Secluded Betsie River Cabin 3bd+2ba+Loft by Crystal Mtn,8acres,Porch,Fireplace!
Looking for a spacious & completely updated home close to it all, yet set back in a tranquil/quiet spot on the Betsie River with 8 acres and 600' of prime river frontage? Look no further! Welcome to “The River Pin Lodge.” This rare find will entertain all ages with spectacular river views and sunsets from the house that are beyond stunning. Cast a line for a salmon or launch your kayak/canoe/tube on the property. Drive down the road only 3 miles to Crystal Mountain, play golf or swim at the pool. Ski down 58 different slopes or take a day at the resort spa. Once you meander through our majestic driveway pines, you will instantly relax as you approach The River Pine Lodge. Enjoy this completely renovated cabin with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a loft, three seasons porch, fireplace & Air Conditioning!
Crystal Mountain is less than three miles away. Close to Lake Michigan pristine beaches, sand dunes, golf, skiing, bike trails, snowmobile trail heads and all the resort towns close by that the NW Lower Peninsula has to offer.
The home can sleep up to 13 in beds. The fully stocked kitchen has newer appliances and everything you need with room to prepare your meals. Enjoy your meal on the large kitchen table that seats 8-10. In the family room you will find a large comfortable sectional couch to seat many guests and cozy up to the large wood burning fireplace & 65" Smart TV. (Limited Firewood provided as a courtesy) There are also two additional family room chairs to move around. The main level then boasts a nice size bedroom with Queen bed and 43” Smart TV. There is also another main level bunk room that has a Double over Double, a Single over Single and a slide-out Trundle. (Sleeps up to 7) There is a 43” Smart TV as well as adult size PAC-MAN arcade unit with 7 cool games! Bedroom also has many family friendly board games & Nintendo Classic. A nice size full bathroom with shower completes the main floor. A Samsung Washer/Dryer is located on main floor as well. (Laundry Soap provided) Upstairs you will find a loft that sleeps two on the Serta futon. Beyond that is a Master bedroom suite with King bed and its own full bathroom, tub/shower and 50” Smart TV. Want even more space to spread out? Head out into the large 12’x22’ three seasons porch where you can open it up and listen to river/nature or close it during cooler months, turn on the electric fireplace & relax, play board games or watch your favorite game on the 55" Smart TV. (Seats up to 12) There is also a two-player tabletop Marvel Superheroes Arcade game with 4 fun games! Plenty of comfortable seating in porch and additional room to hang your fishing rods, waders, skis and other gear.
Unwind and relax in this tranquil, private lodge nestled along the beautiful Betsie. Set on 8 acres, this pristine and newly renovated property offers a spacious open floor plan, surrounded by a variety of trees and 600 ft. of private river frontage. The Betsie River is known for its steelhead and salmon along with trout fishing. Walk the scenic short trail down to the low part of our river frontage where you can easily walk right into the Betsie to fish, play or launch a kayak/canoe/tube. No dock needed and safe for all ages. There is also a sitting area down there to relax and watch the wildlife, plus a 2nd firepit. Not uncommon to see deer, owls, turtles, eagles, wild turkeys, beavers and other wildlife on the property.
The home offers all the comforts of home and plenty of windows to provide natural light and stunning views from any angle. Two large sliders provide easy access to the enormous outside patio & firepit overlooking the river with plenty of seating.
The well-stocked kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, refrigerator with ice maker and filtered water, gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, a 12-cup Mr. Coffee maker & Keurig coffee maker, toaster, blender, crock pot, and all dishware, cookware, pots, pans and utensils for your group.
Head outside and you find a nice open lawn space, huge patio with firepit, patio table and chairs, additional Adirondack seating and neat trail to shallow part of river property frontage. A Weber gas grill is at your disposal as well. Looking for bragging rights? Head over to the shed and get a family or friend game going. We have Bocce Ball, Regulation Corn Hole, Giant Connect Four, Kan Jan, Horseshoes, Washer Toss and other game balls to keep everyone of all ages entertained. Rainy day? We have you covered. The large 12’x22’ three seasons porch provides an additional space to relax and listen to the river. The house also has a large selection of board and card games to reconnect with family/friends plus a Nintendo classic game console and arcade size PAC-MAN. You can also stream your favorite apps on one of the five large Smart TV's with Fiber high-speed internet. Only three miles from the premier Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa and the Crystal Mountain Market. You can ski, golf, bike, hike, swim or take in one of many outdoor activities. The popular Iron Fish Distillery is 3/4 of a mile from the house and is walkable. The home is situated in an idyllic location, being close to Traverse City, Frankfort, Glen Arbor, Beulah, Little River Casino, Crystal Lake, Glen Lake, Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and Lakeshore. Visit nearby wineries, restaurants, shops. Check out a concert at the internationally renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts or spend a day on the Betsie Valley Trail, offering 27 miles of hiking/biking/walking by rivers, lakes and through forests and historic towns. So much to do and see, but relaxing at the house may be all that you need! During winter months we recommend AWD/4WD for the area even though the main roads and drive are plowed/maintained well.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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NO underage drinking or illegal drug use on the property.
NO Weddings.
Outside Quiet Hours 10:00pm to 8:00am.
No Hunting or Target Shooting 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 allowed on property.
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
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Is Secluded Betsie River Cabin 3bd+2ba+Loft by Crystal Mtn,8acres,Porch,Fireplace! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Secluded Betsie River Cabin 3bd+2ba+Loft by Crystal Mtn,8acres,Porch,Fireplace!?
As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Secluded Betsie River Cabin 3bd+2ba+Loft by Crystal Mtn,8acres,Porch,Fireplace! on 5 May 2026 start from AU$419, 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 Secluded Betsie River Cabin 3bd+2ba+Loft by Crystal Mtn,8acres,Porch,Fireplace!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Secluded Betsie River Cabin 3bd+2ba+Loft by Crystal Mtn,8acres,Porch,Fireplace!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Secluded Betsie River Cabin 3bd+2ba+Loft by Crystal Mtn,8acres,Porch,Fireplace!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Secluded Betsie River Cabin 3bd+2ba+Loft by Crystal Mtn,8acres,Porch,Fireplace! located?
This family-friendly Thompsonville cabin is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Iron Fish Distillery, Crystal Mountain and Misty Acres Preserve. Glovers Lake and Michigan Legacy Art Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The area is really geared for summer tourists, so coming in December means we missed that. Really enjoyed the skiing/snowboarding at Crystal Mountain resort which is 10 minutes away. The slopes aren't as expansive as the typical ski areas out west, but not having to fight crowds was a nice, relaxing time.
Jeff W.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan 2026
Great hosting you all Jeff! Happy to hear on the stay. Actually, wintertime is a busy time for the area and tourism. Just depends on what exactly someone is looking for. Hope the snow was nice to see coming from Alabama!
Wonderful experience staying here. David communicated frequently and made the stay very comfortable with lots of games/activities for the kids to enjoy. Would absolutely stay here again!
Chris S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 July 2025
We enjoyed hosting you and your family Chris. Hope to see you again!
This is our third year staying at River Pine Lodge. David is a great host, easy to communicate with and he provides very informative communications of activities, and details of the property and including easy to follow check in and check out instructions. The property has all the immensities needed for the most perfect stay. This updated property is a slice of heaven from the beauty of the outdoors, beautiful views of the trees and calming sounds of the betsie river! If you’re looking for a relaxing and perfect vacation, look no further. You won’t be disappointed.
Carrie A.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept 2025
Always a pleasure hosting you and your family Carrie. We enjoy repeat guests like you that appreciate all that we offer. Look forward to having you all back in 2026!
We had a very relaxing stay. The lodge is away from everything yet close enough to Crystal Mountain to enjoy lunch and warm up there and return to the mountain.
Diane M.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Feb 2025
Always a pleasure hosting you and your family Diane. We look forward to seeing you back next ski season!
My family and I recently stayed at this beautiful property visiting the area for a ski trip. The host was super communicative and responsive. We were very comfortable and enjoyed our visit.
We had a wonderful time enjoying the woods, river and the outdoor and indoor fireplaces. We didn't do any sightseeing this trip, just a relaxing time in a beautiful place. We hope to go back next year.
We so enjoyed our time here , The house was cozy and well stocked. The beds were comfortable and the grounds beautiful. The fireplace and firewood added to the experience. David was very helpful and accessible.
Josie C.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
About the host
Hosted by David Balsam
We are a family of four from Grand Haven area. Our family enjoys skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking, riding fat tire bikes and visiting local Lake Michigan beaches and resort towns.
Why they chose this property
The river views and property are simply amazing and one of a kind hidden gem. Add in 8 acres with 600' of private river frontage and you have your own private retreat. The sunset views from the house or patio across the river are breathtaking. You get the best views on the Betsie and you can also walk right into the river for easy access on southern part of property.
What makes this property unique
Hard to find a river house directly on the river this close as they have to be grandfathered in. A rare piece of property having 8 acres and 600' of private river frontage to fish, kayak, canoe or simply play around. A huge patio overlooking the river with firepit as well as 2nd firepit right by the river allows two different seating areas to enjoy the serenity, river and wildlife around. Very private.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests