Escape to the mountains at Tatonka Lodge, a 3500-square-foot custom log home nestled on a private 65-acre buffalo ranch. Relax in one of two master suites with private doors leading to the back deck and take in the fantastic mountain view or enjoy quality time with your family in the game room featuring life-size chess, pool table, air hockey, ping pong & foosball.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire cabin
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 14326 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Air conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites
Experience a one-of-a-kind Smoky Mountain getaway on a private 65-acre bison ranch. Wake up to peaceful mountain views and watch our herd of bison roam the pastures—then stop by during morning bison feedings for an unforgettable ranch experience.
Guests staying here can enjoy unique activities offered at the ranch including watching the bison feedings, signing up to be a ranch hand for the day, becoming a bison feeder, exploring our impressive model train museum, and joining in the fun during Hollywood Game Night. It’s an experience you won’t find at an ordinary mountain cabin.
With over 3,500 square feet, this spacious custom log lodge is perfect for large families or groups traveling together. The home features two private master suites with doors leading to the back deck, where you can relax and take in beautiful mountain views while enjoying the quiet of the ranch.
Inside, the heart of the home is the impressive great room with a massive stone fireplace, perfect for gathering after a day of mountain adventures. Comfortable seating makes it easy for everyone to relax together.
Downstairs, the game room is a favorite for kids and adults alike, featuring: • Life-size chess • Pool table • Air hockey • Ping pong • Foosball
After a fun day exploring the mountains, unwind in the private 8-person hot tub while enjoying the quiet surroundings of the ranch.
Family Fun Right on the Property
Children love hiking through the woods to our custom playground area known as The BC Corral. This outdoor adventure area includes: • Swings • Zip line • Slides • Rock wall • Cargo nets • Teeter totter • Horseshoe pit for the adults
It’s the perfect place for kids to play while parents relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Perfect Smoky Mountain Location
The lodge is conveniently located near some of the region’s most popular attractions:
• Cataloochee Ski Resort – only 12 miles away • Biltmore Estate in Asheville – about 30 minutes • Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drives • Great Smoky Mountain Railroad • Elk viewing in Cataloochee Valley • Cherokee Casino • Sliding Rock & Pisgah National Forest • Tubing, hiking, waterfalls, and more
Guests can also enjoy fishing on the Pigeon River, located within walking distance of the cabin, or take a short drive into town for shopping, dining, and antiquing.
Pet Friendly
We welcome pets of all sizes, because we know they’re part of the family too.
Whether you're looking for adventure in the mountains or a peaceful place to relax and reconnect, this unique Smoky Mountain lodge offers the perfect setting to make unforgettable memories.
Property amenities
Ski
Close to skiing
Snowboarding nearby
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the cabin: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
TV with cable/satellite channels
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
No elevator
Tile flooring in public areas
Designated smoking areas
Note from host: Please dispose of butts properly
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Billiards/pool table
Boat
Foosball table
Kayak
Snow sports gear
Table tennis
Tennis
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Rafting nearby
Sledding nearby
Theme park nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
A fee applies if more then 14 guests
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Please dispose of butts properly
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 14
Note from host: A fee applies if more then 14 guests
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher 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
This property does not have elevators
About the neighborhood
Located in Clyde, this cabin is near theme parks. LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography and Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Balsam Spa. Consider Folkmoot Friendship Center for a night out or Waynesville Recreation Center if you're traveling with kids. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as sledding. Visit our Clyde travel guide
Is Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Bison Ranch Retreat - Luxury Lodge with 2 Master Suites located?
Located in Clyde, this family-friendly cabin is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Pigeon River, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Haywood County Public Library and Blue Ridge Health - Haywood. Waynesville Recreation Center and Queen's Farm Stables are also within 12 mi (20 km).
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All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We really enjoyed our stay! The property is beautiful inside and out. It is also very clean. Had everything we needed. The hot tub broke 2 kids out in hot tub rash. The driveway is so steep, so we didn’t really leave. The folks who own the property are the nicest people. We really enjoyed our time at Buffalo Ranch!
Nice cabin in the woods. Enjoyed the hot tub, camp fire and grilling out. Lots of games to play when it rained. Plenty of space for our group to spread out. We also enjoyed the animals on the farm, especially the buffalo feeding.
This property was perfect for our group of eight—including our furry friends! Cheryl was fantastic to communicate with, and when we encountered a minor issue, she promptly sent someone to assist. The house had everything we needed and more, from the game room to the hot tub. We loved walking our dogs around the property and had so much fun seeing the goats, llamas, alpacas, and bison! I highly recommend this property, as well as any of Cheryl's other rentals. Buffalo Creek Vacations is truly amazing—we'll definitely be back!
A Spacious and Well-Equipped Cabin with River Access
Tatonka Lodge is a beautifully constructed, large cabin that offers a comfortable stay for families and groups. During our visit, we found that everything in the cabin worked well, and the kitchen was fully equipped with all the necessary amenities. However, we did notice that the refrigerator shelves were damaged and looked like they might break, but fortunately, we didn't experience any issues during our stay.
Travelers should know that the access road is very steep and has potholes. This is a potential problem for standard cars. We also used bottled water during our stay as the water wasn't palatable for the members of our group.
One aspect that didn't quite meet our expectations was the playground. The description of the playground was a bit misleading, as it turned out to be a tired structure with several broken swings. This made it challenging for my toddlers to safely use the slide. However, they had a fantastic time playing on the zip line.
The standout feature of Tatonka Lodge is its access to the Pigeon River. During the hot afternoons, we spent countless hours playing and cooling off in the river, which was a delightful and refreshing experience for the entire family.
Tatonka Lodge is a spacious and well-equipped cabin that offers a comfortable stay for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. While the playground may need some attention, the river access more than makes up for it, providing a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones.
The owners were great. (Ran out of review space)
I've used VRBO for a Western NC Mountain Cabin probably 8 times over the last several years. Whenever you book online, there will always be surprises. Good ones and not so good ones.
The good: Beautiful cabin, plenty of room, AC/Heat worked well. The property is very nice.
The not-so-good: WiFi is essentially unusable. Had to use my ATT Cell HotSpot the entire time. For such a huge fireplace, the TV is tiny and very outdated. All of the kitchen appliances are on their last leg. Functional, but seemingly old. My "biggest" not-so-good? The view from the back deck? There isn't any. It's covered in trees. This may have been my fault for not noticing, but I go to the mountains for the long-range mountain views. You are staring at huge trees surrounding the back deck. This is the first time I've rented a house that didn't provide some firewood (need to buy it) and that didn't have a propane grill on the deck.
The only "grill" is a considerable distance away from the deck, and it's one of those charcoal units you see in public parks. Didn't use it.
I know you are "in the mountains" but the road to the cabin is pretty brutal. I have a 4WD, so not hard getting up the incline, but the huge potholes made it very uncomfortable and likely not great for your truck/car.
Having to dispose of your own garbage is a bit of a hassle, but not a deal-breaker.
Privacy - there are several cabins around you.
Great location. Kids love the Bison. Super steep driveway. Family loved the house!
Nick M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
James
6 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a great time. The owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. They and the whole staff were very helpful and kind to the children. They really wanted us to have a good time. Would go back again.
The cabin was absolutely gorgeous. The kitchen was fully stocked with all the utensils, pans, bowls, coffee pot, toaster etc. The wi-fi was great and it had Dish network. The one lane road to the cabin was alittle sketchy but we did fine with a car and a minivan
Great experience with this property! Seal beach is a great local spot, easy walking distance to beach and downtown.
Quick drives to the more crowded spots.
Great vacation rental for large families. Enjoyed the buffalo feeding
We spent Thanksgiving week and our 50th wedding anniversary at the Tatonka Lodge. It was everything we wished for and more. Great family memories were made.
Lon E.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Cindy O.
15 July 2011
Wonderful place and people!
Fantastic stay! House is amazing and hand built by family. Owners are courteous and helpful. Property is spectacular! Our kids loved the hiking and animals. Highly recommend!
Cindy O.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Tammy R.
6 April 2016
Family vacay
What an awesome family vacation this was for us!!!!! Cheryl we cant thank you enough for everything you did!!!!!! The Roberts and Sisco family highly recommend this rental!!!!!!!
My family and I spent a wonderful week at the Lodge. There were 9 of us and it was very comfortable for all of us
Gail M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Nancy H.
5 November 2017
House was beautiful. Perfect for our family. Loved the life size chess game, fire pit, hot tub
Very comfortable furniture and beds. Could use more flatware but kitchen is well stocked. Great floor plan. Loved seeing all the animals and the owners were very nice.
Such a great location. We had a large group of family and had lots of room along with lots to keep us busy. Game room in the cabin with pool, Foss ball and even air hockey. Kitchen was good size for cooking up some big meals and the heated floor in the 2 master bedrooms were a big hit. The ranch had bison, lamas and even got to hold a baby goat. Staff was super friendly and really couldn't ask for more.
frank h.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Archival
10/10 Excellent
PATRICIA GAIL M.
9 November 2015
Perfect Family Vacation
We arrived to find a lovely home, perfectly decorated, for our family vacation. We mostly enjoyed the outdoors at the cabin and the park within walking distance. The game room at the cabin was an added bonus! We had a small problem with the TV and he was there in about 10 minutes to fix it! This is the perfect home for a family retreat!!
PATRICIA GAIL M.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Carol F.
14 March 2010
This cabin was awesome!!!...
This cabin was awesome!!! We had so much fun- our plans were to go skiing
but the rain stopped that, we enjoyed spending time together in the cabin, plenty to do!! And when we got our car
stuck the guys were more than happy to help us out. Very grateful!!! Would love to come back and probably will soon!!
Carol F.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
YVONNE J.
11 March 2019
#10 Experience
Had a great weekend. I will be back. Alot to do. Everyone was so friendly. Cabin was extraordinary. Very clean and beautiful. Views were breathtaking.
YVONNE J.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Deborah D.
27 July 2018
Property was excellent
House was beautiful, just as pictured. There was something for everyone to enjoy and there was so much to do in the area. I did not pay enough attention to the advice about 4 wheel drive being recommended but we made out okay on our July trip. Highly recommend this lodge if the steep road with cutbacks doesn't intimidate you. (It didn't stop us from doing anything we wanted.)
Deborah D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Betty A.
14 August 2014
A great Mountain experience w a family Ranch feel!!
Our family plus extended family had a great reunion on this mountain/ranch!! Tatonka Lodge was cozy, well equipped, and there was plenty to keep us busy and relaxed (loved the hot tub).
We appreciated the family feel with nearby family owners to answer our questions and allow us to help feed the baby goats:) The Great Smokey Mountains offered tons of nearby parks and recreation albeit steep climbs! Our favorite was Deep Creek park with the tubing down the creek/"rapids." Blue ridge parkway and Ashville also highlights. We saw God's handiwork and will come back !!
Betty A.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl A.
6 March 2013
Great ski vacation
We stayed at Tatonka Lodge with family friends for a great ski getaway. The home has plenty to entertain kids of all ages, and the owners were quick to respond to any questions we had. The location is good. 15-20 minutes from Cataloochee, 10-15 from the grocery store, restaurants, etc. It had rained before we came, so we didn't do a lot of hiking, but would love to return in the fall. Great spot for family getaways, girls' weekend, etc. The lodge is on a ranch with a single lane dirt road and the home sits on a steep hill -- just be prepared when consdering which vehicle to take.