Tucked away near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dancing Bear Lodge offers a serene retreat. Start your day with continental breakfast, then explore the shopping mall or unwind in the garden.
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
Walland Shop Groceries And Gas - 8 min drive
Peaceful Side Social - 4 min drive
The Barn at Blackberry Farm - 16 min drive
The Artistic Bean - 4 min drive
The Townsend Abbey - 3 min drive
About this property
Dancing Bear Lodge
At Dancing Bear Lodge, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can relax with a drink at the bar/lounge, and the coffee shop/cafe is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. Free bike rentals and a garden are offered, and in-room conveniences include refrigerators and microwaves.
At a glance
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Hotel size
20 rooms
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-out available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 25
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Pets
Pets allowed (dogs only, 2 total)*
Service animals welcome
Specific rooms only*
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 50+ Mbps)
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 8:00 AM–10:00 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Coffee shop
Private dining
Private picnics
Traveling with children
Fireplace gate
What to do
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Horse riding nearby
Ski area nearby
Ziplining nearby
Winery tours nearby
Working away
2 meeting rooms
Conference center
Services
Tour/ticket assistance
Free bicycle rentals
Romance packages
Facilities
Garden
Picnic area
Shopping mall on site
Banquet hall
Accessibility
Portable shower seat
Room amenities
Be entertained
Television
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Stocked minibar (select free items)
Coffee/tea maker
Bathrobes
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Premium bedding
Pillowtop mattress
What to enjoy
In-room massage
Freshen up
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi (speed of 50+ Mbps)
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
Free bottled water
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 50.00 (subject to availability)
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for USD 10.0 per night
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 75 per accommodation, per stay
Policies
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.
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.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Cashless transactions are available.
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.
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
Does Dancing Bear Lodge offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Dancing Bear Lodge does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Dancing Bear Lodge?
Yes, dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of USD 75 per accommodation, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Is parking offered on site at Dancing Bear Lodge?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Dancing Bear Lodge?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of USD 50.00 (subject to availability). Express check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Dancing Bear Lodge and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as cycling. Additional recreation nearby includes spelunking. Enjoy amenities like a picnic area and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Dancing Bear Lodge?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.
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Reviews
Dancing Bear Lodge Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
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.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6
Cleanliness
9.2
Location
9.4
Staff & service
9.6
Property conditions & facilities
Guest review summary
What guests liked
Breakfast was a highlight with many guests praising the quality, variety, and delicious options, including artisanal egg sandwiches and great coffee. (8 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Popular mentions
Cabin
Bistro
Location
Service staff
Restaurant
Room
Food
Hot Tub
Shower
Breakfast
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 28, 2025
Super clean room, comfy bed, plenty of towels in the bath, lovely welcome basket, fantastic restaurant onsite, quiet and peaceful property. Also super friendly staff, excellent coffee shop, cafe, general store, and outdoor supply store onsite, and bikes available to ride the paved trail along the roadside. Hope to be back soon!
Hope
Hope, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Oct 4, 2025
Convenient access to attractions. Breakfast is basic but meets needs. Room is efficient
Gopal
Gopal, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 26, 2023
Excellent property, quiet, breakfast was amazing!!
Kristine
Kristine, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 11, 2025
Beautiful place. Great location to the Smokey mountains. Had my first tick encounter, other than that a great stay in the area!
Steven
Steven, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 25, 2023
Beautiful location and friendly staff
Amanda
Amanda, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 14, 2025
Such a cozy place. The staff were very flexible and helpful. The amenities provided were essential for a family on a road trip.
April
April, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 2, 2024
Cabins are very nice with nice views.
Christopher
Christopher, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 24, 2024
Everyone that worked there was so friendly and helpful. Loved the area ,the cabins were lovely
And The food was fantastic
deborah
deborah, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 23, 2025
Amy and Debbie at front desk was amazing really great customers service went above beyond great service
Kathy
Kathy, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 25, 2024
Best restaurant in the mountains
Craig
Craig, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 12, 2024
Love this place!
Absolutely love this property! Always clean and comfortable, all cabins are very private.
Melissa
Melissa, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 2, 2024
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.
Jennifer
Jennifer, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 21, 2025
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.
Ann
Ann, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 12, 2024
Secluded but convenient location
Brent
Brent, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 13, 2023
What a beautiful property. Quiet, serene and the cabin was perfectly furnished. Our stay will be a lasting memory!
Jody
Jody, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 27, 2024
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.
Cheryl
Cheryl, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 14, 2023
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!
Vijay
Vijay, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 2, 2024
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.
Paul
Paul, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 8, 2024
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.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 16, 2024
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.
David
David, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 6, 2024
Our cabin was fabulous from the gift basket, robes, pillow to beds, great pillows clean coffee, Crane in the fridge. I would recommend 10
Jeffery
Jeffery, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 22, 2023
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!
Diane
Diane, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 27, 2024
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.
Branch
Branch, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 24, 2024
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.
Sandra
Sandra, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 2, 2024
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!