12 Best Pet-Friendly Cabins Near Watauga Lake, Tennessee - Updated 2024

Anne Marie
Anne Marie 
Updated
| 4 min read

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.

Stayed at this property?
Butler, Tennessee, United States
cabin 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the home itself was clean and inviting
Host:
host was very responsive as well
Location:
the location on the lake was awesome
everything was wonderful the location the house everything i can’t wait to return
its private and secluded location provided for a fantastic retreat with friend and family to celebrate my birthday
Read more reviews
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Butler, Tennessee, United States
cabin 10 Guests 2 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

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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.

Stayed at this property?
Butler, Tennessee, United States
24 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 3 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds are comfortable and the view is fantastic
Cleanliness:
i highly recommend jenelle’s house as it was such a beautiful clean home
place was good very cozy and clean
Host:
great property with great owners
jenelle is a great host-- highly recommend
Location:
fantastic house and great location highly recommended
the location is great and it’s a perfect get away from the city and stress of the real world
the location is just as beautiful for a wonderful getaway
perfect place to unplug and relax
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
98 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we played in the water; swimming paddle boarding kayaking and canoeing with equipment all provided
Cleanliness:
the house is nice clean and cozy well stocked as far as kitchen utensils and appliances
had a wonderful time property was immaculately clean and well appointed
the property was clean neat well stocked with everything we could ever need
the property was clean and easy to find all necessities
Host:
nic the owner was a superb host
nick is a gracious and helpful host
nick was very helpful and responsive
owner made it easy and was very helpful he even suggested alternatives when the weather didn't cooperate
he was easily accessible and very knowledgeable and helpful about where to go and what to expect
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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.

Stayed at this property?
104 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 9 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 9
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the fresh smell in the air
The kitchen was well equipped and had everything needed to prepare our meals each evening
The home is very comfortable with space for togetherness as well as privacy
" do not miss out on the pontoon boat - it is immaculate
Watauga Lake is one of the most pristine lakes in the US
Cleanliness:
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 accommodating
We have rented many homes before
we appreciated her willingness to work with us last minute
We 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 toy
osprey blue and green herons
Location:
Loved the house and the location
Montreal Toronto Estes Park Colorado
is a HUGE plus Dishwasher
We spent Easter weekend at The Tree House and enjoyed every minute
"The Tree House" is perfect for a weekend get-a-way
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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.

Stayed at this property?
25 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this place is awesome there is no cell service but wi-fi is abundant
the grill and stocked kitchen made it easy to prepare meals
beautiful cabin equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay
Cleanliness:
property extremely well maintained and clean
the cabin is quaint organized clean and peaceful
very nice getaway for me and my girlfriend cabin was very clean and nice
Host:
our host was very pleasant and timely
thank you carrie for being such a great host
everything else was perfect and the communication with the host was extremely exceptional
Location:
we loved just sitting on the porch listening to birds and drinking coffee
it was all right nice place enjoyed staying there
woodland retreat is a wonderfully quiet and peaceful place to get away for a bit
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Elizabethton, TN, US
9 reviews  
cabin 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kitchen well stocked plenty of firewood and the grill worked great
everything with this cabin was nice except if we had some more space in the bathrooms
everything was great bed in the middle bedroom needs replacing but other than that terrific
Location:
this was a perfectly centralized location we couldn't have enjoyed more
enjoyed our stay beautiful location and great communication
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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.

Stayed at this property?
85 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The cabin had plenty of room and the kitchen was amazing
The bedroom was large and comfortable
We enjoyed cooking in the well-equipped kitchen
They thoroughly enjoyed the cabin and the view of the lake
The cabin was not all that easy to find
Cleanliness:
The property was very clean
Beds and bathrooms were great
The decor is nice and the cabin was very clean
The whole cabin is nicely decorated and very comfortable
The leaves are beginning to turn and the views were even more breathtaking
Host:
The mattress was firm and appeared to be relatively new
They have a thorough and very kind cleaning service
Loved sitting on deck for meditation in the early morning before the rest of the family woke up
The owners are very kind and generous and are very quick to respond
We 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 family
Location:
lots of dust build up in some areas
Boone was not far and that was great plus
We rented Antler Cabin for my mother grandmother and aunt
You have to drive to get to swim and play and eat out
The owners left cookies spaghetti noodles and sauce to welcome us
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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.

Stayed at this property?
Butler, Tennessee, United States
52 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 6 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were so so comfortable
Host:
lucia and lauren are awesome very helpful and quick to respond
Location:
the location was perfect for relaxing in the mountains and a trip to beech mountain for skiing
plenty of room and the gas logs were so cozy a perfect place to stay
the stay was great beautiful quiet location
the host is very good about communicating the place is beautiful and is located in a very peaceful location
this cabin is the cleanest most well stocked place i've ever stayed
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Butler, Tennessee, United States
134 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire cabin 2 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was wonderful and had all the amenities you could need
the bed was super comfortable the couch just the same
beds couch and linens are all super comfy and the shower runs super hot which is great
also the bed is incredibly comfortable
overall nicely furnished and comfortable
Cleanliness:
place was clean and tidy
cabin was very clean and comfortable
the bathroom was super clean and modern
the house was clean and well stocked
cabin was very clean and so so cozy
Host:
alex was a great host and responded super quickly to any questions we had
it was made by the host and you can tell how much effort and care went into it
host alex was super responsive the whole stay
host is really responsive and wants to make sure your visit is enjoyable
alex was super quick and responsive in our arrival plans
Location:
cute cabin great location for going to different trails
the location was nice for a getaway
a great place in a nice location
loved the location and the roosters
lake watauga was close by and beautiful
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Butler, Tennessee, United States
97 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi was strong so you were all set once logged in
cute and cozy cabin with great amenities and very comfortable bed
cozy place with plenty of room for a quiet relaxing vacation
everything is comfortable and accessible
Cleanliness:
very clean and quiet
great place cozy clean quiet
super clean and lovely
clean and cute cabin
easy to find very clean and neat
Host:
thanks again to the hosts
also great host and communication
Location:
great location not that far from beech mountain
amazing airbnb close to a beautiful lake and hikes and an easy drive to boone
great cozy place in great location
loved our stay here close to watauga lake and other cool hikes
close to some nice hiking areas and lake access points
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Mountain City, Tennessee, United States
59 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cabin 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
adorable mountain cabin with comfortable amenities
Cleanliness:
it is well equipped and everything was very clean
the cabin was clean and decorated so cute
we had an awesome time at this very clean cabin
this cabin was such a great place to stay super clean and all around a really great experience
very clean and cozy remote but not too remote… driveway is a little steep
Host:
great hosts and thoroughly enjoyed our visit
the hosts were great and we really enjoyed our stay
the owners are great hosts and respond quickly to messages
they are attentive to details in making the cabin a wonderful home away from home
the hosts were very friendly and great with communicating
Location:
the cabin is beautiful the location is restful
area was great and you’re close to a good bit of places
amazing getaway in the mountains we loved the location and the cabin was great
would recommend this place for your next getaway
Read more reviews

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


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anne-Marie, a publishing professional by day, harbors a fervent desire to explore the world whenever she can. Though she hasn't discovered the entire globe yet, her eagerness to learn and write...Read more

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