Place, Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce
54 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 9)
Bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
Common area 1
1 Double Futon
Common area 1
2 Double Beds and 1 Single Bunk Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
About this property
Red Star Cottage on Mawby Lake: Sandy Beach- Kayaks/Paddle Boat/Row Boat
Your family vacation awaits. The Red Star cottage offers swimmable lakefrontage on Mawby Lake. Everything you would want from a Northern Michigan vacation is right here! Mawby Lake is spring-fed w/a sandy clean beachfront. The updated cottage offers 2 bedrooms & 2 full baths. Rich w/amenities & centrally located to Michigan's favorite tourist towns. The Bitely area is the gateway to all Northern Michigan has to offer. Metal row boat, kayaks, & paddleboat. Dog fee $50.
The Space:
The Red Star Cabin on Mowby Lake is the perfect space for you & your loved one(s) to enjoy a weekend away in Northern Michigan or for families to enjoy all the property has to offer.
Outdoors you will find a dock perfect for fishing, a paddle boat, a metal row boat, 3 kayaks, a sandy clean swimmable beachfront, a swimming platform in the middle of the lake w/slide, a deck w/a gas grill & eating area, a fire pit overlooking the lake, & horseshoe pit. A wooded lot is located to the right of the property, & neighbors to your left. Several walking & ORV trails are nearby in Manistee National Forest & state lands (maps at the property). See below for attractions and things to do.
Please take a minute to read the policies and rules to ensure this is the right place for you and your group. I want to ensure your stay is a carefree one!
The property offers everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Kitchen: Fully stocked with everything you would need to cook a meal: pots/pans, cookware, spices, basic condiments, & water cooler. Coffee & supplies included.
Living space: The property offers internet, a TV in the living room, & both bedrooms w/Roku's, as well as AC window units. The cell phone service is very good at the property.
Bedrooms: The cottage can sleep 8-9 people comfortably: 3 double beds, a twin bunk bed, & a couch that folds into a double bed (Good for kids). Fresh sheets and pillows provided.
Bathrooms: 2 full bathrooms. Towels, body wash, shampoo, and hand soap are provided. 1 bath has a stand-up shower. The larger bath offers a full bathtub/shower. The washer/dryer is in the larger bathroom. Laundry soap & bleach provided.
Things To Do:
Swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, off-roading, water parks, skiing, shooting, hunting, sledding, snowmobiling & more.
Hiking:
Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary (17 min) 76th St Trailhead (23 min) Pere Marquette State Trail (25 min) Marshall Memorial Park-good for winter (32 min) Hardy Dam Rustic Nature Trail (43 min) Silver Creek Pathway (50min) North Country National Scenic Trail (1hr) Big M Cross Country Ski & Mountain bike trail-good for winter (1hr) Big Mud Lake Trails (1hr 16min) Grand Traverse Regional Land conservancy-good for winter (1hr 30min)
Off-Roading Trails:
Little O ORV Trailhead-41 mile trail (20 min) M-20 Motorsports Trailhead (33 min) Tin cup springs (39 min) Silver Lake State Park (50 min) Twisted Trails ( 1 hr 12min) Rocks and valleys (1hr 24min)
Beach:
Woodland Park Beach (5 mins) Ludington State Beach ( 1hr) Canadian lakes beach (1hr) Pere Marquette beach (1hr 14 min) Fifth Avenue Beach (1hr 17min)
Fishing:
Mowby Lake (On property) Bitely Lake (9min) Nichols Lake (9min) Pere Marquette River Lodge (21min)
Summertime/kid-friendly attractions nearby:
Baldwin Canoe - Down the Pur Marquette (20 mins) Henry’s Landing- Canoe and Kayaking (47min) Silver Lake sand dunes (51min) Amber Elk Ranch (55mins) Michigan Adventures- amusement and water park (1hr drive) Adventures Island- amusement park w/ go-karts, bumper boats, waterslides, and more (1hr drive) Crystal Mountain water playground (1-hour drive) Caberfae Peaks- Golfing and more (1-hour drive) Craig’s Cruisers-bumper boats, mini-golf, and more. (1hr 11 min)
Wintertime/kid-friendly attractions near:
Newaygo County Sports Park- sledding (27mins) Crystal Mountain-ski lift and hiking (1-hour drive) Muskegon Winter Sports Complex (1 hr 11 min) Missaukee Ski Mountain (1hr 13min) Caberfae Peaks (1hr 15min) Guest access Guests will have full private access to the whole property.
Other Things To Note:
We are looking forward to having you! To ensure your stay is carefree & the integrity of the lake community is upheld please read below before booking!
Pets are an additional one-time fee of $30/each
Exterior cameras are present on the property.
VRBO has a no-parties policy, No parties, please. My neighbors sometimes make me aware of these things as they are occurring. If it occurs you will be asked to leave.
No event-type parties are allowed. Examples: bachelor parties or weddings
A max of 9 guests are allowed at the property at all times. Strictly enforced.
A max of 4 cars are allowed at the property. Strictly enforced.
No outdoor loud noise after dark. My neighbors usually make me aware.
Early or late checkout can be accommodated as long as the cottage is vacant the night before or after your stay. If this is not the case and early check-in is still needed we will try our best to make it work for you! Pets are an additional one-time fee of $50/Each.
Quiet hours 9pm-8 am.... please be respectful of our neighbors. Neighbors have made me aware of loud groups past quiet hours in the past. You will be asked to leave if any noise complaints occur.
Please do not smoke inside.
Please do not leave the fire pit unattended when in use and always put it out when done.
Like most Northern MI properties the property has well water. Northern MI water has a higher iron content, completely safe and normal to drink. I have a reverse osmosis water purification system at the kitchen sink for great-tasting water if you are not used to well water.
Have fun! We are here to help make your stay the best!
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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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Bitely
Located in Bitely, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Idlewild Historic and Cultural Center is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Pere Marquette Floodplain Plant Preserve and Huron-Manistee National Forest. Kayaking, power boating and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.
Lewis Farm Market & Petting Farm - 54 min drive - 90.1 km
Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce - 54 min drive - 62.0 km
Restaurants
The Cottage On 37 - 9 min drive
Bitely Tavern - 6 min walk
Big Foot Pizza - 10 min drive
Woodys - 7 min drive
Big Mike's Pulled Pork - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Star Cottage on Mawby Lake: Sandy Beach- Kayaks/Paddle Boat/Row Boat pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Red Star Cottage on Mawby Lake: Sandy Beach- Kayaks/Paddle Boat/Row Boat?
As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Red Star Cottage on Mawby Lake: Sandy Beach- Kayaks/Paddle Boat/Row Boat on 14 June 2026 start from AU$430, 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 Red Star Cottage on Mawby Lake: Sandy Beach- Kayaks/Paddle Boat/Row Boat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Red Star Cottage on Mawby Lake: Sandy Beach- Kayaks/Paddle Boat/Row Boat?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Red Star Cottage on Mawby Lake: Sandy Beach- Kayaks/Paddle Boat/Row Boat?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Red Star Cottage on Mawby Lake: Sandy Beach- Kayaks/Paddle Boat/Row Boat located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Huron-Manistee National Forest and Bitely Lake. Amaung Lake and Houseman Lake are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great stay here! Beautiful, cozy, and intimate spot that's not too rural or isolated. Everything was labeled, easy to access, and checkout was a breeze. Fantastic little beach, lovely patio and fireplace, and great full kitchen that made cooking with kids a breeze. We would definitely stay again
Awesome spot in Bitely if you’re looking for peace and quiet. No neighbors to speak of and a great little beach for the dogs. Very clean and well stocked with all the necessities. We enjoyed our stay and will be back again sometime!
We wanted a place to say where all our kids could do what they loved. This place nailed it, fishing for our teen, swimming for the younger kids and a boat for the paddle family to enjoy. Plenty of room for our family of 7. If we had more time we would have definitely used the fire pit for s’mores.
It was great!! But the hard water should be taking care of...and the walk out dock..caught 30 fish bluegills and bass. 1 large one! Left gifts for the next guest! Ty for a great Vacation for me and my sister!
Awesome fishing! Property was super clean the beds were comfortable host are very responsive our kids used the kayak and paddleboat! We had smores by the fire had a grill on site but we didnt use it this time would love to be back again.
We loved this cottage on a beautiful llake. Tons of privacy. Sandy beach for swimming and enjoyed the paddle boat, kayaks, raft and great fishing! We enjoyed our stay and would like to do it again next year.
We had a fantastic time at the red star cabin during our stay in Bitely! The beach was great and shaded which was perfect for the kids. The lake was amazing, great swimming. The cabin had everything we needed and was in nice shape. We cpuld also walk to the small grocery store which had ice cream and essentials. Overall great stay and would recommend to families.
Alex N.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
4/10 Poor
David K.
21 Sept 2025
Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
not very clean had a broken dock the lake was more of a pond then a lake the lake was mucky the awning was moldy the air fryer and oven were dirty the air conditioner was filthy
David K.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2025
We would like to clarify a few points for future guests. Mawby Lake is a natural inland lake, not a pond, and while natural lakes can have seasonal changes in clarity, it remains popular for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. It is a michigan lake and we clear the beach area for swimming which is hard time come by. The dock and awning have since been reviewed and maintained, and both are safe for use.
Regarding cleanliness, our cottage is professionally cleaned before every stay, we have lots of reviews on proper cleanliness and we have not received similar concerns from other guests. Appliances and the air conditioner are inspected regularly, and any issues noted are promptly addressed.
We understand this property may not have been the right fit for your preferences, so when you initially called on your arrival and were rude on the phone, I had asked if you would like to depart and get a refund. You rejected and decided to stay. I almost never respond to reviews, but I felt the need to here with a guest who is not depicting the property in a fair light.
Had a great time. Loved having kayaks available. Great small no wake lake. Indoor area was great. Outdoor areas could use a good power washing (yes I know it's outside) but overall ok. Still had a great time and would stay again.
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
About the host
Hosted by Josh Wiser
Hi! We spend a lot of time vacationing as a family. Being a guest so many times in others spaces, we have picked up a few things over the years. We understand how a great host can allow for a smoother & overall more relaxing vacation. Day to day I manage a successful Real Estate Team in the West Michigan area. Managing vacation rentals seemed like a natural segway as I love selling real estate and traveling the world. We understand what it means to serve & provide the best experience for our guests. We strive to be the best, always. We looking forward to hosting your next vacation!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests