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Spacious, peaceful, and close to nature—frequent bear sightings included!

your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Spacious, peaceful, and close to nature—frequent bear sightings included!

Outdoor spa tub
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire cabin

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12232 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Hot tub
  • Gym
  • Washer
  • Pool

Explore the area

Map
Gatlinburg, TN
  • Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park
    15 min walk
  • Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
    6 min drive
  • Gatlinburg Convention Center
    6 min drive
  • Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
    74 min drive

Room options

About the area

Gatlinburg

With a stay at this cabin in Gatlinburg (Chalet Village), you'll be a 2-minute drive from Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park and 5 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. .This family-friendly cabin is 3.5 mi (5.7 km) from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and 11.2 mi (18 km) from Island at Pigeon Forge.
View more Cabin rentals in GatlinburgOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park - 15 min walk
  • Gatlinburg Convention Center - 6 min drive
  • SkyPark - 7 min drive
  • Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - 8 min drive
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 74 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ole Smoky Distillery - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Crawdaddy's Restaurant & Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Smith & Son Corner Kitchen - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Mellow Mushroom - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Crockett's Breakfast Camp - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Spacious, peaceful, and close to nature—frequent bear sightings included!

Bear Sanctuary - Authentic Log Cabin in Chalet Village

Experience the ultimate Smoky Mountain getaway at Bear Sanctuary, a pristine log cabin in Gatlinburg's Chalet Village. This historically rich retreat features 4 king bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms with 2 custom walk-in showers, and space for up to 12 guests. Enjoy modern comforts including a 7-person hot tub, 3 decks, walnut hardwood floors, and real knotty pine walls. The cabin is equipped with stainless steel appliances, 7 flat-screen TVs, a queen sleeper sofa, and a queen futon. For entertainment, you'll find a pool table, poker table, and big smoker grill. Just 15 minutes from Dollywood and under 5 minutes to downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountain National Park, you might spot wild turkey, deer, and especially black bears in the backyard.

If Bear Sanctuary isn't available for your dates, check out our other listing in Sevierville, VRBO 2771608, close to the Parkway and Pigeon Forge!
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned cabin, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. A flat-screen television and a DVD player are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected.
Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including a water park, an outdoor pool, and a spa tub. Additional features at this cabin include an arcade/game room and barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like wireless internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Stephan Schnaiter

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing and snowboarding nearby
  • Skiing privileges

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Shared/communal pool
  • A hot tub

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Coffee grinder
  • Paper towels
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Soap
  • Hairdryer
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Games room
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden
  • Barbecue

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total pets
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Change of bedsheets (on request)

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near outlet shopping

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness centre
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Golf privileges
  • Cave exploring nearby
  • Theme parks nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Sledging nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Ice skating nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • Unit size: 2500 sq ft (232 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 22

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Pet must be approved by owner

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Pack-n-play crib available on premises

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Spacious, peaceful, and close to nature—frequent bear sightings included! Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 118 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 135 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tiffani C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Close to the strip
We were very pleased. The cabin was just as described and we even got to see bears!! Closest we’ve ever stayed to the strip, it was very convenient. Stephan was very quick to respond and accommodating. We enjoyed ourselves and would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gerald C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sisters get together
Have a great time Kevin was really nice. Saw bear which my brother-in-law had never seen up close. Enjoyed the Hatfields and McCoy show and the Dixie stampede show.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracey C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ladies trip
Everything was great! Close to town and we saw multiple bears and everything in the cabin was so nice and spacious!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise H., Massachusetts

Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
Great home! Accommodated us quite well. Visited multiple times a day by bears. A mama and two cubs, another mama and her 3 cubs, a few junior bears and one big brazen fella! Loved the location but wish I had a view of the mountains instead of the trees. Easy to get to downtown Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Caden Cove. I highly recommend this home!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bears
It was a wonderful stay. The property was clean and the bears were very friendly. Thank you for the peaceful stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very spacious
The cabin is extremely spacious with everything being spread out on three levels. The living room/kitchen area was a great space for our group of eight. The kitchen is well supplied with everything we needed for the few meals we cooked there, and the large table accommodated us all. The drive up the mountain is not too bad in comparison to many Smoky Mountains cabins but we chose to be home before dark as
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bear Santuary
We enjoyed our 2 week stay at the Bear Santuary cabin and loved having the 4 king size beds. Stephen was wonderful returning any phone calls with our questions.. We had daily visits from the local bears and followed all the bear rules. 🐻 Look forward to coming again.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly Q.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location!
The Chalet Village location in proximity to the National park was absolutely perfect! We hiked several trails in the mountains almost everyday. The beautiful town of Gatlinburg was quiet, entertaining and also conveniently located to other areas of interest. The cabin was perfect for our family of 8, with plenty of space. We had several close encounters with black bears on the property during our stay, which was very cool to see, but you can tell that there must have been visitors to the area in the past that have not respected the locals warnings and advice on not feeding the bears. These guys are just looking for handouts, so please do not feed them for your safety and theirs. The cabin and unique setting were absolutely beautiful, so for future visitors, let’s help keep it that way for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment! Would absolutely stay here again, and so grateful for the wonderful memories we made:)
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
We truly enjoyed our stay in this cabin! This may be the best as far as cleanliness and space for our family. Absolutely wonderful!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything we expected and more
The property was exactly as advertised! It was the perfect amount of space for our family: four adults, teen/tween daughters and a small dog. The mattresses were the most comfortable thing ever! Everything was very clean and I felt very safe letting our dog roam and sniff (inside) while we were home without worrying she’d find something dangerous. There was even plenty of good places for her crate to fit out of the way. They obviously do a thorough job cleaning because even though it’s pet friendly it never seemed like our pup found any “suspicious” spots to sniff at or anything. If you bring a pup along there is not much of a “yard” for them to use for going potty but we made it work without any problems! There is an incredible view just a short walk down the road and the house itself is very peaceful and quiet. The kitchen had most of the utensils and things you’d need and some salt and pepper but you’ll want to bring along any extra spices you’d want for cooking and thingsv like ziplock baggies. The hot tub was so relaxing after a long hike and the family loved playing pool with each other. We loved having Roku tv and were able to watch anything we wanted in the evenings. I can’t say enough great things about this place … we hope to get to come back some day!!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda R., Chicago, IL

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful cabin in the mountains!
This home was such a treat. Really, the perfect getaway with my family. How often do you get a rental with 4 king sized bedrooms? It was plenty of space and the hot tub on the back deck overlooking the woods was a bonus! Host was really great with communication and the check in and check out process was easy. We liked how it felt like a true log cabin but with modern touches (nice tvs and keyless entry, etc). Thanks so much for the visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cabin / great host
Beautiful cabin, very comfortable, and easy access to Gatlinburg. Host was very helpful and friendly!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Louis M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very accommodating
All was exceptional just a couple hiccups.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary Trip
We brought our elderly parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. The cabin was perfect with flat parking and a master on the main. It was also very close to the Gatlinburg strip. The roads are very curvy and mountainous getting there, but the cabin was perfect for us! The owners were very responsive when we had an issue with the oven, but it was definitely not a dealbreaker. Lovely stay and great accommodations!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kanak C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay during Holidays
The overall process of booking the property, check in, and check out was smooth. The property is very close to Gatlinburg downtown. The owner was very approachable and was connected with us throughout the process to ensure we are prepared and have timely information.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great family getaway.
Very nice cabin, with plenty of room to congregate or have your own space. Nice up to date appliances, and the hot tub and pool table were great. Easy access from the road, and a short drive to downtown Gatlinburg. Super easy check in and check out, and great communication with the owners.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danielle K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
The cabin was a great place to stay! The accommodations were family friendly!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris M., Daphne,AL

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Thanksgiving
We had the best time! The cabin is incredible l would love to go back someday. I was really impressed by the workmanship and design of the cabin. All top notch finishes. We did have some bear sightings which made it fun!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gina G., Mount Airy, NC US

Liked: Cleanliness
Family getaway
We loved the cabin. Had plenty of room for everyone. Played pool, watched the bears, they even came right across the front porch!! The kitchen was fully stocked with everything we needed to cook meals for the whole family each night. The huge walk In shower in the master bedroom with the chair in it was great for my 80 year old parents and everyone loved the mattresses. Couldn’t have ask for better owners to rent from either. Any questions we might have had they were very quick to respond. Am overall great experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda S.

Liked: Cleanliness
As Advertises
The cabin was everything advertised. The owner was super responsive and made everything very simple. We were even entertained by bears as we sat on the front porch…from inside the door of course. We would definitely stay there again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Harold S., Mt. Victory OH

Liked: Cleanliness
Lives up to it's name, bears everywhere all day and night . Beautiful cabin.
Saw bears as soon as we pulled up, a mama and 3 cubs, who visited daily. Also saw quite a few males. Cabin is very nice. Had a great time
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super Trip
Chalet was exactly as represented. All necessary amenties available. Thought we were not going to have opportunity to see bears and as we were getting into car to leave a Mother bear and her 3 cubs strolled by to bid us farewell. Was simply precious. Had some difficulty with reservations from VRBO but as soon as owner, Stephan, was made aware he was immediately responsive and corrected issue. Great location to downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Private and peaceful. Thoroughly enjoyed!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bear-adise Get away
Wonderful clean cabin! Awesome bear sightings! Great place for a large group to vacation! We had a wonderful time and enjoyed all the room it has for meals and games.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jerry G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Vacation
The property was very clean. Everything worked real well ( tv small appliances, beds were very clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gina H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bears, bears everywhere
We had a family group of eight stay at this property. There is plenty of room to come together; but, also room for quiet time. The house is clean. Plenty of parking for four cars. The beds are comfortable. The kitchen is well equipped. There are 3 different outdoor spaces that are good for safe bear watching. Watch for the mother bear and her cute triplets.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023