There’s no other Southern state in the United States that’s as geographically diverse as Tennessee is, given its smaller size. The heart of the country music scene, Tennessee has the Great Smoky Mountains to the east, lush valleys in the center, and stunning lowlands in the west. What’s more, the state has a host of rivers, lakes, such as Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers, Wheeler, Chickamauga, and Kentucky Lakes, and loads of creeks, branches, and bends. So, how about staying in a houseboat? Not only is it a unique way to stay, but it’s also fun and allows you to experience the great outdoors differently. Read our list below of the top houseboats for rent in Tennessee, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 19, 2024.
1. Lovely houseboat with stunning sunset views (from USD 409)
Have you ever wanted to live in a floating home? That’s exactly what’s waiting at Whitman Hollow Marina. This lovely cottage houseboat is located on the lake and can only be reached by boat. Apart from its plush beds and comfy seating areas, this living space also features a kitchen that is fully equipped, so you can prepare delicious meals with ease.
In the evenings, light the grill and cook tasty barbecues for dinner before heading to the upper deck to enjoy spectacular sunset views.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsCleanliness:
had such a great time in this clean well kept property
2. Three-bedroom floating house in Norris Lake (from USD 345)
Located on Norris Lake, this three-bedroom floating house offers a scenic and peaceful atmosphere for its guests. Its front porch is furnished with a gas grill and is a great place to see the beautiful sunset. Inside, guests will find a pull-out couch, two flat-screen TVs with DVD players, a stereo system, and a kitchen with a stove and an oven. There are also kayaks and canoes available.
Conveniently, the floating house is less than 6 mi (9.6 km) away from Cove Lake State Park, Norris Dam State Park, and Sugar Hollow Marina.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
We had 6 people and the toilet constantly backed upThe first night the home smelled like a port-a-potty and the second day the toilet leaked all over the bathroom floor Although the marina management did send someone to pump out the systemThe amount of space inside the home was greatHad all of the amenities for cooking good DVD selection for littles and adultsThe property itself is niceCleanliness:
beautifully decorated no bathroom issuesHouse was up to date and nicely decorated Main areas were cleanHouse was very comfortable Short on bath towelsHost:
Whitman Hollow was also a great hostThey were not willing to offer another boat refund or even discountWe all found that to be very relaxing Marina was great and accommodating with anything we needed for the house Very friendly and great food as well Everyone in floating houses where nice and fri...The marina took care of all of our needsthey had the same problemRead more reviewsLocation:
just steps from the houseNot a big problem and it would go awayFirst time at a floating house and first time at Whitman Hollow renting a houseThe house lake and surrounding area is beautifulOur family of 5 really enjoys Norris Lake and being directly on the water is great
3. Sweet Abi Mae (from USD 428)
Sweet Abi Mae is a 42-foot (12.8-meter) Catamaran Cruiser Aqua Lodge Houseboat that can comfortably sleep up to 8 people. Enjoy a magnificent family bonding time in this houseboat as the upper and lower decks offer a great place to relax and enjoy the views. The water slide is a fun way to start your relaxing swim on the water.
Don’t worry about safety as there are a couple of life jackets available. Indoors, guests will find a TV, DVD player, central heating system, stove, and coffee maker.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was well stocked bathrooms as wellRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the houseboat itself was awesome everything was new clean and organizedour family of 5 thoroughly enjoyed staying on sweet abi mae the house was very clean neat and tidy
4. Docked, single bedroom yacht (from USD 133)
This docked single-bedroom yacht offers a great place to enjoy the peaceful waters of Douglas Lake. It comes with a twin bed, a kitchenette with a stovetop, a pull-out couch, four TVs, and a bathroom with a shower. There is a water slide and kayaks available for guests who want to go for a swim or explore the lake. The hot tub is also a great place to relax while enjoying the beautiful mountain and lake views.
This houseboat is only 3.8 mi (6.1 km) from Dandridge Golf & Country Club, 4 mi (6.4 km) from McGuire Creek, 6.5 mi (10.4 km) from Mountain Cove Marina, and 8.9 mi (14.3 km) from Adrenaline Park.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
property owners were fantasticthey were very nice and accommodatingwe stayed in the tiny house the property owners made every effort to make our stay pleasant
5. Jamestowner (from USD 243)
This 1984 Jamestowner has been renovated to fit modern standards while retaining some of its old charms. It features rustic beams on the ceiling, magnificent furniture, and great appliances. Some of these amenities include a smart TV with a DVD player, air conditioning, and a kitchen with a stove and grill. Guests also have access to kayaks in case they want to explore the water.
In terms of notable locations, this houseboat is only 16 mi (25.7 km) from Dollywood, 16.1 mi (25.9 km) from the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show, 17.7 mi (28.4 km) from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and 21.3 mi (34.2 km) from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the newly remodeled interior was cozy and fabulouswaking up to the river out of the master room was a complete joyCleanliness:
the beds were clean and cozythis property was super clean inviting and cozyit's different convenient and very cleanHost:
the host angie and her family were very gracious and responsivethe check in process was amazing property owner and parents were so personable and welcomingno issues at all angie was a great hostangie has the touch for decorating and being a wonderful hosti recommend calhoun's the barbecue is spot on it is relaxing and the people are very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
its a cute cozy little spot close to downtown and the greenway paththe location is awesome quiet when you want and just a few blocks from all the actionthis by far is the best place we have ever stayed7 miles away from the boat so trolley or walk and you are good to go
6. Cozy houseboat in a gated marina (from USD 286)
This four-bedroom houseboat offers a cozy place for up to six people. Featuring a sleeper sofa, fully-equipped galley with a full-sized refrigerator, stove, and more, a vanity and shower, and outdoor seating in the aft deck and bridge, this houseboat guarantees a restful stay for everyone throughout your vacation. Located at Volunteer Landing Marina, the boat has a designated parking spot and a parking pass for your convenience and with the marina being gated, security isn’t much of a problem.
As for nearby places you can visit, UT football stadium, downtown Knoxville and two adjacent restaurants are only a short walk away while Knoxville Convention Center, Market Square, and the East Tennessee History Center are less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) away.
Top guest reviews
Host:
Jim was very accommodating and we enjoyed getting to know himVery friendly and helpful marina staffWe had heavy rains Friday nighta short walk to downtown and a gracious hostWhat more could you ask for?Read more reviewsLocation:
We also enjoyed grilled breakfast and ate on the top deck of the boatso it was very enjoyable to be under cover looking at the river and grilling on the George Foreman grillThe walk from the stadium to the boat after the game was awesome
7. Charming old fishing boat on Lake Chickamauga (from USD 89)
Do you want to rough it out on your water vacation? Then we recommend this lovely old fishing boat turned stationary houseboat for two. It is perfect for a fishing holiday. Tucked in the older and quieter Hixson Marina on Lake Chickamauga, the musky smelling boat has modern additions such as a kitchenette with a Keurig coffee pot, fridge, an electric skillet, and a microwave. Plus, you’ll even find a toilet and shower so you don’t have to rough it. There are even a few bonus perks like a DVD player, and the houseboat is pet-friendly too!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the space is cozy and unique with great viewsthe bed is tiny definitely only for one person and not for anyone of above average sizeHost:
barbara is very nice and attentivebarbara is an extremely responsive and welcoming hostbarbara was a friendly and responsive host highly recommend this unique riverside staysuper cool and affordable way to try out the houseboat experience very responsive hostgreat communication courteous and thoughtful host- cozy quirky fun boat in beautiful tennesseeRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and a great valuesuper unique experience and incredible locationi would highly recommend this location my sister/aka/military best friend had ana amazing experience and will be back msperfect place if you’re looking to have a unique experience
8. Modern and upscale floating house (from USD 320)
If you want to splurge on your Tennessee vacation, then you won’t find a better one than this upscale floating house at Springs Dock Resort on Norris Lake. You can wake up to soft sun rays or fog rolling across the water, and even jump right into the open and large swim area right out front. In the evenings, stretch out on the sun chairs and read a book or listen to music. On the inside, the house is as modern as it gets. There are sleeping arrangements for as many as 11 people, so a family getaway might just be on the cards. The living room with a fireplace, DVD player, and TV is the perfect place to lounge. The kitchen is fully furnished for whipping up entire meals, while the gas grill on the balcony is the perfect place to spend an evening.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
It was everything we hoped it would be Whether you're laying in the sun or fishing throughout the dayit felt like home coming in to rest and relaxHost:
Ryan was very helpful also with the reservationThey seem like great peopleIt was very relaxing and made us feel welcomedI didn't get to communicate with Ryan's husbandand they were wonderful at responding to any questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
This house was amazing and located in a really great community of peopleThey enjoyed spending time on the late relaxing on the deck and grilling outI booked the stay last minute and the VRBO site wasn't working
9. Three-deck houseboat on the Tennessee River (from USD 1084)
If you’re visiting Knoxville and are tired of staying in hotel rooms, then you need to check out this beautiful houseboat docked at the serene Volunteer Landing Marina in Knoxville. Not only are you close to some of the best riverside restaurants but also Downtown Knoxville. Two bedrooms with plush beds can sleep up to six people, making it perfect for large groups. Choose from three decks off the stern and bow, but the best is the one on the roof! It has a gas fire pit, a gas grill, and even two flatscreen HD TVs. On the inside, the houseboat has a fully stocked kitchen, flat-screen TVs for entertainment, and even two beach cruiser bikes and kayaks for exploring the town and the lake.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was adequately stocked with appliances utensils and dinnerware (adding a colander would be beneficiala great space with ample room to enjoy a gathering with friendsHost:
fonz was very responsive and provided great informational was responsive when i had questionsal the host was super responsive and friendlythis place is so cool it’s definitely a one of a kind experience that i would recommend to anyoneRead more reviewsLocation:
finally the location is perfectgreat place and great locationhouseboat experience was fantastic great location
10. Gorgeous cottage houseboat on Norris Lake
Do you like staying in cottages? How about living in a floating cottage at Hickory Star Marina on Norris Lake in Maynardville? This gorgeous cottage houseboat sits in the water and is accessible only via jet ski, canoe, raft, or boat. Besides soft beds, there is a lot more to love about this space. For instance, there’s a kitchenette where you can whip up meals without worrying about it. In the evenings, fire up the propane grill on the floating deck and watch the sunset. If you want some relaxation and rest, then this little houseboat is perfect.
Maynardville, Tennessee, United States
33.65 km (21.0 mi) from World's Fair ParkAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi is spotty which is great if you want to unplug; otherwise it has everything we wantedCleanliness:
very clean and it was as advertisedthe houseboat was very very cleanwe absolutely loved luis's houseboat it was beautiful and so cleanHost:
luis was a great host and the check-in and departure were easythe lake is beautiful and the locals are friendlythey are wonderful hosts we cannot wait to come backRead more reviewsLocation:
a great place to stay
11. Cozy haven at Powell Valley Marina on Norris Lake (from USD 229)
How would you like to live in a boathouse that can be reached only via water? Thrilling, isn’t it? Welcome to this super cozy haven at Powell Valley Marina in LaFollette on Norris Lake. You have to believe us when we say that the space is entirely open. In fact, the only door is the door to the spotless bathroom, complete with a shower/tub and bath! The hallway curtains separate the living and sleeping areas, which have cloud-like comfy beds. You’ll also find an excellent modern kitchen so you don’t have to worry about the meals. The absolute best part? The rental includes floats, a lily pad, and kayaks, which you can use to explore the lake!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wall unit air conditioners keep the place cool and comfortableCleanliness:
lots of updates and very cleanvery clean house quite neighbors and quiet neighborhood in generalhouse is clean and welcomingimpeccably clean and all you need for a great time at the lakeplace is clean and had enough room for my wife and i along with another couple and their childHost:
i love just jumping right off the front of the house to swim kimberly was a great hostkimberly was super responsive and hospitableRead more reviewsLocation:
a super cute place on beautiful norris lakegreat place for a couples get awayreally fun and unique place to staya nice floating house in a quiet part of the lakethe location is great amenities are fantastic and the little floating house had everything we needed
Superhost
12. Budget-friendly houseboat on Norris Lake
There’s something mesmerizing about staying in this stunning open studio space right on the buoy line in a marina on Norris Lake in northeastern Tennessee. The serene, budget-friendly space is like a rudimentary floating campsite and the perfect laidback spot to relax right on the lake. The common sleeping spaces are excellent for large groups; there’s a double bed, a bunk bed, and a hammock! The attached bathroom is very basic but immaculate. You’ll find both air-conditioning and heating, kitchen space with cooking essentials, and even a barbeque grill out on the patio!
Maynardville, Tennessee, United States
34.0 km (21.2 mi) from World's Fair ParkTop guest reviews
Host:
enjoyed our stay great hostexactly as described host was very helpful with recommendations and enjoyed our stayowner is very easy to get in touch withjason was a great host and referred us to a good canoe rentalvery responsive and always replied to me within less than 5 minutesRead more reviewsLocation:
location was great neighbors are friendlythe location on the water was greathad a great time perfect location and it had everything we neededa wonderful place to relax and get awaywe love coming to jason’s place hope to come back soon
13. Modern houseboat on Tennessee River in Downtown Knoxville (from USD 350)
The name of this stunning houseboat, ‘Living the dream’, says it all. Located on Volunteer Landing marina on Tennessee River in Downtown Knoxville, the docked boat makes for an excellent quiet getaway right in the middle of the city. What’s more, you’re close to the greenway, which is perfect for biking, running, and walking. Plus, you can even grab the kayaks/paddleboards/bikes and explore the neighborhood on your own, both land and water. On the inside, the houseboat features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a full kitchen, internet, and even a TV for entertainment.
Top guest reviews
Host:
Gabe was a great hostGabe was a great asset as well providing great instructions and a tour of the house boatGabe was an AWESOME hostOur family enjoyed the ample seating areas the nice kitchen and slept well on the comfortable beds Gabe the owner was very hospitable and flexible with our needsWe had a great experience Lots of room very comfortableRead more reviewsLocation:
Checking in and out was a breezeThe location cannot be beat with a very short walk to the Vol Navy and all of the surrounding football tailgating areas Additionally and easy walk to downtown for dining and nightlifeSpent a weekend out on this house boat with some friends from out of town
14. Relaxing floating house at Bass Bay Marina
Tucked in Bass Bay Marina on Chickamauga Lake is this floating house, complete with a picket fence and front porch with rocking chairs! This stationary houseboat with a double bed and a bathroom is perfectly set up for a relaxing and cozy romantic getaway in the great Tennessean outdoors. You even have a full kitchen for cooking, so all you need to do is bring all the cooking essentials. Curl up with a coffee or wine glass on the patio in the mornings and evenings and enjoy some much needed quiet time.
Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, United States
136.65 km (85.0 mi) from World's Fair ParkTop guest reviews
Cleanliness:
great value & very cleanHost:
communication with the harbor was great very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
very basic but great location on the watervery quiet and peaceful locationgreat place in a great location not far from everything that you needbeautiful scenery with a great location and close to a restaurant the sunrise is beautiful to watchawesome place to for a get away
15. Spacious two-level homey boathouse
Do you want to stay in a homey and peaceful location and yet be steps away from nightlife? This terrific houseboat on the tranquil shores of Lake Tellico in Vonore is perfect. It’s also just a few minutes away from all the shopping, dining, and entertainment at the marina. The plush sleeping arrangements easily accommodate seven adults, making this rental ideal for a family or friends getaway. A full kitchen and bathrooms make staying here just home-like, and the patio with a barbeque grill puts a unique spin on your holiday. You also have access to two kayaks if you want to go exploring the reservoir.
Vonore, Tennessee, United States
48.15 km (30.0 mi) from World's Fair ParkAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this is a very comfortable houseboat with an amazing upper deck plenty of space for our family of 4Cleanliness:
the lake is very clean and a great place to playHost:
angela is a great hostshe was very friendly and helpfuleveryone in the dock area was so friendlyeveryone on the dock was very friendlyangela is super responsive and kind as can beRead more reviewsLocation:
angie’s place was great it was in a great location
16. Romantic vintage retreat (from USD 175)
Romance is in the air at this vintage, 1964-built houseboat at Stardust Marina on Norris Lake. Stepping into the houseboat is like stepping back in time, and it might just be Norris Lake’s longest floating houseboat. Slip into the restful bed with vintage windows that look out to the water. Besides a quaint bathroom, there’s an outside shower too. In fact, you can even take a refreshing dip in the waters of the lake. The charming kitchen is perfect for making a cup of coffee and enjoying the morning sunrise on the vintage deck chairs. Have afternoon tea on the rooftop deck and grill dinner on the lower one. Or, you could grab a kayak and paddle out to the marina and enjoy yourself.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
however the air conditioning was way too small to cool the houseboat properlyCleanliness:
the lake is so clean and refreshingRead more reviewsHost:
laura was the perfect host
The terrific floating houses of Tennessee
There’s no dearth of houseboats to choose from on your Tennessean vacation. Not only do you have the choice of traditional houseboats, but you’ll also find offbeat ones. In fact, many of them are no less than floating houses on the water! So, choose from these houseboats for rent in Tennesee, USA, and you’re guaranteed a memorable holiday.
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