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Bay Breeze (Carp Lake, MI) Summer Beachfront Bliss | Swim & Relax on Cecil Bay

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Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Beach
Aerial view

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Barbecue
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
Carp Lake, MI
  • Place, Wilderness State Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Headlands International Dark Sky Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Mackinac Island, MI (MCD)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Primary

1 King Bed

Secondary

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Bay Breeze (Carp Lake, MI) Summer Beachfront Bliss | Swim & Relax on Cecil Bay

Bay Breeze

SLEEPS: 4
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1
*Lakefront-on Lake Michigan-Cecil Bay
*Near Mackinaw City
*Near Wilderness State Park

This private Lake Michigan Cecil Bay cottage offers beautiful sandy beachfront and a peaceful setting just 15 minutes from Mackinaw City. With two bedrooms and one bathroom, the cottage sleeps up to four guests and is designed for comfort and relaxation.

Enjoy swimming, beach walks, stargazing, and unforgettable sunsets right outside your door. The cottage is a short bike ride to Wilderness State Park for hiking and biking, and just a 10-minute drive to the Headlands Dark Sky Preserve—one of the few designated dark sky preserves in the U.S.

Inside, the home features a fully equipped kitchen with an electric glass-top stove, full-size refrigerator, quality cookware, and a dining area with lake views. The custom bathroom includes a walk-in shower and on-demand hot water, and a washer and dryer are available for guest use. Sleeping arrangements include a king bed in the primary bedroom and a twin bed with trundle in the second bedroom.

Guests can walk to Cecil Bay Trading Co. for groceries, ice cream, pastries, and kayak or bike rentals, or head into Mackinaw City for dining, shopping, famous fudge, and ferries to Mackinac Island. Nearby attractions include historic lighthouses, Fort Michilimackinac, seasonal bird migrations, fall color tours, and easy access to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

With its private beach, outdoor adventures, and unbeatable location, this cottage is the perfect home base for a classic Northern Michigan getaway.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Air Conditioning: There is no AC at this location.

ATVs: ATVs are not permitted for use on the property.

Animals: Bald Eagles, Foxes, Deer, and Porcupine.

Bathrooms: This property has one bathroom

*Main Bath - Walk-in shower, toilet, and sink.

Beach/Swimming: This property is located right on Lake Michigan, specifically on Cecil Bay, and features a sandy beachfront.

Bedroom Configurations:

*Primary Bedroom - King Bed

*Secondary Bedroom - Twin bed with trundle

Boats: Cecil Bay Trading Post does Kayak rentals!

Boat Launch: Wilderness State Park is right down the street, and has a public launch. Please note this property does not feature a dock.

Bugs: Mosquitoes, Midges, Spiders and Black Flies. (early May)

Cable: Local Dish TV

Cell Phone Service: All major carriers work well. If you are experiencing issues, please use Wi-Fi calling.

Coffee Maker: There is a 4-cup drip coffee maker with filters provided.

Distances:

*Cecil Bay Trading Post - 2 minutes (Less than a mile)

*Wilderness State Park - 3 minutes (1.6 miles)

*Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 13 minutes (5.5 miles)

*Mackinaw City - 15 minutes (7.6 miles)

*Kilwins Ice Cream - 16 minutes (7.3 miles)

*St. Ignace - 27 minutes (15.7 miles)

*Detroit - 4 hours & 13 minutes (294 miles)

*Chicago - 6 hours & 18 minutes (418 miles)


Dock: This property does not have a dock.

Drinking Water: This location uses well water with a water softener.

Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.

Fireplace: There is a propane gas stove and a Heat & Glo fireplace.

Fire-pit: Firepit coming Summer 2026.

Fishing: Cecil Bay is great for fishing, with salmon, bass, and trout populating the water.

Golf: Mackinaw Golf Club - 17 minutes (9.1)

Grill: There is an 18” dome charcoal grill. Please bring charcoal and lighter fluid for your stay.

Grocery Store: Mackinaw Family Market - 15 minutes (7.6 miles)

Handicap Friendly: There are no additional features to make this property handicap friendly.

Heat: There is a Heat & Glo fireplace, and three additional space heaters.

Hunting: Hunting is not allowed on the property. Please follow all local and state guidelines if hunting in the area.

Internet: 50 MBPS

Linens: All linens are provided.

Parking: Turnaround driveway with room for 2 cars.

Pets: This location is not pet friendly.

Privacy: There are neighbors next door.

Space: One level home.

Seniors: Seniors welcome! There are three steps into the home.

Televisions: This location has two TVs.

*Living Room - 55” Smart TV

*Primary Bedroom - 55” Smart TV.

Towels: Bath & Kitchen towels are provided as well as some beach towels.

Washer and Dryer: There is a washer and dryer available to guests.

Wood: Firewood is not provided.

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House Rules

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No 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

About the area

Carp Lake

Located in Carp Lake, this holiday home is on the beach. Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and The Jewel at the Grand Hotel are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Animal Tracks Adventure Golf and Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in Carp LakeOpens in a new window
Map
Carp Lake, MI

What's nearby

  • Wilderness State Park - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 7 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal - 11 min drive - 12.4 km
  • Mackinaw City Dock - 11 min drive - 13.4 km
  • The Jewel at the Grand Hotel - 60 min drive - 25.6 km

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Keyhole Bar & Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Dixie Saloon - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Wienerlicious - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Audie's Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Darrow's Family Restaurant - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bay Breeze (Carp Lake, MI) Summer Beachfront Bliss | Swim & Relax on Cecil Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Bay Breeze (Carp Lake, MI) Summer Beachfront Bliss | Swim & Relax on Cecil Bay?

As of 31 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bay Breeze (Carp Lake, MI) Summer Beachfront Bliss | Swim & Relax on Cecil Bay on 3 July 2026 start from NZ$900, 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.

Where is Bay Breeze (Carp Lake, MI) Summer Beachfront Bliss | Swim & Relax on Cecil Bay located?

Situated on the beach, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Wilderness State Park and Lake Michigan. Headlands International Dark Sky Park and Mackinaw Heritage Village are also within 6 miles (10 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. 46 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 57 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michele F.

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

Quiet beach cottage on Lake Michigan

The cottage was adorable, exactly as listed & very clean! You can walk out the door & right onto the beach! Located only 15 minutes from Mackinaw City. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

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

Great stay!

Great stay on Lake Michigan! This was our first time to this area and the house and location exceeded our expectations. My kids loved the sandy beach and calm water for swimming.We stayed for a week- I think we would have brought more groceries (fresh fruit/vegs) as the local grocery stores are small and have limited to choose from.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Heather C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location is amazing, you are really right on the water. The only air conditioner is a window unit in the main bedroom so it can get a little warm in there. It was decorated super cute but some cushions and throw pillows could use a good wash. Kitchen was super clean. It was nice towels were provided, even beach towels.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl P.

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

Cute, good location

Location was great, cottage was cute, as listed
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki D.

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

May stay

The house and beach are beautiful such a cute setting open floor plan and close to shops and Sheppler’s ferry to get to Mackinac Island.The only thing we didn’t realize is May is the season for midge flies. They were pretty prominent.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dana M.

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

Honeymoon Haven

Beautiful cottage and surrounding beach. Exactly as pictured if not better. It feels remote while being still so close to the city. Excellent views I am so glad we got the chance to stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cal B.

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

Great Location

Enjoyed the cottage. Right on a small bay looking into Lake Michigan/Straits of Mackinac
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emili U.

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

Would definitely return

Beautiful home, beautiful view! Enjoyed our stay and would look to book this property again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

tim p.

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

Beautiful house

The house, location, and ammenities are beaitiful, comfortable and just as advertised. The beachfront was private and perfect for our 2 year old.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Molly H.

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

Summer fun in Northern Michigan!

We throughly enjoyed our time here! Such a quaint home that fit my family of 4 perfectly. The private beach was so much fun. It was a quick drive to Mackinaw City for everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittney C.

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

Getaway

We loved this location on Lake Michigan. Perfect place to get away from the busyness of life and just enjoy!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

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

Perfect

The property was perfect for our stay! Very clean, quiet and private. It was close to Mackinaw City, but far enough away from the business. Highly recommend!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt B.

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

Perfect Hidden Gem!!!

My wife and I spent 5 nights with our 2 small children. The house was beyond perfect! The view, the beach, the space were exactly what we needed. The owners do an amazing job setting up a space with such tranquility and beauty. We will definitely be coming back!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

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

Beautiful Getaway

Lovely home with everything you provided. Spectacular view of Lake Michigan with a wonderful sandy beach. Very secluded and quiet. Definitely a place to relax and recharge.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Becca K.

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

Review

We really enjoyed this cute cottage for our honeymoon. Beautiful sunsets in the evening!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kacey S.

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

Perfect lakeside getaway

We came to this lovely beachside home for a babymoon and had a great time! The house had everything we needed and the location was perfect to head to Mackinac Island for a day or go into Mackinaw City to beat the heat at the movie theatre. The house number can be a little difficult to read as you arrive, but trust your GPS, it'll take you to the right spot!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

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

Beautiful views!

Wonderful, clean,and comfortable. Views of the lake and sunsets were second to none. Wish we'd known it was midge season - that's the only thing that kept us from being able to fully enjoying the property. Location was great - very quiet and private, but an easy drive into Mackinac City and to the ferry.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Perfect Getaway

We came for a relaxing weekend getaway and that’s just what we received. The cottage was clean, perfect size, and the view to the lake was stunning. We didn’t utilize much in the way of cooking, but it appeared to be very well outfitted. I’m always nervous when booking site unseen, but in today’s world that’s the norm. Thanks to other’s reviews, we ended up with a lovely place to unwind.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

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

Peaceful Stay on the Bay

This place was a great retreat for us. The only drawback is no air conditioning. The cool night air and a fan helped though. The location and property were excellent. Also there isn’t a curtain in the bathroom. Probably don’t need it but it was a bit strange. We would stay again for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brook M.

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

Beach hideaway

Our family had the most amazing week at this property! The house was clean, cozy and had the perfect beach vibe. Our kids loved walking out the back door and right to the beach with endless sand and swimming in Lake Michigan. The location was right around the corner from Mackinaw City/Island and we were able to explore there as well. The property owners were great and very responsive to all questions. We had everything we needed there. This is the perfect location for a summer vacation and we can’t wait to go again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexa S.

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

Perfect beach house

I stayed here with my husband and two young children. The house was perfect for the four of us - cozy, comfortable and enough space. It was also pristine when we arrived. The pictures in the listing are appealing but the house is even more adorable in person. The views of the lake are spectacular, and being able to take just a few steps to get to the water was wonderful. The area around the house is secluded and peaceful, but Mackinaw City is just a short drive (about 10 minutes), making it easy to go out to eat, etc. This house is a real gem for anyone wanting a lake getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JOSEPH V.

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

25th wedding anniversary... already making plans to come back!

This was my first ever booking of a VRBO or any other property. I feel like the bar is set way too high now and I have so much to say that I don't even know where to start.While the pictures are good, getting there in person you will quickly see how special this place is. The property is secluded from the road by about 40' of dense tree line. Beautiful clean sand from the beach to the front door of the property. I am not sure when the place was renovated but the owner did a phenomenal job and addressed EVERY issue you may have read about in reviews from years prior. Strong water pressure in the huge walk in shower. Endless hot water. Beautifully decorated, brand new Speed Queen washer and dryer (nice). North wall is full on picture windows floor to ceiling giving outstanding views of the bay, passing ships, sunsets and the wildlife. BRING BINOCULARS! The house is within walking distance of Cecil Bay Trading post. Stockpile of supplies and will even cook you a pizza if you call ahead. Kayak and bike rentals etc... Great business this guy is running here!So much more to say but limited to 1500 characters. We spent a full week here and visited:-Mackinac Island (two times, bring a bike and use Sheplers ferry!)-Headlands International Dark Sky Park-Wilderness State Park-Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park (stop at Hiawatha pasties)-Soo LocksWe haven't stopped talking about how special this trip was and envisioned retiring much the same way. Good energy!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anita A.

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

Peace and Quiet at the Cottage

We loved the cottage! Due to a mixup, it wasn't clean when we got there, but one call to the Manager and a crew showed up within half an hour. It was clean in less than an hour and the crew was very friendly. The cottage is just as it looks in the pictures. It's very nicely decorated and stocked. It is quiet there! Also, the sun sets over the lake, which is very nice. I do have to say that the on-demand water heating is tricky. It cycles between cool and hot repeatedly within a minute, but if you get it set right, it's never tooo hot or tooo cool. We did not let that interfere with the enjoyment of the stay. Also, take your bug spray if you're going in early June. The first two days, we were bombarded by mosquitos when going outside. The last two days, there were considerably less of them. You can walk quite a way on the beach. Don't worry about going to the Dark Sky Park. You have the same sky above at the cottage :) Overall, we enjoyed the stay here very much.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa A.

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

Lifelong dream realized- UP visit

Our stay was over Labor Day weekend 2024. I researched high and low temperatures for the time of year. On our stay it never exceeded 75° and we were very comfortable. I was prepared to clean upon arrival but there was absolutely no need to do so! We cooked every day and had sufficient kitchen tools to do the job. The counter space is pretty limited but I was able to make it work. Beautiful fox in the tall grass entertained us briefly in the morning and evening. The ecosystem is spectacular. I was happy to be a caregiver. I walk away from the vacation reminded of how I can do better here in my own home. There is a public beach right down the road. You can take a nice walk here. There are rocks at one end. We did not need to go to the Dark Skies Park. We sat on the beach and moved the chairs to block the neighbors outdoor light. No big deal. Wilderness State Park is worth a visit and one of the reasons we chose this location. You can rent a kayak right down the street, walk across the street to a creek to launch the kayak and navigate it to the sandy deach in front of the home. The location is only 15 minutes from Mackinaw City and tons of fudge! Our vacation was perfect. Property manager was extremely receptive. We had a brief power outage one night because a post had been knocked down in the county. The utility was quickly called on our behalf. It was actually kind of fun not to have power for a while! I definitely recommend this location.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Linda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in

Mixed Bag

The house was very clean, nicely decorated and had a pretty front yard. The beach and view were very nice. The location close to Wilderness and Headlands parks was great. It was an appropriate size for two, something that can be hard to find. Our low overall rating is due to several factors. The kitchen sponge provided had caked on food on the scrubbing side, and we couldn't find any dishcloths. There was no bath soap, shampoo, or even one box of facial tissues provided, which seems cheap given the price. It also was in contradiction to what the listing promised. The listing also promised dark skies, but the next door property had a very bright dawn to dusk light on a tall pole, which illuminated the area around the house and interfered with seeing the night sky. As noted by other renters, the on-demand water heater did not provide water that was a consistent temperature. In addition, there was a taste and odor to the water which was obvious when drinking the water, washing dishes, and showering. The kitchen is small, but had nice appliances and was fine for cooking for two; however, the lighting is very dim, having only an accent light to directly illuminate the workspace. Spring and fall renters should be aware that the only real heat source is from a gas burning fireplace with a blower in the main room. It must be turned off when you are gone and overnight, so the house can cool down substantially during those times. We got up on our last morning to a house that had cooled to 57 degrees. There is no heat in the bathroom (or the bedroom), so your best bet is to leave the bathroom door open when you shower. Finally, check out was at 10:00 am, but at 9:30 am, a large man knocked on the door and asked brusquely when we would be leaving.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals

Host profile image
Freshwater Vacation Rentals
• Established in 2005
If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We offer an unparalleled selection of properties across the state-from private islands and large family lodges to peaceful Great Lakes getaways. We specialize in finding your ideal setting, whether it's a social spot where you can enjoy evening fires with neighbors, or a remote retreat where you won't see another soul.
Our philosophy: We work hard so you don't have to. As both owners and property managers for nearly two decades (since our start with Republic island and the Rapid River Lodge), we offer a unique, insider perspective. Our mission is to guarantee our guests a wonderful experience and help our owners maximize their investment. Give us a call, and we'll find the right fit for you!

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