Entire home
Waterfront Door County Retreat
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 10122.6 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Sturgeon Bay, WI
- Place, Potawatomi State Park20 min drive
- Place, Sturgeon Bay Bridge24 min drive
- Place, Door County Historical Museum24 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Bunk House
1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
Guest Bedroom
2 Queen Beds
Master Bedroom
1 King Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
About this property
Waterfront Door County Retreat
☀️ Summer at Rocky Shores Retreat — A Classic Waterfront Door County Escape
Rocky Shores Retreat truly comes alive in summer.
Set on 180 feet of private shoreline on Little Sturgeon Bay, this timeless Door County cottage is a guest favorite for kayaking, swimming, fireside sunsets, and laid-back lake days. Guests consistently rave about the peaceful setting, immaculate cleanliness, exceptionally stocked kitchen, and unforgettable water views.
Tucked away on a quiet private road—yet just 15–20 minutes from Sturgeon Bay—Rocky Shores offers the perfect balance of true waterfront seclusion and Door County convenience.
🌊 Waterfront Living at Its Best
With expansive shoreline and calm bay waters, summer days here are effortless:
• Kayaking directly from the property
• Swimming and shoreline exploring
• Yard games, hammock naps, and sun lounging
• Morning coffee with sunrise over the bay
• Golden-hour sunsets and star-filled nights
Guests often say the outdoor space alone makes the stay unforgettable.
🚣 Kayaks, Yard Games & Outdoor Fun (Available late spring–early fall)
Rocky Shores is designed for outdoor living:
• 4 kayaks included
• Large grassy yard for cornhole, frisbee, and games
• Hammock tucked among cedar trees
• Bayfront fire pit with firewood provided
• Plenty of seating for relaxing, gathering, and reconnecting
Wildlife sightings—deer, wild turkeys, eagles, and cormorants—are common and frequently mentioned in reviews.
☀️ Wake Up to Sunrises, Wind Down with Sunsets
Start your day on the expansive waterfront deck with coffee as the bay wakes up. Spend sunny afternoons on the water or exploring Door County, then gather around the fire pit at night for s’mores, stories, and glowing sunset skies.
Guests often describe Rocky Shores as *“peaceful, calming, and impossible to rush.”*
✪ Designed for Comfortable, Family-Friendly Stays
Inside, the cottage blends classic Door County charm with modern comfort:
• Bright living space with big bay windows
• Comfortable seating for families and groups
• Indoor wood-burning stone fireplace *(open late Oct–Apr)*
• Smart TV + game console for movie and game nights
• Books and board games for unplugged fun
• Open layout perfect for meals, games, and conversation
• High-speed Wi-Fi for streaming or remote work (Starlink)
• Self check-in for easy, stress-free arrivals
Guests frequently comment on how the home feels cozy yet spacious, spotless, and thoughtfully arranged.
🍽 One of the Best-Stocked Kitchens Guests Have Ever Used
A standout feature in nearly every review:
• High-quality cookware (guests *love* the pans)
• Spices, condiments, and cooking essentials
• Coffee station
• Full-size appliances and ample prep space
• Easy access to the outdoor Weber grill
Perfect for cooking family meals, grilling fresh fish, or enjoying local favorites from Marchant’s Grocery or Sunflower Bakery.
🛌 Bedroom Layout + Bonus Bunk House
Primary Bedroom – King Bed
• Plush king bed with hotel-quality linens
• Ceiling fan
• Quiet location for restful sleep
Guest Bedroom – Two Queen Beds
• Ideal for families or groups
• Washer & dryer conveniently located in-room
Detached Bunk House (Kid’s Cottage)
A huge favorite—especially for kids and teens:
• Sleeps up to 5
• Smart TV
• Mini fridge + freezer
• Heating & AC
• Bay views
• *(Note: No bathroom in the bunk house)*
👶 Family-Friendly Extras
Traveling with little ones? We’ve got you covered:
• Crib / Pack ’n Play
• Plenty of space for kids to play indoors and out
• Bunk house that kids absolutely love
🚿 Bathroom & Essentials
Thoughtfully stocked with:
• Shampoo, conditioner & body wash
• Extra towels
• Space heater near shower
• Safety features including smoke alarms and first aid kit
🌳 Outdoor Space Guests Rave About
Waterfront Deck
• Overlooks the entire bay
• Partial cedar shade
• Seating for coffee, cocktails, and sunset watching
• Outdoor lighting for evenings
Fire Pit Area
• Adirondack chairs
• Firewood included
• Perfect for s’mores and stargazing
Front Patio + Grill
• Wind-sheltered brick patio
• Weber grill steps from the kitchen
✪ 2026 Water Levels
Water levels in Little Sturgeon Bay are lower than in recent years. Kayaks are still usable, though guests may need to walk a bit farther across shoreline rocks to reach adequate depth.
📍 Peaceful Yet Convenient Location
• ~15–20 minutes to downtown Sturgeon Bay
• Easy access to beaches, wineries, parks, and golf
• Quiet, private road with minimal traffic
Guests love having a true retreat that’s still an easy drive to Door County highlights.
🌞 Why Guests Love Rocky Shores Retreat (Curated from Rocky Shores reviews)
• Stunning waterfront views and sunsets
• Spotless, extremely clean home
• Exceptionally stocked, organized kitchen
• Comfortable beds with quality linens
• Thoughtful amenities — *“they thought of everything”*
• Amazing outdoor space with kayaks, fire pit, and yard
• Kids LOVE the bunk house
• Peaceful, private setting with easy access to town
• Stress-free stay with excellent communication and guidebook
🌊 Your Door County Summer Starts Here
If you’re looking for a classic waterfront cottage, space to spread out, and the kind of peaceful summer setting guests return to year after year—Rocky Shores Retreat is it.
Summer dates book quickly. Reserve your stay today.
Rocky Shores Retreat truly comes alive in summer.
Set on 180 feet of private shoreline on Little Sturgeon Bay, this timeless Door County cottage is a guest favorite for kayaking, swimming, fireside sunsets, and laid-back lake days. Guests consistently rave about the peaceful setting, immaculate cleanliness, exceptionally stocked kitchen, and unforgettable water views.
Tucked away on a quiet private road—yet just 15–20 minutes from Sturgeon Bay—Rocky Shores offers the perfect balance of true waterfront seclusion and Door County convenience.
🌊 Waterfront Living at Its Best
With expansive shoreline and calm bay waters, summer days here are effortless:
• Kayaking directly from the property
• Swimming and shoreline exploring
• Yard games, hammock naps, and sun lounging
• Morning coffee with sunrise over the bay
• Golden-hour sunsets and star-filled nights
Guests often say the outdoor space alone makes the stay unforgettable.
🚣 Kayaks, Yard Games & Outdoor Fun (Available late spring–early fall)
Rocky Shores is designed for outdoor living:
• 4 kayaks included
• Large grassy yard for cornhole, frisbee, and games
• Hammock tucked among cedar trees
• Bayfront fire pit with firewood provided
• Plenty of seating for relaxing, gathering, and reconnecting
Wildlife sightings—deer, wild turkeys, eagles, and cormorants—are common and frequently mentioned in reviews.
☀️ Wake Up to Sunrises, Wind Down with Sunsets
Start your day on the expansive waterfront deck with coffee as the bay wakes up. Spend sunny afternoons on the water or exploring Door County, then gather around the fire pit at night for s’mores, stories, and glowing sunset skies.
Guests often describe Rocky Shores as *“peaceful, calming, and impossible to rush.”*
✪ Designed for Comfortable, Family-Friendly Stays
Inside, the cottage blends classic Door County charm with modern comfort:
• Bright living space with big bay windows
• Comfortable seating for families and groups
• Indoor wood-burning stone fireplace *(open late Oct–Apr)*
• Smart TV + game console for movie and game nights
• Books and board games for unplugged fun
• Open layout perfect for meals, games, and conversation
• High-speed Wi-Fi for streaming or remote work (Starlink)
• Self check-in for easy, stress-free arrivals
Guests frequently comment on how the home feels cozy yet spacious, spotless, and thoughtfully arranged.
🍽 One of the Best-Stocked Kitchens Guests Have Ever Used
A standout feature in nearly every review:
• High-quality cookware (guests *love* the pans)
• Spices, condiments, and cooking essentials
• Coffee station
• Full-size appliances and ample prep space
• Easy access to the outdoor Weber grill
Perfect for cooking family meals, grilling fresh fish, or enjoying local favorites from Marchant’s Grocery or Sunflower Bakery.
🛌 Bedroom Layout + Bonus Bunk House
Primary Bedroom – King Bed
• Plush king bed with hotel-quality linens
• Ceiling fan
• Quiet location for restful sleep
Guest Bedroom – Two Queen Beds
• Ideal for families or groups
• Washer & dryer conveniently located in-room
Detached Bunk House (Kid’s Cottage)
A huge favorite—especially for kids and teens:
• Sleeps up to 5
• Smart TV
• Mini fridge + freezer
• Heating & AC
• Bay views
• *(Note: No bathroom in the bunk house)*
👶 Family-Friendly Extras
Traveling with little ones? We’ve got you covered:
• Crib / Pack ’n Play
• Plenty of space for kids to play indoors and out
• Bunk house that kids absolutely love
🚿 Bathroom & Essentials
Thoughtfully stocked with:
• Shampoo, conditioner & body wash
• Extra towels
• Space heater near shower
• Safety features including smoke alarms and first aid kit
🌳 Outdoor Space Guests Rave About
Waterfront Deck
• Overlooks the entire bay
• Partial cedar shade
• Seating for coffee, cocktails, and sunset watching
• Outdoor lighting for evenings
Fire Pit Area
• Adirondack chairs
• Firewood included
• Perfect for s’mores and stargazing
Front Patio + Grill
• Wind-sheltered brick patio
• Weber grill steps from the kitchen
✪ 2026 Water Levels
Water levels in Little Sturgeon Bay are lower than in recent years. Kayaks are still usable, though guests may need to walk a bit farther across shoreline rocks to reach adequate depth.
📍 Peaceful Yet Convenient Location
• ~15–20 minutes to downtown Sturgeon Bay
• Easy access to beaches, wineries, parks, and golf
• Quiet, private road with minimal traffic
Guests love having a true retreat that’s still an easy drive to Door County highlights.
🌞 Why Guests Love Rocky Shores Retreat (Curated from Rocky Shores reviews)
• Stunning waterfront views and sunsets
• Spotless, extremely clean home
• Exceptionally stocked, organized kitchen
• Comfortable beds with quality linens
• Thoughtful amenities — *“they thought of everything”*
• Amazing outdoor space with kayaks, fire pit, and yard
• Kids LOVE the bunk house
• Peaceful, private setting with easy access to town
• Stress-free stay with excellent communication and guidebook
🌊 Your Door County Summer Starts Here
If you’re looking for a classic waterfront cottage, space to spread out, and the kind of peaceful summer setting guests return to year after year—Rocky Shores Retreat is it.
Summer dates book quickly. Reserve your stay today.
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Historic Door County waterfront retreat where modern comforts meet wild beauty.
Historic Door County waterfront retreat where modern comforts meet wild beauty.
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Free Wi-Fi
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
North America
Sturgeon Bay, WI
What's nearby
- Potawatomi State Park - 20 min drive - 21.2 km
- Door County Maritime Museum - 23 min drive - 23.4 km
- Sturgeon Bay Bridge - 24 min drive - 23.8 km
- Door County Historical Museum - 24 min drive - 24.5 km
- Third Avenue Playhouse - 24 min drive - 24.5 km
Restaurants
- Renard's Cheese - 24 min drive
- Morning Glory Restaurant - 23 min drive
- Rite's Cove - 16 min drive
- Sunset Bar & Grill - 18 min drive
- Castaways on the Bay - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
5 January 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
JOHN S.
3 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
JOHN S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Julie P.
1 December 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Julie P.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Luke S.
19 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Luke S.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Adam B.
20 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Door County Cottage
Adam B.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mark S.
1 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mark S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Clayton H.
17 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clayton H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Thomas S.
25 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thomas S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrew P.
10 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place!
Andrew P.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kenneth S.
24 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kenneth S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
This review is from a guest who booked and stayed through a partner site and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Margarita M.
16 May 2025
A great stay for a memorable family reunion
Margarita M.
10/10 Excellent
Tom Z.
10 November 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect weekend getaway
Tom Z.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth L.
7 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beauty on the lake
Elizabeth L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
8/10 Good
Kate V.
23 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family getaway
Kate V.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Aurimas B.
4 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice
Aurimas B.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
This review is from a guest who booked and stayed through a partner site and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Sheila W.
2 July 2025
All the comforts of home, beautiful location, and attention to detail make this a favorite vacation getaway for our family!
Sheila W.
10/10 Excellent
Sheila W.
19 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming Family Cottage
Sheila W.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ruth T.
3 January 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property! Extremely clean.
Ruth T.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
10/10 Excellent
Keith R.
7 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rocky Shores
Keith R.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer W.
30 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely amazing experience here!
Jennifer W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julie S.
3 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace and Quiet
Julie S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sandy L.
20 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Calm and Relaxing
Sandy L.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dianne B.
17 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Nice Cabin
Dianne B.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Blake W.
22 March 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place!
Blake W.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carolynn D.
3 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Stay
Carolynn D.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
About the host
Hosted by Dana Vanden Heuvel
We are Dana & Timothea and we live and work in Green Bay, but have been coming to Door County for our whole lives. We wanted to share our love for the area with our guests by opening Rocky Shores Retreat!
Why they chose this property
We purchased the cottage as both a family getaway and as a vacation rental so that we could share our love of Door County and the Southern Door area with our family and also with our guests.
What makes this property unique
The Door County stone fireplace is available from Fall-Spring.
We have four kayaks available for use from Spring-Fall.
We have four kayaks available for use from Spring-Fall.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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