Fontana Lake

As of May 2026, Bryson City, Cherokee, Fontana Dam have 2,880 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 4% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Fontana Lake generates $34K per year. High-performing properties earn $66K/year, while low-performing properties earn $16K/year. This wide disparity suggests that revenue outcomes are heavily bifurcated, reflecting significant variance in how individual listings capture the limited 32% occupancy available in the market.

Average home prices in Fontana Lake vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $198K, 2-bedroom homes average $266K, 3-bedroom properties are around $338K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $417K. These prices reflect median home values across the Bryson City, Cherokee, Fontana Dam area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Fontana Lake, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 21%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The gap between average and top yields highlights that profitability relies on capturing a disproportionate share of total market demand.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Fontana Lake is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $239, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $67 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Fontana Lake, with an average gross yield of 12% and annual revenue of $24K. These properties balance purchase price ($198K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Fontana Lake market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Fontana Lake area. Bryson City: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Zoning compliance expected but minimal enforcement. Cherokee: Lenient. Tribal land with minimal STR restrictions. Business license may be required. Light oversight, primarily self-regulated. Fontana Dam: Lenient. Unincorporated area with no specific STR rules. County zoning applies but enforcement is minimal. Most operate freely. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Fontana Lake Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 13%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. Despite the contraction in supply, the double-digit drop in RevPAR suggests that demand is softening at a faster rate than inventory is exiting the market.

Launch around July, 2-3 months before peak fall season (October peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -44% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Fontana Lake listings include: Air Conditioning (97%), Kitchen (92%), Washing Machine (80%), Tv (75%), Heating (58%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Air Conditioning, Washing Machine, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 34% more ($48K/year vs $36K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Fontana Lake over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $3K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Fontana Lake is $239, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $161/night, 2-bedroom properties average $201/night, 3-bedroom properties average $263/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $464/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Fontana Lake book an average of 36 days in advance, down 23% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 31 days, 2-bedroom: 34 days, 3-bedroom: 38 days, 4+ bedroom: 45 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Fontana Lake Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 4%, revenue per listing decreased 13%, occupancy fell 12%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 23%. These trends reveal a market attempting to offset lower booking volume through aggressive rate hikes despite shrinking guest lead times.

In Fontana Lake, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 70% higher occupancy than weekdays.