Docked Houseboat · Rooftop Bar · Walk to UT and Downtown | Boat Rental in Knoxville
3 Bedroom Boat Rental in Downtown Knoxville, Knoxville
Step off the dock and onto your own private houseboat, where the Tennessee River rocks you gently to sleep and the Gay Street Bridge lights up right outside your window. Sip coffee on the bow as ducks paddle by, then climb to the rooftop deck for sunset over downtown Knoxville — UT campus and Neyland Stadium just a stroll away. This is Rocky Top Retreat: three bedrooms, three decks, and a floating home base for the memories your group came here for.
Walk to UT or Downtown!
ABOUT THIS SPACE
Rocky Top Retreat is a renovated 76' x 16' widebody houseboat with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, permanently moored in a private marina slip on the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville. Sleeping 6, it's built for friends, families, and Vol fans who want game-day energy and waterfront calm in the same trip.
Step aboard onto the forward deck, where a dining table and cozy seating invite you to linger over coffee with the water at your feet. Inside, the salon is the heart of the boat: plush seating, big windows that flood the room with light, and a 58" Samsung Smart TV ready for your streaming logins. It flows into the galley, a fully equipped kitchen with full-size appliances and a quartz countertop chosen because it moves like flowing water.
The dining area seats the group for board games or a long dinner, and just behind it sits a fully stocked coffee bar — Keurig pods, sweeteners, creamer, tea, and a cabinet of mugs. A full-size stacked washer and dryer in the hallway means multi-day trips pack light.
Three sleeping areas give everyone their own corner: a primary stateroom with a king bed and a river view to the Gay Street Bridge, plus two queen berths on split levels — one up two steps, one down three — each with its own smart TV. The primary connects directly to the aft head; a Jack-and-Jill layout puts two full heads on either side of a central stand-up shower that closes off completely. Towels, soap, shampoo, and hairdryers are stocked.
Outdoor living is where this houseboat sets itself apart. The forward deck is shaded for morning coffee; the aft deck's Adirondack chairs are the spot for evening drinks. Above it all, the rooftop deck is a full outdoor living room: a sectional sofa, lounge chairs, two bar areas, an electric grill, and a 51" LG Smart TV with soundbar for game days and movie nights.
LOCATION & WHAT'S NEARBY
You're not just close to downtown Knoxville — you're floating in it. Neyland Stadium and UT campus are an easy walk from the marina. Here's what's around you:
• Neyland Stadium & UT campus — walkable, no shuttle on gameday
• Gay Street & the Tennessee Theatre — about a 5-minute drive
• Market Square — restaurant and live-music hub, roughly 8 minutes
• World's Fair Park & the Sunsphere — about a 7-minute drive
• Volunteer Landing riverwalk — minutes from the marina
• Kerns Food Hall — a favorite with past guests, a few minutes away
• Covenant Health Park (Smokies baseball) — about a 10-minute drive
• The Old City's bars and live music — roughly 8 minutes away
• Suttree Landing Park, South Knoxville waterfront — about 10 minutes
• Knoxville Museum of Art — approximately 8 minutes
• Ijams Nature Center — roughly 15 minutes for trails and a swim hole
• Zoo Knoxville — about a 15-minute drive, easy half-day with kids
Whether it's a Saturday in Neyland or a weeknight on Gay Street, the boat keeps you close to it all.
WHO THIS HOME IS BEST FOR
• UT football fans and tailgate crews — dock the cooler, walk to Neyland, watch the post-game sunset from the rooftop bar.
• Multigenerational families — three sleeping areas mean grandparents, parents, and kids each get their own space.
• Groups of friends and reunions — game nights at the dining table and a rooftop deck built for the whole crew.
• Couples craving something different — a floating retreat where the Gay Street Bridge lights up outside your window.
• Remote workers and slow-travel guests — fast Wi-Fi and gentle river movement make this an easy place to work mornings, explore afternoons.
If you're chasing a novelty stay you'll still be talking about after checkout, this is it.
GUEST ACCESS
You'll have full, exclusive access to the entire boat and every onboard amenity for your stay — the salon, galley, all sleeping areas, both heads, and all three decks are yours alone. Check-in is self check-in via lockbox, no need to coordinate arrival times. Each vessel in the marina is privately owned; please enjoy access to Rocky Top Retreat only, unless another owner personally invites you aboard their boat.
PARKING
Free parking is provided on-site at the marina and is located under the bridge at the upper end of the parking lot. The marina allows 1 parking pass per boat. Your parking pass can be found in the kitchen of the boat. Please hang this from your mirror. From parking it's a short, 5-7 minute walk to the dock. Walk from the parking area and turn down the sidewalk beside Ruth's Chris (they have an awesome happy hour Monday-Friday 4-6 in the bar area. Dress is very casual in the bar. We often go in shorts and tee shirts.) After you cross the RR tracks, bear left and then cross the metal bridge on your right. After crossing the bridge, you will go to the gate on the left.
HOUSE RULES
This is a real, working marina, so a few rules keep the stay safe. The reserving guest must be 21+ and present, and only registered guests are permitted on dock and boat. No pets, no smoking, vaping, or e-cigarettes inside the boat. The boat stays in its slip — guest operation isn't permitted, and please don't adjust dock lines or shore power. Quiet hours run 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, and Tennessee law prohibits swimming within 100 yards of any dock. Expect gentle rocking and slippery decks when wet — part of the houseboat experience. Exterior cameras monitor the dock walkways.
Walking distance to all UT sports and downtown Knoxville activities!
Docked Houseboat · Rooftop Bar · Walk to UT and Downtown is located in Downtown Knoxville. Docked Houseboat · Rooftop Bar · Walk to UT and Downtown provides accommodation, featuring Child Friendly, Parking, TV, among other amenities. This Boat Rental features Air Conditioner, Parking and TV to make your stay a comfortable one.
Docked Houseboat · Rooftop Bar · Walk to UT and Downtown has 3 Bedrooms , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 6 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Boat Rental because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Boat Rental, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Boat Rental has a friendly neighborhood, and the Downtown Knoxville has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Boat Rental in Downtown Knoxville, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.
Amenities
Facility Overview
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Heating
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Air conditioning
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Towels provided
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Soap
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Shampoo
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Hair dryer
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Shower
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Toilet paper
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2 bathrooms
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Bed sheets provided
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3 bedrooms
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Dining table
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Stovetop
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Blender
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Refrigerator
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Oven
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Dishwasher
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Coffee/tea maker
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Microwave
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Lobster/crab pot
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Spices
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Laundry facilities
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Washing machine and dryer
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Onsite parking
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Service animals only (pets not allowed)
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No elevators
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Smoke-free property
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Upper floors accessible by stairs only
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If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
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Hiking/biking trails nearby
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Hiking nearby
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Cycling nearby
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Wildlife and game walks nearby
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Mountain biking nearby
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Power boating nearby
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Ecotours nearby
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Kayaking nearby
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Games
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Smart TV
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Uses some LED lighting
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English
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Near a zoo
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In the mountains
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Near a health or beauty spa
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On the river
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In the city center
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Near a hospital
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Iron/ironing board
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Free WiFi
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Patio
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Barbecue grill
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Outdoor furniture
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Fire extinguisher
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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First aid kit
Policies
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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed this property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room 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
Reviews
FAQ's
Is this property pet-friendly for guests?
No, pets are not allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.
Does the property have a swimming pool?
No, this Downtown Knoxville boat rental does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.
How much does it cost per night to stay in property?
Best-rates for the Downtown Knoxville boat rental starts from $361 per night with includes Kitchen, Laundry, Internet, Security/Safety, Sports/Activities, Bedding/Linens, Entertainment, Balcony/Terrace, Child Friendly, Parking, TV, Wellness Facilities, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Air Conditioner, Heating with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.
Is property a family-friendly place to stay?
Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this boat rental Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the boat rental has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.
Is the property wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?
Based on the information received from our partner, the Downtown Knoxville boat rental has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.
What is the minimum night stay policy for the property?
Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Downtown Knoxville boat rental indicates 1 day stay policy at this boat rental. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.
What cancellation policy is in place for property?
Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.
