Tahoe Forest Retreat · Dog Friendly · Game Room

Entire cabin in Emigrant Gap, California

  1. 10 guests
  2. 3 bedrooms
  3. 7 beds
  4. 2 baths
Hosted by Krista
  1. Superhost
  2. 1 year hosting

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Peace and quiet

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The Knotty Bear is centrally located just off of Hwy 80 in the tranquil neighborhood of Emigrant Gap Acres, within the Tahoe National Forest. It offers a perfect sanctuary for individuals & families alike. With 3 bedrooms + loft, 2 full baths, a fully equipped kitchen, detached game room and a welcoming living area, this space is designed to cater to your every need. Amenities like heating, Wi-Fi, and an indoor washing machine/dryer ensure a convenient stay. Just minutes to your next adventure!

The space
The Knotty Bear welcomes guests of all ages! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath cabin can sleep up to ten guests (6-8 adults). The thoughtful, modern touches combined with the classic cabin feel, make this a warm yet upscale experience. It’s located in the Tahoe National Forest and is within a short driving distance of Sierra Mountain's year-round activities.

The cabin is dog friendly with prior approval and an additional fee. Up to 2 housebroken adult dogs can be permitted. A $100 per stay, non-refundable fee is charged on all reservations including a dog. Sorry, we are not cat-friendly due to common allergies.

Please read our house rules and cancellation policy before booking. Many things can happen that cause someone's travel plans to change. It is HIGHLY advisable to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase travel insurance so if you must cancel outside of our allowable cancellation policy, you can still be reimbursed. Cancellation policy strictly enforced.

*Note: Like most cabins in the area, there is NO air conditioning available. Ceiling fans and floor fans are available.*

Key Features:
• Newly renovated and furnished
• Gorgeous forest views
• Sleeps up to 10 (6-8 adults)
• Large dining table for 8 seats & 3 bar height seats at kitchen island
• 2 full bathrooms
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Indoor laundry with large capacity washer & dryer
• Large wrap-around deck with lounge seating and dining table
• 2 game rooms with ping pong table, darts, poker table, arcade game, board games, TV & more!
• Dog friendly (up to 2 adult, housebroken dogs with prior approval and additional fee)
• Centrally located near ski resorts, snow play, hiking & bike trails, lakes, fishing, golf and more!

Sleeping Accommodations:
• Bedroom 1: Downstairs bedroom
-- Queen-sized bed, two nightstands with built in USB ports/AC outlets, reading lamps, alarm clock with wireless charging/ noise machine, room darkening blinds & curtains, dresser, hanging clothes rack, luggage rack, and a bench. A tower fan and a small space heater are available for use.

• Bedroom 2: Downstairs kids bunkroom
-- Two twin over twin bunk beds, a nightstand with built in USB/Type C ports/AC outlet, alarm clock with wireless charging/noise machine, reading lamps, room darkening blinds, dresser, hanging clothes rack and luggage rack. A caged ceiling fan, tower fan and a small space heater are available for use.

• Bedroom 3: Upstairs bedroom
-- King-sized bed, two nightstands, reading lamps with USB port/Type C port/AC outlet, alarm clock with wireless charging/noise machine, room darkening blinds & curtains, small desk/vanity, dresser, large closet, luggage rack and 32” TV with an Amazon Fire TV stick. A pack-n- play crib, tower fan and a small space heater are available for use in the closet.

• Loft: Upstairs open area
-- Sofa sectional with full-sized pop-up bed, side tables, 55” Smart Amazon Fire TV (Bluetooth enable for headphones), DVD player, assorted DVDs, video game console with games, and board games/puzzles.

Living Area:
The heart of the cabin! Enjoy the spacious, airy feel of the room, provided by a soaring ceiling and natural light streaming in through the large windows. Relax on the cozy sectional couch and 2 comfortable reclining lounge chairs. An electric fireplace offers warmth and ambiance. You’ll also find a 55” Smart TV for all your streaming needs. Complimentary Netflix/HBO/Amazon Prime/ Disney+/Hulu subscriptions are available to keep you up to date with the latest news, shows and movies. The end table lamp also has a USB port/AC outlet and a large ceiling fan for air circulation. Whether you're looking to kick back and relax or catch up on your favorite shows, this living area has everything you need.

Kitchen:
The newly renovated kitchen is fully stocked with most anything you’d need to whip up your favorite meal! A refrigerator/freezer with filtered water/ice on the door, and craft ice spheres inside. The electric stove/oven features an UltraHeat power burner, convection baking, and air fry cooking. You’ll find numerous appliances and cookware including a microwave, dishwasher, utensils, pots/pans/bakeware, knives & cutting boards, dishes & silverware for ten guests (bowls, plates, cups, etc.), toaster, rice cooker, egg cooker, Keurig K-cup & Drip Combo Coffee Machine, electric kettle, blender, waffle maker, electric griddle, hand mixer and more! Also included is a coffee/tea bar, a full spice drawer and dishes & utensils for the little ones.

*Note: There is ample room in the kitchen for all the groceries you bring. Mar-Val Sierra Market in Colfax is the nearest full-scale grocery store, but the market at Nyack Shell Station just up Hwy 80 has many basic supplies.*

Dining Area:
Enjoy an open & spacious dining area with a large wood dining table with seating for eight. The kitchen island also has an additional three bar height stools. A highchair is available for use in the hallway closet.

Full Downstairs Bathroom:
This fully remodeled bathroom features a two sink vanity, two large mirrors, a toilet, and a beautiful tub/shower combo. You'll have access to basic toiletries and plush white towels. It is also equipped with soap dispensers filled with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

Full Upstairs Bathroom:
This bathroom features a one sink vanity, one mirror, a toilet, and a shower stall. You'll have access to basic toiletries and plush white towels. It is also equipped with soap dispensers filled with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

*Note: The ceiling is sloped so ceiling height may affect taller guests.*

Game Room:
The detached game rooms feature a downstairs ping pong table and dart board. Upstairs you’ll find the Bear Den! Two comfortable couches, large poker table, chess/checkers table, Retro Pac-Man arcade game, 50” TV with DVD player and an assortment of DVDs (no Wi-Fi/streaming available) and numerous board games to enjoy with your family or friends.

Outdoors:
Treat yourself to many outdoor games in-between outings with the group and fun in the cabin. Choose from horseshoes, cornhole, ring toss and more! In the morning, enjoy sipping coffee amongst the trees on the wrap-around deck or a night BBQing with the family. In the spring, summer, and fall, enjoy the outdoor seating and a dining table if you prefer your meals al fresco. There's also a hammock in the front yard. (Outdoor furniture/firepit/BBQ grill/hammock are stored during the snow season, approximately October-May).

*Note: There are remnants of a firepit in the back yard, but unfortunately, due to fire risks, there are NO wood fires allowed in the area.*

Laundry Room:
The indoor laundry room includes a full-sized, large capacity washer and dryer with a limited supply of hypoallergenic detergent pods and dryer sheets. A fold-away drying rack and numerous wall hooks are also provided.

Guest access
Guests have access to the entire cabin and property with the exception of the owner’s supply closet in the hallway and one side of the detached garage. There is ample parking for 3-4 cars on the paved driveway, please no parking in dirt areas. Before your check-in, we will send you a code for the keyless entry door lock.

*Note: There are no childproofing measures so please keep children supervised at all times, especially in the open loft area.*

Other things to note
• No food or drink in the bedrooms or on couches.

• Do not rearrange the furniture.

• Report any potential damage to the property immediately.

• No unregistered overnight guests.

• Rental Agreement:
A signed rental agreement and a $500 security deposit hold on a credit card is required to book. It is required that the person who signs the agreement is present for the entire stay. Third-party bookings are not allowed and will result in immediate cancellation.

• Security Deposit:
Please treat the cabin with respect as there is a security deposit on all bookings. The security deposit is fully refundable at the end of a reservation assuming there is no damage to the property or additional fees incurred.

• Accessibility:
Stairs are required to access the cabin.

• Pet Allergies:
For guests with pet allergies, the owners and guests bring their dogs inside the cabin therefore there is dog hair, dog dander etc. We do our best to clean but it’s impossible to remove 100%. This cabin is NOT recommended for people with pet allergies or do not like homes with pets.

• No Smoking/Drugs:
No smoking of any kind, including marijuana and vaping inside or outside the cabin. Drug use or excessive drinking is strictly prohibited. Any evidence of violation will result in a $500 penalty fee and will result in the termination of your stay without refund.

• No Parties/Events:
No parties or events are allowed. Any evidence/report of violation will result in a $500 penalty fee (plus any damage or extra cleaning fees) and will result in the termination of your stay without refund.

• Quiet Hours:
The Knotty Bear is located in a small residential community with predominantly families and nature-loving groups. Between the hours of 10pm and 8am, noise should be kept to a minimum. Disturbances to the neighbors will not be tolerated. Any evidence/report of violation may result in the termination of your stay without refund.

• Winter Weather: Winter can bring heavy snowfall. Although roads are snow plowed regularly, guests should check road conditions and follow recommended guidelines for 4WD & chain requirements. During the snow season, chains are usually required or 4WD vehicles with snow tires. We make every attempt to plow the driveway for guests to accommodate parking and easy access to the cabin, but occasionally weather prevents us from doing so. When vehicles are unable to park in the driveway, guests will need to park at the bottom near the road and be prepared to walk up the driveway. If heavy snowfall happens during your stay, you may need to walk through the snow and shovel out your cars. We recommend parking at the bottom of the driveway during the winter season. Shoveling the stairs and pathway to the front door will need to be completed by guests, shovels are provided for your use. We will do our best to notify you of driveway access in advance of your trip so that you may prepare. Do NOT park in the street. Caltrans may impose a fine or even tow your vehicle.

• Guests To Clean Snow From Walking Surfaces: For safety reasons and liability, guests should regularly clean snow and avoid ice buildup on the stairs that connect the driveway to the front door, including deck and landings. Failure to clean these areas may lead to falls and injuries. With this warning, guests take full responsibility and releases liability from the property owners for any related injuries. There are shovels available for guests to use to comply with this agreement.

• Early/Late Check In/Out:
Your designated check-in and check-out times are strictly enforced to ensure readiness for all guests. Prior approval to early check-in or late check- out must be obtained in advance. If the property is entered before the agreed upon check-in time or left after the agreed upon check-out time, a $50/half hour fee will be charged.

• Don’t Feed The Bears!
We share the forest with many wild critters. Please be responsible with food and/or trash. Do not leave it outside or even in your vehicles! During your stay, please take extra care not to leave food out overnight or unnecessarily. If using the grill, please make sure to clean up!

• Trash:
Place full trash or recycle bags in the labeled bins inside the trash room (just outside the laundry room door).

• No Open Flames:
The cabin is located in an extreme fire risk area. No open flames are allowed inside or outside the cabin, including but not limited to candles, wood burning campfires, charcoal BBQs, etc. The propane firepit can be used, but must be supervised at all times.

• Parking:
Enjoy a large driveway that accommodates 3 - 4 vehicles. Please park on the paved driveway only. No parking in the dirt areas. Do NOT park on the roadway Nov 1 - May 1 to make way for snow plows. Violators may be subject to fines and towaway (Caltrans).

• Dog Friendly:
This rental is dog friendly with prior approval & an additional fee.
-- Up to 2 well-behaved, housebroken, adult dogs are permitted.
-- A $100 per stay, non-refundable fee is charged on all reservations including a dog. Sorry, we are not cat-friendly due to common allergies.
-- Undisclosed dogs will result in a $150 penalty fee in addition to the required pet fees.
-- Please keep dogs off the beds and furniture.
-- Old towels are provided to wipe wet/dirty paws & old sheets for the furniture.
-- Any excess mess or damage caused by your dog will be the responsibility of the registered guest(s).
-- Excessive amounts of dog hair will result in an extra minimum $100 cleaning fee in addition to the pet fee. Please bathe and brush your dog before your arrival.
-- Dogs must be supervised at all times to prevent any unforeseen incidents and ensure the safety of your dog, other guests, and the property. Dogs are NOT to be left alone in the cabin under any circumstances unless they are kenneled/ crated. One large sized crate is available for use upon request (use at your own risk).
-- Bring along your dog’s essentials such as food, bedding, medications, leashes, toys, and any other items needed for their comfort. Stainless steel feeding/water bowls will be provided.
-- Properly dispose of your dog’s waste in the designated waste bin. Failure to do so will result in a $50 fee to cover the cost of cleanup. Disposable bags are provided.
-- Dogs must always be kept on a leash when outside.

• Heating:
The Knotty Bear has central heating throughout the main floor of the cabin. Each bedroom has a small space heater and a floor fan as well. The living room & bunkroom have a ceiling fan. **Like most cabins in the area, the cabin does NOT have AC (air conditioning).**

• Cleaning Fee:
The cleaning fee covers normal turnover cleaning (e.g. bedding and laundry turn over, surfaces, floors, etc.). Additional cleaning fees may be incurred for excessive messes (e.g. excessive dishes, dog hair on the furniture/beds, etc.).

• Critters:
Wooded areas are home to critters such as but not limited to deer, bear, squirrels, rodents, spiders, ants, bats, and insects. Although we have regular pest control, the property is in the woods and though we try to keep the creepy crawlies at bay, there are some that succeed in breaking the rules (especially if doors are left open). If you see one or two, you can escort them back outside or take care of them as you wish. The presence of any such critters does not entitle the guest to a refund.

• Wi-Fi:
Provided by Starlink satellite. As with any satellite service, periodic interruptions in service can be expected. Let us know if they last longer than a few minutes. Longer interruptions may occur during heavy storms.

• Phone:
There is no landline phone in the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own phone service. Cell phone service connections at the cabin are generally good.

• Water:
The tap water is provided by the Emigrant Gap Mutual Water Co. and is in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards. Water & ice from the refrigerator dispenser are also filtered.

• Power:
Rarely, power may go down, usually during winter storms. We do not have a generator or battery backup. As with most homes in the woods, by booking you acknowledge that there is a small chance of loss of power during your stay. We offer partial refunds for days with power loss longer than 3 hrs.

• Septic System:
This cabin has a septic system.
-- In bathrooms: only flush natural waste & toilet paper.
-- In the kitchen: only dispose of non-solidifying liquids in the sink. Place coffee grounds, eggshells, cooled grease/cooking oils/fats, and food debris into the trash.
-- If it is found that anything inappropriate was flushed or put down the drain and a clog in the septic system occurs, damage costs will be the responsibility of the registered guest(s).

• BBQ Grill:
When using the propane BBQ grill:
-- Please clean up after yourselves and keep the grill clean. If found dirty and extra cleaning is required, an extra cleaning fee may be charged.
-- Please remember to turn off the propane and the grill when finished.
-- The grill is placed in storage for the snow season (approximately October-May).

• Thermostat:
In the winter, please leave the thermostat set no lower than 55 when the cabin is not occupied and at check out to prevent water pipes from freezing.

• Consumables:
Some consumables such as condiments or snacks may be left behind by previous guests if they are not empty. We try our absolute best to ensure it is not expired or stale. Ultimately, it is up to the guest's discretion and inspection to consume these items if they wish. The host does not take any responsibility for the consumables.

• General Disclaimer:
The Knotty Bear is privately owned. The owners are not responsible for any accidents, injuries or illness that occur while on the property. The owner is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or valuables of the rental party or any guests. By accepting this reservation, it is agreed that the rental party and guests are expressly assuming the risk of any harm arising from their use of The Knotty Bear property or others whom they invite to use the property. Equipment such as infant/child gear and snow gear are used at guest’s own risk.

• Booking Integrity:
Reservations made under false pretenses will be cancelled, with all payments forfeited, and access to the property denied or revoked.

• Acknowledgment:
By booking, you agree to all terms and conditions listed above, governed by the cancellation policies specified in your booking agreement.

• Placer County Room Tax:
Guests pay an 8% Placer County Room Tax upon checking out. Room tax fees are collected by Airbnb and the funds paid directly to the State of CA (Placer County Transient Occupancy Tax).

• Placer County Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate No. 83937

This Cabin is our labor of love! Unlike short-term rentals managed by companies, we spend a lot of time here when it is not rented. We hope you will love it and treat it with care & respect.

Whether you're looking for a family-friendly home away from home, a cozy cabin for a memorable friend's weekend, or a romantic getaway… The Knotty Bear is the place for you!

Where you’ll sleep

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What this place offers

Mountain view
Kitchen
Wifi
Free driveway parking on premises – 3 spaces
Pets allowed

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 33 reviews.

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This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
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Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

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Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Emigrant Gap, California, United States
Exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

Enjoy the serene mountain life from this cabin, located in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by trees, where you will be immersed in beautiful nature! It is located just off of Hwy 80 (Blue Canyon exit 155), providing easy access to the surrounding areas. If you are looking for a place to stay for a skiing trip, you can’t beat this cabin. There are multiple ski resorts just a short drive away! For a family-friendly option, head over to Donner Ranch Resort or Soda Springs Mountain Resort. Want to get in some advanced terrain? Sugar Bowl Resort, less than 23 miles away, is perfect for you! Or enjoy some night skiing at the only resort to offer night skiing in Tahoe - Boreal Mountain Resort. In the summertime, enjoy hiking on one of the many trails such as Loch Leven Trail or Castle Peak Trail, or cool off with a swim at Donner Lake, Serene Lakes, Lake Spaulding and many more! Also, the Dutch Flat Community Pool is only 11 miles away! Make a day out of it and head into Kings Beach or Tahoe City where you will find beaches, dining, and entertainment options to enjoy.

Nearby Attractions & Activities:
- ☆ Nyack Snow Park – 2 mile drive
- ☆ Dutch Flat Community Pool – 10.6 mile drive
- ☆ Kingvale Resort/Snow Park – 16.8 mile drive
- ☆ Soda Springs Mountain Resort – 20.4 mile drive
- ☆ Boreal Mountain Resort – 22.2 mile drive
- ☆ Donner Ski Ranch – 23.1 mile drive
- ☆ Sugar Bowl Ski Resort – 22.5 mile drive
- ☆ Donner Lake – 29.8 mile drive
- ☆ Northstar Resort – 38.8 mile drive
- ☆ Palisades Tahoe – 40.8 mile drive
- ☆ Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park – 46.5 mile drive

Dining:
- ☆ The Rustic Table/The Rustin Bean – 4.2 mile drive
- ☆ Monte Vista Inn – 10.8 mile drive
- ☆ Subway – 10.7 mile drive
- ☆ For Real Dough Pizza – 16.5 mile drive
- ☆ TJ’s Roadhouse – 21 mile drive

Getting Around:
- ☆ Nyack Shell Gas Station/Market – 2.1 mile drive
- ☆ Blue Canyon Airport (BLU) – 1.2 mile drive
- ☆ Truckee, CA (TKF-Truckee Tahoe) – 35 mile drive

Meet your host

Superhost
33 reviews
5.0 out of 5 average rating
1 year of hosting
Speaks English

Krista is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

House rules

Check-in after 4:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
10 guests maximum

Safety & property

Exterior security cameras on property
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
May encounter potentially dangerous animal

Cancellation policy