Entire home

The "Bear Den" Betsie river waterfront Guest home.

Photo gallery for The "Bear Den" Betsie river waterfront Guest home.

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, a gas stove, and a sink. There is a dining area with a table and chairs, and a window providing a view of the outdoors.
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a wooden staircase.
A wooden interior with a kitchen area, a dining table, and a small white dog.
A wooden interior with a sofa, a ladder, a kitchen, and a framed picture on the wall.
A wooden cabin interior with a kitchen, a staircase, and a small dining area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • On-site fitness centre
    A rare find - enjoy convenient access to fitness facilities during your stay.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Dog-friendly
  • On-site fitness centre
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View map
Thompsonville, MI
  • Place, Iron Fish Distillery
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Crystal Mountain
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Mountain Ridge Golf Course
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Main bedroom

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

The "Bear Den" Betsie river waterfront Guest home.

Beautiful Betsie river front guest home main house also at times available as well to rent .HOLIDAYS REQUIRE 3 NIGHT MINIMUM. Great riverfrontage for canoeing and kayaking or great fishing for steelhead in spring and Salmon in fall. only 5 miles from Crystal mountain ski and golf resort, great location to tour the wineries or do a fall color tour in northern Michigan. A beautiful short drive to Lake Michigan in Frankfort or head to Traverse City, get your exercise by climbing Sleeping Bear sand dunes such a great view from the top any time of year!
4 person max $50 extra per person per night

Main house also on property see booking @ Vrbo.com/3482644

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Vrbo counts any children over as a guest
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 453 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Extra $150 cleaning fee 4 pet hair on furniture
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Throw the garbage in the dumpster by the road if you have time and turn the heat to 65 or air conditioning to 76.lights off window shut/locked. I would appreciate it and Have a safe journey home. 🙂
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
If fishing take filet and return all fish parts to river. Do not throw fish in garbage this brings bears in. Smoking cleaning fee of $350 extra clean
Holidays are minimum 3 night stay.
4 people max add up to 2 more @ $50 per night. Dogs ok must clean up inside/out after the pet. Not allowed on furniture. Garbage in outside curbcart

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2205855vb
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 and a deadlock

About the area

Thompsonville

Located in Thompsonville, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Crystal Mountain and Iron Fish Distillery 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 Misty Acres Preserve.
View more Holiday homes in ThompsonvilleOpens in a new window
Map
Thompsonville, MI

What's nearby

  • Iron Fish Distillery - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 7 min drive - 7.9 km
  • Mountain Ridge Golf Course - 9 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Michigan Legacy Art Park - 10 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Misty Acres Preserve - 12 min drive - 8.7 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rosie's Country Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Yurt - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Thistle Pub & Grill @ Crystal Mountain - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Laughing Horse Saloon - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Waffle Cabin - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The "Bear Den" Betsie river waterfront Guest home. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 453 kg per pet.

How much is parking at The "Bear Den" Betsie river waterfront Guest home. ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The "Bear Den" Betsie river waterfront Guest home. ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The "Bear Den" Betsie river waterfront Guest home. ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The "Bear Den" Betsie river waterfront Guest home. located?

Located in the heart of Thompsonville, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Crystal Mountain, Iron Fish Distillery and Michigan Legacy Art Park. Misty Acres Preserve and Glovers Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice and clean property. Conveniently located to many area highlights.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a must stay. I would book it again
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice accommodations. Rustic, but very well maintained. We completely enjoyed our visit. Would not hesitate to recommend this place to friends/family, and we will likely look to return. Thank you!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2026
Thank you Michael for the great and honest review I do hope to have you back to the Bear den properties.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was great to find a pet-friendly place at a reasonable price. Cabin was as promised.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2026
Thank you for the great review Trina other than the four stars I'm not sure why everything said receive five star since you didn't inform me of any issues but let me know if there were any issues that you didn't mention and I can look into that and hopefully you can come back and stay again and give me that five star that we work hard for thanks Chris
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The cabin was very cute and clean The owner was amazing would definitely go there again
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Setting

We really liked our stay here.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful little gem

Very cute cottage. Family of four really enjoyed our stay. Would be happy to rent it again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The Bear Den was incredibly cozy. Perfect size for the three of us. Felt newer, was very clean and you can’t beat the peace and quiet. Check In/Out was super easy.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Cabin on the Betsie

We had a great time fishing and sightseeing the area. Close drive to Lake Michigan
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Get Away

Nice cabin in one of our favorite areas.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 June 2025
Great to have you guys at the bear den thanks for taking care of the place but you had a good time and hope you come back soon
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute cabin

We picked this cabin because it was pet friendly, close to the places we wanted to visit and also had good reviews regarding cleanliness. We had a good time and would recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very very nice updated cabin.Comes with everything you need.Great fishing too
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always wonderful!!

We are becoming regulars here at the Bear Den!! Love the location and quaint atmosphere. Well appointed and so very relaxing. Ski weekends are made so much better staying here when we come up.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderfull Weekend

Had the opportunity to get away for a few days with close family. Cabin and location were perfect. Had everything we needed to enjoy exactly what we were doing. This will likely be a yearly get away as everyond had a great time!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2023
Pat and the group where great to have! I am glad your Grandfather had such a good time fishing too!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely!

We had a wonderful time staying at the Bear Den! Cabin was very clean, super cozy and had everything we needed. Loved going down to the river to watch the salmon. Hope to be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome!

Super cute cabin, very clean, and nice amenities. Close to the Crystal- would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3rd stay!!

We LOVE this property. We stayed 3 times this winter and loved each visit. So close to Crystal Mountain. The perfect cozy getaway for our family. We will be back again and regular guests next ski season.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Labor Day Getaway

Booked this for a fishing weekend with our 8yo son. It was perfect for the three of us. A 1 minute walk to the River, clean, large parking area for truck and boat super easy check in/check out. Would love to book again with extended family on the main house!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice stay

Very nice cabin, just the right location for what we wanted to do in nw northern Michigan. Host was very communicative and even offered to purchase age appropriate board games for our younger children. Everything in the cabin functioned well and was nicely updated. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
incredibly Clean, adorable, and surrounded by nature. close to alot of great towns and Crystal Mountain. The host was kind and responsive. Check-in was seamless. will definitely be back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another GREAT visit!

We have stayed at the Bear Den multiple times for our ski weekends at Crystal Mountain and absolutely love this tiny home. Perfectly wonderful every time! Going again in 2 weeks. Can’t wait!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

This sweet little cabin was perfect for our family of four. Cozy, clean, secluded and within a reasonable driving distance from everything we wanted to explore while in Michigan. Chris was great and gave us a ton of suggestions on places to go and things to try. Thank you for the memories!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fishing and Skiing

Very clean and comfortable. 7 minutes from Crystal Mountain. Beautiful stretch of the Betsie River. Beautiful renovated cottage.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean, new, perfect!

The cabin was really clean and everything in it is new or newer. Only 200 feet from the Betsie River with a well maintained path, we had fun fishing and wading. Pets are allowed and that made this an outstanding stay. Lots of things to do nearby. The owner Chris is a delight to talk to and is a great communicator when we were booking it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 June 2024
Oh thank you you guys are the reason it's it is enjoyable to rent out the bear den house and it was great talking you. Hope to see you guys again
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2nd visit - wonderful stay (again)

This is our second time to this little cabin in the woods. It is the perfect size for the 4 of us and so close to Crystal Mountain! Had a great time skiing and spent our evenings warm and toasty playing games and watching movies in the cabin. We are heading up again to stay in 3 weeks. Can’t wait!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

About the host

Hosted by Chris

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Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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