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Mountain Top Cabins on Private Land

Hosted by Lisa · Hot Springs, North Carolina
5 sites · Tent, Lodging · 500 acres
99%
·
235 reviews
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Lisa is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
We offer guests an off-grid and authentic Appalachian experience at our hike-in cabins and campsites located on 500 private acres atop the Newfound Mountains in Western North Carolina! Our Trailhead is located 45 minutes west of Asheville, NC and our hike-in trail is 2 miles long with 1,250 feet of elevation gain. The hike-in trail utilizes an old forest service road which follows a creek providing verdant landscapes and soothing sounds as you make your way up the mountain to our cabins and campsites. We have two antique Appalachian cabins on-site and two campsites available. Our cabins and campsites are priced per person and can be reserved individually or collectively through an entire property buyout. A hearty and healthy breakfast is served each morning in our Main Lodge and is included and you'll never pay a cleaning fee on this mountain because we believe in Southern hospitality! Our Main Lodge (Cabin #1) has a huge front porch with spectacular views, a nicely appointed off-grid kitchen, full bathroom with hot shower and an upstairs loft that sleeps up to 10. Our on-site host/s stay downstairs in the Main Lodge in private bedrooms so they can keep the home fires burning, tend the garden, cook breakfasts, clean the cabins and ensure all your needs are taken care of during your stay. Guests in our Upper Cabin (Cabin #2) enjoy a wooded and secluded setting in a rustic cabin that sleeps up to 6. The downstairs area features an open floorpan with a queen size bed, off-grid kitchen, dining area and the loft upstairs sleeps up to 4 people. Cabin #2 also features a full bathroom with and a tree-house like view from the front porch! Our cabin adjacent camp space features two spectacular campsites and is located 100’ from our Main Lodge. Camp 1 and Camp 2 both measure 12’x15’ and feature a soft grassy surface surrounded by natural boulder walls. Both campsites sit beside our neighboring property owned by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and feature a long-range mountain views. Guests at our campsites are welcomed to breakfast daily and have full access to the restroom facilities in the Main Lodge.

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Tent-only sites

2 sites
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Camp 1

100%
(12)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Camp 1 sits on the first tier of our cabin adjacent camp space which is located 100’ downhill from the Main Lodge (Cabin 1). Camp 1 measures 12 feet by 15 feet, is gently graded for drainage and comfort. It features a soft grassy surface and is surrounded by natural boulder walls. This site features a long-range mountain view over our lower meadow and sits beside our neighboring property with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Camp 1 accommodates up to 4 people and all guests have access to the bathroom in the Main Cabin. To reserve Camp 1 we request $50 for up to two people with an additional $25 per guest. If your group size is bigger than four we request that your group books both Camp 1 and Camp 2 to accommodate your group of up to 8 people. Camping equipment is not included with our campsites. Guests should come fully prepared to sleep outdoors in variable weather conditions and should come equipped with their own tent/s, sleep system/s (sleeping pad, sleeping bag, camp pillow), camp cooking setups, headlamp/s and or outdoor lighting and appropriate outdoor clothing including warm layers and rain jackets. A hearty and healthy breakfast is served in the Main Cabin every morning and is included with your stay. *Our facility requires a 2 mile walk on our Hike-In Trail which gains 1,250' in elevation.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
No picnic table
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Camp 2

100%
(3)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Camp 2 sits on the upper tier of our cabin adjacent camp space which is located 100’ downhill from the Main Lodge (Cabin 1). Camp 2 measures 12 feet by 15 feet, is gently graded for drainage and comfort. It features a soft grassy surface and is surrounded by natural boulder walls. This site features a long-range mountain view over our lower meadow and sits beside our neighboring property with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Camp 2 accommodates up to 4 people and all guests have access to the bathroom in the Main Cabin. To reserve Camp 2 we request $50 for up to two people with an additional $25 per guest. If your group size is bigger than four we request that your group books both Camp 1 and Camp 2 to accommodate your group of up to 8 people. Camping equipment is not included with our campsites. Guests should come fully prepared to sleep outdoors in variable weather conditions and should come equipped with their own tent/s, sleep system/s (sleeping pad, sleeping bag, camp pillow), camp cooking setups, headlamp/s and or outdoor lighting and appropriate outdoor clothing including warm layers and rain jackets. A hearty and healthy breakfast is served in the Main Cabin every morning and is included with your stay. *Our facility requires a 2 mile walk on our Hike-In Trail which gains 1,250' in elevation.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
No picnic table

Lodging

3 sites
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Cabin 2

99%
(167)
Cabin · Sleeps 6 · 2 bedrooms · 5 beds · 1 toilet
Our Upper Cabin (Cabin #2) is located about 100yds up the hill from the Main Lodge in a secluded, wooded setting. It is a dovetail-style antique log cabin from the Tennessee-Kentucky border that was originally built in the late 1800’s and relocated to the mountain in the early 2000’s. The first floor features an open floor plan with a kitchenette, wood stove, couch, and queen size bed. There is also a full bathroom on the main floor and a loft upstairs which can sleep up to 4 people. Outside there is a campfire pit, and an idyllic front porch that seamlessly blends into the forest. Guests staying in Cabin 2 also have access to our main lodge amenities.
Hike-in access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
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Cabin 1

99%
(121)
Cabin · Sleeps 10 · 2 bedrooms · 1 toilet
Cabin 1, also known as our Main Lodge, is nestled in the Saddle between Big and Little Sandy Mush Balds at an elevation of 5,000 feet. It was originally built in the 1800’s in Douglas Lake, Tennessee and moved to the mountain in the early 2000's by our founder, Doc Adler, who reconstructed the cantilever barn style structure into not only a cabin, but an homage to the Appalachian history, culture and people that he loved so dearly. The main floor features a cozy den with library, dining area, and kitchen complete with a wood and gas stove and a full bathroom with propane water heater. The loft upstairs can accommodate up to 10 people. The front porch is spacious with ample seating, a porch swing, and one of the most iconic views in Western North Carolina!
Hike-in access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
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Entire Property

100%
(4)
Cabin · Sleeps 15 · 2 bedrooms · 15 beds · 2 toilets
Welcome to our stunning Appalachian cabins, a perfect retreat for your group of up to 16 people! Immerse yourself in the off-grid beauty of the Newfound Mountains in Western North Carolina as you indulge in an authentic Appalachian experience at our hike-in cabins on 500 private acres. FAQ Are day campers included in the total guest count, or does it only apply to overnight guests? All campers, whether they are staying overnight or not, must be included in the reservation. Can additional guests be added after the initial booking? Yes, you can modify your trip to add more guests through the Hipcamp app, but you cannot exceed the maximum capacity. Located just 45 minutes west of Asheville, NC, our trailhead awaits, beckoning you to embark on a memorable 2-mile journey with a 1,350 feet elevation gain. Feel the thrill of the hike as you go to our secluded cabins, where tranquillity and natural splendor await. Our on-site host, who stays in a private room downstairs in Cabin #1, will communicate with you before your trip to dial in your logistics and will be there to ensure your stay is a memorable one. Aside from keeping the home fires burning and the property in shape, our host prepares a healthy and hearty breakfast each morning which is included in your stay! Once you arrive, embrace the magic of wood stoves and campfires, allowing you to gather around and share stories. For your comfort and convenience, we provide flush toilets in both cabins so your group can experience rustic charm without sacrificing modern amenities. Additionally, spring-fed potable water is readily available, ensuring your hydration needs are met throughout your stay. The Main Lodge is also outfitted with a solar-powered charging station for your phones and electronics. To enhance your stay, we offer a shower with hot water in the Main Lodge, allowing you to refresh after a day of exploring. You'll find all the necessary cooking equipment in our communal area, including a stovetop and oven, solar-powered fridge, cookware, cooking utensils, dishware, cutlery, basic seasoning, and oils. Cleaning up is a breeze with our designated sink or other dishwashing station, making meal preparation a seamless and enjoyable experience. Escape the ordinary and embrace the beauty of Appalachia at our hike-in cabins. Whether you're seeking a rejuvenating retreat or an adventurous getaway, our property provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. Book your stay today and create lasting memories in the Newfound Mountains of Western North Carolina!
Hike-in access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers

Reviews

99% Recommend517 ratings · 235 reviews
Recommends
· August 2026
With kids ·
Cabin 2
This place is very special - highly recommend. Views are stunning and the breakfast delicious
Recommends
· July 2026
Wonderful girls weekend!
Group trip ·
Cabin 2
Our girls trip was a huge success! Lisa and doug took amazing care of us! The hike into the property is a steep 2 miles well marked gravel/dirt road. Our accommodations were a private rustic and very clean cabin with our own private bath with shower. The food was wonderful, definitely sign up for the dinners! 2 nights was perfect to enjoy the hikes, relax, play games and enjoy the amazing views. I’ll be back in the fall if I’m lucky!
Recommends
· July 2026
Camping in the clouds
Entire Property
Thank you Lisa and Doug for being amazing hosts to Girls Who Hike North Carolina. See you next year!
Recommends
· July 2026
29th Anniversary
Cabin 2
Everything is beautiful. We stayed at the 2nd cabin. It's roughing it only a little. I'm used to tents. Doug makes a great breakfast and took care of us. Lucy the cat was fun as we have cats at home. We want to go back sometime and bring our kids.
Recommends
· July 2026
Smokey Mountain Solitude
Cabin 2
We had such a peaceful and memorable stay at Cabin 2! The hike up was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and the views made every step worth it. It was so quiet and relaxing up there. We highly recommend hiking up to Big Bald for both sunrise and sunset. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The breakfast each morning was delicious, with plenty of fresh and healthy options. We loved our stay and hope to come back in the fall to experience the changing leaves!
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Camp 1
What a place! This site offered the perfect setting to disconnect and immerse ourselves in nature. The views are incredible! The communal cabin is so cozy and welcoming and we loved spending time on the porch, reading, playing games, and hanging with Lucy the cat. Waking up to a home cooked, thoughtfully curated breakfast was also wonderful. The icing on the cake? Spending time with hosts Doug and Lisa who welcomed us like family, shared stories, and knowledge of the area. We will definitely be back.
Recommends
· June 2026
With kids ·
Cabin 2
The perfect cabin for a weekend getaway. Breakfast is always delicious and the views from the bald are beautiful.
Recommends
· June 2026
Cabin 2
This was a perfect remote mountain top get away. Better back light, straight up the mountain the whole way, great hike! Doug was the best host. It was so nice to have someone from the local region with his local knowledge and ways. Didn’t want to leave.
Recommends
· June 2026
Cabin 2
Our second visit, and we love staying at sandymush! We didn't get a sunset this time because of the rain, but that just means we'll be back for more!
Recommends
· June 2026
Group trip ·
Cabin 1
The 2 mile hike up to Lisa's cabin was worth every step. It's so peaceful there.
Recommends
· June 2026
New Tradition @ the Cabins!
With kids ·
Cabin 2
Had a great time again, 2nd year in a row at the Cabin @ Sandy Mush Bald!! 5 of us and one 3 year old - great views, campfires and giggles. Special Thanks to "Uncle Doug" for breakfast and lugging our stuff up and down the mountain. Will be back again of course next year!
Recommends
· May 2026
Group trip ·
Cabin 1
This was my second time visiting. One of my favorite places to visit. Beautiful. The host, Doug is my favorite. I loved sitting around chatting with him. I will be back every year. Thank you for creating a space for people to love.
Recommends
· May 2026
Special place
With kids ·
Cabin 2
This is a special place! Doug was a wonderful host. Everything looks just like the photos. The views are amazing and the cabin perfectly quaint. Loved the community vibe with there being other visitors hanging out in the main space. The hike in is steep!
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Camp 2
This is a special place - It is about the journey not the destination. The views from the top are worth it!
Recommends
· May 2026
Cabin 2
This was probably our favorite trip we've ever done. Our host Doug was amazing and incredibly personable and hospitable. The views were out of this world and only a short hike up from the cabin. The cabin was very cozy and warm from the wood stove the entire night. We will definitely be back!
Recommends
· May 2026
Magical Cabin Weekend
Group trip ·
Cabin 2
Our group of 5 women had an amazing experience! We went opening weekend and stayed for 1 night. Highlights were the hike in, a cozy evening bonfire, the most beautiful sunset view from big bald and a delicious morning breakfast! We stayed in cabin 2. It had one double bed downstairs and 4 single beds in the loft. Fresh, cool spring water in the kitchen and in the adjoining bathroom plus hot water in the shower. Do not miss the short hike up to big bald for sunset. The views are unreal! Lisa, Doug and Booth were welcoming and fabulous hosts. We really enjoyed connecting over the home cooked breakfast which included scrambled eggs with mountain grown ramps. We can’t wait to visit again!!!
Recommends
· November 2025
Off grid sanctuary
Cabin 2
Stayed in Cabin 2 for a night, the hike up was definitely worth it! I would definitely recommend packing light and bringing a sleeping bag and good headlight/flashlight. Doug, the caretaker was soo welcoming and accommodating. For anyone following the coordinates that are sent to you with the directions I would just follow the Google directions under the name of the cabins. The coordinates took me to a private driveway in Google maps. Definitely recommend this place for a nice unplugged time.
Recommends
· October 2025
Cabin 2
The Cabins at Sand Mush Bald is such a special place. The views, company, and details make for a wonderful experience. This was our second trip up and we plan to keep the tradition going!
Recommends
· October 2025
Cabin 2
Loved our stay in cabin 2! The hike in is challenging, but worth it. Doug is a friendly and helpful care keeper. He had the stove in the cabin going upon arrival, provided us extra wood, and made hearty and delicious breakfasts. Views were fantastic. Loved spending time with Lucy the cat. Will definitely return.
Recommends
· October 2025
Cabin 1
The perfect place to unwind and just relax. The cabin has everything you need.
Recommends
· October 2025
Cabin 2
I loved the cabin here - totally remote and well taken care of. Doug put some wood in our wood stove to heat up the cabin before we even got there and he makes the best breakfast. I would definitely consider the hike up to the cabin and the final hike to the top of the bald more strenuous than moderate, but still hiked to the top four times during the weekend I was there! Will definitely be back next year.
Recommends
· September 2025
10000/10
Cabin 1
I could go on and on about this place, genuinely feels like a hidden treasure. The hike was well worth it for the breathtaking views, clear night sky, and lovely cabin. Mr. Doug was so kind, my boyfriend said that staying there feels “like going to grandma and grandpa’s house”. This is THE mountain trip and THE place to go. Also bonus points because of the cute cabin cat.
Recommends
· September 2025
With pets ·
Cabin 2
It was a fantastic trip, so much fun. Can’t wait to go back. Hike up is no joke!
Recommends
· September 2025
Expectations exceeded
With pets ·
Entire Property
Wow, expectations exceeded! Doug and Eddy were delightful and helpful hosts on the grounds. We had a group of 12 women meeting up for a mountain getaway :). This property is basically "choose your own adventure" - between going for runs and hikes, hanging out on the porch, leisurely enjoying the views, fire pit with snacks and stars, and napping in the hammocks - we all wanted to stay a few more days! We will be back, for sure. This was everything we wanted the weekend to be and more! A few notes -- there's no electricity provided wired into the cabins, but they do have a battery pack with usb ports you can ask to use (we brought our own chargers, no problem). Theres also lanterns and candles in each cabin and bathroom (lovely touch) but would recommend bringing a handful of additional headlamps for ease of getting around! Also, no issue for our group, but the hike in and out really is no joke :) A pleasant challenge with an amazing reward. Five Stars.
Recommends
· August 2025
Loved My Stay In Cabin #2
Cabin 2
It was a fantastic stay. Doug the Caretaker was the best. He drove to check on me when I got caught in a downpour. He gave me all the information I needed and I made a new friend, Lucy the kitten. Doug also makes a great breakfast. I stayed in the Upper Cabin (#2) and I loved it. It had a bathroom, a wood stove, a large bed, and a propane stove. It was rustic, but it was posh next to my cabin at LeConte Lodge. Also, the sunrise was amazing from the Main Cabin. Also, what a view from Sandymush Bald! I highly recommend The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald. I will be returning, for sure!
Recommends
· July 2025
Cabin 1
Very beautiful property with excellent views. The hike up is a little tough, but it's worth it. Also Doug is a fantastic host!
Recommends
· July 2025
Group trip ·
Cabin 2
We had a fabulous time in Cabin 2! The property is so peaceful. Great meals and attention from the on site host, Doug. Thanks for a great weekend recharging and escaping the heat!
Recommends
· July 2025
Unplug and Listen
Cabin 2
This was my second time at the cabins. It is such an amazing and unique place. I recommend fully unplugging while there if possible. Phones off. No watches or time keeping of any kind. Let yourself float away with no agenda and just enjoy the present, as this place envokes one to do.
Recommends
· July 2025
Camping with kids
Tent · With kids ·
Camp 1
I hiked up here with my kids (age 10 and 12) and stayed on the tent site. It was a remarkable. A challenging but manageable hike (took us just under 90 min). We were blown away with the front porch views and the fun extras (hammocks, games and sweet little cabin kitty). Tent area was shaded and we had access to the main cabin bathroom. Blown away with a gorgeous front porch breakfast. The whole area is beautiful and we plan to go again in the fall!
Recommends
· July 2025
Sandy Mush Bald Mnt - Hidden Gem!
Cabin 2
My husband and I loved our stay at Sandy Mush Bald Mountain top cabin #2. If you hike regularly, are athletic or persistent, the hike up was very doable. We hiked in our overnight items, dinner and dropped them at the cabin before continuing on to some other hikes on the property. Doug was our host and he was a delight. He welcomed us when we arrived, answered our questions, and made us a delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and coffee in the morning. His cat Lucy was friendly and entertaining. During our time at cabin #2 we enjoyed how well stocked the cabin was for frying up our dinner, the shower water was hot and water pressure was good, there was plenty of firewood to have a fire at night and enjoy the evening. We look forward to visiting again!

Location

Hot Springs, Madison, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Lisa A.

Joined in April 2018

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