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Cabin

Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill

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Merritt Vacation Rental | 2BR | 1BA | 900 Sq Ft | Step-Free Access
Exterior Space
Exterior Space | Pet Fee (Paid Pre-Trip)
Living Room | No WiFi
Living Room | Cable TV

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 683.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Merritt, MI
  • Place, Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Houghton Lake
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Au Sable River
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Additional Sleeping (Loft)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Full Bathroom

Spaces

Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill

Tucked away in the serenity of Merritt sits this 2-bedroom, 1-bath vacation rental cabin. Listen to the Muskegon River flow as you sip your coffee on the screened porch and fire up the grill when hunger strikes. With Houghton Lake just minutes away, you can enjoy endless aquatic adventures in the summer and ice skating or snowshoeing when Michigan turns into a winter wonderland. Regardless of the weather, finish each day around the fire - inside or out!

-- THE PROPERTY --

Air Conditioning | Screened Porch w/ Ceiling Fan | Bicycle Provided

Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to love this remote cabin which offers a much-needed unplugged getaway in an ideal location for connecting with nature and loved ones.

Bedroom 1: Queen Bed | Bedroom 2: Queen Bed | Loft: Queen Bed

OUTDOOR LIVING: Charcoal grill, gas grill (bring your own propane), fire pit (bring your own wood), patio furniture, corn hole, soccer ball
KITCHEN: Fully equipped, drip coffee maker, toaster, microwave, dishware & flatware, spices, breakfast bar w/ seating
INDOOR LIVING: Cable TV, DVD player, stereo, fireplace (pellet stove), dining table, ceiling fans, games & puzzles, library
GENERAL: Towels, linens, complimentary toiletries, window A/C & central heating
FAQ: Pet fee (paid pre-trip, dogs only), no WiFi, limited cell service, steps required for access, firewood/propane not provided
PARKING: Driveway (2 vehicles)

-- THE LOCATION --

OUTDOORS: Houghton Lake (10.6 miles), Heights Marina & Boat Rental (12.5 miles), Roscommon State Forest Area (14.6 miles), Higgins Lake (20.5 miles), Half Way Between Houghton Lake and Lake City (22.0 miles)
GOLFING: The Quest Golf Course (11.5 miles), Pineview Highlands Golf Course (14.5 miles), White Deer Country Club (18.2 miles)
PARKS: Clam River Dam Park (11.8 miles), DNR Boat Launch Lakeview Park (14.9 miles), Houghton Lake State Forest Park (15.7 miles), Trestle Park (18.7 miles)
AIRPORT: Cherry Capital Airport (64.1 miles)

-- REST EASY WITH US --

Evolve makes it easy to find and book properties you'll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we'll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we'll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.

-- POLICIES --

- No smoking of any kind (including marijuana or vaping)
- Pet friendly w/ $50 fee (+ fees & taxes, dogs only)
- No events, parties or large gatherings
- Additional fees and taxes may apply
- Photo ID may be required upon check-in
- NOTE: Because the cabin provides a remote getaway experience, there is no WiFi available. However, there is limited cell phone service for phones and computers using your own data plan
- NOTE: The property requires stairs and may be difficult for guests with limited mobility
- NOTE: Firewood and propane are not provided
- NOTE: The cabin sits on a bluff so although you can view the river, you are not sitting directly by the river

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Water view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
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

About the area

Falmouth

Located in Falmouth, this cabin is on the waterfront. Brian's Lakeside Marina and Quest Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area and Kirtlands Warbler Wildlife Management Area. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby power boating, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and hiking.
View more Cabin rentals in FalmouthOpens in a new window
Map
Merritt, MI

What's nearby

  • Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Houghton Lake - 17 min drive - 21.6 km
  • South Higgins Lake State Park - 31 min drive - 43.0 km
  • Au Sable River - 36 min drive - 66.8 km
  • Lake Cadillac - 49 min drive - 72.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Moddersville Store & Pizzeria - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill?

As of 15 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill on 1 June 2026 start from AU$146, 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 Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area and within 9 miles (15 km) of Ben D. Jeffs River Park and Kirtlands Warbler Wildlife Management Area. Merritt Area Community Park and Lake Township Hall are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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. 22 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 36 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

8.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Carley K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome quiet getaway. Beautiful scenery, right on the river.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Oct 2025
From the owner: "Thank you for leaving us the 4-star review. We are glad you enjoyed a quiet getaway. Please let us know on your next visit how we can give you a 5-star experience."
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donny W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Nice and quiet location

Nice cabin in the woods
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2025
Thank you Donald for the 5 star review. We are glad it was a nice and relaxing time in the woods. Please come back when you can!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

RYAN R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the cabin location. Very peaceful. We had to hunt for the key location upon arrival at night, but was a fun part of the adventure.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ted B.

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

Great spot

Perfect spot to explore all the great things up north
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Oct 2023
From the owner: "Thank you again Ted for the 5-star review and for coming back one more time! We love having you stay with us!"
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was very quiet, relaxing, private and great view. The manager Georgia was very helpful. The cell phone reception was disappointing, but have Dish cable was great. Would recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2025
Cindy, thank you for the 5 star review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay and would return. Very sorry that the cell phone reception is not great. It does state in the listing that since it is a remote cabin, there is limited reception, unless you have a hot spot on your phone. Please come back anytime!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

A last minute booking...

Our stay was wonderful! Perfect blend of relaxation and fun. Very close to refreshing Houghton Lake with a feeling of being away from the bustle of city life.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept 2024
From the owner: "Thank you so much for a 5-star review. We are glad you had a good time and you were able to relax as well as have fun in town. Appreciate your response, please come back anytime!"
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean. Quiet. Had everything we needed. Except needs more garbage bags. Steps to water would be nice. There are plenty of things to do not far from the cabin. We enjoyed oir stay. We would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2025
Thank you Jennifer for the 5 star review. We appreciate your feedback. Garbage bags are usually found under the sink, the property manager can also bring out anything needed. And we are working on something to get closer to the water, so please come back again to find out.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hannah T.

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

First Vacation

The cabin was very clean and relaxing the veiw of the creek was my favorite it was in the middle of everything so there was plenty to do.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2022
From the owner: "We are so glad you had a relaxing stay and loved the view of the river. Please come back and enjoy it again anytime. Thanks for the 5 stars!"
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary N.

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

If you want to have quite time and relax but still have things to do a short distance away.

So relaxing! We loved it! Nothing fancy but was clean plus has anything you will need.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2022
From the owner: "Thanks, Mary, for the review. We are glad you enjoyed yourself and got some relaxing time in but also got to experience the town. Please come back!"
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

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

Great mini escape

Had a great romantic time for a mini escape up north with my husband. Will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Guy

off grid stay

The cabin was very cute and cozy and on a pretty setting overlooking the river. My only problem is that there is no WIFI and the cell service is VERY limited. There was no cell signal at all inside the cabin for my Verizon phone and my girlfriend's ATT service connected inside, but wasn't strong enough to run a hotspot.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

David

Nice weekend

The cabin was nice and quite if your looking for a place to detach this is it . A path to the river would have been AWSOME to go fishing but not at the current time :(
Response from VrboOwner on 4 June 2024
From the owner: "David, Thank you so much for the review and feedback. We are working on getting a deck in place to get to the river more easily. It is still accessible, we have had others fish there, just need to go down the embankment. We will look in to any leaky sink, have not heard there was an issue. Directions to the cabin were given in a text message and they were pretty detailed. Sorry you got lost. Please come again!"
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara P.

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

Met our needs

The loft bed was not very comfortable but the cabin met our needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2024
From The Owner: "Thank you, Tara, for the 5-star review. Sorry about the bed not being as comfy as you would have liked. Please come back and stay again!"
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

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

Total Relaxation

The cabin is adorable, clean and stocked with anything you need. The view overlooking the river was beautiful and the screened in porch was perfect to get away from the bugs at night. I will be bringing my family back ASAP! We all loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2022
Thank you, Sarah, for the 5 star review! So glad you enjoyed the cabin, the river, and the porch. Bugs are no fun. Please, please bring your family back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

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

Nice little cabin

This cabin was perfect for a relaxing weekend. The owner was very kind, made sure we had everything we needed, and was quick to respond to any questions. We grilled, sat around the fire at night, and slept in! When we did decide to venture out we went to the Maple Leaf Farm (which the kids loved!) and went fishing. If it had been warmer we would have loved to spend time at one of the nearby beaches but still had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

trisha w.

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

Great weekend get away

This was the perfect place for my family to get away for the weekend. The cabin had dish soap, dish washer detergent, trash bags, toilet paper and paper towels, all things I really didn't expect but a nice addition I appreciated having those items there. There were all kinds of dishes available for use which was perfect, the only thing I could have used is a little larger frying pan but otherwise perfect!! Thank you for sharing your cabin with us, we had a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2022
Response from owner: "I'm glad we had everything you needed, and more. Also, happy you and your family had a great get away weekend. Please come back anytime!"
Verified

8/10 Good

DEAN W.

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

amazing river view

The cabin was well equipped and cozy. The view of the river was great, even from inside. We enjoyed spending time in the screened room which protected us from bugs. Birders should know that we saw nearly 50 species in just a few days, WOW! Sarah, the caretaker, went above and beyond to make our stay pleasant. Looking forward to booking again.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephen B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Good deal

The property is pretty much as described. There is no WIFI or cell phone signal. Very quaint and I considered it a great deal considering the price point.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Audrey B.

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

Overall it was alright

The view was lovely and the beds comfy. There was a few maintenance things that put a damper on our stay. (shower water didnt get hot no matter where I put it, stairs to the loft are a bit sketch). It was almost everything we were looking for. A cozy little cabin in the woods by a river
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Nov 2022
Audrey, we are so glad you stayed with us and that you had a cozy time in the cabin. - We're sorry to hear about your issues with the hot water. We did have the maintenance man check this out earlier in the year and he stated it was fine but just had to move it to the other position. Also, a few months ago, he fixed and redid the steps to the loft. - We provide his phone number in the guest book for any maintenance related issues, if you needed to call him. He would have been over to help or get anything fixed. We hope you can come back and visit soon so that we can provide you with a 5 star experience next time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn M.

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

Vacation

We had a very nice and relaxing time.. Can I ask if you may have found my nook (electronic book reader) I know I took it but I can’t find it at home…please let me know if you might have found it Thank you CarolynMorrison
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2022
Thank you, Carolyn, for the 5 star review. So glad you had a great time. Unfortunately, the cleaner did not find a nook. I hope you were able to locate it. We will keep an eye out. Please come back and visit us again.
Verified

6/10 Okay

jackie k.

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Check-in

Weekend getaway

Property was clean and enough space for our family. On arrival grass was extremely long, we had to use a yard bug spray. No propane to use the grill as stated in the listing, an empty tank was left to be filled, what an inconvenience. No firewood. Although this house sits on the river, absolutely no river access, it’s a straight drop off to the river, so don’t plan on getting off or on the river near this house. Never stayed at a rental that offered absolutely no amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2025
Hi Jackie, it’s wonderful to hear that the property was both clean and spacious enough for your family’s needs. We’ve followed up with the homeowner about your comments, and they want to share the following:- To clarify, firewood isn’t provided, as stated in our listings. It’s easier for guests to pick some up on the way in to avoid excess or refills after each stay.- As for propane, it’s noted on Evolve that it’s not provided, but we’ll have the other platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking) updated soon. We’ve found it’s more convenient for guests to bring their own, as most don’t use it.- We do mention in the listing that the house overlooks the river but doesn’t have direct access. We’re working on a solution, but these things take time.We appreciate your valuable input! Your feedback helps us continuously improve, ensuring future guests have a 5-star stay.
Verified

8/10 Good

Holly C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Merritt vacay

Was a nice property over all. They showed a game room area in the pictures that was not a thing at all. They also mentioned coin laundry and that was not a thing either. The screen room could of have been a touch cleaner. Book at the property had different check out instructions then the email I recevied so that was a little confusing checking out.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 July 2024
Hi Holly, we're glad you found the property nice overall. We appreciate your feedback and wanted to address the concerns you raised after discussing them with the homeowner:- The listing doesn't feature a game room, and we don't offer photos of this, but we do provide games stored in a closet for guests to enjoy in the living or dining areas.- There's also no coin laundry facility on the property, and we don't advertise one in the listing details or photos.- Regarding the screened porch, we understand the importance of cleanliness. While it's an outdoor space that can get dusty after a wind storm, we’ve communicated with our cleaning team to ensure a more thorough job is done in this area in the future.- The check-out instructions in the property's book are accurate, and we'll coordinate with Evolve to ensure all communication matches up to avoid any confusion in the future.Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzie Q.

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

Secluded location

If you want to unplug and have a secluded location, this is definitely the cabin you need. I had requested central air but found out too late that there is only a window AC unit in the dining area. But the nights were fairly cool and with the fan I brought I was very comfortable. Mattresses, furniture and carpet were all old but we didn’t spend a lot of time at the cabin so we only used it a little. But being a pet friendly cabin, I didn’t expect it to be newly renovated.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2024
From the owner: "Hi Suzanne, Thank you so much for the 5-star review. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay. We never advertised central air, so I'm not sure how you requested this, but most nights are cool there, and we do have a fan in the cabin, along with the window air conditioner. We are in the process of updating the furniture, but it is a rustic cabin, and having it pet-friendly does create a challenge."
Verified

6/10 Okay

Renee M.

Liked: Check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

River Cabin Merritt

We have few complaints. The cabin had ants, the water lines to the shower are crisscrossed..hot water was on the cold side and cold was on the hot side. The TV remote was missing and we emailed about it but never was contacted. So no TV for us. The cabin really needs to have Wifi. I dont want to be blamed for the missing remote. It was clean..bedding was cleaned and we slept well.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2023
Hi Renee, thank you for your review. This homeowner has asked us to pass along the following response: "Renee, We are so sorry to hear about your experience. The property manager did not see the email you sent. She does have a phone number in the book as well and responds very quickly to that, as does the maintenance man. There have been two renters since your stay and neither has complained about the TV remote being gone, so it must have been found. The water lines are not crossed, just need to put the shower faucet in the middle to get the right temperature. We are unaware of ants, but being in a remote area, there are bound to be some critters. The property manager has since taken care of any ant problems. No Wifi was stated in the listing. You can use your internet provider but there is no company that will service that remote area. We again apologize and hope you will come back to give it another chance."
Verified

2/10 Terrible

DEAN W.

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Second visit did not live up to the first.

1) The cabin was filthy. Dead ladybugs, live ladybugs, the toilet had not been cleaned, the shower had a brown film on the walls and floor. 2) There were cob webs in the bed room, in the bathroom & in the dining area. 3) There was a fuel smell coming from the heater. 4) The leaves and pine needles from last year had not been removed. This is a fire hazard. 5) Evolve was the host and did not measure up.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 May 2024
Hi Dean, we want to make vacation rental easy for everyone, and we're sorry you experienced some issues during your stay. We followed up with the homeowner after reading your feedback, and they wanted to share the following: - We sincerely apologize for the poor experience you had. Upon receiving your feedback, we promptly followed up with our cleaning team and shared your comments with them. As you were our first guest of the season, they had just completed a deep cleaning, which they documented with photos, showing the cabin in a clean and guest-ready condition for your arrival.- During this time of year, ladybugs can be prevalent in the area and may find their way into the cabin despite our regular cleaning efforts. This is a common occurrence when staying in a rustic property.- The furnace has been cleaned, and maintenance has been carried out to address the venting issue, which may have contributed to the fuel smell you encountered.- The leaves and pine needles have since been cleared away.- From us here at Evolve, we apologize for the inconvenience you experienced. We value your feedback, and we're always open to hearing from guests. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further comments or concerns.We've addressed your feedback with the relevant teams so that future guests will receive the exceptional service we strive to provide.

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