Nestled among the hemlocks and hardwoods of western North Carolina, Stay Nantahala Cabin Rentals & Luxury Yurts is a collection of handpicked lakefront cabins, mountainside retreats, and luxury yurts — each one chosen for the way it makes you feel the moment you arrive.
We're not a hotel. We're not a resort. We're a place where the only agenda is the one you set: maybe that's kayaking at dawn, sitting on a dock with your coffee, or spending three days doing absolutely nothing at all.
Every cabin and luxury yurt we offer sits within reach of Nantahala Lake — one of the most pristine and undiscovered lakes in the Southern Appalachians. At over 3,000 feet in elevation, the air is different up here. The pace is different. And guests tell us, again and again, that they leave different too.
WHAT'S WAITING FOR YOU
Signature Experiences Across Our Properties
Every cabin and yurt in our collection is different — but certain things run through all of them. These are the experiences guests come back for.
Lakefront Access & Private Docks*
Our lakefront properties sit directly on Nantahala Lake — one of the highest elevation lakes east of the Mississippi, with roughly 90% protected national forest shoreline and some of the cleanest freshwater in the country. Several properties include private docks*, perfect for swimming, floating, or launching a rental boat right from your door.
Private docks* at select lakefront cabins
Easy boat rental pickup with Lakes End Boat Rentals & Marina
Guest discounts through Lakes End Boat Rentals & Marina
Ideal for boating, fishing, swimming & water sports
Hot Tubs* with Mountain Views
There's something about a hot tub* at elevation that hits differently. Soak under the stars with ridge lines silhouetted against the sky, or ease into a morning with mist rising off the lake below. Hot tubs* are a signature feature across our cabin and yurt collection — not an afterthought, but a centerpiece.
Available* at most cabins and luxury yurts
Panoramic lake and mountain views at select properties
Year-round use — magical in every season
Fire Pits & Outdoor Living
Evenings here are meant to be spent outside. Multiple fire pits, expansive decks, and thoughtfully designed outdoor dining and lounge areas make the outdoors an extension of every room — not just a view.
Fully Equipped Kitchens
Every property is stocked to cook real meals — whether that's a lakeside breakfast at sunrise or a big group dinner after a day on the water. No hunting for essentials.
Panoramic Windows & Views
Some properties feature floor-to-ceiling windows that make the lake and mountain landscape a living part of every room, from sunrise to stargazing.
Space for Groups & Families
Our collection ranges from cozy two-person yurts to large lakefront homes sleeping 10+. Properties include large gathering areas, bunk rooms, and multi-bathroom layouts designed for everyone to be comfortable — together.
Lakes End Cafe, Marina & Boat Rentals — Next Door
One of the best-kept secrets of staying at Nantahala: the Lakes End Cafe & Grill and Boat Rentals & Marina is right next door. Full lunch and dinner service, dockside pizza delivery, catering for large groups, and boat rental coordination — all without getting in your car.
Full-service lunch & dinner with something for everyone
Nantahala means "land of the noon-day sun" in Cherokee — and the landscape lives up to the name. From the cabin door, you're minutes from some of the best outdoor experiences in the Southeast.
Barton & Appalachian Trail hiking nearby
World-famous Nantahala River rafting & ropes courses
Waterfalls, wildlife viewing & mountain drives
Cherokee Casino & Sequoyah National Golf — 45 min away
Game Rooms*
Select properties feature dedicated game rooms* — a favorite for families and groups. Whether it's a rainy afternoon or a late night in, these spaces keep everyone entertained without leaving the property.
* Review the amenities section when booking your cabin, as some cabins do not include this amenity.
WHERE ARE WE
Deep in the Great Smoky Mountains
Stay Nantahala sits at the crossroads of wild and accessible — remote enough to feel a world away, close enough to Asheville, Atlanta, and Charlotte that you don't need to fly to get there.
We're tucked into the Nantahala National Forest, between the towns of Franklin and Murphy, North Carolina. Nantahala Lake — our backyard — is one of the few lakes in the region still free from overdevelopment. That's not by accident. We'd like to keep it that way.
Over 3,000 ft elevation
1.5 hours west of Asheville, NC
2.5 hours northwest of Atlanta, GA
530-acre Nantahala Lake on your doorstep
Surrounded by Nantahala National Forest
Between Franklin and Murphy, North Carolina
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GET IN TOUCH
We'd Love to Help You Plan Your Stay
Whether you're booking for a weekend escape, a family reunion, or your wedding day — our team is here to make sure you find exactly the right spot.
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