Cecil Bay Getaway : Family Summer Escape | Wilderness & Beach Fun
CECIL BAY GETAWAY
SLEEPS: 7
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 1
*Across the Street from Cecil Bay!
*5 Minute Walk to the Beach!
Step away from the world, and into the wilderness at Lake Michigan's Cecil Bay Getaway. Located just outside the Wilderness State Park, this location is just a walk away from the sandy beach of Cecil Bay. The Carp River runs just steps away from the property, and is an ideal spot for freshwater fishing. This location is ideal for families looking to getaway and enjoy the wilderness of Northern Michigan!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Air Conditioning: There is no AC at this location.
ATVs: ATVs are not permitted for use on this property
Animals: Bald Eagles, Deer, Foxes, and Porcupines are native to the area.
Bathrooms: There is one bathroom at this location.
*Main Bath - Shower and Double Vanity.
Beach/Swimming: This property is located across the street from Cecil Bay, which features a beautiful sandy beach. If you are looking to walk along the riverfront, the property is just steps away from Carp River!
Bedroom Configurations:
*Primary Bedroom - Queen Bed
*Secondary Bedroom - Queen Bed
*Third Bedroom - Three twin beds + a futon
Boats: As this property is not waterfront, there are no boats provided.
Boat Launch: Wilderness State Park is just 2 minutes away (1.4 miles) and has a boat launch! Please note, this property does not have a dock for boats to be tied off to. We are not located directly on water.
Bugs: Mosquitoes are common in the summer time.
Cable: This property does not feature traditional cable, but instead offers a Smart TV for guests to utilize during their stay.
Cell Phone Service: All major carriers work well in the area. If you are experiencing trouble, please connect to Wi-Fi calling.
Coffee Maker: A 12-Cup drip coffee maker is available to guests. Coffee & Filters are provided.
Distances: *Cecil Bay Trading Post - 2 minutes (Less than a mile) *Wilderness State Park - 2 minutes (1.4 miles) *Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 11 minutes (5.2 miles) *Mackinaw City - 15 minutes (7.3 miles) *St. Ignace - 27 minutes (15.3 miles) *Detroit - 4 hours & 13 minutes (294 miles) *Chicago - 6 hours & 18 minutes (418 miles)
Dock: There is no dock at this property.
Drinking Water: This location features drinkable well water.
Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.
Fireplace: There is a wood burning fireplace in the main living area.
Fire-pit: There is a firepit for guest use.
Fishing: Carp River and Cecil Bay are great for fishing, with salmon, trout, bass, and pike populating the water.
Golf: Mackinaw Golf Club - 13 minutes (8.8 miles)
Grill: There is a propane grill for guest use.
Grocery Store: Mackinaw Family Market - 13 minutes (7.3 miles)
Handicap Friendly: There are no additional features to make this property handicap friendly. This property does feature a zero step entry.
Heat: Propane Boiler heat is used at this location.
Hunting: Hunting is not allowed on the property. Please follow all local and state guidelines if hunting in the area.
Internet: 100MBPS Wi-Fi.
Linens: All linens are provided.
Parking: There is ample parking space for 4 cars + 2 trailers.
Pets: This location is not pet friendly.
Privacy: As this location is surrounded by county land, there are no neighborhoods nearby.
Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
Space: 1500 Sqft Single level home.
Seniors: Seniors Welcome! This location features a zero-step entry, and is a single level home.
Televisions: There is a 50” Smart TV in the living area.
Towels: Bath & Kitchen towels are provided, please bring beach towels for your stay!
Washer and Dryer: There is a Washer and Dryer for guest use.
Wood: Wood is not provided, but can be purchased at Cecil Bay Trading post!
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Carp Lake
Carp Lake is home to this holiday home. Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and The Jewel at the Grand Hotel are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Animal Tracks Adventure Golf and Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Fishing and swimming adventures can be found near the property.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 6 min drive - 8.0 km
Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal - 10 min drive - 12.0 km
Mackinaw City Dock - 10 min drive - 13.1 km
Mackinac Bridge - 14 min drive - 18.1 km
Getting around
Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 20 min drive
Restaurants
Keyhole Bar & Grill - 13 min drive
Clyde's Place - 12 min drive
Dixie Saloon - 13 min drive
Bière de Mac Brew Works - 11 min drive
Audie's Restaurant - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Cecil Bay Getaway : Family Summer Escape | Wilderness & Beach Fun pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Cecil Bay Getaway : Family Summer Escape | Wilderness & Beach Fun?
As of 15 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cecil Bay Getaway : Family Summer Escape | Wilderness & Beach Fun on 5 July 2026 start from AU$389, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Cecil Bay Getaway : Family Summer Escape | Wilderness & Beach Fun?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Cecil Bay Getaway : Family Summer Escape | Wilderness & Beach Fun?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cecil Bay Getaway : Family Summer Escape | Wilderness & Beach Fun?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Cecil Bay Getaway : Family Summer Escape | Wilderness & Beach Fun located?
Situated in Carp Lake, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Wilderness State Park and Lake Michigan. Headlands International Dark Sky Park and Mackinaw Heritage Village are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our family had a great stay at the Cecil Bay Cottage. We had family camping nearby at Wilderness State Park so the location was conveniently close to visit during the day with our little ones. The cabin was clean especially given the remote location in the woods. For a family getaway in this area we would recommend.
Had a great time and really enjoyed the rental. Clean and had everything we needed. Great location! We lucked out and got to see the Northern Lights! Beautiful!!
This house was spacious and clean with plenty of room for a big group. It is conveniently located near 2 state parks, public beaches, the Lake, and Mackinaw City. The property manager was helpful and very pleasant to work with. My sisters and I enjoyed our stay there.
The house was exactly what we expected close to everything we wanted to do. We would stay again in the future
Ross E.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Valerie P.
24 Aug 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication
We enjoyed the location as it was an easy walk to and from the Lake. The house does not have AC, and that was a surprise to us during our extra hot/humid weather. We were also shocked to receive a charge for damage that was done to two different towels. We noticed the discoloration, but are not sure whether it was due to us.
Valerie P.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2025
Valerie, I'm sorry that you were not aware that there was no Air Conditioning at Cecil Bay. It is clearly not listed as an amenity in the property listing.
Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, (rainy, 50’s) we still had a very nice time. Rain wasn’t so bad that we couldn’t spend some time birdwatching on the back deck. Saw two Bald Eagles and a bear crossing a nearby road! There was a problem with the Wi-Fi, not sure what that was all about. Over all though, a great time!
Edward B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lindsey R.
31 July 2025
Lindsey R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2025
Thanks Lindsey! We hope to see you again.
About the host
Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals
Freshwater Vacation Rentals • Established in 2005 If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We offer an unparalleled selection of properties across the state-from private islands and large family lodges to peaceful Great Lakes getaways. We specialize in finding your ideal setting, whether it's a social spot where you can enjoy evening fires with neighbors, or a remote retreat where you won't see another soul. Our philosophy: We work hard so you don't have to. As both owners and property managers for nearly two decades (since our start with Republic island and the Rapid River Lodge), we offer a unique, insider perspective. Our mission is to guarantee our guests a wonderful experience and help our owners maximize their investment. Give us a call, and we'll find the right fit for you!
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