Waterfront vacation rentals near Nantahala National Forest

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront rentals near Nantahala National Forest

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

1 of 1 pages1 / 1
Top guest favorite
A spacious living area is defined by high ceilings and warm pine paneling. A large stone fireplace serves as a central feature, with comfortable seating arranged around a wooden table. Bright windows allow ample natural light, and a decorative chandelier hangs above.
Cabin in Highlands

Peaceful Lake Cabin - Close to Town - sleeps 6

Enjoy a peaceful cabin getaway on Apple Lake, 5 minutes from Highlands, NC. Highlands is a charming mountain town with great restaurants, spa, theater, music concerts, and shopping. Our cabin is very open with high ceilings, a huge wood burning fire place, two bedrooms downstairs, and two upstairs in an open loft. Minutes from scenic waterfalls, and hiking trails. Enjoy relaxing on the porch, cooking, fishing, and kayaking on the lake. Wonderful for family/friend vacations or a romantic getaway!

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews
Top guest favorite
A charming house is surrounded by lush green trees and sits beside a flowing creek. A large wooden deck provides access to the outdoor space, featuring seating and views of the water and rocky landscape.
Cabin in Franklin

Rushing Water. Hot Tub. Fire Pit. Big deck. WiFi.

Big discounts for multiple nights. Put in your dates to see price drop. Surround yourself with rushing water, trees & greenery. Large 3/2 in Franklin NC. Nestled along a Scenic Byway in Nantahala National Forest, many call this luxury gem PARADISE. Large deck. Absorb creek sounds with firepit & hot tub overlooking water. Relaxing & invigorating. Fishing, hiking, waterfalls & lake nearby. 12 min to town with cafes, shops, breweries & activities. Smoky Mountains at its best. Reliable internet.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviews
Top guest favorite
A charming cabin is nestled among colorful autumn trees, showcasing warm wood accents and a spacious porch. The inviting front steps lead up to the deck, while the surrounding foliage adds vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and green to the tranquil setting.
Cabin in Franklin

Little Bear Creek Franklin/Highlands Smoky Mtns.

Bring the whole family including your pets to relax and enjoy this private 1+ acre wooded oasis. Relax in the hot tub or splash in the creek knowing you are just minutes away from the waterfalls, scenic drives, gem hunting, hiking trails, quaint small towns, renowned restaurants and many other adventurous outdoor activities that make Western North Carolina! LBC is located just ten minutes from Franklin and twenty minutes from Highlands on easily accessible paved and beautiful scenic roads.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews
Top guest favorite
A spacious bedroom features a large bed with neutral bedding, surrounded by panoramic windows. Soft natural light floods the space, highlighting the minimalist decor. Elegant light fixtures hang from the vaulted ceiling, and a cozy seating area is positioned near the window, offering scenic mountain views.
Dome in Sylva

Romantic Couples Retreat With Hot Tub & Great View

Experience Luxury Glamping at Natures Dome while Exploring the Smoky Mountains this Summer. Chase waterfalls and count the stars ✨ gazing through the skylight. Relax listening to the sounds of the creek below 💞. Enjoy the privacy & seclusion while being minutes from downtown Sylva & Dillsboro, Harrah's Cherokee Casino & The Smoky Mountain Scenic Train Ride 🚂. The National Parks & Blueridge Parkway is within 25 mins while bigger cities like Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge are about an hours drive.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 277 reviews
Top guest favorite
A vibrant scene showcases two golden retrievers playing in a shallow stream, surrounded by lush green foliage. Behind them, a cascading waterfall flows over rocky tiers, creating a soothing sound and enhancing the natural beauty of the forested landscape.
Cabin in Oconee County

Secluded Waterfall Cabin.

Romantic, rustic cabin at the base of a 35-foot waterfall, nestled in the middle of 16 secluded acres surrounded by national forest that extends to the Chattooga River. This magical get-away caters to those with an adventurous spirit. Hike from the cabin to additional waterfalls, bike down Turkey Ridge Road to Opossum Creek Trail and the Five Falls or drive two miles to the Chattooga Belle Farm. The Waterfall Cabin is a joy to us all, and we hope you love it as much as we do. No cleaning fee.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 401 reviews
Top guest favorite
A cozy riverfront cabin with a green metal roof is visible, situated beside a gentle flow of water. An outdoor seating area features a wooden deck, with several chairs positioned for relaxation. The surrounding landscape includes trees and a rocky bank.
Vacation home in Bryson City

Nantahala River 2BR - Bear Cave Boat Parade

Closest rental to the Nantahala Outdoor Center! 1.5 miles upriver. Trains daily. Read this: NO SMOKING, NO PETS, no exceptions, please don't ask. Service animal excepted. Read CANCELLATION POLICY before booking and house rules before booking. NO TRASH SERVICE in area, guest must remove when checking out. NO TRAILERS. Parking too small Two vehicles MAX. NOT SAFE for small children due to powerful water. WI-FI provided. CELL Coverage: Verizon = Excellent. T Mobile = None. ATT = Outdoors only.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviews
Top guest favorite
A serene creekfront cabin is nestled among trees, showcasing a well-maintained exterior with a welcoming porch. A gently flowing stream winds around smooth stones, leading to a grassy area with seating. Lush greenery surrounds the property, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.
Cabin in Robbinsville

Secluded Creekfront Cabin • Pastoral Mountain View

This pristine and secluded creekfront cabin offers gorgeous mountain views with plenty of room to roam. Easy access makes this an ideal getaway for car and motorcycle enthusiasts to cruise the nearby scenic highways including Cherohala Skyway, Tail of the Dragon, and many more. Adventurers can explore nearby waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails. Enjoy quiet surroundings, go fly fishing in Sweetwater Creek, and take in the cool mountain air on the covered porch or gather around the firepit.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews
Top guest favorite
Treehouse in Blue Ridge

Modern Treehouse on Toccoa with Waterfall +Hot Tub

Tucked away on two secluded acres along the scenic Toccoa River, River Rock is a one-of-a-kind treehouse retreat where modern comfort meets nature. With thoughtfully curated interiors and expansive outdoor space, this home offers a serene blend of comfort and quiet luxury. Wake to soft natural light, enjoy the sights and sounds of the river, or unwind by the fire beneath the stars — all surrounded by nature’s beauty, especially magical in winter. We’d love to host you — book your stay.

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Westminster

Waterfall Views, Lake Hartwell, Highland Architect

Come and enjoy nature with 100+ acres to roam. Architect James Fox designed this cantilevered cliffside home overlooking a beautiful waterfall. Feel like you are in the trees, in an area much as it was when inhabited by Cherokee Indians. Stream feeds into Lake Hartwell. In the summer months on the weekends and holidays kayaks, jet skis and small boats visit the falls. This property is in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Please respect our pet policy, only service animals.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 302 reviews
Guest favorite
A cozy cabin is nestled among trees, overlooking a gently flowing creek. Warm string lights are draped across the surrounding foliage, adding a soft glow to the peaceful woodland scene. The ground is covered with autumn leaves, enhancing the natural setting.
Home in Otto

Cabin/relax to raging rapids/hiking trail/secluded

RELAX at Bearfoot Falls! private and peaceful, up in the mountain, nestled amongst national forestry, creeks and water rapids in back yard! Open the windows and listen to the sound of running water! Hiking trails right out of the backyard to beautiful water falls! Indoor fireplace, outdoor gas fire table on screened in porch and outdoor fire pit! NO CHILDREN UNDER 12 no pets, pet fee will be applied for service dogs and only upon review. 25 mins to Highlands!

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews
Top guest favorite
A private dock extends over the calm waters of Lake Santeetlah, featuring kayaks and a paddleboard ready for use. Surrounded by lush greenery, the cozy vintage cabin is visible in the background, with large windows reflecting natural light from the trees.
Cabin in Lake Santeetlah

Waterfront cabin with private dock

Cozy vintage cabin on beautiful Lake Santeetlah. Enjoy the water views from the screened in porch, dip your feet in the clear lake on the private dock, or take a kayak out to explore the coastline. In cooler weather, snuggle up by the fire with a good book. Lake Santeetlah is nestled in the mountains of NC, and 80% of the coastline is national forest. The lake is quiet, serene, and absolutely beautiful. Check out our cabin on instagram: @thecovecabin.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 249 reviews
Top guest favorite
A luxury yurt is set amidst lush greenery, framed by tall trees. A wooden deck surrounds the yurt, inviting relaxation. Nearby, a gentle stream flows, enhancing the tranquil setting. Natural flora and a landscaped area complement the serene outdoor environment.
Yurt in Topton

Spring Ridge Yurt-True Glamping-Hot Tub-Nantahala

The Spring Ridge Luxury Yurt is perfect for a Glamping getaway. With two bedrooms and a full bath, this yurt sleeps 4 comfortably. First bedroom offers a queen bed and access to a private porch; second bedroom offers two twin beds. A fully equipped kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless-steel high-end appliances. The yurt features central air conditioning and heat, washer and dryer and an in-room safe is provided as well.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews

Popular amenities for waterfront rentals near Nantahala National Forest

Quick stats about waterfront rentals near Nantahala National Forest

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 700 vacation rentals in Nantahala National Forest

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Nantahala National Forest vacation rentals start at ﺩ.ﺇ 110 per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 32,410 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly vacation rentals

    550 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 350 rentals that welcome pets

  • Vacation rentals with a pool

    30 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    330 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    650 of Nantahala National Forest vacation rentals include wi-fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi, and Pool across Nantahala National Forest rentals

  • 4.9 Average rating

    Nantahala National Forest stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.9 out of 5!

Destinations to explore