Bearskin Lodge

For local users searching within the "camping near me" category who require accommodation for a large group near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Bearskin Lodge, located at 213 Dogwood Ln, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, presents itself as a spacious option with the capacity to sleep up to 30 people. This multi-level cabin offers a range of amenities and a location close to downtown Gatlinburg, making it a potentially attractive choice for family reunions, large gatherings, or group vacations.

According to one positive review, Bearskin Lodge boasts considerable space, featuring three long kitchen tables with ample seating to accommodate large dining groups. The cabin also includes three decks, offering outdoor areas for relaxation and socializing. Its proximity to downtown Gatlinburg is highlighted as a significant advantage, providing easy access to the attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options that the city has to offer. Furthermore, the lodge offers good parking facilities, a practical consideration for groups traveling with multiple vehicles. The large kitchen is equipped with two refrigerators, which can be particularly useful when catering to a large number of guests. For indoor entertainment, the upstairs area features three game machines and a bar area complete with a refrigerator, sink, and microwave. Downstairs, guests can enjoy a pool table and an air hockey table, providing recreational options within the cabin itself. A Christmas tree was also noted as a festive decoration during the holiday season.

However, it is crucial for prospective renters to consider the significant number of negative aspects detailed in another recent review. This feedback raises concerns about the overall condition and maintenance of Bearskin Lodge. Several issues were reported across various areas of the property. In multiple rooms, beds were described as broken, and the mattresses were characterized as old and overused, potentially impacting the comfort of guests' sleep. The pool table was also noted to have two torn nets, affecting its usability. In the downstairs lounge area, broken blinds were mentioned, potentially impacting privacy and light control.

Further concerns were raised regarding the lighting within the cabin. The use of different colored light bulbs, including flood lights mixed with daytime and cool lights in the same room, was described as visually uncomfortable and potentially indicative of inappropriate indoor lighting fixtures. Additionally, a door in an upstairs bedroom was reported to not close properly due to incorrect knob installation, raising potential privacy and security issues.

Cleanliness appears to be a significant area of concern, with black and spotty mold reported on the bottom of each shower curtain. The floors were described as filthy upon arrival, suggesting inadequate cleaning prior to guest check-in. Living roaches were also reportedly found in the kitchen, posing a serious hygiene issue. Despite a cleaning fee being charged, the reviewer expressed frustration with the lack of cleanliness.

Several issues were also noted with the functionality of appliances. The stovetop's power was described as very low, requiring high settings to generate any significant heat, potentially making cooking challenging. Similarly, the microwave was reported to have low power, requiring extended heating times for simple tasks. Only one of the two hot tubs was reportedly functional, and even that one could only reach a maximum temperature of 98°F, which may be too cool for some users. The area around the non-functional hot tub was noted to have trash, and its cover was improperly placed. Overgrowth of leaves around the hot tubs was also mentioned.

Exterior lighting was another point of concern, with outdoor lights reportedly being constantly on and impossible to turn off, shining brightly into all the rooms. Additionally, lights from a currently unoccupied neighboring property were also shining directly into one of the bedrooms, potentially disrupting sleep. Inside the cabin, an iron in the dusty laundry room was reported as broken. An impractical headboard made of thin black iron with sharp, protruding pine needle and pine cone designs was noted in one of the upstairs bedrooms, posing a potential hazard for hair entanglement and accidental injury. The bed in this room was also fixed to the wall, and a nightstand partially blocked the entryway, potentially creating an inconvenience.

Safety hazards were further highlighted by reports of rugs with curled-up corners, creating tripping risks. The metal grate of the fireplace cover was described as broken with sharp, rusted metal exposed. Overgrowth of trees was also mentioned as obstructing any potential mountain views. The couches and armchairs were described as old and saturated with dirt and oils from overuse, suggesting a lack of thorough cleaning or replacement.

Water damage was evident in several areas of the cabin. Settled water damage was noted below a desk, likely originating from the hot tub, indicated by green residue. A water leak from the third-floor bathroom was reported to affect the master bedroom's bathroom, with water running down the walls and ceiling of the base floor's bathroom each time the upstairs shower was used. Various cracked and broken tiles were observed throughout the house, particularly upstairs near the laundry. The wooden floors in the upstairs area were described as wavy, likely due to water damage and overuse. Shotty repairs were noted on an upstairs bed in the lounge area, and scrap wood was reportedly used to support a queen-sized bed on a bunk bed, raising safety concerns.

Furniture in the downstairs bedrooms was described as flimsy, made of cardboard covered with cheap black fabric, similar to thin reusable shopping bags. Torn blankets were also mentioned. The triangle-shaped closets in the cabin were reported to offer absolutely no space for hanging clothes, posing an inconvenience for guests needing to store their belongings.

Issues with electronic equipment were also noted. Some HDMI cable connections did not work when connected to off-brand televisions in the rooms, and it was reportedly impossible to connect a computer to the televisions in the bedrooms. The movie room was described as useless due to a broken HDMI port. The reviewers also reported losing power on two separate occasions due to heavy storms, with no communication from management regarding these outages.

In conclusion, while Bearskin Lodge offers a spacious accommodation option for large groups in a location close to downtown Gatlinburg, potential renters should be aware of the significant number of maintenance and cleanliness issues reported by recent guests. Concerns regarding broken furniture, malfunctioning appliances, mold, insect infestation, water damage, safety hazards, and inadequate cleaning suggest that the current condition of the property may not meet the expectations of all renters. The discrepancy between the advertised potential of the lodge and the reported realities on the ground warrants careful consideration for local users searching for "camping near me" who are considering Bearskin Lodge for their group accommodation needs. It is advisable to seek further information or recent updates on the condition of the property before making a booking decision.

Bearskin Lodge

213 Dogwood Ln, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA