Lakes are such popular vacation destinations that it can be hard to find one without crowded shorelines and bustling surroundings. Tennesse’s Lake Watauga is a lake that still feels like a hidden gem. Surrounded by the rugged Appalachian Mountains, this man-made lake is only accessible by winding mountain roads. Much of the shoreline is part of the Cherokee National Forest and its banks are mostly undeveloped. However, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the water, especially if you have a pet. You can go swimming at the beaches at Shook Branch Beach. You can also rent a boat; Wilbur Lake is an ideal section for non-motorized boating. There are also many hiking opportunities on the shoreline, and the Appalachian Trail even runs along the lake. If this rustic lake is your next vacation destination, read on for the best pet-friendly cabins near Watauga Lake, Tennessee.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and pet-friendly rules and regulations. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Large secluded home for eight on the peninsula, Butler (from USD 458)
This secluded lakefront rental is near Watauga Lake and sits on a 2.0-acre (0.8-hectare) property. It provides guests and their pets with all they need to fully appreciate nature. Furthermore, its unique peninsula layout leaves you with enough land to play around and explore while being surrounded by quiet waters.
Moreover, there’s a private dock that you can use to board your boats or dive in for a quick swim. Another reason to choose this property is that a maximum of two of your dogs and cats are welcome to stay here without any additional fees! Just make sure to keep them away from any of the cabin’s furniture and beds.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the home itself was clean and invitingHost:
host was very responsive as wellRead more reviewsLocation:
the location on the lake was awesomeeverything was wonderful the location the house everything i can’t wait to returnits private and secluded location provided for a fantastic retreat with friend and family to celebrate my birthday
2. Well-furnished cabin minutes from the lake, Butler (from USD 278)
Great for large families, this well-equipped cabin sits near Watauga Lake. Several mountain resorts, nature trails, and wineries are a short drive away, giving you more options to explore the area. While here, experience an exceptional holiday with the cabin’s self-serving amenities across three levels, including a laundry room, multiple decks, and indoor entertainment options.
The main level’s deck sets the scene for cookouts, as seats, tables, and a propane grill are ready for use. If you prefer cooking inside instead, the fully functional kitchen will inspire your culinary creations. The cabin can also accommodate two dogs and cats; however, you’ll need to get permission from the owner before bringing them here.
3. Lakefront hideaway with a private dock, Butler (from USD 195)
If you have a dog that loves to swim, this Vrbo vacation rental in Butler is for you. Pets are welcome with no additional pet fee - great news for those worried about extra payments. This Airbnb cabin on Watauga Lake has its own private dock. There is also a waterfront deck with Adirondack chairs for soaking up the sun and the view.
In the cabin, you’ll probably spend most of your time in the sunroom, which is filled with light and views of the lake.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds are comfortable and the view is fantasticCleanliness:
i highly recommend jenelle’s house as it was such a beautiful clean homeplace was good very cozy and cleanRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic house and great location highly recommendedthe location is great and it’s a perfect get away from the city and stress of the real worldthe location is just as beautiful for a wonderful getawayperfect place to unplug and relax
4. Sunny lakefront home, Butler (from USD 354)
The whole family, pets included, will have a blast during their stay at this spacious house rental fronting Watauga Lake. There are two private docks where kids and pets can launch themselves into the water. The host has provided water toys and floaties for guests’ use. On land, guests can play corn hole, tetherball, or ring toss. If your pet is in need of a bit of shade, you can sit under the pavilion, which has a hammock.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we played in the water; swimming paddle boarding kayaking and canoeing with equipment all providedCleanliness:
the house is nice clean and cozy well stocked as far as kitchen utensils and applianceshad a wonderful time property was immaculately clean and well appointedthe property was clean neat well stocked with everything we could ever needthe property was clean and easy to find all necessitiesRead more reviewsHost:
nic the owner was a superb hostnick is a gracious and helpful hostnick was very helpful and responsiveowner made it easy and was very helpful he even suggested alternatives when the weather didn't cooperatehe was easily accessible and very knowledgeable and helpful about where to go and what to expect
5. The Tree House, Butler (from USD 349)
This luxury cabin proves that you don’t have to downgrade your accommodation to bring your pet along. The rental welcomes pets but you’ll have to pay a security deposit and a cleaning fee. Pets must be spayed or neutered and treated with a topical flea treatment at least one week before check-in. Once you check all those boxes, you and your pup can enjoy the amenities of this incredible cabin, which has its own private pontoon boat for rent.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the fresh smell in the airThe kitchen was well equipped and had everything needed to prepare our meals each eveningThe home is very comfortable with space for togetherness as well as privacy" do not miss out on the pontoon boat - it is immaculateWatauga Lake is one of the most pristine lakes in the USCleanliness:
we tried the Pizza Place and it worked for us (we were starving after the bike ride )--Host:
all the unique features Kim was great about answering all my questions and was very accommodatingWe have rented many homes beforewe appreciated her willingness to work with us last minuteWe spent two wonderful days enjoying the lake - our friend's dog was allowed to join us on the boat and she probably had more fun than us swimming and fetching her favorite water toyosprey blue and green heronsRead more reviewsLocation:
Loved the house and the locationMontreal Toronto Estes Park Coloradois a HUGE plus DishwasherWe spent Easter weekend at The Tree House and enjoyed every minute"The Tree House" is perfect for a weekend get-a-way
6. Woodland Retreat, Butler (from USD 105)
With one bedroom that can sleep two guests, this cozy cabin is ideal for a couple looking for a romantic getaway. It is pet friendly so you can even bring your fur-children along. Up to two dogs are welcome to stay for a fee per dog, which is paid in advance. Everyone can hang out on the spacious porch for views of the lake and woods while having a glass of wine. Or, you can snuggle up beside the fireplace.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this place is awesome there is no cell service but wi-fi is abundantthe grill and stocked kitchen made it easy to prepare mealsbeautiful cabin equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stayCleanliness:
property extremely well maintained and cleanthe cabin is quaint organized clean and peacefulvery nice getaway for me and my girlfriend cabin was very clean and niceHost:
our host was very pleasant and timelythank you carrie for being such a great hosteverything else was perfect and the communication with the host was extremely exceptionalRead more reviewsLocation:
we loved just sitting on the porch listening to birds and drinking coffeeit was all right nice place enjoyed staying therewoodland retreat is a wonderfully quiet and peaceful place to get away for a bit
7. Hillside cabin with scenic views, Elizabethton (from USD 180)
Surrounded on all sides by views of the Appalachian mountains, this cabin rental in Elizabethton is ideal for nature lovers. The Watauga River is just steps away, and it is the ideal destination for your morning walk with the dog. If you’re looking to take your pet on a longer hike, you can head to the nearby Appalachian Trail. In between your adventures, this cabin is a peaceful spot to relax and recharge.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kitchen well stocked plenty of firewood and the grill worked greateverything with this cabin was nice except if we had some more space in the bathroomseverything was great bed in the middle bedroom needs replacing but other than that terrificRead more reviewsLocation:
this was a perfectly centralized location we couldn't have enjoyed moreenjoyed our stay beautiful location and great communication
8. Stylish retreat with lake and mountain views, Butler (from USD 250)
This cabin is surrounded by breathtaking views outside and gorgeous design inside. It has an A-frame structure with a two-story great room and floor-to-ceiling windows. The gourmet kitchen has vintage appliances that are stylish and functional. Pets are welcome at the property for a fee. There is even a fenced-in area on the side of the cabin where your pet can romp around without getting lost in the woods.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The cabin had plenty of room and the kitchen was amazingThe bedroom was large and comfortableWe enjoyed cooking in the well-equipped kitchenThey thoroughly enjoyed the cabin and the view of the lakeThe cabin was not all that easy to findCleanliness:
The property was very cleanBeds and bathrooms were greatThe decor is nice and the cabin was very cleanThe whole cabin is nicely decorated and very comfortableThe leaves are beginning to turn and the views were even more breathtakingHost:
The mattress was firm and appeared to be relatively newThey have a thorough and very kind cleaning serviceLoved sitting on deck for meditation in the early morning before the rest of the family woke upThe owners are very kind and generous and are very quick to respondWe had all the amenities we needed and then some Beautiful views and reasonably close to all the activities we wanted to do Thank you for the nice welcome gift and for opening your home to my familyRead more reviewsLocation:
lots of dust build up in some areasBoone was not far and that was great plusWe rented Antler Cabin for my mother grandmother and auntYou have to drive to get to swim and play and eat outThe owners left cookies spaghetti noodles and sauce to welcome us
9. Peaceful getaway surrounded by rolling countryside, Butler
With views of rolling hillsides, as well as cows and horses at a nearby farm, this cabin has a tranquil setting that will put you immediately at ease. The cabin is pet friendly and the countryside is ideal for long walks with your dog. The spacious interior has four bedrooms that can sleep up to eight guests. There is a cozy living room with a stone fireplace where everyone can gather and watch TV.
Butler, Tennessee, United StatesSuperhostAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were so so comfortableHost:
lucia and lauren are awesome very helpful and quick to respondRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfect for relaxing in the mountains and a trip to beech mountain for skiingplenty of room and the gas logs were so cozy a perfect place to staythe stay was great beautiful quiet locationthe host is very good about communicating the place is beautiful and is located in a very peaceful locationthis cabin is the cleanest most well stocked place i've ever stayed
10. Honey Bear Cabin, Butler (from USD 168)
Just minutes away from Watauga Lake, this cabin is close to many activities in nature that you can enjoy with your pet. You can take them hiking on the nearby Appalachian Trail or Virginia Creeper Trail. The wooded location of the cabin is also perfect for walks through the trees.
You can also relax in the fresh air on the spacious deck that’s complete with a grill, or down in the picnic area, which has a fire pit and twinkle lights for nighttime use.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was wonderful and had all the amenities you could needthe bed was super comfortable the couch just the samebeds couch and linens are all super comfy and the shower runs super hot which is greatalso the bed is incredibly comfortableoverall nicely furnished and comfortableCleanliness:
place was clean and tidycabin was very clean and comfortablethe bathroom was super clean and modernthe house was clean and well stockedcabin was very clean and so so cozyHost:
alex was a great host and responded super quickly to any questions we hadit was made by the host and you can tell how much effort and care went into ithost alex was super responsive the whole stayhost is really responsive and wants to make sure your visit is enjoyablealex was super quick and responsive in our arrival plansRead more reviewsLocation:
cute cabin great location for going to different trailsthe location was nice for a getawaya great place in a nice locationloved the location and the roosterslake watauga was close by and beautiful
11. Twisted Vines Cabin, Butler (from USD 85)
Located in the Cherokee National Forest, this pet-friendly cabin has the perfect surroundings for long walks in the woods with your dog. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as turkeys, deer, and even bears. Though the cabin is in a rustic setting, it has all of the modern comforts you’ll need, such as fast WiFi, Roku TV, and a DVD player. You can cook in the kitchen or grill on the deck.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi was strong so you were all set once logged incute and cozy cabin with great amenities and very comfortable bedcozy place with plenty of room for a quiet relaxing vacationeverything is comfortable and accessibleCleanliness:
very clean and quietgreat place cozy clean quietsuper clean and lovelyclean and cute cabineasy to find very clean and neatRead more reviewsLocation:
great location not that far from beech mountainamazing airbnb close to a beautiful lake and hikes and an easy drive to boonegreat cozy place in great locationloved our stay here close to watauga lake and other cool hikesclose to some nice hiking areas and lake access points
12. Charming gem near the lake, Mountain City
This pet-friendly cabin has so many outdoor spaces to enjoy with your pup. You can light up the fire pit and roast s'mores under the stars. The covered porch has rocking chairs where you can sit and take in the views. There is also a deck with a gas grill for barbecuing your favorite meals together. Inside, you can curl up around the stone fireplace after a long day and watch one of the DVDs in the host’s collection.
Mountain City, Tennessee, United StatesSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
adorable mountain cabin with comfortable amenitiesCleanliness:
it is well equipped and everything was very cleanthe cabin was clean and decorated so cutewe had an awesome time at this very clean cabinthis cabin was such a great place to stay super clean and all around a really great experiencevery clean and cozy remote but not too remote… driveway is a little steepHost:
great hosts and thoroughly enjoyed our visitthe hosts were great and we really enjoyed our staythe owners are great hosts and respond quickly to messagesthey are attentive to details in making the cabin a wonderful home away from homethe hosts were very friendly and great with communicatingRead more reviewsLocation:
the cabin is beautiful the location is restfularea was great and you’re close to a good bit of placesamazing getaway in the mountains we loved the location and the cabin was greatwould recommend this place for your next getaway
An ideal getaway for nature lovers
Watauga Lake is the perfect destination for nature lovers looking for some quality outdoor time with their pets. The area has endless options for long hikes with your dog. You can also enjoy the lake together by swimming or boating. Any one of these cabins would be an ideal choice to relax and reconnect with nature in between your adventures around Watauga Lake.
Frequently asked questions about the best pet-friendly cabins near Watauga Lake
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