Waterfront vacation rentals near Nantahala National Forest

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Top-rated waterfront rentals near Nantahala National Forest

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

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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 living area features a stone fireplace surrounded by large windows that allow natural light to fill the room. Comfortable seating is arranged around a wooden coffee table, while a soft area rug adds warmth. A cozy reading nook is visible in the background.
Cabin in Robbinsville

R&R’s Chalet of the Woods

Our home is nestled in-between 2 beautiful creeks in the great smoky mountains! The kitchen, dining, and living room have an open floor plan where family and friends can gather all together! The wrap around deck takes you to the beautiful back porch where the larger creek splits and flows down both sides of the house. Enjoy a picnic, listen to the soothing sounds of the creeks while laying in the hammock, have s'more fun by the fire pit! Come raft, ride, relax, hike, explore, and so much more!

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 132 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 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
The interior of a luxurious Victorian train car features rich fabrics in shades of pink, red, and gold, adorned with detailed carvings and ornate decor. Plush seating lines the sides, while an electric fireplace adds warmth. A stylish carpet runs the length of the space, leading to a bright exterior view.
Tiny home in Highlands

River Love ~Tiny Adventure *Highlands

Rain or shine this is the perfect place to be with all its outdoor space! WNC Special Pricing DISCOUNT more than $100/night lower than past years! As featured in Naples Daily News, this "Luxury Victorian Train Car" / Tiny House/ "Victorian Caboose" / Gooseneck Horse Trailer / Gypsy Trailer / Wild Wild West Saloon Car meets Bordello is the perfect place to escape for an adventure on the Cullasaja River in Highlands, NC. Whatever you find yourself calling it, welcome to your great Escape!

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 209 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
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 spacious log cabin is nestled among lush greenery along a rushing creek. The cabin features a wrap-around porch and large windows, while smooth rocks and a gentle stream flow nearby, creating a serene environment. Sunlight filters through the dense foliage.
Cabin in Hayesville

Creekside log cabin near Lake Chatuge & Blue Ridge

Escape to Compass Creek Cabin, a beautiful creekfront log cabin nestled in a national forest. This private retreat offers a wood-burning stove, a wraparound porch, and a creekside firepit. Fall asleep to the sound of the rushing creek and enjoy hiking, fishing, and total relaxation. Just minutes from Hayesville, NC, and Hiawassee, GA, and Lake Chatuge, it's the ultimate mountain getaway for families, friends, and couples seeking adventure and serenity.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 158 reviews
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, 118 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!

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