The idea of a Floating Cabin was dreamt up by Tyler Jones, owner of JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond long before we actually purchased the property. Since the summer of 2020, when we purchased the Baysdens Pond he had been looking forward to designing and building and in the Fall of 2023 it was finally put into motion. The project initially was going to be a six week build and a much smaller cabin. We faced many challenges and it ended up taking us almost 6 months to build.
Much like our Glamping A-frame Cabin. The Float Cabin was designed and built by Tyler. He used downed trees, a combinationof sweet gum, poplar, and rough sawn pine, from our Sawmill for the Cabin planks and siding. The cabin started by gathering floats off some old docks down at our favorite restaurant in Jacksonville, The Marina Cafe. They were having to replace the docks and the floats were in perfect condition. Our good friend David Fountain, of Just Got Reel fishing charters got us with about the docks and helped us cut and load them up! The floats are made from compressed Styrofoam and then protected by a fiberglass outer layering. The cabins orginal plans were much smaller than what it turned into. The Cabin is a 12x16 floor space with 3x8 attached bathroom and 12x covered front porch.
The frame was built on a trailer on land. Floats were attached next then it was lowered into our lake to start the flooring and walls. Trying to figure out the weight distribution was the hardest part. We were originally going to go with aged hardwood flooring but we thought that might be too much weight to early in the build. So we ended up with advantec and vinyl flooring. The ceiling is insulated with 2 inch foam to keep it light. Windows and doors were repurposed for that rustic cottage feel. Tyler was able to design the kitchen counter top and cabinets with a hollow poplar that was headed to a burn pile. He rescued and used that hollow and beautifulpatterns for the countertop, window framing and more giving it a burnt wood appearance.
There were several challenges and hurdles. 2023/2024 winter had several flash flooding storms which included retrieving some of the docks that had flooded over the dam or got stuck on the dam before we got started on the build. Then several storms around Christmas that flooded the campground a bit. The cabin obviously designed to float also has walkboard that are on a pulley system so that they can be pulled and tied up without any damage from winds and flood waters. Before we had it anchored and moored into place it was tied off at the dock by the office while Tyler was building. Strong winds broke the rope and the tiny Float Cabin went sailing away to the other side. For any worried guests at that time it did only have one rope. Not all the anchors and cross ties it has now. If we were to have a bad storm it can rock and sway but know it's totally safe! The gas logs were almost fish structure, the hot water heater busted in 13 degree weather, and several power tools had to be retrieved from the lake.
The Float Cabin is currently moored near the entrance of the campground within a little Cove. Parking is right at the site. Use the walk boards to get inside and unwind for the weekend. Inside you will find a Queen Bed, futon couch, TV and wifi, AC/Heat, board games and cards. Small kitchenette includes mini fridge, microwave, coffee pot, and electric range. Bathroom has an on demand hot water heater for shower, a tiny bathroom sink, and a RV style Toliet. The toliet drains into a RV holding tank that we can pump out after guests checkout or as needed on longer stays. We have a mobile pump out trailer that we use for our RV septic as well.
The main attraction for the Float Cabin is the covered front porch. A beautiful fringe hammock, tiki lights, chairs, and a canoe tied to the front for our guests to use. We have a firepit and charcoal grill as you pull up to the cabin but many times guests never use it because they don't want to leave the front porch and it's views. Enjoy the breathtaking sunrises and watch the waterfowl fly in. Fish right off the front porch or take the canoe out. Bass, Catfish, and many panfish caught by previous guests. The frogs will sing at night.
The Float Cabin can accommodate couples or small families. Children advisory because of the water. If you are booking with children we ask that you contact us personally to help you with the reservation as it is "limited" online so that guests fully know what they are reserving. Pet friendly with prior approval and pet cleaning fee. We have many exclusive extras that can be added on to the reservation same as with our A-frame. Extras can include firewood bundles, fishing worms, chocolate covered strawberries, charcuterie boxes, roses, wine and more. We collaborate with a lot of local businesses and have even paired up with a private chef. Specializing in outdoor cooking, a massage therapist, and photographers. We have hosted guests for birthdays, Anniversaries, engagements, honeymoons, and staycations.
Reservations can be made through our website, hipcamp, and airbnb. We are rated Finalist for Best NC Hipcamp in 2023 and 2024. Stay tuned for our next tiny house build and unique themed cabins at JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond in Chinquapin, NC.
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