Cabin rentals in the Spencer, Tennessee area offer options from rustic to luxury with easy access to the region's waterfalls and hiking trails. Most cabins are available year-round with the Cumberland Plateau's moderate climate, though winter nights can drop below freezing. Cabins serve as convenient base camps for exploring the region's natural features at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,800 feet.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Fall Creek Falls State Park features multiple waterfalls accessed via interconnected trails. One visitor notes, "Miles and miles of trails; short, long, loops, overnights. This place has it all. Make sure you do three things while you're there: hike to the bottom of the big waterfall (Fall Creek Falls), swim in the cascades next to the nature center, and stand on the edge of the bluff at Buzzard's Roost."
Kayaking and tubing: Smooth Rapids Campground offers direct river access with equipment rentals and shuttle service. "They have a restaurant and bar too, and the food was good. They have a selection of beers including the local favorite, Calf Killer. This place is right on the river, but also in town, so it's easy to get to."
Lake activities: Center Hill Lake provides swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. Ragland Bottom campground offers lakefront cabin access where "all the lakefront sites have water access right from the site, so you can launch a kayak, or throw out a line, or just go for a swim right from your site."
What campers like
Peaceful nights: Cabins near Spencer typically provide quiet surroundings for restful sleep. At Glamping at Deer Camp, one visitor described, "It's quiet, peaceful, and you just don't want to leave. The season doesn't matter. For the camping season, when it's a bit cooler, screened windows open up for an outdoor feel. In the summer, there is air conditioning. And in Winter, there is a gas log fireplace in the cabin and in the bathhouse."
Dark skies: The area's minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. One camper at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground shared, "Very dark at night time, especially with little moon, the stars were jaw dropping."
Wildlife viewing: Many cabins offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. Cumberland Mountain State Park cabins provide lake views where visitors regularly report seeing deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species throughout the day.
What you should know
Cabin accessibility: Road conditions vary significantly between properties. At Rock Island, "The road to the park is winding but we had no issues. Nice big sites with picnic area and fire ring."
Supply preparation: Black Willow Farm offers "Off-Grid with the necessities" cabins that require guests to bring appropriate supplies for their stay.
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for peak seasons. A visitor to Ragland Bottom advised, "It's a very popular spot, and you'll need to book well in advance. The lakefront sites all have water access right from the site, so you can launch a kayak, or throw out a line, or just go for a swim right from your site."
Site selection: Carefully review site details when booking. At Edgar Evins State Park, "Some of the sites just don't have a lot of room, especially around the fire pit and bbq. But there are a couple gem spots if you scout before you book."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly hiking: Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground offers accessible trails for all ages. "This park is close to town, the highway, and some other natural areas. They also have a moderate backpacking trail that would be perfect for first-time backpackers (since you can shower and eat at a buffet afterwards)."
Swimming options: Many cabins provide access to swimming areas appropriate for children. At Rock Island State Park, visitors appreciate "a huge beach" that's "lots of fun in the summer."
Structured activities: Fall Creek Falls offers ranger-led programs throughout summer. One visitor shared, "There's tons to do from hiking, to swimming, waterfall gazing, rock climbing, ziplining, and much more. The park itself has an olympic pool with diving boards and a snack shack for the kiddos."
Plan for wet feet: When exploring waterfalls, prepare for water crossings. At Rock Island, one camper advised, "Be prepared to get your shoes wet if you walk the trail down towards the main falls."
Tips for RVers
Leveling challenges: Many cabin rental properties with RV sites require additional equipment for leveling. At Rock Island State Park Campground, "Camper pads are all paved but vary in length from 18 to 51 feet. The width of some can also accommodate two cars side by side. Not all are completely level."
Size limitations: Bear Bluff Retreat and most cabin rental properties near Spencer aren't suitable for large rigs. At Smooth Rapids, "The entrance and exit is very narrow and steep even for our Sprinter motorhome, let alone something larger. Would not advise it!"
Hookup availability: Verify utility connections before booking. At Cumberland Mountain, "Fair warning, sites all seemed to be pretty small. A few looked like they had sewer at them, but ours didn't."
