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Cabin

Direct Betsie River frontage.

Photo gallery for Direct Betsie River frontage.

A wooden deck with wicker furniture, a glass table, and a patterned rug.
A house with a sloped roof, a front yard with a gravel path, and a wooden birdhouse.
A compact kitchen with a dining area, featuring a checkered tablecloth, wooden chairs, and a vintage television.
A forested area with a wooden bench and colorful Adirondack chairs.
A room with a wooden cabinet, a mirror, and a chair. There is a door leading to another room.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View map
Thompsonville, MI
  • Place, Iron Fish Distillery
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Crystal Mountain
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Mountain Ridge Golf Course
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Direct Betsie River frontage.

Come and enjoy this peaceful retreat on the beautiful Betsie River. This enchanting cottage in an idyllic wooded setting with an artesian fed stream flowing into the Betsie River... offers you every comfort of home while you are building memories with your family that will last for years to come. The only thing you will find lacking is time to take it all in. Two bdrms, one bath, gas grill, campfire area, extra sleeping accommodations. Direct frontage on the Betsie River. Dogs welcome $100 each for the stay. Just 2 miles to Crystal Mountain.

This cozy cottage on the Betsie River is just three miles from Crystal Mountain offers an excellent family vacation retreat or romantic get-away. Fish for the plentiful Steel head, Brown, or Rainbow Trout. Hunt for the abundant gourmet morel mushrooms, or simply enjoy the sight, sounds and smells of Northern Michigan emerging into spring. Summer sunshine and water invite swimming, water-sports, or just sunbathing. Take a canoe, kayak, or tubing trip through miles of peaceful wilderness. Walk to the top of the sand dunes at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, just a short drive from your door.

Fall is the season to fish for the great Coho or King Salmon. Thousands are taken each year from the Betsie River and Betsie Bay. Hunting is popular for deer, small game, turkey, and waterfowl. Best of all, Indian Summer offers an array of gorgeous colors, so bring your camera for some breathtaking pictures. Winter, cross country ski from your front door through acres of beautiful Michigan wilderness. Downhill ski at Crystal Mountain only a few minutes away.

Keywords: River cabin, single family home, Betsie River, Crystal mountain golf and ski resort,

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Dogs only
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 59856vb
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 first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Thompsonville

Located in Thompsonville, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Michigan Legacy Art Park and Benzie Area Historical Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Crystal Mountain and Iron Fish Distillery. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and ice skating.
View more Cabin rentals in ThompsonvilleOpens in a new window
Map
Thompsonville, MI

What's nearby

  • Iron Fish Distillery - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 8 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Mountain Ridge Golf Course - 10 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Misty Acres Preserve - 11 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Michigan Legacy Art Park - 11 min drive - 7.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Rosie's Country Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Thistle Pub & Grill @ Crystal Mountain - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Waffle Cabin - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Iron Fish Distillery - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Laughing Horse Saloon - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Direct Betsie River frontage. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Direct Betsie River frontage.?

As of 9 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Direct Betsie River frontage. on 6 Nov 2026 start from AU$1,798, 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 Direct Betsie River frontage.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Direct Betsie River frontage.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Direct Betsie River frontage.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Direct Betsie River frontage. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 6 miles (10 km) of Iron Fish Distillery, Crystal Mountain and Michigan Legacy Art Park. Misty Acres Preserve and Glovers Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 27 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mindy Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay in this cute cabin on the Betsy River. The location is exceptional.
Stayed 20 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect place for our getaway. Waking up to the sound of the river, was amazing. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

LeeRoy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very majestic with great surrounding scenery highly compatible with getting back to nature staying right on the Betsy River was amazing
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

george

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very relaxing environment.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Linda S.

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

Relaxing environment!

We enjoyed our stay in this cottage by the river.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lauren Z.

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

Peaceful River Cabin

This cabin was a great retreat for my husband and I. It was so peaceful. The location was great, and it was fully stocked with EVERYTHING ! We had a great stay!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2024
So happy to have you stay.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really enjoyed our stay here. Kitchen was equipped with anything you would need. Home was clean and welcoming. Really enjoyed the screened in porch even on the cool rainy days. Also enjoyed siiting on the swing overlooking the Betsie river.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct 2025
Thank you Joan for choosing Betsie River Retreat for your annual fall vacation. I’m happy to hear you had an enjoyable stay even though the weather didn’t cooperate. Glad you had a chance to relax on the screened porch and enjoy the swing overlooking the river. Hope to have the chance to visit again next year. Kind regards Sharon
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine T.

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

River paradise

Beautiful location on the Betsy river. The property was so amazing in the woods quiet. House was very accommodating with everything we needed in the kitchen.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tom G.

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

Just right

This was our third visit to a very relaxing place on the Betsie river. No doubt, we'll be back again.
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Apr 2025
Such a privilege to have guests like Tom and Terry. Thanks for the heads-up on the studio issue, it’s been taken care of. Thank you for visiting again, Sharon
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn D.

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

Getaway

Spent a week at this great cabin on the Bestsie River. Close to everything yet situated in the woods so it feel private. The cabin had everything that was needed. Great getaway for sure.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Terree O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Off the grid!

Nice place for day trips and up north fun. Sharon was very accommodating and gracious.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2023
Thank you for choosing my vacation cabin. It was great having you. Looking forward to your return.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
You've heard of the 4C's with diamonds.. these are the 4C's of Sharon's VRBO on The Betsie: Clean, Comfortable, Cute, Charming.Having coffee on the screened in porch was magical. We would highly recommend vacationing here. Even the dog loved it!
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Danielle C.

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

Beautiful location

Very nice and quiet! The river is absolutely beautiful but it would have been nice if some of the fallen trees and just some of the trees period were removed would make for a much better view, couldn’t ask for a better location
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2023
I wish it was possible to remove more trees also but the Betsie River is a designated scenic and wildlife river prohibiting cutting at the river.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

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

Peaceful stay

The cabin is just as we expected. Nice, clean, and private. The host had everything we needed, and I love that she provided a bottle of champagne to start our vacation. We also really loved being by the river. The sound of running water is calming. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
The review was not correct this couple is a property owners dream. 5 star in all categories. They are welcome back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sally F.

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

Beautiful cottage

This cottage is so charming.. looks exactly like the pictures. Spottlessly clean! We had such a relaxing week. Thank you Sharon!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept 2023
Thank you for staying at Betsie River Retreat and hope you can visit again.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Amber L.

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

Peaceful Retreat

Stayed for 15 nights with my fiance and dog. Cute property and the river along the back of the property was very nice and convenient. Loved the screened room that looked out to the river. The property location was fantastic as everywhere we wanted to go was about equal distance away and not too far. We really did not want to leave at the end of our stay. We would definitely come back! We had a blast!
Stayed 15 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2025
It makes me extremely happy to know you had such a wonderful time (and that you didn’t want to leave 😂). Looking forward to next time, Sharon
Verified review

8/10 Good

Donna D.

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

Vaca

Peaceful
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Janet M.

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

Just the peace and quiet we needed!!!

We had a great time! Sitting on the swing overlooking the river with the sound of the creek drinking our coffee every morning was just what the doctor ordered! We went on adventures that were all day trips or just relaxed! Great stay to reset yourself! Thanks for a great opportunity, Sharon!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Katherine C.

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

Rustic Cabin in the Woods

It’s a bit like staying at your grandma’s house. Lots of interesting things to look at. One could prepare gourmet meals or simple ones as the kitchen had all kinds of pots, pans, dishes and glassware. The cabin could be stuffy on hot damp days, but an airconditioner helped.We loved the setting of woods, wild flowers, trees, river and stream .
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 July 2025
That’s exactly how I describe my cabin to people, thank you. I’m so happy you enjoyed everything and appreciate I hope that you have the opportunity to come again, Sharon
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

CLARE M.

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

Beautiful and peaceful

The property was beautiful with the river running behind it. Sharon has made the place cozy and welcoming. Most importantly, it was clean and well kept. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to anyone looking to get away from the hustle of city life, and if you have dogs, they will love it! Thank you Sharon for being such a welcoming host!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2023
So glad everything met your expectations. See you again soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

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

Betsie River Cabin

Everything was great! Sharon is a great host and makes sure you have everything there that you need. The inside of cabin was very clean and beautiful, the decor was very cool(the rock lamps and mirrors ❤️) had everything there that you need to feel at home. The outdoor scenery is breathtaking, the River, the trees-a completely serene and relaxing atmosphere. Just a little slice of heaven ❤️! Would definitely recommend and do it again. Thanks again for a great week northern Michigan! #michigansbeauty #wilderness #beautifulwaterseverywhere
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2023
Thanks Cindy It was a pleasure having you enjoy my cabin on the river. I look forward to your return.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carol H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great peaceful property

I was A little confused when the owner showed up and said the 2nd building wasn’t included in the price. The ad never stated that and was in all the pictures. That should be clarified a little better. Also had trouble with the bathtub handle being so tight you could barely turn it then it broke on the last day of our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2023
The extra sleeping accommodations is an additional $35. I apologize for the bathtub faucet not working properly. The bathtub faucet was immediately replaced with a new one.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brenda E.

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

Quaint setting

We really enjoyed our stay. Sharon is a very accommodating host. She is very helpful to assist with helping us locate places of interest. We would definitely vacation with her again.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

megan M.

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

Loved this cabin

We absolutely loved this cabin and was sad we had to leave.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sharon R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful yard and great location

The house is nice and the owner is accessible and nearby. We enjoyed our stay being close to so many things to do and see. The house has everything you need. There’s no laundry but laundromat is in a nearby town that’s nice to visit. Just beautiful having the creek and river so close. We enjoyed the fire pit and especially the screen porch!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Sharon Black

Host profile image
I have the best of both worlds living and working in this beautiful part of the state. I am a retired local realtor with Coldwell Banker as well as the proud owner of Betise River Retreat that I have owned and operated for the past 21 years. I find my joy in sharing this 'little bit of heaven' with my guests.
I am proud of my involvement in the local chamber of commerce and enjoy the civic awareness which results from my association in Zonta International.
Needless to say my church affiliation provides the basis & support of my personal & professional life.

Why they chose this property

Close to Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan, Crystal Lake, Little River Casino and multiple golf courses direct frontage on the beautiful Betsie River.

What makes this property unique

Tranquil setting overlooking the Betsie River. Enjoy nature at it's finest whether floating down the river, sitting on the screened porch and relaxing or sitting around the campfire with family.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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