to Townsend each year, just like us!
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests