Vacation rentals with lake access in Highlands

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Top-rated lake-access accommodations in Highlands

Guests agree: these lake-access accommodations are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favourite
The spacious screened-in back porch features comfortable seating with a light-colored rug. Large windows overlook the flowing Tuckasegee River and lush trees, allowing natural light to fill the space. A calming view of nature invites relaxation.
Home in Cullowhee
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews

Luxury Waterfront Getaway In The Smoky Mountains.

SUPER COZY, modern luxury house on river front property with HUGE screened-in back porch WITH HEATER overlooking the Tuckasegee River. Located in a private community just minutes from tons of beautiful trails, Western Carolina University, grocery stores and restaurants. The property has direct river access! Fishing, Kayaking, Tubing, Paddle Boarding and more can be done right from your backyard. NEW CONSTRUCTION - CUSTOM BUILT IN 2022- Modern Riverfront Luxury Home Open to Mid-Term Rental

Top guest favourite
A spacious living area is defined by high ceilings and warm pine paneling. A large stone fireplace serves as a central feature, with comfortable seating arranged around a wooden table. Bright windows allow ample natural light, and a decorative chandelier hangs above.
Cabin in Highlands
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 185 reviews

Peaceful Lake Cabin - Close to Town - sleeps 6

Enjoy a peaceful cabin getaway on Apple Lake, 5 minutes from Highlands, NC. Highlands is a charming mountain town with great restaurants, spa, theater, music concerts, and shopping. Our cabin is very open with high ceilings, a huge wood burning fire place, two bedrooms downstairs, and two upstairs in an open loft. Minutes from scenic waterfalls, and hiking trails. Enjoy relaxing on the porch, cooking, fishing, and kayaking on the lake. Wonderful for family/friend vacations or a romantic getaway!

Top guest favourite
A serene lake view is captured at sunset, featuring a dock and pavilion extending into the water. Lush grasses and landscaped stones frame the scene, as warm sunlight bathes the area in golden tones, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of the shoreline.
Cottage in Six Mile
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 203 reviews

Lake Keowee Waterfront Cottage - Private Retreat

Lake-front retreat w/ unbelievable sunsets, swimming & kayaking, tucked in between the Cliffs & the Reserve, 30 miles west of Greenville. Private park-like setting for a couples getaway. Updated one-bedroom small cottage w/ living room, kitchen, bath, laundry, AC/heat. The entire property is included w/ your cottage rental; 1.1 acres, 800 ft of lake shoreline, a dock, a pier, a sunset deck, a social pavilion, waterfront hot-tub. It is a private lake experience; nothing really compares - unique!

Guest favourite
A charming outdoor patio area features a stone pathway, white dining furniture, and a large umbrella providing shade. The vibrant yellow door of the cottage stands out against the natural setting, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flower beds.
Cottage in Highlands
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 224 reviews

RiverBunk, Highlands Vintage Treasure

RiverBunk fronts Culasaga River in the historic Mirror Lake area on Hicks Road. 1 mi from downtown, shopping, restaurants, art, spa, wine garden and outdoor activities. Truly a one of a kind cottage that will bring you back and wow you with coziness and romantic memories. Perfect for the couple who wants to escape but tip out to one of the many eateries or waterfalls in the area. Hiking, zip-line, seasonal snow tubing and local galleries will keep you entertained. Amazing New Dock and Dingy

Top guest favourite
A charming cabin is nestled among lush trees, showcasing a sloped roof with dormer windows. The exterior features earthy tones, framed by vibrant greenery and flowering shrubs. A gravel area in front offers space for outdoor seating and a nearby picnic table.
Home in Cullowhee
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

Cozy Mountain Cottage

Nestled in the Summer Hill gated community at Lake Glenville, the main level has an open living area with a large sectional couch, breakfast bar off the kitchen, and dining area. The master bedroom has a king size bed with a TV. The loft functions as a second bedroom with a bunk bed and a pull-out trundle. The sleeping areas have separate entrances to a shared bathroom. There is an upper and lower deck, gas and wood burning fire pits, charcoal grill, Green Egg, and a hammock to hang outdoors.

Top guest favourite
A cabin interior features a cozy sleeping area with a wall-mounted electric fireplace and a wooden ceiling. A decorative deer head is mounted above a console table that holds various items. A large garage door opens to scenic views, while a comfortable chair sits nearby.
Cabin in Waynesville
5 out of 5 average rating, 248 reviews

17 Degrees North Mountain Cabin

Awaken in a luxury king size bed and slide open the garage door to sweeping views of the Smokies. Enjoy coffee on the deck. Fully furnished bed and bath, AC/Heat and kitchenette. Pets permitted $40/first pet $20/each additional pet. Area is fenced. Listen to the river while lying in the in-deck hammock. The perfect stage for a restful afternoon or night time stargazing. Watch the wildlife and farm animals or fish for trout in our 1/2 mile of river. Quiet~ private~ breathtaking~ accessible~

Top guest favourite
The chalet's exterior showcases a charming A-frame structure surrounded by lush greenery. A welcoming front porch features seating and decorative lights. Above the entrance, a mounted deer antler adds rustic character to the facade, while large windows invite natural light into the interior.
Chalet in Highlands
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 165 reviews

Downtown Highlands Art Gallery | Walk to Main

Welcome to Art Chalet~ a live-in ART GALLERY in downtown Highlands, NC just one minute to Main Street. Original fine art fills every room, and every piece is for sale, set against breathtaking mountain views and natural light. Nestled on a lush hillside with two outdoor fireplaces, this chic walk-to-town mountain retreat blends elevated design with an unbeatable location~ steps from Smokehouse BBQ & High Country Wine Shop. Perfect for romantic getaways, couples retreats, & girls weekends.

Top guest favourite
A private patio extends alongside the studio apartment, featuring a smooth concrete surface with various potted plants. The lake is visible beyond the trees, providing a peaceful backdrop with water reflecting the clear blue sky.
Guesthouse in Tuckasegee
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 251 reviews

Wolf Lake Escape - lake & mountain retreat

Beautiful secluded setting on Wolf Lake. Private studio apartment with full kitchen and bath. Stunning lake view and full lake access with use of kayaks, canoe and dock in the adjacent cove. Private patio with fire pit and grill. Paradise Falls trailhead 1 mile away. Close to Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area with multiple trails and waterfalls. 45 minutes from Brevard, Sylva and Cashiers, NC. Easy drive to Asheville and Biltmore House. Onsite parking. Well behaved pets welcome

Top guest favourite
A wooden staircase leads down to a serene section of the Cullasaja River, bordered by smooth rocks and lush greenery. Gentle waves flow over stones, while a metal ladder leans against a nearby tree, providing access to the riverbanks.
Cabin in Franklin
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

Twin Creeks on the Cullasaja

*Sorry. No Pets* Relax in peace! The property is located on the Cullasaja River. Rocky River Lane is a dead end with only 5 homes. A small branch and Peeks Creek border the property and feed into the river. It's perfect for tubing and trout fishing, and if the water is up a bit, it's perfect for kayaking. The stairs from the bank to the river make for safe and easy access. The house is located way off the main drag with equal distance to Franklin and Highlands.

Top guest favourite
A rustic cabin is nestled among trees, featuring a red exterior with a large deck. A hammock is suspended between two trees, and flower pots are positioned near the entrance. The ground is covered in lush greenery and gravel, providing a natural setting.
Cabin in Highlands
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviews

Mirror lake Cabin. 3 bed,Close to town. Canoe.

Rustic cabin on beautiful Mirror Lake with lake view, dock and canoe! Just a few steps from the lake. Outside screen porch and large deck, grill and fire pit overlooking beautiful lake. Corn hole, board games, hammock available for your enjoyment. Close enough to walk or bike to town (bikes not included) Games, movies, electric grill. Cable tv, WiFi. Fire wood provided for the fireplace. Pullout sofa bed couch adds 2 more sleeping spots bringing total parole to 8.

Guest favourite
The cabin exterior is viewed from a winding stone path surrounded by greenery. The two-story structure features a combination of reddish siding and wooden shingles on the roof. Large windows provide glimpses of the interior, framed by lush trees.
Cabin in Malvern Hills
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 273 reviews

Lazy Moss Cabin at Lake Glenville and pet friendly

Welcome to Lazy Moss Cabin in Western North Carolina, you can see more if you go to You Tube and search for the name Lazy Moss cabin. Situated among the lush mountain laurel, native rhododendron and moss covered yard at a cool elevation of 3500 feet. We area a pet friendly rental with a limit of 2 pets per visit but NO pet fee because we have found that pet owners are very considerate of our cute cabin so thank you and enjoy your stay.

Top guest favourite
A wooden dock stretches out over calm waters, reflecting colorful autumn foliage on the surrounding hills. The still lake creates a serene atmosphere, while the clear blue sky adds depth to the scene. Gentle ripples are created by a light breeze.
Home in Cullowhee
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

Amazing Lakefront home with private NEW dock

Relax with your whole crew in a peaceful, secluded house right on the lake. Spend the days paddling around in the supplied canoes, jumping off the dock into the crystal clear water and floating to your hearts content. The only sounds you will hear is the waterfall across the way and the streams that run on each side of the house. In the evenings enjoy dinner on the deck, drinks by the fire pit, and relaxing in the hot tub.

Popular amenities for Highlands lake-access rentals

When is the best time to visit Highlands?

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Quick stats about vacation rentals with lake access in Highlands

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 20 vacation rentals in Highlands

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Highlands vacation rentals start at $150 CAD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 1,770 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly vacation rentals

    20 properties offer extra space and kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 10 rentals that welcome pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    10 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wifi availability

    20 of Highlands vacation rentals include wifi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi, and Pool across Highlands rentals

  • 4.9 Average rating

    Highlands stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.9 out of 5!

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