OutReserve

Donley Cabin

Donley Cabin
View of Donley Cabin
Full size metal bed frame inside cabin
Bunkbeds inside cabin
Donley Cabin

About Donley Cabin

Donley Cabin is a primitive and historic structure in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, offering visitors a glimpse of the past. The cabin does not have electricity, running water or locks on the door. Guests should be aware that visitors often frequent the cabin during tours of the area. It predates the Civil War and is among the oldest cabins available for rental in the Forest Service system. The cabin offers access to a variety of recreational activities, including numerous trails and streams. Visitors must walk a quarter-mile from the parking area, along a slight grade and over a bridge on the North River, to the cabin. All equipment must be carried in. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring many of their own amenities. No pets are allowed except for service animals. The cabin is available by RESERVATION ONLY. Walk-ins are not allowed.

Reviews (2)

Review Summary

5.0
2 reviews
5
100.0%
2
4
0.0%
0
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Lucinda P

January 22, 2020

5

So beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend it. Can't wait to go back

Lucinda P

January 22, 2020

5

So beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend it. Can't wait to go back

Location Donley Cabin

Address:
250 Ranger Station Road
Tellico Plains, TN, 37385
United States

Highway access

The campground is accessible via Highway 165 (Cherohala Skyway), which is approximately 5 miles from Tellico Plains.

Latitude & Longitude: 35.32 / -84.0936

Elevation: 729 feet

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by USDA Forest Service