GoHotelly
Lodge

Cedar Hollow Resort

Experience 5-star comfort at Cedar Hollow Resort in Galena, MO. LGBTQ+ friendly with top attractions nearby like Silver Dollar City and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

2998 Buttermilk Spring Rd, Galena, MO 65656, United States View on map
10/10
Exceptional Based on 84 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Air-conditioned Pet-friendly Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Cedar Hollow Resort: Warm Hospitality and Peaceful Lakeside Retreat

Guests highlight the attentive and friendly hosts, clean and well-maintained cabins, and the calm, nature-filled setting. Ideal for visitors seeking tranquility and outdoor activities, though the location involves a scenic, winding drive.

Guests often praise

  • Outstanding hospitality from hosts Lisa and James, noted for their friendliness and helpfulness.
  • Well-maintained, clean cabins equipped with kitchen essentials and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
  • Peaceful, quiet atmosphere with beautiful natural surroundings and lake access.
  • Availability of on-site amenities like a fire pit, outside games, and a small shop offering snacks and drinks.
  • The resort’s family-friendly environment, including activities for children and opportunities to socialize with other guests.

Worth knowing

  • The resort is older but has been thoughtfully renovated and maintained to preserve charm and comfort.
  • Access involves a drive on curvy roads, typical for lake area locations, which may require careful navigation.
  • Boat slips are included when available; otherwise, this may be an additional cost at other resorts.
  • Early morning light can enter some rooms, which may affect light-sensitive guests.
  • Reservations are flexible and do not require a full week booking, accommodating shorter stays.

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a tranquil lakeside stay surrounded by nature and outdoor activities.
  • Families looking for a welcoming, safe environment with plenty of space and kid-friendly amenities.
  • Guests interested in fishing, boating, and exploring nearby attractions like Silver Dollar City and Talking Rocks Cavern.
  • LGBTQ+ travelers, as the resort is LGBTQ+ friendly.
  • Those who appreciate personalized and attentive service from local hosts.
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Cedar Hollow Resort

Cedar Hollow Resort is a five-star resort hotel located in Galena, Missouri, offering a peaceful lakeside retreat. The property is well-regarded for its clean and comfortable cabins that provide all essential amenities such as a fridge, microwave, stove with oven, and cookware, making it suitable for both relaxation and extended stays. Hosts Lisa and James have been consistently praised for their welcoming and attentive approach, which contributes to a calm and friendly atmosphere.

Situated along Buttermilk Spring Road, the resort provides easy access to the lake, including boat slips that are conveniently included when available. Visitors frequently mention the opportunity to enjoy water activities and outdoor recreation, with a notably mosquito-free environment enhancing comfort. The small shop on site offers ice, drinks, and occasional community events, adding to the local charm without straying into loud or overly commercialized territory.

The surrounding area offers a range of attractions, including Silver Dollar City, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, and Talking Rocks Cavern, all within reasonable driving distance. These destinations provide options for sightseeing, hiking, and family-oriented activities, appealing to guests who appreciate a mix of nature and local culture. The closest airports are up to about two hours away by car, which should be taken into consideration when planning travel.

This resort is especially suited for visitors seeking tranquility and outdoor enjoyment in a welcoming, LGBTQ+ friendly environment. The property's vintage feel has been thoughtfully maintained and updated, with repeat guests noting nostalgia alongside improvements. While the setting is somewhat remote and involves traveling on curvy roads, the overall experience is considered rewarding for those prioritizing nature, peace, and a sense of community.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Kitchen in all rooms
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Accessible
Pool
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JF
John Failor Apr 14, 2026
10

This place is GREAT!! Just spent 11 days here and had the most wonderful time. James & Lisa are super friendly and making this place their own. Prices are inexpensive and they go out of the way to make sure you have everything you need. Price includes a boat slip if available. We’ve paid upwards to $12 a day for slips in other resorts and understand if they start charging. While we were there their granddaughter was there and she is very outgoing and doesn’t know a stranger. She was a joy to get to know. Thanks James & Lisa for a great time. We will be back!!

WS(
Wendie Soucier (Wendiewonderful) Apr 10, 2026
10

Lisa and James are amazing hosts with an amazing property. The nature is beautiful and lots of water activities. You can have fun and relax! Such a special place! Thanks again!

SWB
Stained Water Bowfishing and gigging Mar 31, 2026
10

Have stayed and also recommended to my fishing clients. James and his wife are always so pleasant to be around. They always keep the place clean and well maintained

MB
Maggie Black Mar 20, 2026
10

Cedar Hollow Resort is a great place to stay. The owners Lisa and James couldn’t be any nicer. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone who enjoys peace and tranquillity. Cabins are very clean and have everything you need. We had a great time.

GE
George Engel Mar 14, 2026
10

Best resort on the lake!!!! Lisa and James have done a terrific job of restoring Cedar Hollow Resort to its former glory!!! We have been coming to the resort since 1972! … like it used to be but even better!

AF
Andrew Farmer Mar 11, 2026
10

I can't say enough nice things about James and amy. James help me launch my boat at hideaway, he even used his own truck. The room was perfect, lots of room for activities, the kids stayed in the bunk beds and it was perfect. There was a little bit of light that came in early in the morning, but you're on the lake so we got up early got out and enjoyed the nature and the calmness of the cove. The fire pit was the best, there was a lot of nice people visiting and enjoying the evening, we even saw some shooting stars. It is quite a drive down with a bunch of curvy roads but what you expect when you're going all the way down to the lake?! They had ice and drinks and ice cream in a little shop, and we were there on Labor Day so they even had a pulled pork dinner with a fire truck at the community center within walking distance. It's a very lovely place and a very calm atmosphere. No mosquitoes either! We will definitely come back thanks for the wonderful memories.

PD
pete decker Feb 02, 2026
10

I grew up every summer in Buttermilk Springs and to be able to come back after growing up and having the same experiences I did as a child. It is beyond anything I could have asked for. The resort is so quaint and the owners are extremely friendly. Access to the lake is wonderful and the fishing is great as always. Will be going back and look forward to making new memories.

LB
Lynn Bogue Jan 07, 2026
10

If you are looking for a place that will take reservations for less than a Saturday to Saturday commitment this is an excellent choice. We have stayed there twice once for 2 days and recently (July 2025) for 4 days. Both times we were very happy with the experience. The resort is older, but Lisa and James have done an excellent job of renovating to make it what it is now. Rooms are well equipped, fridge, microwave, stove with an oven plus dishes, pots and pans etc. Plenty of outside games are available to spend time with family and friends. Lisa and James are great hosts! We will return for a visit when we can!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Cedar Hollow Resort

Galena, Missouri, USA

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Northwest Arkansas National Airport 2 hr 7 Car
  • Springfield-Branson National Airport 1 hr 18 Car
  • Boone County Regional Airport 1 hr 13 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Missouri. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Silver Dollar City 38,403 reviews

Silver Dollar City

399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616, United States

4.6 · Amusement Park
Talking Rocks Cavern 2,416 reviews

Talking Rocks Cavern

423 Fairy Cave Ln, Branson West, MO 65737, United States

4.7 · Tourist Attraction
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park 5,286 reviews

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, United States

4.7 · Park
People also viewed

Similar Resort Hotels in Missouri

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

1331 Ocean Shores Blvd SW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569, United States

WorldMark Mariner Village

Enjoy warm suites, seasonal outdoor pools, hot tub, and beach access at WorldMark Mariner Village. Rated 4.6 with 430 reviews in O...

4.6 (430) View
4714 Main St, Onekama, MI 49675, United States

Portage Lake Motel

Barebones waterfront motel on Portage Lake with WiFi, A/C, and private beach. Kidfriendly, close to Lake Michigan and Arcadia Bl...

4.7 (157) View
9280 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA 93452, United States

Comfort inn Hearst Castle/Cambria

Stay at Comfort inn Hearst Castle/Cambria featuring free WiFi, breakfast, and parking. Close to Hearst Castle and San Simeon attr...

3.7 (146) View
400 Bellwood Dr, Rochester, NY 14606, United States

Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Greece

Relax at Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Greece with free breakfast, indoor pool, and kitchen in all rooms. Near Frederick Dougla...

4.1 (250) View
2120 Burnham Rd, Fort Smith, AR 72903, United States

Quality Inn Fort Smith I-540

Stay at Quality Inn Fort Smith I540, offering free breakfast, indoor pool, and WiFi. Located minutes from Fort Smith Regional Ai...

3.7 (647) View
31851 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK 99664, United States

Spruce Lodge

Spruce Lodge offers free WiFi, breakfast, and parking in Seward, AK. Close to Alaska SeaLife Center, Exit Glacier, and Waterfront...

4.2 (143) View
115 Isaac Shelby Dr, Shelbyville, KY 40065, United States

Best Western Shelbyville Lodge

3.9rated hotel offering free WiFi, breakfast, parking, outdoor pool & gym near Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass in Shelbyville, K...

3.9 (915) View
311 Lawrence Dr, West Townshend, VT 05359, United States

Windham Hill Inn

Rusticchic inn in a historic farmhouse with free WiFi, outdoor pool, and farmtotable dining. Near Stratton Mountain Resort and...

4.3 (49) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Cedar Hollow Resort? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.