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Dancing Bear Lodge

3.5 star property
Natural beauty surrounds this rustic retreat near the Great Smoky Mountains, where guests can browse on-site shops and explore the area on rented bicycles.

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Dancing Bear Lodge provides a peaceful escape near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Travelers start their mornings with continental breakfast before deciding how to spend their day—whether shopping at the on-site mall or relaxing in the garden.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms

View all photos for Cottage, 1 King Bed (Spruce) (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly)

Cottage, 1 King Bed (Spruce) (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free minibar items, iron/ironing board

Cottage, 1 King Bed (Spruce) (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Minibar (some free items)
TV
Pillowtop bed
Premium bedding
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Resort view

View all photos for Cottage, 2 Double Beds (Jack Pine) (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly)

Cottage, 2 Double Beds (Jack Pine) (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free minibar items, iron/ironing board

Cottage, 2 Double Beds (Jack Pine) (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Minibar (some free items)
TV
Pillowtop bed
Premium bedding
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Resort view

View all photos for Villa, 1 King Bed, Kitchen (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly)

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free minibar items, iron/ironing board

Villa, 1 King Bed, Kitchen (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Resort view

View all photos for Villa, 2 Queen Beds (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly)

Villa, 2 Queen Beds (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free minibar items, iron/ironing board

Villa, 2 Queen Beds (Semi-Detached) (Not Pet Friendly)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Minibar (some free items)
TV
Pillowtop bed
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Resort view

View all photos for Cabin, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (Pet Friendly)

Cabin, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (Pet Friendly) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free minibar items, iron/ironing board

Cabin, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (Pet Friendly)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Minibar (some free items)
  • 56 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds
  • Resort view

View all photos for Luxury Cabin, 1 King Bed (Leconte) (Pet Friendly)

Luxury Cabin, 1 King Bed (Leconte) (Pet Friendly) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free minibar items, iron/ironing board

Luxury Cabin, 1 King Bed (Leconte) (Pet Friendly)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Minibar (some free items)
TV
Pillowtop bed
  • 46 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Resort view

View all photos for Deluxe Cabin, 1 King Bed, Fireplace (Pet Friendly)

Deluxe Cabin, 1 King Bed, Fireplace (Pet Friendly) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free minibar items, iron/ironing board

Deluxe Cabin, 1 King Bed, Fireplace (Pet Friendly)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Fireplace
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Minibar (some free items)
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Resort view

View all photos for Deluxe Plus Cabin, 1 King Bed (Pet Friendly)

Deluxe Plus Cabin, 1 King Bed (Pet Friendly) | Terrace/patio

Deluxe Plus Cabin, 1 King Bed (Pet Friendly)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Minibar (some free items)
TV
  • 42 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Villa, 1 King Bed (Not Pet Friendly)

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free minibar items, iron/ironing board

Luxury Villa, 1 King Bed (Not Pet Friendly)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Minibar (some free items)
TV
Pillowtop bed
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Resort view

View all photos for Standard Cabin, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub (Pet Friendly)

Standard Cabin, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub (Pet Friendly) | Bathroom | Free toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes, towels

Standard Cabin, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub (Pet Friendly)

Highlights

Balcony
Fireplace
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Minibar (some free items)
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Resort view

About the neighborhood

Located in Townsend, Dancing Bear Lodge is in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove. Tube Junction and River Rage Go-Kart Track are also worth visiting. Take time off to check out the winery tours in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like horse riding, hiking/biking trails, and ziplining nearby. Visit our Townsend travel guide
View more Lodges in Townsend
Map
137 Apple Valley Way, Townsend, TN, 37882

What's nearby

  • The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
    3 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Townsend Visitor Center
    3 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail
    3 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Dark Island Swinging Bridge
    3 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Laurel Valley Golf Course
    4 min drive - 3.4 km

Getting around

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
    28 min drive

Restaurants

  • Peaceful Side Social
    4 min drive
  • Walland Shop Groceries And Gas
    8 min drive
  • The Townsend Abbey
    3 min drive
  • The Artistic Bean
    4 min drive
  • Apple Valley Cafe Express
    2 min walk

About this property

Dancing Bear Lodge

Lodge near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
At Dancing Bear Lodge, you can look forward to free cooked-to-order breakfast, a shopping mall on site, and a coffee shop/cafe. Free in-room WiFi, with speed of 50+ Mbps, is available to all guests, along with a garden and a bar.
Other perks at this lodge include:
  • Free self parking
  • Free bicycle rentals, express check-out, and smoke-free premises
  • Tour/ticket assistance, a banquet hall, and 2 meeting rooms
Room features
All guestrooms at Dancing Bear Lodge offer perks such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and minibars (stocked with some free items).
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free toiletries and hair dryers
  • TVs with cable channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Hot tub
  • Shopping mall

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 2 meeting rooms
  • Conference center

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Picnic area

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Portable shower seat

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Free minibar (limited items)
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Saturday - Thursday (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM) and Friday - Friday (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email with check-in instructions and key retrieval information; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk, key retrieval

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 75 per accommodation, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 75 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50.00 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
This property requires a credit card on file for any bookings where payment for the stay will be made on site instead of at the time of booking.

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

Dancing Bear Lodge
Dancing Bear Lodge Townsend
Dancing Bear Townsend
Dancing Bear Hotel Townsend
Dancing Bear Lodge Lodge
Dancing Bear Lodge Townsend
Dancing Bear Lodge Lodge Townsend

Frequently asked questions

Is Dancing Bear Lodge pet-friendly?

Yes, this lodge allows dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of USD 75 per accommodation, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Dancing Bear Lodge?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Dancing Bear Lodge?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 50.00 (subject to availability).

Where is Dancing Bear Lodge located?

Situated in the mountains, this lodge is within 3 mi (5 km) of The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum, Dark Island Swinging Bridge, and Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail. Townsend Visitor Center and Laurel Valley Golf Course are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

Dancing Bear Lodge Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 252 out of 319 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 55 out of 319 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 319 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 319 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 319 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Gopal

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Convenient access to attractions. Breakfast is basic but meets needs. Room is efficient
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place. Great location to the Smokey mountains. Had my first tick encounter, other than that a great stay in the area!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

April

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a cozy place. The staff were very flexible and helpful. The amenities provided were essential for a family on a road trip.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent property, quiet, breakfast was amazing!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amy and Debbie at front desk was amazing really great customers service went above beyond great service
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

We will be back again

The villa was clean and very comfortable. It had a beautiful tiled shower. The Bistro had delicious food and we were provided breakfast each day at the onsite coffee house. It had very good food and pastries and coffee drinks.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location and friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everyone that worked there was so friendly and helpful. Loved the area ,the cabins were lovely And The food was fantastic
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cabins are very nice with nice views.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A little pricey compared to the others places in the area but the grounds are beautiful and the cabin was cozy. It was nice to walk down to the restaurants and coffee shop.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best restaurant in the mountains
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Love this place!

Absolutely love this property! Always clean and comfortable, all cabins are very private.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Secluded but convenient location
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jody

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a beautiful property. Quiet, serene and the cabin was perfectly furnished. Our stay will be a lasting memory!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful area, property...amazing stay

This is a one of a kind, top tier cabin and property. The bistro was OUT of this world! You WILL SPEND A LOT dining there, but every cent is worth it. The cabins are beautiful, romantic, and every single detail is well thought out. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vijay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were very happy that we chose to stay in the Townsend - which was quieter and less chaotic than the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, during our visit to the Smoky Mountains NP. The Dancing Bear Lodge was perfect for us in terms of location and facilities. The cabin was clean and comfortable. Loved the free breakfast options that included artisanal egg sandwiches, rolls and was surprised with the great coffee!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic!

Our family of 3 spent 3 nights at Dancing Bear Lodge in one of the duplex cabins, and also ate at the restaurant 3 nights in a row. It was absolutely fantastic in every way, from the welcome basket in the cabin to s'mores by the fire pit after dinner. The breakfasts down the hill at the cafe are also outstanding. If we come back to the SMNP area, this is where we will stay again, no question.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Enjoyed our stay at Dancing Bear Lodge

I only have one small complaint about our stay at Dancing Bear Lodge - the mattress needs replacing (it felt like falling in a hole). Everything else was wonderful - clean, comfortable, welcoming, attractive. Loved welcome basket and lots of towels. Setting is lovely and nice comp'd breakfast at Apple Valley Cafe. Would gladly stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were surprised how the individual units were tucked away on a quiet road in the woods. Our unit met our expectations and more. Porch off the back looked into the woods. Dinner at the bistro was wonderful. We had salmon and fried oysters. It is a Fabulous property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffery

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our cabin was fabulous from the gift basket, robes, pillow to beds, great pillows clean coffee, Crane in the fridge. I would recommend 10
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the moment I stepped into the reception area, I was greeted with a smile, friendliness & helpfulness. We were given room keys, map and breakfast coupons and told about the four dining options available through the resort. The room was great-modern, bistro table & chairs, reading chair, kitchenette with dishes and silverware, comfortable queen bed and a big shower. Spent some time in the rocking chair on the back porch watching two playful squirrels! We ate at the resort’s pizza restaurant, The Dancing Bean, and Apple Valley Cafe twice. Food was good and service was outstanding! Next time we’ll book a reservation at the Dancing Bear Bistro and a villa with a fireplace!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Branch

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an excellent place to stay for a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park entrance is only a few minutes away, with quick access to Cades Cove. The cabins are named after certain sites in the Smokies. We stayed in the “Abrams Falls” double king loft cabin. The entire cabin was very clean and the grounds were well-maintained. At the entrance to the premises, there is the Dancing Bean coffee shop, plus a family restaurant, an outdoor store, and a gift shop all right there. The cabins are up the hill, and a high end bistro in the middle of the cabins (we did not get to try the bistro). Each cabin has its own parking. There are walking trails on the property. The staff was very welcoming, helpful, and informative about the area. Our only regret was that we didn’t stay longer.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Favorite cabins in the Smokies

Dancing Bear is my favorite peaceful place in the Smokies. The fireplace in the cabin is warm and cozy with lots of firewood readily available close by. The cabin is well equipped and has a fabulous hot tub on the back porch. There is not a speck of dust anywhere in the cabin. The Apple Cafe’ is convenient to the cabins and there is a nice welcoming basket of trail food in the room. Having coffee at the Dancing Bean is a must and a dinner at the first class restaurant, Appalachian Bistro. I have never had a bad meal there. The fire pit is a great spot for a dessert of s’mores after dinner. A great getaway from the noise of city life. Especially nice in the winter. A prime spot if you prefer peace over the amusements of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It’s not very far to either of these if you get the urge to visit these spots though. Yes! Both my husband and I ( and our two furkids) are fans of the Dancing Bear.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Galina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property/cabin was in a great location (not far from anything). Their were plenty of restaurants near by and all kinds as well.This Cabin was pet friendly which made me happy and could not find a petsitter at the last minute. I took my dog with me and plenty of places accepted him with outdoor seating with no issues. My only issue for the Dancing Bear lodge Cabin which was located near the restaurant was there was no parking space available when I had returned from my evening adventures. I had a very tough time finding a parking spot when I had returned back to the cabin very tired. There were supposed to be signs up for spaces reserving spots for both of those cabins but no one seems to be paying attention to them! Space is limited and it is a very small parking lot as well. I went to cades cove (saw a least 2 sets of bears with cubs) , saw some waterfalls and went shopping.Overall, I'm glad I picked this place and would recommend it to friends and family!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For the most part, we loved our stay here. However, we found that the cabin wasn't completely spic and span and feel that for the money we paid, it certainly should have been. More importantly, the shower is extremely difficult to manage--you have to get completely in the shower to turn it on and then move extremely quickly to get away from the cold water. The floor of the shower does get slippery and my husband fell and bruised himself pretty badly. This was in the LeConte cabin. I did notify management of the situation and, although the woman I spoke with was extremely nice, she showed no concern for my husband. On the other hand, she did indicate that they might look into making changes to the shower setup so that no one else has the same problem. On the brighter side. the cabin had everything we needed, was extremely comfortable, the restaurant is fabulous and the location near Cade's Cove can't be beat.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023