Bear Camp Cabin Rentals are deplorable
I booked the "Alone at Last" cabin as a peaceful getaway to celebrate my wife’s 60th birthday. She is a recent cancer survivor who underwent four surgeries in six months, and I wanted to do something meaningful and restorative for her. We drove 13 hours expecting a secluded, comfortable retreat, but upon arriving late at night, we were deeply disappointed by the condition of the property.
Parking was extremely difficult, as the designated area was little more than a narrow shoulder. Upon entering the cabin, we were immediately met with a strong, unpleasant odor. Although exhausted from the drive, we had hoped to relax in the hot tub before going to bed. Unfortunately, the hot tub was cold, the steps were rotted, and the cover was filthy and secured with a small rope. I also had to install the breaker myself just to restore power. Inside the cabin, the doors leading to the deck would not close properly and required force to shut.
Attempting to unwind, we tried to watch television, but the internet was extremely slow. The TV was mounted far too high above a non-operational fireplace that was clearly marked not to be used. The décor appeared mismatched and poorly maintained, with used plastic plants and clutter throughout. The mantel was cluttered with exposed electrical boxes, speakers, and tangled wiring, and the television had no local channels.
When we went to bed, the mattress was extremely uncomfortable and felt very old. While we understand that a cabin setting comes with some natural sounds, the noise level was unacceptable. The downstairs toilet ran continuously throughout the night, the structure creaked loudly as wooden planks shifted, and rodents could be heard moving within the walls. Wind noise made it feel as though we were in a tent, and there was constant noise from Gatlinburg, including loud engines and late-night activity. Additionally, the windows had no blinds, allowing light pollution to flood the bedroom all night. We were unable to sleep at all, and once the sun rose, there was no relief from the brightness.
The following morning, we contacted the management company but were informed that the manager, Brittany, would be unavailable for five days. My wife attempted to make coffee, only to find there was not even enough coffee provided for a single cup. In daylight, the cabin’s condition was even more troubling. The shower was so unsanitary that we had to wear shoes while using it. There was extensive water damage and warping throughout the floors. Despite the listing, the cabin was not secluded—other cabins were very close by—and with no blinds upstairs or on the deck doors, there was no privacy. The pool table cues were all warped, the rugs were heavily soiled and long overdue for replacement, and we found rodent droppings throughout the cabin, including on the couch.
As a result, my wife spent her 60th birthday in the car as we drove back home. We continued reaching out to the management company and were again told that Brittany would contact us. After five days of follow-up calls, she finally spoke with me. I requested a refund for two of the three nights we did not stay. This request was denied, with the explanation that we did not give her the opportunity to remedy the issues. Many of the problems we raised—such as the lack of blinds on thin windows—were dismissed as “owner preferences,” leaving no reasonable path for resolution.
Based on our experience, I strongly advise against staying at this property. The only thing more disappointing than the cabin’s deplorable condition was the management’s dismissive and unprofessional attitude toward their guests.








