Place, beach near Crystal Falls Boating Access Site
18 min walk
Crystal Mountain
Place, Crystal Mountain
15 min drive
Traverse City Beach
Place, Traverse City Beach
53 min drive
Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
42 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bunkhouse
+2
3 Single Beds and 3 Queen Beds
Common area 1
2 Single Beds
3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
3rd floor balcony
Toilet
bunkhouse bath
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
first floor main
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
king bed room bath
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
About this property
Family Lake Home – Bikes, Kayaks, Game Loft, Fire Pit, & No Cleaning Fees
Family-Friendly Crystal Lake Retreat with onsite outdoor 240v EV Outlet
We’re a VRBO Premier Host dedicated to helping families create unforgettable memories — and we love welcoming returning guests year after year! We're currently filling the last few remaining open weeks for the season, so if you're looking for a peaceful, family-friendly Crystal Lake getaway, now is the perfect time to book. Families who stay with us this year will also get first opportunity to reserve their preferred week next summer.
Spacious & Updated – 4 Sleeping Areas, Sleeps 12 Comfortably Our fully equipped home has just undergone major updates, including a brand-new kitchen, all new appliances, and refreshed living room spaces. With approximately 3,100 sq ft of living space, the layout easily accommodates extended families or two+ groups traveling together.
Main floor bedroom: Queen bed near full bath
Second-floor suite: King bed, sitting area, full ensuite bath, private balcony
The Bunkhouse: Two queen beds, a triple twin bunk, loft with a full bed, full bathroom, foosball, Xbox, and TV — a favorite for kids and teens!
Total bathrooms: 3 full baths + 1 half bath EV charging: 240V outlet at the driveway for electric vehicles
Close to the Water with Room to Play Our home is just 250 feet from Crystal Lake, with access to a shared gathering area. Over night boat anchoring/mooring is not permitted. A larger public beach (Mollineaux Beach) is less than a mile away, and the DNR boat launch is just up the road. The backyard includes a fire pit, string lights, and plenty of seating for relaxing evenings outdoors.
We provide:
A variety of Trek/Cannondale bikes + youth bikes (please bring your own helmets)
4 kayaks with life vests for lake adventures
Outdoor space perfect for family games, fires, and unwinding after a beach day
Unbeatable Location for Northern Michigan Fun From outdoor adventure to laid-back lake days and local tastings, there’s something here for everyone:
Frankfort (5 miles) – Charming beach town with restaurants, boutiques, ice cream shops, and incredible Lake Michigan sunsets
Point Betsie Lighthouse – Iconic photo spot and historic tours right on the lake
Mollineaux Beach – Sandy, family-friendly public beach less than a mile from the home
Crystal Lake Marina & DNR Boat Launch (1 mile) – Launch your boat, paddleboard, or fishing trip
Sleeping Bear Dunes (30–40 min) – Climb dunes, float the Platte River, hike Empire Bluffs, or bike the Heritage Trail
Crystal Mountain Resort (15 min) – Skiing, golf, alpine slide, mountain biking, spa, and family adventure courses
Arcadia Bluffs (20 min) – One of the most scenic golf courses in the country
Betsie Valley Trail – 22 miles of biking/walking through woods and lakeshore from Frankfort to Thompsonville
Beulah (5 min) – Stroll along Crystal Lake, grab ice cream, visit the Cherry Hut, or enjoy the local park
Elberta Bluffs – Stunning Lake Michigan overlook and quiet beach access
Canoeing/Kayaking – Rent nearby and float the Platte or Betsie Rivers
Fishing – Crystal Lake is one of just two Michigan lakes with a sustained coho salmon population
Local Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries St. Ambrose Cellars (Beulah) – Meads, ciders, wine, live music & a chill outdoor vibe
Iron Fish Distillery (Thompsonville, 15–20 min) – Craft cocktails, food trucks, events, and a family-friendly farm setting
Stormcloud Brewing Company (Frankfort) – Belgian-style beers, taproom menu, and outdoor patio
Laurentide Winery (Lake Leelanau) – Elegant, small-batch wines in a relaxed tasting room
Rove Estate (Traverse City, ~45 min) – High-elevation winery with panoramic views
Bier’s Inwood Brewery (Cedar) – Local craft beer in a fun, rustic setting
Gwen Frostic Prints & Crystal Lake Winery (Benzonia) – Unique combo of artisan print shop and small winery
Built for Families, Not Parties We love hosting families who are looking to relax, reconnect, and enjoy everything Northern Michigan has to offer. We do not accommodate party groups, and undeclared guests are not allowed — doing so may result in cancellation without refund. We value our neighbors and the peaceful, respectful community that surrounds the lake.
We're excited to share this space with you and hope it becomes your new favorite summer tradition. Secure one of our open weeks and come make lasting memories on Crystal Lake!
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Guests are 100% liable for all damages they cause to the home, property, or neighbor property
No fireworks are permitted at the home
There is a firm limit of 12 total guest. Registered guests only, day visitors are not permitted. Violation can cause cancellation without refund
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2263492vb
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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
Frankfort
Located in Frankfort, this holiday home is on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and snowmobiling.
beach near Crystal Falls Boating Access Site - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Crystal Mountain - 15 min drive - 23.5 km
Little River Casino - 40 min drive - 62.0 km
Front Street - 47 min drive - 68.1 km
Traverse City Beach - 53 min drive - 76.1 km
Getting around
Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 34 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 6 min drive
A Papano's Pizza BEULAH - 8 min drive
Five Shores Brewing - 7 min drive
Stormcloud Brewing Parkview Taproom - 6 min drive
Stormcloud Brewing Company - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Family Lake Home – Bikes, Kayaks, Game Loft, Fire Pit, & No Cleaning Fees pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Family Lake Home – Bikes, Kayaks, Game Loft, Fire Pit, & No Cleaning Fees?
As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Family Lake Home – Bikes, Kayaks, Game Loft, Fire Pit, & No Cleaning Fees on 31 May 2026 start from NZ$1,374, 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 Family Lake Home – Bikes, Kayaks, Game Loft, Fire Pit, & No Cleaning Fees?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Family Lake Home – Bikes, Kayaks, Game Loft, Fire Pit, & No Cleaning Fees?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Family Lake Home – Bikes, Kayaks, Game Loft, Fire Pit, & No Cleaning Fees?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Family Lake Home – Bikes, Kayaks, Game Loft, Fire Pit, & No Cleaning Fees located?
Located on a lake, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Benzie Area Historical Museum, Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts, and Frankfort Beach. Bellows Public Beach and Elberta Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our family once again enjoyed our time together staying on Crystal Lake. The cottage had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. The owner was very helpful and answered our questions right away. A bonus was the floating pad provided!
We had a wonderful trip with two families. The house is quirky and could use some updating in spots, but the large kitchen and eating area were great. The star of the stay, though, was beautiful Crystal Lake, which was as close as the listing says. We were able to swim from the gathering area and use the kayaks. Beautiful lake and so close to Frankfort and other interesting little towns. Great stay!
This property was perfect for our group of 10. The house was very roomy and clean. The location is great close to public beaches and town, also just a short walk to the lake. We got a lot of use out of the kayaks that were provided. Would highly recommend this property.
Visited for color tour it was an amazing weekend stay. The house is fully stocked and the beds were very comfortable. Plenty of space for everyone to spread out and the kitchen has recently been redone and was great to cook in. Little bit of a damp smell but to be expected up north! Overall great space!
there is plenty of community space. appreciate a kitchen with enough room for cooking, eating, and just getting together. enjoyed having kayaks available. it is good to understand how to deal with privacy issues with the king bed room and the loft.
Everyone in our 80th birthday and family reunion appreciated the pleasant and spacious accommodations with new appliances throughout. We enjoyed walking the trails, birding, kayaking, biking, and competing in an uproarious foosball tournament.
We did a family retreat with my wife’s side of the family. The easy access to Crystal Lake along with the provided kayaks, bikes, etc was wonderful. Also loved being able to hang out around the fire pit in the backyard in the evenings. Sleeping arrangements can get a little weird with more than two adult couples… but the kids loved their room!
John was a great host! We had a fantastic vacation with our family. Including 4 teens/young adults
We stayed with my family if 4, my sister’s family of 4 and our parents. There was plenty of room. The kitchen and grills where awesome! We cooked many family meals. Enjoyed kayaking in the lake and biking the trail into town. Had some fantastic bonfires while our dad played guitar.
This place was awesome. I'll start with the hosts. They communicated everything up front making sure we could easily get into the house. Once we got there we were amazed with all the space and how spread out we felt. The kids could play in their section of the house while the adults hung out in the spacious and fun kitchen area or living room. We had a huge living room with multiple couches for family movie nights. The spacious backyard was great for the kids to have snow ball fights and make snowmen. We also had more than enough space for beds with very comfortable sleeping accommodations. We plan on returning for a summer trip and definitely plan on going back for future ski trips. Highly recommended.
Close, with access to crystal lake, which is stunning. We swam, boated, kayaked, beer gardened, fire pitted an played games. House was nice, owner accessible, friendly and super helpful, he even bought a playpen and high chair for our smallest guest. I would recommend!
This was our first time vacationing at any lake- Crystal Lake is immaculate! I am not a lake person, but I wanted to visit a friend who lives there. I can’t say enough- how much I loved this lake town and all of its offerings! The lake is ridiculously clean, not crowded, and Crystal clear in many spots! The house is a VERY SHORT walk to the lake (maybe 100 feet away). The house is MUCH LARGER than one would expect from the photos- much more room than we needed for our family of 5. I believe there were 10 beds- unless I missed a pull out sofa! The kitchen was lovely and fully stocked with every tool, appliance, and cleaning product needed! The TV family room had a huge cozy sectional couch with a large TV that had every type of streaming service available! There were numerous TVs throughout the house. Laundry room was ready to go with pods, dryer sheets, etc. There were a lot of beach towels, propane BBQ and hibachi grill outside, toys & games everywhere to use, and 4 cool kayaks with life vests! The host was extremely helpful, super nice, easy to contact, and stocked this house with everything one could need for a comfortable-relaxing vacation. The only thing I was not prepared for (lack of lake knowledge is to blame) was the septic system water. It has a “unique” smell- which is normal- but it is not harmful or dirty. Plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and shops nearby. I was even able to Instacart (delivery service) groceries to the house— which is a huge plus for me! We plan to go back to make more MICHIGAN MEMORIES! Many thanks to the host, John, for helping us have a wonderful family vacation!
Good communication. Easy to get in to. Mostly neat and clean. Didn't use all of the amenities (electronics). The WiFi was reliable. Kitchen had all we needed to prepare meals. Short walk down the shared road to the public access. Not busy .... while we were there.
The house was perfect for us. We had nine family members the youngest of which was four years old and the oldest of was 75. The fact that we had four bathrooms was a real plus for our big group of nine! It wasn't a perfect location. We were close enough to the lake that we could go swimming very easily but the 4-year-old couldn't wander out of the house and out to the lake without us with her. In other words the lake was just far enough to be safe with a 4-year-old. It was a quiet road down to the beach we didn't have to worry about getting hit by cars or noise. The kitchen was very well equipped as was the house. It was basically just perfect! I highly recommend this house to other families!
We had a great time! The house was awesome and had more than enough space for the nine of us. My babes were super impressed with the consideration of our host to provide little comforts like tissue, a coffee maker in the loft, basic toiletries for those that forgot, and other little baskets of amenities that were thoughtful and kind.
we have already started looking for openings on the calendar so that we can return for more fun and relaxation.
Very clean, and very family friendly. 15-20 minutes to Crystal, and a wonderful alternative to the lodging prices on premise. Our family frequents Crystal, so we will go back. Owner is extremely friendly, and was very helpful. Highly recommended!
John was excellent and easy to work with. Stay at property was great plenty of room to spread out and close to Crystal Mountain for skiing. Kitchen is stocked well with whatever you may need and large kitchen area.