Rocky Shores Retreat — A Classic Waterfront Door County Escape
Perched on 180 feet of private shoreline on Little Sturgeon Bay, Rocky Shores Retreat is the kind of Door County cottage guests come back to year after year. Paddle out in kayaks, gather around the bayfront fire pit, cook a full family meal in one of the best-stocked kitchens you’ll find in any rental — and do it all without leaving the property. Whether you’re here for sunny summer lake days or the spectacular colors of a Door County fall, the setting delivers. Tucked down a quiet private road yet just 15–20 minutes from Sturgeon Bay, you get true waterfront seclusion without giving up convenience.
🌊 Your Own Private Waterfront Step outside and you’re on the bay. Summer means swimming, shoreline exploring, and kayaking right from the property (4 kayaks included). Fall brings golden light over the water, migrating birds, and some of the most peaceful mornings you’ll find anywhere. Morning coffee on the waterfront deck — with sunrise over the bay — is a year-round highlight.
🚣 Kayaks, Fire Pit & Outdoor Living (Late spring–early fall) This property is built for time outside: • 4 kayaks included for paddling the bay • Bayfront fire pit with firewood provided — perfect for s’mores, stargazing, or crisp fall evenings • Large grassy yard for cornhole, frisbee, and kid-friendly games • Hammock tucked among the cedars • Plenty of seating for gathering, relaxing, and reconnecting
Wildlife sightings are common — deer, wild turkeys, eagles, and cormorants make regular appearances.
🍽 A Kitchen Guests Actually Rave About This isn’t your typical rental kitchen. Nearly every review calls it out: • High-quality cookware (guests love the pans) • Spices, condiments, and cooking essentials already stocked • Full-size appliances with plenty of prep space • Coffee station ready to go • Weber grill steps from the kitchen door
Ideal for big family dinners, grilling fresh catch, or putting together a spread with local favorites from Marchant’s Grocery or Sunflower Bakery.
🛌 Bedroom Layout + Bonus Bunk House (Sleeps up to 10)
Primary Bedroom — King Bed • Plush king bed with hotel-quality linens • Ceiling fan • Quiet location for restful sleep
Guest Bedroom — Two Queen Beds • Ideal for families or groups • Washer & dryer conveniently located in-room • Ceiling fan
Detached Bunk House (Kid’s Cottage) A huge guest favorite — especially for kids and teens: • Sleeps up to 5 • Smart TV • Mini fridge + freezer • Heating & AC • Ceiling fan • Bay views (Note: No bathroom in the bunk house)
👶 Family-Friendly Extras
Traveling with little ones? We’ve got you covered: • Crib / Pack ’n Play available • Plenty of space for kids to play indoors and out • A bunk house that kids absolutely love
✪ Comfortable, Lived-In, Thoughtfully Set Up
Classic Door County charm with the comforts that matter: • Bright living space with big bay windows • Indoor wood-burning stone fireplace (open late Oct–Apr — a fall bonus!) • Smart TV + game console for movie and game nights • Books and board games for unplugged evenings • Open layout great for meals, games, and conversation • High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for streaming or remote work • Self check-in for easy, stress-free arrivals
🚿 Bathroom & Essentials
Thoughtfully stocked with: • Shampoo, conditioner & body wash • Extra towels • Space heater near shower • Safety features including smoke alarms and first aid kit
🌳 Outdoor Spaces That Make the Stay
Waterfront Deck Overlooks the entire bay with partial cedar shade, outdoor lighting, and seating for coffee, cocktails, and sunset watching.
Fire Pit Area Adirondack chairs, firewood included — unbeatable for fall nights and summer stargazing.
Front Patio + Grill Wind-sheltered brick patio with Weber grill steps from the kitchen.
✪ 2026 Water Levels Water levels in Little Sturgeon Bay are lower than in recent years. Kayaks are still usable, though guests may need to walk a bit farther across shoreline rocks to reach adequate depth.
📍 Peaceful Yet Easy to Get To • ~15–20 minutes to downtown Sturgeon Bay • Easy access to beaches, wineries, parks, and golf • Quiet private road with minimal traffic • Fall bonus: close to orchard tours, harvest festivals, and fall color drives
🌟 What Guests Say • “They thought of everything” • Stunning waterfront views and sunsets • Spotless, extremely clean home • One of the best-stocked kitchens they’ve used in a rental • Comfortable beds, quality linens • Kids LOVE the bunk house • Peaceful and private, but easy to reach everything
🌊🍂 Book Your Door County Getaway Summer here means lake days, kayaking, and sunset campfires. Fall means fireplace evenings, golden light on the bay, and Door County at its most beautiful. Either way, Rocky Shores Retreat is the kind of place guests don’t want to leave — and keep coming back to.
Dates book quickly. Reserve your stay today.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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Frequently asked questions
Is Bayfront cottage with kayaks, fire pit, sunsets pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Bayfront cottage with kayaks, fire pit, sunsets?
As of 27 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bayfront cottage with kayaks, fire pit, sunsets on 4 May 2026 start from AU$533, 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 Bayfront cottage with kayaks, fire pit, sunsets?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bayfront cottage with kayaks, fire pit, sunsets?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bayfront cottage with kayaks, fire pit, sunsets?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Bayfront cottage with kayaks, fire pit, sunsets located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Michigan and within 12 miles (20 km) of Potawatomi State Park and IdleWild Golf Club. Hi-Cliff Park is 12 mi (19.3 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
So many details were taken care of, like the Keurig coffee cups, kitchen supplies, and paper towels. Very clean home with an extremely attentive host who was easy to reach both before and during our stay. Our family would highly recommend this spectacular property, situated right on the water. The ultimate in serenity!
Julie P.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Dec 2025
Thanks so much, Julia! I’m glad you enjoyed the serene waterfront setting and all the little details. You’re welcome back anytime!
The property was amazing, clean, and functional during our stay! The host was very responsive to any issues we experienced while staying and provided all the promised amenities!
Luke S.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2025
Thank you, Luke! I’m so glad you enjoyed the property and found everything clean and functional for your stay. I appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back again anytime!
Warmly,
Dana
A great place to stay! A very pretty property, was very clean and had every thing we needed.
Adam B.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2025
Hi Jake,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad to hear you found everything clean and well-stocked, and that the property met your needs. We'd love to welcome you back anytime for another relaxing stay!
Warmly,
Dana
Thank you, Mark! I’m so glad you enjoyed the beautiful views and found the home to be so clean and welcoming. It means a lot to hear that, and I’d love to host you again anytime you’re back in Door County!
Dana
Kitchen and house extremely well organized. They have just about everything you need. Easy to find but in a very nice, quiet location right on the bay.
Thomas S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2025
Thanks, Thomas! So glad you enjoyed the peaceful bayfront spot and had everything you needed in the house. Hope to host you again!
Dana
We really enjoyed our stay here. The kitchen was well stocked, it was clean, easy to check in and out, and the location was nice. Thanks for the awesome place!
Andrew P.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Mar 2025
Hi Andrew,
Thank you so much for your kind review! I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay and found the kitchen well-stocked, the space clean, and the check-in process easy. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I’d love to welcome you back anytime for another great getaway!
Best regards,
Dana
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Margarita M.
16 May 2025
A great stay for a memorable family reunion
Excellent property, relaxing and secluded with fitted with everything you could possibly need. Wish it had an extra bathroom and extra tea spoons. Excellent host and amazig property
The cabin was very clean, well-maintained, and full of almost any supply (from spare towels to coffee creamer) that one could wish for! Dana (host) was very helpful and prompt in responding to any query, and was even able to support early entry on this occasion. The location was peaceful and right on the lake/bay shore, with great equipment options (kayaks etc.) as well as some nice visits by cormorants and deer. We were privileged to see a beautiful sunset. All in all, a terrific stay.
Kenneth S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Nov 2025
Thanks, Kenneth! I’m so glad you enjoyed the peaceful lakeshore setting, the wildlife, and the well-stocked cabin. You’re welcome back anytime for another great stay!
Hi Tom,
Thank you for your kind review! I’m so glad you enjoyed the amazing views and had a perfect weekend getaway. I’d love to host you again anytime you need another relaxing escape!
Best regards,
Dana
Beautiful, perfectly located hideaway with kayaks, fire pit, hammock and other activities for outdoors along with board games and card games and plenty to keep everyone happy inside. Highly recommend this well-kept beauty.
Elizabeth L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2025
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for the kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the mix of outdoor fun and indoor activities. It means a lot to hear you’d recommend the place — I’d love to welcome you back anytime for another bayside getaway!
Warmly,
Dana
We had an excellent time staying at this property for a long weekend. It was great access to door county delights, but a quiet, peaceful spot for relaxing. The Lakeview is incredible!
Kate V.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Mar 2025
Hi Kate,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I’m so glad you had an excellent time and enjoyed the peaceful setting and incredible lake views. It’s great to hear the location provided a perfect balance of relaxation and access to all that Door County has to offer. I’d love to host you again anytime!
Best regards,
Dana
Hi Aurimas,
Thank you for your kind review! I’m so glad you had a great time and enjoyed the place. I’d love to host you again anytime you’re looking for another relaxing getaway!
Best regards,
Dana
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Sheila W.
2 July 2025
All the comforts of home, beautiful location, and attention to detail make this a favorite vacation getaway for our family!
We made our second annual visit to Rocky Shores Resort, which is a favorite of ours! The home and location are beautiful and Dana’s attention to detail makes it feel like our second home, but pampered a little! We love the kayaks and being able to have our morning coffee while watching the waves and boaters! So peaceful! We will return!!
We truly enjoyed our stay at Dana’s Rocky Shores Cottage! The cabin offers amazing views of the lake, ample room for our family, great amenities, and was within a short drive to town! We would definitely stay again!!
Sheila W.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Mar 2025
Hi Sheila,
Thank you for your lovely review! I’m so happy to hear that you and your family had such a great time at Rocky Shores Retreat. It sounds like the perfect combination of peaceful lake views and convenient access to town made for a wonderful stay. I’d be thrilled to host you again anytime!
Warm regards,
Dana
Great cabin right on the water and very comfortable. Surprisingly quiet. What a great place to unwind
Keith R.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2025
Hi Keith,
Thank you for the kind words! I’m so glad you found the cabin comfortable and peaceful—it really is a perfect spot to unwind. I’d love to welcome you back anytime you need a quiet escape by the water!
Warmly,
Dana
Gorgeous property, beautiful views, lovely home! The kayaking was awesome
Jennifer W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2024
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for your wonderful review! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the cottage and the views. It's great to know that you had an awesome time kayaking. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I hope to welcome you back for another great stay!
Best regards,
Dana
This property is laid out well and has a beautiful setting. My family enjoyed the view. I highly recommend staying here.
Sandy L.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2024
Hi Sandy,
Thank you for your kind review! I'm so pleased to hear that you and your family enjoyed the beautiful setting and the layout of the property. Your recommendation means a lot to me. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Best regards,
Dana
Beautiful home off the beaten path in Little Sturgeon Bay. Super organized spot with all the basics provided. Owners were readily available with any questions we had. Ate at Waterfront Mary's twice. Get the chowder!
Julie S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2025
Hi Julie,
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the home and found everything you needed. Waterfront Mary’s is definitely a local gem—great choice! 😊 We'd love to have you back anytime you're visiting Door County again.
Warmly,
Dana
Lovely location on Lake Michigan in Door County, Wisconsin. Cabin and bunkhouse are well furnished and well organized.
Dianne B.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug 2024
Hi Diane,
Thank you for your kind review! I'm so glad you enjoyed the lovely location on Lake Michigan and found the cabin and bunkhouse well-furnished and organized. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I hope to welcome you back for another stay in beautiful Door County!
Best regards,
Dana
Wife and I took a few days away. Very quiet, relaxing, very impressed by the little things that were provided (kitchen, bathroom, chargers, etc). Would definitely go back if we get the chance!
The home is beautiful and the location is stunning. Everything in the house was so organized it and it was decorated so nice! The hosts were very helpful. Great stay and highly recommend.
Carolynn D.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Mar 2025
Hi Carolynn,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the beauty of the home and the stunning location. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I’m so glad everything met your expectations. Your recommendation means the world to me, and I hope we can welcome you back soon!
Best regards,
Dana
About the host
Hosted by Dana Vanden Heuvel
We are Dana & Timothea and we live and work in Green Bay, but have been coming to Door County for our whole lives. We wanted to share our love for the area with our guests by opening Rocky Shores Retreat!
Why they chose this property
We purchased the cottage as both a family getaway and as a vacation rental so that we could share our love of Door County and the Southern Door area with our family and also with our guests.
What makes this property unique
The Door County stone fireplace is available from Fall-Spring. We have four kayaks available for use from Spring-Fall.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests