Cabin

Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!

Photo gallery for Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!

Make Northern MI memories! Sand Volleyball, Corn Hole & other yard/shed games.
Property video
Cozy River Rock Fireplace. Ready to relax?
My family kayaking our river.  You can launch or tie up at our dock.
Large two-story great room with open floor plan, fireplace & plenty of light.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 15

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Gym
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Thompsonville, MI
  • Crystal Mountain
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Mountain Ridge Golf Course
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Michigan Legacy Art Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪63 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Bedroom 1 Main Floor

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2 Main Flr Bunk Room

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3 Upstairs

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4 Upstairs

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5 Basement

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Loft

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Outdoor Shower

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!

Create your own family memories in this beautifully renovated Betsie River cabin with over 165' of prime direct river frontage & private dock. Tucked back close to state land on two acres of mature hardwoods and pines, this 'family friendly' updated cabin with 5 nice size bedrooms plus a loft will easily sleep 14 in beds. There is also an additional powered queen air mattress at your disposal for another two if needed. House also has Central Air Conditioning and fast Fiber Internet.

Whether it be kids playing/wading in the water, fly fishing for Steelhead, Salmon or Trout, serving up a family game of backyard sand volleyball, or simply enjoying a nice fire inside or out with friends and family, your vacation retreat awaits! We have (4) kayaks for navigating the Betsie River as well. This cabin has gone through an interior remodel and provides an updated kitchen with updated appliances & granite countertops. Large bedrooms also have closets to store all of your gear. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need for multi-family stays and cooking. Cabin has two full bathrooms. (One main floor and one upstairs).

Rainy Day? We have you covered. A large basement game room has ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, electric dartboard, Fullsize Pac-Man arcade with 14 games, 55” Smart TV & game table with many games that are perfect for keeping everyone entertained. A river rock stone wood-burning fireplace will keep you warm and cozy on cooler nights in the great room and the large screened in porch is perfect for listening to river while enjoying your favorite libation, catching up with friends/family or playing a game. The cabin also has a spacious outdoor deck with patio table & chairs, Weber propane grill and a fantastic stamped concrete firepit area with plenty of Adirondack chairs that are great for listening to river after a busy day of activities. (Limited firewood provided as a courtesy) A full-size sand volleyball court with nearby outdoor hot/cold shower are at your disposal as well.

Outdoor games such as Corn Hole, Washer Toss, Bocce Ball & Kan Jam are provided in shed. A 4'x12' private dock is on the property and provides easy access to the river with swim ladder. The Betsie River is a great shallow river for Steelhead, Salmon and Trout fishing as well as canoeing and kayaking. Also great for smaller kids to safely play around off of the dock. State Snowmobile & ATV/UTV trails are also very close outside the neighborhood for summer/winter fun.

Located just four miles from Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa you have skiing, golf, biking, pool/hot tub, outdoor water park, a beautiful spa & fitness center, high-ropes, climbing wall, laser tag along and many other activities waiting for you. (Nominal daily fee applies) The cabin is also a short drive to Arcadia & Frankfort Lake Michigan Beaches, Traverse City, Crystal Lake in Beulah, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Platte River Rafting, Bear Lake and Manistee. The popular Iron Fish Distillery is just across other side of river from cabin and St. Ambrose Cellars & Tasting Room (Mead/Wine/Beer) just 15mins north. So many things to do and places to see that are close to cabin, although the privacy and peacefulness of the cabin may be all you need.

If the dates you are looking for are not available, or if you need an additional rental close by for additional family, please check out:
The Lemon Lodge: ID#4475313 (4bed, 2bath, 2 family rooms & sleeps 13)
The River Pine Lodge: ID#9465007 (3bed + Loft, 2bath directly on Betsie River w/ 8 acres and 600' of private frontage and sleeps up to 13)
The address of Balsams on the Betsie is 14552 Old Grade Rd. Thompsonville, MI 49683.

Property manager

David Balsam
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
No weddings.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside the house.
NO underage drinking or illegal drug use on the property.

Important information

You need to know

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
Note from host: No weddings.
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

Thompsonville

Located in Thompsonville, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Misty Acres Preserve, while Michigan Legacy Art Park and Benzie Area Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
Map
Thompsonville, MI

What's nearby

  • Crystal Mountain - 8 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Mountain Ridge Golf Course - 10 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Michigan Legacy Art Park - 10 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Misty Acres Preserve - 11 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - 39 min drive - 32.9 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Geno's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Thistle Pub & Grille - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Iron Fish Distillery - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Rosie's Country Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Laughing Horse Saloon - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks! located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly cabin is within 6 mi (10 km) of Crystal Mountain, Misty Acres Preserve, and Michigan Legacy Art Park. Glovers Lake and Chestnut Hills Golf Course are also within 12 miles (20 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. 269 out of 277 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 277 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 277 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 277 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 277 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Vitalii K.

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

Very nice

Very beautiful place by the river. Beautiful house in a cozy place. I recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

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

Perfect summer Michigan getaway.

House was perfect spot for family trip to upper Michigan! Hosts were terrific. We had 6 adults & 4 kids 8 & under. Clean & plenty of space for each family to have their own space and also gather together. Place was very well equipped with kitchen supplies, plenty of towels, lots of amenities. Kids & adults loved the game room downstairs. Surroundings were beautiful and somewhat secluded, perfect for recharge, yet close to lots of attractions like Lake Michigan beaches & Traverse City! Would definitely stay again if in the area!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel S.

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

Wonderful experience

This property was amazing. Communication with the owner was excellent. Very responsive. The place was exactly as described. We had the very best time and will cherish our memories from this trip. We look forward to coming to stay again. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

ccbwcp

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

Fabulous host, house and location

David was a fabulous host! He made it so easy and perfect.The house is new and just awesome. It’s even better than the photos.This was one of two of David’s houses we used for a golf trip at Arcadia Bluffs and it worked perfectly. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna G.

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

Moms 80th birthday party

We stayed for the weekend my brother caught a nice size fish from the river. And the young adults enjoyed the kayak's and the birthday party was a success
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathon V.

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

Beautiful for Skiing

Host was responsive, gave personal advice based on the group in the area. Place was clean and well-kept, perfect for our weekend getaway and group skiing at Crystal Mountain.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Quiet and clean

This riverside cabin was clean with comfortable beds and a well-supplied kitchen. We all had a blast in the game room playing ping pong and fussball. I would love to return in the summer to take advantage of the porch, deck and River.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason L.

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

Fishing with family and friends

This is a beautiful place and great location. Everyone enjoyed there stay
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie F.

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

Kid-friendly family fun

The indoor and outdoor activities available for both kids and adults make this perfect for families looking to spend time together.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

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

Awesome Cabin!

We had 13 of us in just after Thanksgiving for an early family Christmas getaway to celebrate. Great house and location. Quiet tucked back area and was beautiful with the snow we got. Enjoyed the fireplace and game room was a big hit with everyone. Clean house and plenty of room to spread out. One of my favorite rentals we have stayed at yet. Would love to return sometime. Thanks again for making our family vacation a great one!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gavin H.

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

Great long weekend

Wonderful property.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim L.

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

Family get-away on the Betsie

My family had a wonderful week at this property. We had fun watching the salmon swim up river, having fires and exploring the surrounding area. House had everything we needed. Thanks for everything.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie F.

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

Family vacation

Stayed with extended family for a hiking/kayaking trip Plenty of space and well laid out for large groups. We kayaked right from the cabin and it worked great! On a dirt road that worked well for bike riding/walks.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

James P.

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

Love this spot

Great place well managed love it
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alberto T.

Everything was great we were in love with the place

Everything was great we were in love with the place
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

darla f.

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

I would recommend

The property was very clean. The owners were great and gave us great information and were easy to communicate with. There were a lot of activities which made our stay perfect.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra S.

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

Awesome cabin by the Betsy river

Fantastic home with so many fun toys and games to keep everyone entertained. Smores at the fire pit, a very competitive cornhole game and lots of spots to lounge and read a book. Tons of places to hike nearby. Thanks to the owners for sharing this little slice if paradise
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wanda M.

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

Great family getaway

We enjoyed the area, float down the river, alpine slide, macwood dunes, light houses, grill outs, fires at night, loved all the games in the house on a rainy day with cozy movie night, zip lining, mackinaw bridge. Overall a great trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Peaceful Getaway

The cabin was very cozy, the river was very calming, and the area was very quiet. We would go again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Olesia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a very quiet and nice property. The house is full with everything you will need for your vacation.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Cameron D., Holland mi

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

Comfortable family cabin

Lots of amenities, comfortable stay, great communication with owner. Shower experience could use updates
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley R.

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

Beautiful

Beautiful comfy cabin, perfect for a friends weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kenny M.

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

Relaxing

If you’re looking to stay local to Crystal mountain, or enjoy a peaceful evening by a campfire or near a river, this is the place! There is tons of space for sleeping and multiple levels and bathrooms. It was tucked away and very quiet making it very relaxing for a family/friends get away. The owners keep in contact very well and make you feel welcome with very simple directions to follow for check in and check out. Would recommend this property to anyone visiting this area in any season.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frederick E.

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

Family get away

The property was everything that was listed and then some. Very convenient to surrounding area activities. The owners went out the way to make us feel welcome. My family is looking forward to coming back.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

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

Christmas 2023

This vacation was a 2023 Christmas gift for our 4 adult children, their spouses, and our grand babies. We all enjoyed it so much. The cabin was so cozy and had everything we needed. The amenities provided including the game room, outdoor activities, etc were awesome. We appreciated the hospitality and kindness that the host showed us even before we arrived. The area was beautiful and the location was perfect. It was close enough to anything we wanted to do yet was secluded enough to give us privacy and time to shut out the noise of the world so we could spend quality time together as a family. We can't wait to return to this beautiful area!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

Hosted by David Balsam

Host profile image
We also use this property ourselves throughout the year and enjoy it with our family. It is a great place to be no matter what the season.

Why they chose this property

My wife and family were immediately drawn to this cabin by its "up north" feel with its Betsie River location. We love having the river and access, the large and peaceful property and all of the amenities still close by. We had been casually looking over the years and we are very grateful to find the cabin we did. We enjoy fishing, kayaking, skiing and going to the beach and this location gives us all of that. Whether spring, summer, fall or winter this property provides much enjoyment for us.

What makes this property unique

As you drive down the long driveway you immediately are drawn in by the large screened-in porch. We really enjoy all of the windows in the two-story great room which provide a lot of natural light and beautiful views of the property and the river. We liked the fact that the house has five bedrooms, a loft and a basement which was hard to find. We also really enjoy the two-story great room that has an open concept with kitchen, dining and family room all in one open room. It creates a cozy, yet spacious feel. We were also looking for a house that felt like a cabin on large private property, but also wanted to be close to Crystal Mountain Resort, Lake Michigan and the many other resort towns that are in the area. The private dock gives you easy direct access to enjoy the river too. We feel this cabin gives you best of everything. This cabin provides entertainment for guests of all ages and is the perfect base camp. There is even an outdoor shower! Central Air Conditioning at the house which is more rare up north.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests