Located 2 mi (3.1 km) from Lay Lake, this cabin is within a 15-minute drive of Beeswax Creek Park. The cabin includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
Ozan Winery and Cellars - 38 min drive - 19.3 miles
University of Montevallo - 54 min drive - 30.5 miles
Oak Mountain State Park - 55 min drive - 31.0 miles
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre - 56 min drive - 39.1 miles
Restaurants
V J's Restaurant - 7 min drive
Oak Island Farm - 17 min drive
The Barefoot Grill - 63 min drive
Lay Port Marina - 21 min drive
Shelby Sandwich Shop - 11 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!
Get away from the noise of the city and escape to this riverside retreat in Shelby! With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a screened porch with a lovely view of the Coosa River, this vacation rental will meet all your needs and more. Explore the area with boating trips from the private dock, hiking excursions through Oak Mountain State Park, vineyard and winery tours, or a journey into the depths of Desoto Caverns! Endless adventure awaits at this inviting cabin.
-- THE PROPERTY --
2,284 Sq Ft | Coosa River Access On-Site | Screened Porch w/ River View
Bedroom 1: Full Bed | Bedroom 2: Full Bed | Bedroom 3: Full Bed | Bedroom 4: 2 Twin Daybeds | Loft: Full Bed | Additional Sleeping: Cot
OUTDOOR LIVING: 2 docking piers, fire pit near pier (wood provided), gas grill, dining table, beach chairs INDOOR LIVING: Flat-screen TV w/ Amazon Fire Stick, wood-burning fireplace, dining table, ceiling fans, walk-in closet, cathedral ceiling KITCHEN: Microwave, dishwasher, air fryer, drip coffee maker, blender, toaster oven, Crock-Pot, dishware/flatware, complimentary spices GENERAL: Free WiFi, washer/dryer, linens/towels, central heating & air conditioning, cleaning essentials, built in 1965 SUITABILITY: 2 steps required for access, bedroom & bathroom on the first floor, complimentary toiletries & paper products not provided PARKING: Driveway (4 vehicles), RV/trailer parking available, additional street parking (first-come, first-served)
-- THE LOCATION --
THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Coosa River Access (on-site), Okomo Campground and Boat Launch (1.5 miles), Beeswax Creek Park (7.4 miles), Magnolia Meadows Golf Course (9.7 miles), Oak Mountain State Park (36.8 miles), Peavine Falls (40.8 miles) FAMILY ATTRACTIONS: Harrison Museum-G Washington (10.5 miles), Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (17.7 miles), Old Baker Farm (21.0 miles), The American Village (23.0 miles), Desoto Caverns (27.6 miles) WINERIES: Lewis Lakes Vineyards (12.3 miles), Ozan Winery & YH Distillery (16.0 miles), Morgan Creek Vineyards (21.3 miles), Hidden Meadow Vineyard & Winery (22.1 miles), Corbin Farms Winery (22.6 miles) LOCAL FOOD: VJ's Restaurant (3.4 miles), Shelby Sandwich Shop (5.6 miles), The Point Grill & Bar (7.9 miles), Tin Top Bar-B-Que 2 (10.3 miles), Fat Johnny's Comfort & Soul (10.3 miles), The Local Kitchen & Ale (10.9 miles), The Pizza Star (11.0 miles), PITA Meditteranean Street Food (11.2 miles) NEARBY TOWNS: Columbiana (10.3 miles), Calera (17.6 miles), Clanton (23.2 miles), Birmingham (49.9 miles), Montgomery (60.7 miles) AIRPORT: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (55.2 miles)
-- REST EASY WITH US --
Evolve makes it easy to find and book properties you'll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we'll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we'll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.
-- POLICIES --
- No smoking - No pets allowed - No events, parties, or large gatherings - Must be at least 25 years old to book - Additional fees and taxes may apply - Photo ID may be required upon check-in - NOTE: The property requires 2 steps to access and may be difficult for guests with limited mobility - NOTE: Complimentary toiletries and paper products are not provided at this property. It is recommended that guests bring their own - NOTE: This property was built in 1965 and has a rustic feel. Although the property has been cleaned for guests there may be a spider web or two
The cabin is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony or patio, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washer/dryer, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.
Property manager
Evolve
Languages
English, French, German, Spanish
Similar properties
Lay Lake - On main Channel in private area. With Hot Tub and Kayaks
Lay Lake - On main Channel in private area. With Hot Tub and Kayaks
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 2,284 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 1:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:30 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 1:00 PM
Check-out: 10:30 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Driving? This property offers RV, bus, and truck parking.
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
New! Authentic Coosa River Retreat w/ Private Dock Cabin
445302
New! Authentic Coosa River Retreat w/ Private Dock Shelby
New! Authentic Coosa River Retreat w/ Private Dock Cabin Shelby
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do within easy reach of this cabin?
This cabin is located in Shelby, close to Lay Lake and Beeswax Creek Park.
Is there parking available at this cabin?
Yes, there is RV/bus/truck parking available. You'll find a max of 4 spaces.
Is this cabin associated with a casino?
No, this cabin is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cabin?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cabin.
Is Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River! good for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside cabin include a fireplace and a kitchen along with a garden.
Are there hot tubs at Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!?
No, this cabin doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this cabin offer breakfast?
No, this cabin doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this cabin allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this cabin.
Does this cabin have connecting rooms?
No, this cabin doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!?
Yes, every cabin at Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River! comes with a balcony with some featuring water views.
Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River! Reviews
Reviews
7.2
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 19 reviews
10 - Excellent
9
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 19 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 19 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 19 reviews
4 - Poor
2
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 19 reviews
2 - Terrible
4
5.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Brian S.
May 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Brian S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Thomas N.
Jul 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Chill Family Vacation Vibe
It's a beautiful, secluded place that has everything we were looking for in a vacation spot. Even though it rained most of the weekend, it didn't dampen our stay. The privacy and ease of access to the fishing and swimming area gave us peace of mind and we were able to relax and have a good time. As an added bonus, we went looking around and found some amazing historical sites that we had no idea was there. Everyone had a wonderful weekend and we all want to come back to this cabin again!
Thomas N.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
4/10 Poor
Cynthia A.
Nov 28, 2023
Disliked: Cleanliness
House
House was not clean - spider webs and wasps throughout. Kitchen cabinets were dirty. Door knobs didn’t work. Boards on deck need replacing.
Cynthia A.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
8/10 Good
Amanda S.
Jun 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice getaway
A good place for a little get away. Loved the big porch with a nice view of the water.
Amanda S.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
8/10 Good
Kevin M.
May 6, 2022
nice
old school house pretty neat the pictures on line miss lead a little bit but i would got back we were there headed to nascar so didnt plan on fishing but looks like a great place for that and hanging out on lake
Kevin M.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
10/10 Excellent
Michael M.
Nov 21, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Great River Retreat
Exactly as expected - a lovely house on the Coosa with gorgeous views and lots of areas to gather and enjoy great company. Excellent visit, would stay again.
Michael M.
Stayed 13 nights in Nov 2021
2/10 Terrible
Jimmy C.
Sep 14, 2021
Disliked: Cleanliness
Do Not Recommend
From the pictures on the website, we were excited about the property specifically the screened in porch, location and access to the lake. Upon arrival, we immediately noticed spiders and ants inside the house. The house also had a damp, musky smell. The screened in porch had most of the screen missing with holes in the screen that was still attached. The back door from the house to the porch required much effort to open and close with a sign saying not to turn the knob because it might lock. The knob was antiquated, loose and felt like it would pull off every time you used it. The grounds of the property had many "antique" items such as old tires, rims, kitchen appliances, etc. laying around in the yard. There was also a nice crop of poison ivy growing all around the property. The pier was weathered with several old, loose boards but nice. The pier also had a two-boat storage area, but it was not available for guests. As the evening progressed, it became evident of a significant bug infestation... German Cockroaches. The later it got, the more they came out. Due to the unsanitary conditions, we packed up and checked into a hotel for our 10-day VACATION ON THE LAKE.
Jimmy C.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2021
2/10 Terrible
Diane T.
Aug 25, 2021
Disliked: Cleanliness
Do NOT recommend this rental!
We were not at all satisfied with our stay. The home was filled with bugs, as two other reviews have mentioned. When I read the reviews I dismissed them thinking that the authors of the reviews were likely exaggerating, but I was wrong. The home had ants, cockroaches and many other bugs, both dead and alive, in nearly every room. There were also cobwebs and spiders in every single room. We brought homemade pastries and set them on the counter in a covered container in the kitchen and came back to black ants covering the entire container and all of the pastries. It was absolutely disgusting. Upon arrival, we discovered that one of the windows was broken and there was shattered glass on the window sill and floor. We informed the owner who agreed to come the next day to fix the window only to tell us later that she could no longer come to fix it. The house looked as though an elderly couple had just recently lived there. There were personal items everywhere. What was most disturbing was the fact that they left multiple urns in the home, two of which were on the dressers in the master bedroom. The home was advertised to sleep 12, but it was way too small for 12 people to comfortably reside in. There were only 2 bathrooms and the owner even informed me 30 minutes before my arrival that the showers only worked properly if they were not run at the same time. The tub in the master bathroom filled up nearly full every time someone tried to take a shower in it. The house was extremely unpleasant to stay in, and I honestly can't believe the owners thought that it would be okay to charge someone over $450 a night to stay there. After contacting VRBO and explaining the situation, they only suggested that we contact the owners directly for a partial refund and did not offer to step in and resolve the issue on our behalf. The entire total for the two night stay with all the taxes and fees was over $1,350 for a place that was bug-invested, was not truly suitable for 12 guests and was filled with personal items including urns. I do not at all recommend this home.
Diane T.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
4/10 Poor
Sheneka S., Madison
Aug 19, 2021
Disliked: Cleanliness
Very underwhelming and a pest control problem
When I saw this property online, I absolutely fell in love with it. From the pictures, I thought it was absolutely stunning and would be perfect for my family! However, I was quite disappointed when we got there. The home was perfect for my family size and the lake was amazing… That’s the only positives we had. There were bugs and spiders everywhere inside the home, both alive and dead. There was also a terrible ant problem in the kitchen. The property owner warned me that I may see a few dead critters around because pest control had just come out to spray, but it didn’t seem that way. It actually seemed like the home had been sitting for quite sometime without anyone having cleaned or visited it. The home had an extremely stale smell to it. It was so bad that we literally had to spray Lysol and febreeze everywhere and air the home out. The linens and towels were clean, but the bathrooms had old cleaning liquid in them. There was old food in the refrigerator and freezer and the refrigerators were rusted. We were not even comfortable cooking in the kitchen or using the appliances and dishes that were there. All in all, our family trip was nice due to our time on the lake at the dock and relaxing on the porch (which we did actually love). But the pictures give off a much different feel than how dated the property actually is.
Sheneka S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
6/10 Okay
Jaye B P.
Jul 26, 2021
Team retreat
We booked the cabin for a team retreat. The team had a great time together. However, cabin needs a little decluttering of trinkets and the appliance need an upgrade. The water access was very enjoyable.