Papa Bear's Swimming Hole
Location:
- Close to Town
Featured Amenities
- Grill
- Washer & Dryer
- High Speed Internet/WIFI
- Fireplace
- Large Group Cabins
- Hot Tub
- Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace
- Game Room
- Private Indoor Pool
- Christmas Tree
- View
Description
You must be 23 years old. Name on reservation must match name on the credit card. Identity verification required. Booking party must be present at check-in. Third-party app required for check-in,
Bear Tracts provides free admission to some of the area's most popular attractions. Details below.
Looking for the Ultimate, huge, large group attraction cabin? Welcome to Papa Bears Swimming Hole! Brand New, Spacious, Lodge boasting custom accents with virtually every amenity you can imagine, including an elevator (specs for elevator below) complete with a cabin theme! Papa Bears Swimming Hole is sure to deliver the most unique experience you can find in the Smoky Mountains. Right at 5,000 sf, sleeps 20 in beds with top-of-the-line mattresses (no sleeper sofas), and is an incredible lodge uniquely designed in every room. Private and way back on a large 6.5-acre lot, with ample parking, jaw-dropping views from every bedroom, Handicap accessible bedrooms and bathrooms on each level with roll-in showers, handicap chairs, and assistive devices.
Main floor: (sleeps 4)
When you walk through the beautiful oak-and-iron front door, you will find a fully stocked kitchen with a commercial gas range. Everything you would need to cook for large groups. Even the refrigerator is interactive. You can tell Alexa to play music while you cook, look up recipes on YouTube, or scroll through guests' vacation photos. Custom furniture and lighting throughout. Living room with fireplace. Two king master suites on the main level, one of which is handicap-accessible and includes a handicap-accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower. The views will knock you out!
Upstairs: (sleeps 16)
2 king suites with TVs, one of which is wheelchair-accessible with an accessible bathroom, including a roll-in shower.
1 “bunk room” with two Q/Q bunks, 8 kids, teenagers (or adults)with an 86” TV.
Above the center King suite is a huge loft with two more queen beds. The little ones can climb the “Magic Ladder” to the loft and peek through the hobbit door and overlook the center Rec room. Each bedroom has its own private door leading to the deck, offering peaceful, unobstructed views. Fully outfitted bathrooms with smart mirrors.
Bottom floor:
This is where memories are made; doing things together as a family with attractions for all ages. As you come down the stairs, you will find a large mountain with interacting clouds and a selfie station featuring detailed butterfly wings by a local artist.
- Enter "Bear Cub Cave” to add a fun experience for little ones. The cave is made of real stone, logs, and real tree bark, with a padded floor and a rock tunnel they explore that leads to a children's library.
-Laundry room with commercial-sized appliances.
-The Arcade. Amazing arcade featuring blacklight-reactive carpet and the best arcade games for all ages.
-Behind a locked door is the heated indoor pool. Seating for several while watching everyone have fun.
Outside:
Enjoy the expansive outdoor Pavilion. Huge beams, custom lighting, and a large commercial outdoor kitchen. The kitchen consists of a 36” commercial grill, another cooktop, an outdoor fridge, a wine cooler fridge, a sink with hot and cold water, an ice maker, and a wood-fired stone pizza oven. An 11’ Island to sit at with barstools, an 8-person Hot tub, and seating for 12 around the fire pit overlooking the amazing views. While outside, go over and take a picture with our mascot, Papa Bear! Plenty of parking for 6-7 vehicles. J1772 Vehicle charging station. Tesla will need an adapter.
Outdoor camera over the entry door and driveway.
Elevator Specs: Door opening is 33". Car dimensions are 45"x45". Weight limit Is 750lbs and 2 passengers. This amenity Is Intended for those with mobility challenges.
Location:
~ Easily accessible paved roads.
~ Gatlinburg 13.4 miles
~ Island at Pigeon Forge 6.9 miles
~ National Park 11.4 miles
Stay Longer, Get Even More Free Tickets
We've partnered with Xplorie to get you even more free tickets and discounts!
You'll receive over $1000 in Free Tickets per day through Xplorie for every day you stay with us.
The longer you stay, the more free tickets you get!
~ Stay 2 nights & you'll receive $3,216 in Xplorie tickets.
~ Stay 4 nights & you'll receive $5,360 in Xplorie tickets.
~ Stay 5 nights & you'll receive $6,432 in Xplorie tickets.
Visit as many attractions as you like daily and receive one admission to each of those attractions every day. Unused admissions expire daily. Expired and redeemed admissions are replenished the following day and can be used again.
Current Attractions:
• Dig ‘N Zone
• Dollywood
• Xtreme Racing
• Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show
• Anakeesta
• Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
• Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
• Alcatraz Museum
• Nascar SpeedPark
• White Water Rafting
• Mini Golf
• WonderWorks
• Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Show
• Skyland Ranch
• Soaky Mountain Water Park
• Ziplining
• Country Tonite
• Soul of Motown
• The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
• Horseback Riding
• Trampoline Arena
• Mountain Coasters
• The Comedy Barn
Amenities
Entertainment
- Satellite TV
- Arcade Games
- Game Room
KITCHEN
- Coffee Maker
- Dishes & Utensils
- Dishwasher
- Ice Maker
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Toaster
- Dining Table
- Kitchen Island
Outdoor
- Deck
- Patio
- Balcony
- Gas Grill
- Outdoor Shower
- Hot Tub
- Private Pool
- Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace
Health and Safety
- Enhanced cleaning practices
- Clean with disinfectant
- No-contact check-in and check-out
- High touch surfaces cleaned with disinfectant
- Towels and bedding washed in water that's at least 60sC/140sF
Beds
- King 4
- Queen 2
- Bunk 2
Pool
- Private Indoor Pool
GENERAL
- Central Air
- Clothes Dryer
- Elevator
- Fireplace
- Hair Dryer
- Heating
- Internet/Wifi
- Iron & Board
- Linens Provided
- Living Room
- Parking
- Towels Provided
- Washing Machine
- EV car charger
- Fire pit
- Wifi
- Free Wifi
Scenery
- Panoramic Mountain View
Availability
Location
Reviews
Family time
Reviewed on 2026-07-26 by Eddie S. , Gwynn Oak, MD USFamily Fun
Reviewed on 2026-06-26 by , Floyds Knobs, IN USGreat cabin with great amenities
Reviewed on 2026-06-10 by Tyler R. , Madison, TN USOctober 2022 Stay
Reviewed on 2026-04-01 by ED Madden , Hickory
WOW! This place is freakin insane! Its a huge place and something for absolutely everyone. It has a elevator! Every detail is top notch, the views are incredible and the kids loved the lower level. The Arcade is nothing like Ive ever seen in a rental, the little ones stay in the bear cave, it has a bear cave and tunnel.. seriously. From the drive down to the cabin, to the light fixtures, its beautiful everywhere. You wont find anything nicer. Absolutely an incredible place. Before you leave, you have to sit out in the Pavillion with your feet propped up in front of the fire pit watching the sun set over the view. Its cool. Matt and April are quick to answer any questions. A great time!
Fun house, very accessible
Reviewed on 2026-03-14 by , Knotts Island, NC UnknownOct 2025 fall trip
Reviewed on 2025-11-03 by Alexis S. , Hamersville, AL USWonderful Place for all!
Reviewed on 2025-10-18 by Amanda S. , Oxford, GA United StatesGreat rental!
Reviewed on 2025-08-14 by , Marshall, TX United StatesNot too far from town, took about 20 minutes to drive but was less than a 10 mile drive. Roads are very curvy and steep, but all paved. Do not need 4x4 during non-winter months, but roads are very steep and definitely need 4x4 if there is any frozen precipitation.
The kitchen and living room are smaller than I'd prefer for 20 guests. We only had 11 and had a hard time making meals due to the compact kitchen - a larger island would be very helpful.
Each bathroom has one travel sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, lotion, and 2 makeup removal wipes. There is a tiny bottle of hand soap for the kitchen, 4 dishwasher pods, 4 laundry pods, and 1 sponge. Trashcans are larger than standard 13 gal kitchen ones. There were various spices in the kitchen and some tea bags.
Beware that the loft with 2 queens is open to one of the king bedrooms. Don't make my mistake and think you'll escape a snoring husband just to crawl up there and realize it is common with the bedroom below (more like a balcony over the king bedroom).
Would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it. We did not have to contact maintenance or housekeeping during our stay. I did not show the house to anyone before we arrived and everyone in my group was blown away by how nice it was and all the stuff to entertain the kids.
A Long week-end to remember!
Reviewed on 2025-08-06 by , Denver, NC United StatesAmazing home in the perfect location
Reviewed on 2025-07-26 by Kimberly I. , Corinth, TX United StatesThe home feels very secluded, but it's only around a 15 minute drive to the main strip in Pigeon Forge. It's a beautiful home with the most amazing mountain views. Our boys really wanted to see a bear; our first morning there a momma bear and her babies came walking down the private drive. They were so comfortable with the area, we got to spend a good 10 minutes watching them play and climb trees before disappearing into the woods.
The management company was fantastic. They were super quick to respond to our questions and very helpful. Thank you, again!
July 2025 Stay
Reviewed on 2025-07-12 by Laura Lewis , New holland
We had the BEST experience with our first Rocky Mountain stay at Pappa Bears Swimming hole. The home is immaculate and well stocked, beds are comfortable, showers amazing, we loved the pool, arcade, hot tub. The outside kitchen is magical, we had so much fun with the pizza oven, and there is nothing more beautiful than the view off the outside kitchen and decks. Beyond beautiful. We had a daily visit from BooBoo the bear and he was quite curious. This was the best vacation rental we have ever had, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND
July 2025 Stay
Reviewed on 2025-07-07 by Annie Speer , Rural HallThe location was as pictured! The arcade was a hit for our family! The upstairs did get hot sometimes but that was to be expected as it is a bigger cabin in the middle of summer!
Family
Reviewed on 2025-07-02 by , CONNELLY SPRINGS, NC USFamily vacation
Reviewed on 2025-06-22 by , Du Quoin, IL United StatesBeautiful View
Reviewed on 2025-06-21 by , Mount Blanchard, OH UnknownManager's Response
We sincerely apologize for the issues you encountered during your stay, especially with the air conditioning and cleanliness of the cabin. We understand how important comfort and cleanliness are, and we will ensure that these areas are addressed. We’ve already spoken with our team about the air conditioning, and we’re reviewing our cleaning procedures to make sure everything is in top shape for future guests.
Regarding the snake and bear encounters, we completely understand how unsettling that must have been. We take the safety of our guests very seriously, and we’re glad we were able to promptly handle both situations with the help of the appropriate professionals.
We also appreciate your suggestions about the pillows and bedspreads. We will certainly look into making these improvements to further enhance the guest experience.
Thank you for your understanding and for bringing these matters to our attention. We hope you’ll consider staying with us again and look forward to providing a more seamless experience in the future.
The Bear Tracts Family
May 2025 Stay
Reviewed on 2025-05-18 by Sarah Wacker , Oberlin
We had an absolute blast! The property was wonderful! The views, amazing! The fun was endless! Will definitely be booking this again! Thank you
Spring Break with Papa Bear
Reviewed on 2025-05-12 by Charity R. , Marlton, NJ USPerfect for a big family getaway.
Reviewed on 2025-05-12 by Carolyn W. , Lansing, MI United StatesApril 2025 Stay
Reviewed on 2025-05-03 by Mary Fox , Cape Coral
We originally booked Hackberry lodge for a trip for just my husband and I, but unfortunately they had to cancel due to maintenance. So they moved us to this property. All I can say is WOW. Every thing was stunning, but the absolute best were the views. From the 4(!) balconies with high quality rocking chairs, to the view from the fire pit and hot tub, this place was beyond incredible. The pizza oven experience was so fun we even did it twice, and one time a curious bear stopped by to see what we were cooking! (We politely asked him to leave of course) We even had a blast in the upstairs and downstairs arcade, which was such a fun way to end our evenings. We will definitely book again, but this time bring our adult children and their families. My suggestion to anyone booking here in winter to make sure you have a capable 4 WD vehicle as though all of the roads are paved, there were a few steep parts. My suggestion to BearTracts would be to please provide dark washcloths, as I was afraid of ruining them.
Great family location
Reviewed on 2025-04-02 by Stevenm c. , Tallapoosa , GA USFamily fun
Reviewed on 2025-03-29 by , New Albany , IN United StatesGreat time!!
Reviewed on 2025-02-01 by Natalie M. , Hampton, GA United StatesLive like a CELEBRITY!
Reviewed on 2025-01-31 by Ed , Hickory, MsHigh Expectations
Reviewed on 2024-11-04 by Toby T. , Ardmore, TN United StatesThe elevator didn't work from the start. We had to call and they showed us how to reset it. Then it got stuck. After that it worked fine but by that time most were too afraid to ride it.
The games Hop, Space invaders and the pinball machine didn't work.
Neither did the firepit.
One of the guest's brought me some hair she found on her pillow. They did deliver us 2 clean pillow cases and they ordered parts to fix things but our vacation would be over before then.
It is a nice cabin just wished everything worked especially considering what we paid. I try to not complain but you asked for a review.
Manager's Response
We wish everything could work at 100% capacity all the time, but the reality of owning and managing vacation homes is that they are heavily used by many guests who may not treat them with the same care they would their own homes. When issues do arise, we strive to address them as quickly and effectively as possible, as we did during your stay.
We are glad we could assist with the elevator reset and help you with the power switches on the arcade games to show that they all work as well as deliver additional pillowcases promptly. We hate that some failures required parts that unfortunately are not readily available but have since been repaired,. We're sorry to hear some of the amenities didn't meet your expectations and for any inconvenience this caused.
We hope that despite these setbacks, you were still able to enjoy your time at the cabin and the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Thank you again for your feedback—your experience helps us ensure a better stay for future guests.
Best regards,
The Bear Tracts Family
September 2024 Stay
Reviewed on 2024-10-03 by Prentuth Lacy , Hartford
This was the best family vacation we have had in a long time. And I truly believe it was because of this cabin!! We had amazing views! We got to see the resident bear!!! This cabin had it all!!! Lots of rooms, lots of games, indoor pool, outdoor cooking area and a big plus for us was the elevator! It allowed my dad to be able to be with the family on every level and he got to enjoy the games as well!! The owner even came and checked on us!! If we didn't go anywhere and just stayed here in the cabin for the weekend, we would still be over the moon happy with this cabin!! Again..Best Cabin!!!!
Best Family Vacation in a long time!! Thanks to this amazing cabin!!!
Reviewed on 2024-10-03 by Prentuth Lacy , Hartford, KY United StatesGreat cabin
Reviewed on 2024-08-21 by Sherry W. , London , KY United StatesGreat.
Reviewed on 2024-05-06 by , Cumberland, KY USFantastic Place
Reviewed on 2024-04-01 by Brian L. , Brighton, MI United StatesAmazing Outdoor Area
Reviewed on 2024-03-25 by Paul T. , Cincinnati, OH United StatesFebruary 2024 Stay
Reviewed on 2024-02-26 by Nichole Greene , Shelby
This cabin is absolutely stunning! There is everything to do there and you really dont have to leave if you dont want to. The cabin is big and roomy where we made some amazing memories! The game rooms were an absolute hit as we are all very competitive and hated to lose when we played against each other even as adults! Will definitely be back as we come here yearly!
Great vacation spot
Reviewed on 2024-01-26 by , Scottsboro, AL USBEST NEW YEARS EVER!
Reviewed on 2024-01-17 by Karla A. , United StatesAmazing cabin!
Reviewed on 2024-01-03 by stacy o. , Statesboro, GA United StatesChristmas party
Reviewed on 2023-12-26 by Lonnie D. , Gatlinburg, TN USOctober 2023 Stay
Reviewed on 2023-10-30 by Donna Garland , Elk Park
This is a beautiful home with plenty of parking and so many fun extras. We had teenagers that loved itsmall children would think it is simply magical. I would definitely recommend staying here. We have stayed in many cabins in this area over the years and this one went to the top of our list.
AMAZING and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Reviewed on 2023-08-02 by , Markham, IL USA beautiful experience..
Reviewed on 2023-07-26 by Latreece R. , N/A, CO United StatesAmazing!
Reviewed on 2023-07-22 by Kayla Diekemper , Bloomingdale , GA USAMay 2023 Stay
Reviewed on 2023-05-15 by Ronald Bartlett , Perrysburgwe had a great stay
we give it a 5 star
but there's one issue
that we've noticed is the railing going from the outdoor kitchen to the main deck is very weak .
our opinion we think the outdoor kitchen area could use a ceiling fan for hot days.other than that loved it. thanks
the Bartlett family
Serene and magical
Reviewed on 2023-02-22 by Nichole G. , Shelby, NC USSerene and magical
Reviewed on 2023-02-22 by Nichole G. , Shelby, NC United StatesFamily Vacation
Reviewed on 2022-11-13 by Sharon P. , Beaver, OH USManager's Response
November 6-10,2022
Reviewed on 2022-11-12 by Sharon Perkins , BeaverThe biggest complaint we had was that the beds are not handicap accessible. There was15 in our group and 6 are handicapped.We had to purchase stools to get into the beds.The handicap showers and toilets was wonderful.Another suggest I have is putting the name of cabin and address along with emergency phone numbers on refrigerator. The fire pit did not work and the elevator quit working but was resolved within a few hours.
Nice new cabin.
Reviewed on 2022-10-11 by James P. , Johnson City, TN USManager's Response
Birthday Getaway
Reviewed on 2022-09-29 by Willie Gibson , Greensboro
The property was amazing! Definitely a great fit for all ages. We will definitely book it again in the future!
July 2022 Stay
Reviewed on 2022-09-09 by Cristian Diaz , Pigeon forge
Rented this place for our large family for a week, OMG, this place is insane. I cant express how beautiful this place is, the absolutely incredible workmanship of the place to the decor. Stunning. If you want to get the best, and never want to leave, this is the one. 25 stars out of 5! See you next year!
April 2022 Stay
Reviewed on 2022-08-15 by Brooke Armstrong , Nashville TNThis cabin is nothing short of incredible. Every single room, from the bedrooms, to the full arcade, to the kitchen/living room, indoor pool area, full porches on all levels and ESPECIALLY the outdoor cooking area; there is not a single space that lacks a high level of memorability and charm. From the small details present everywhere, to the biggest attractions in the cabin, everywhere you look theres something amazing to explore.
Thats not at all to say that the place isnt cozy either. Cooking, relaxing and staying at Papa Bear was without a doubt the best cabin experience we have ever had, and we frequent the area multiple times per year.
With that said, I think we are done trying different cabins around the area - Papa Bear is definitely the only place we want to stay from now on!
Amazing
Reviewed on 2022-06-23 by Kristi F. , Chatham, IL USWe hope to return again next year!
Choose this place!
Reviewed on 2022-06-10 by Kerry D. , Albertville, AL USMay 2022 Stay
Reviewed on 2022-05-29 by Eugene Burke , Harrison Township10 out of 10
Loved it start to finish
Reviewed on 2022-05-20 by Ying Liu
Absolutely stunning, beautiful cabin at the top of the mountain. The views are breathtaking and the house has everything you would need even for a large group. We couldnt wait to get back each day after being out at the attractions for the day. My boyfriend and I even clocked quite a few hours in the game room! We grilled outside a few times to enjoy the scenery and the fire pit area. Hope we can return soon!
Loved everything about it
Reviewed on 2022-05-20 by Xin Su
I came down to Gatlinburg for the first time with my girlfriend and her family and decided on this cabin since it was a sizable group. The house is so big it felt like we had it to ourselves. We loved the outdoor kitchen and pizza oven and played a lot in the game room even. Getting to the main tourist areas was pretty easy from here and it was dead quiet at night apart from the beautiful sounds of the mountain. We loved our trip and we hope to be able to score this place again next time.
Luxury Beyond Belief
Reviewed on 2022-05-15 by Jake ObrienTo say that this cabin has it all would be both truthful and an understatement. There are no down sides to this rental, but if I had to name one it would simply be that you will have to figure out how to spend your time here since there are so many amazing pieces to this stay, and you're only here for the limited time you book for.
The rooms are incredibly comfortable, equipped with individual bathrooms, massive TV's, and personal access to the massive and wonderful porch that overlooks the epitome of a Gatlinburg Mountain View.
The bottom level is where anyone looking to have a bit of fun should start - a fully equipped arcade (sound proofed from the rest of the house), indoor swimming pool, and kids reading/play nook along with a handful of other amazing details are just a stairclimber (or elevator ride) away.
Out front lies one of the most incredible outdoor kitchen/lounges I've ever seen. The stone work has to be seen to be believed and the jacuzzi and pizza oven are wonderful.
One of A Kind Experience
Reviewed on 2022-05-12 by Maggie Su
This cabin is not just an cabin, its an awesome experience!! It has the best mountain view, large hot tub, outdoor kitchen with stove and BBQ grill, swimming pool, gaming room, and very comfortable bedsThe cabin is a masterpiece of architecture, very beautifully and uniquely decorated, very quiet and sparkling clean. I would absolutely recommend and we will come back again!
Top shelf across the board
Reviewed on 2022-05-12 by Jared Armstrong
The cabin is an architectural wonder. From the beautiful stonework to the interior elevator they have seemingly come up with ideas for every single corner of the property. The hot tub right next to the fire pit with Mountain Views was divine after a long day of hiking. We loved the outdoor kitchen and the pizza oven was a lot of fun. The cabin is not too far far from the big attractions and the serenity of the property is worth the drive. Absolutely recommend this property
April 2022 Stay
Reviewed on 2022-05-12 by Christie BakerThis cabin is by far the best one I have ever stayed in! This cabin has so much to do that we didn't want to leave. We enjoyed the swimming pool, game room and the cave with books was a huge hit! The kids were especially amazed and had the best time!! The porches are awesome and the view is the best! I enjoyed coffee on the porch in the mornings and watching the sun set in the evenings, the view is just amazing!! The pavilion with the pizza oven is really cool too, lots of seating!! Can't wait to go back, a beautiful and fun cabin with a fantastic view!!
Floor Plans
