Family-friendly vacation rentals in Watauga River

Find and book unique family-friendly homes on Airbnb

Top-rated family-friendly rentals in Watauga River

Guests agree: these family-friendly homes are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite

Farm stay in Sugar Grove

Farm Stay Cabin: Hot Tub, Creek, Animals & Zipline

Private Farm Stay 🐐🐖🐎🐇🦆🐓 where kids explore, parents relax, and everyone reconnects — animals, creek, zipline, and hot tub included. Designed for families/couples who want space, adventure & something truly different. 🌄 Choose the EXPERIENCE ✔ Private Petting Zoo & Pickleball ✔ Hot Tub & Fire Pit ✔ Ziplines, Huge Slide & Axe Toss ✔ Stocked trout creek ✔ Bird Aviary, Ponds & Hiking ✔ Fishing, Tubing & Trampoline ✔ Family-friendly and/or Romantic stay Only 20-25 mins to downtown Boone!

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 346 reviews

Top guest favorite

Home in Elizabethton

Peaceful Stone Cottage | Quiet Retreat•Near ETSU

Escape to this peaceful stone cottage tucked away on a quiet street, the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring. Enjoy your morning coffee on the covered front porch, unwind in the spacious yard, and settle into a bright, cozy home, comfy beds, a stocked kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, easy parking, and self check-in. Minutes from Johnson City Medical Center, ETSU, downtown, hiking trails, Bristol Motor Speedway, Grandfather Mountain, waterfalls, and Blue Ridge fall foliage. Skiing

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 151 reviews

Guest favorite

A serene riverside setting features a grassy area bordered by trees, with reflections visible in the calm water. Two hammocks are seen positioned invitingly between trees, surrounded by the natural beauty of autumn foliage. The clear blue sky enhances the peaceful atmosphere.

Cottage in Johnson City

Watauga River Cottage in Johnson City, TN

Make some memories at this unique, family-friendly waterfront river cottage (approx. 1,700 sf)! Fish, relax in the hammocks, or soak in the hot tub overlooking the river. Kayaks and life jackets available upon request at no charge (life jackets required). Please note we have a video camera overlooking the driveway, stairway, and river bank below the cottage. This property has stairs to enter and many stairs down to the river bank, plus uneven floors inside. Please consider this before booking.

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 279 reviews

Top guest favorite

Home in Elizabethton

REELaxed on Watauga River, Fishing, Family Fun!

Welcome to REELaxed on Watauga River 🎣 Walk straight out your back door and fish anytime—no driving, no crowds. With over 1200 feet of private river frontage, nestled in the city of Elizabethton, this is one of the most unique locations. Recently renovated and designed for comfort, our home gives you the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re casting a line, enjoying the fire pit, or just taking in the river views, you’ll feel completely REELaxed from the moment you arrive.

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

Top guest favorite

A serene natural landscape features lush green mountains rising in the background, partially shaded by clouds. A calm body of water reflects the surrounding foliage, creating a harmonious connection between land and water.

Cabin in Erwin

Our mountain sanctuary

Come relax and play in the great outdoors. Our area is abundant with lakes, rivers, waterfalls and hiking (the Appalachian trail is just a mile away). Our rustic cabin is built from 1875 hand hewn logs and is located on Spivey Creek in Unicoi County Tennessee. The towns of Erwin TN and Burnsville NC are just down the mountain for shopping convenience. For the arts, entertainment and airport convenience Asheville NC and Johnson City TN are less than an hour away. Come stay in our lovely cabin.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 338 reviews

Top guest favorite

A tranquil bathroom features a freestanding copper bathtub, positioned near large windows that provide a view of the surrounding nature. A stylish wooden vanity with modern fixtures and a light fixture hangs from the ceiling, enhancing the clean, bright design.

Cabin in Johnson City

Fluffy Bottom Farm’s Serenity Cabin

The Serenity Cabin offers a 1100sq ft cabin on 70 acres. 1 master bedroom and pull out couch. Best copper bathtub and view around ! Exterior decks on both levels. “Expertly Designed “ TVs . WiFi Gated entrance , long secluded and private driveway . Mountaintop 360* views . Walk , hike , bring your dogs . Access to entire property. Grazing 🦙 🐖 🐐 🐓 from our mini farm next door . We are dog friendly and also offer guests private river access to the Watuaga River 1/2 mile down the road

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 343 reviews

Top guest favorite

The front exterior of the home showcases a welcoming porch with two large windows and a central door. An American flag is displayed prominently, and the entrance is flanked by columns with a ceiling fan. A gravel pathway leads up to the steps.

Home in Elizabethton

The Trout House

Spacious, river-front home right on Watauga River! Large private pier right on the water with space to fish or put in your own kayak. Open kitchen/living room floor plan. Comfortably sleeps 8 with 2 bedrooms with queen beds, a couch- bed in the living room, and twin bunk beds in the bonus room. 65-in Roku TV in main living space with 2 additional smart TVs in bedrooms. Free parking in front of and behind the house. Perfect for a family vacation, guys' fishing weekend, or romantic getaway!

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews

Top guest favorite

A serene creek runs through the landscape, featuring gently flowing water beside lush green grass and trees. A large rock sits near the water's edge, framed by a backdrop of distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Home in Johnson City

Creekside Charmer near I-26 w/ POOL TABLE

Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway. Easy convenience to everything just two minutes to I-26. 8 minutes to ETSU and 10 minutes to Johnson City mall area. 40 minutes to Asheville NC and 30 minutes to Bristol Motor Speedway. Visit the new Hard Rock Casino. Enjoy a romantic getaway for just the two of you or bring the family and friends. Enjoy dinner by the creek and roast marshmallows by the fire. Beautiful Mountain View’s. Enjoy the Pool Table for great entertainment.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 210 reviews

Top guest favorite

Home in Elizabethton

Country Cottage

Country Cottage gives you the chance to relax with the whole family at this peaceful place to stay with great mountain views. We are also pet friendly, with plenty of yard to let them play while you enjoy the mountain scenery! The living room has a couch with a queen pull out bed, and the back room also has a pull out futon bed for more guests! The master bathroom has a walk in shower. There is a carport outside of the house that will hold up to 2 cars. We hope you enjoy! :)

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviews

Guest favorite

A feature wall adorned with numerous vintage vinyl records creates a vibrant atmosphere. Soft seating is positioned nearby, with natural light filtering through the adjacent room. A ceiling fan enhances comfort while maintaining a stylish decor element.

Home in Johnson City

'Rock Me Mama' in Johnson City

Sleeps 6. Enjoy our newly remodeled centrally-located home JUST 1.7 miles from I-26 (Exit 22). Amazing outdoor space in a fully fenced in backyard with smokeless firepit, outdoor fireplace, basketball & playground. Across from JC Country Club & Golf. 2.2 miles to Downtown Johnson City. 3 miles to Watauga River. 3.4miles to ETSU & VA Hospital. 4 miles to JC Medical Center. 4.8 miles to Boone Lake. 15.4 miles to Bristol Motor Speedway. NFL Blitz Arcade. Books & Games.

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 185 reviews

Top guest favorite

The front of the cottage is showcased, featuring a triangular roof and a welcoming porch with two chairs. White siding complements dark shutters, while small flower beds add greenery to the landscape. A clear sky provides natural lighting, highlighting the charming architecture.

Home in Elizabethton

Covered Bridge River Cottage

This River Cottage is about 15 minutes from the Bristol Motor Speedway. It will sleep up to 6 individuals. There is access to hiking, fishing (out you back door), antique shopping within minutes. The downtown of Elizabethton is a 5 minute walk. The Covered Bridge is the structure shown. For those who have no prior reviews on Airbnb, we may require the completion of our standard rental questionnaire, especially for longer stays.

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

Top guest favorite

A spacious home with a red roof is set against a backdrop of rolling hills, framed by green lawns. A winding path leads to a wooden deck that overlooks the scenic landscape, while gentle morning light casts a soft hue across the sky.

Cottage in Sugar Grove

Mountaintop Vistas of NC/TN/VA

Stay cool in your air-conditioned, first-floor Cottage Suite with stunning ridge views into TN & NC! Features include 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, fireplace, dining room, 3 private entries, and a patio with grill, fire pit & 3-person hot tub. Enjoy a 7-ft hot tub at the hangar too! Hike the TN/NC line or explore the gorge for swimming, climbing & adventure. A peaceful mountain escape awaits!

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 452 reviews