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.
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.
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 some time off to enjoy the winery tours in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like horse riding, ziplining and hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Townsend travel guide
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
Alcoa - Knoxville 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 centre on-site and a coffee shop/cafe. Free in-room WiFi, with a 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 bike hire, express check-out and a banquet hall
Smoke-free property, tour/ticket information and 2 meeting rooms
Room features
All guest rooms at Dancing Bear Lodge have perks, such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi and minibars (stocked with some free items).
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 centre
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 centre
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 lift
Portable shower seat
More
Banquet hall
Smoke-free property
Room amenities
Bedroom
Pillowtop mattress
Premium bedding
Bathroom
Dressing gowns
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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
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 are 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 on the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per night.
Payment types at the property
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
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
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 does it cost to stay at Dancing Bear Lodge?
As of 17 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dancing Bear Lodge on 18 Mar 2026 start from €216, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Dancing Bear Lodge?
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?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM. Late checkout is available for USD 50.00 (subject to availability).
Where is Dancing Bear Lodge located?
Situated in the mountains, this lodge is within 3 miles (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 miles (5 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Dancing Bear Lodge Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!