Come and enjoy this peaceful retreat on the beautiful Betsie River. This enchanting cottage in an idyllic wooded setting with an artesian fed stream flowing into the Betsie River... offers you every comfort of home while you are building memories with your family that will last for years to come. The only thing you will find lacking is time to take it all in. Two bdrms, one bath, gas grill, campfire area, extra sleeping accommodations. Direct frontage on the Betsie River. Dogs welcome $100 each for the stay. Just 2 miles to Crystal Mountain.
This cozy cottage on the Betsie River is just three miles from Crystal Mountain offers an excellent family vacation retreat or romantic get-away. Fish for the plentiful Steel head, Brown, or Rainbow Trout. Hunt for the abundant gourmet morel mushrooms, or simply enjoy the sight, sounds and smells of Northern Michigan emerging into spring. Summer sunshine and water invite swimming, water-sports, or just sunbathing. Take a canoe, kayak, or tubing trip through miles of peaceful wilderness. Walk to the top of the sand dunes at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, just a short drive from your door.
Fall is the season to fish for the great Coho or King Salmon. Thousands are taken each year from the Betsie River and Betsie Bay. Hunting is popular for deer, small game, turkey, and waterfowl. Best of all, Indian Summer offers an array of gorgeous colors, so bring your camera for some breathtaking pictures. Winter, cross country ski from your front door through acres of beautiful Michigan wilderness. Downhill ski at Crystal Mountain only a few minutes away.
Keywords: River cabin, single family home, Betsie River, Crystal mountain golf and ski resort,
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Amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Water view
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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
Thompsonville
Located in Thompsonville, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Michigan Legacy Art Park and Benzie Area Historical Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Crystal Mountain and Iron Fish Distillery. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and ice skating.
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Direct Betsie River frontage.?
As of 24 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Direct Betsie River frontage. on 26 July 2026 start from NZ$285, 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 Direct Betsie River frontage.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Direct Betsie River frontage.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Direct Betsie River frontage.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Direct Betsie River frontage. located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 6 miles (10 km) of Iron Fish Distillery, Crystal Mountain and Michigan Legacy Art Park. Misty Acres Preserve and Glovers Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Really enjoyed our stay here. Kitchen was equipped with anything you would need. Home was clean and welcoming. Really enjoyed the screened in porch even on the cool rainy days. Also enjoyed siiting on the swing overlooking the Betsie river.
Joan B.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 October 2025
Thank you Joan for choosing Betsie River Retreat for your annual fall vacation.
I’m happy to hear you had an enjoyable stay even though the weather didn’t cooperate.
Glad you had a chance to relax on the screened porch and enjoy the swing overlooking the river.
Hope to have the chance to visit again next year.
Kind regards
Sharon
Verified
10/10 Excellent
george
6 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This cabin was a great retreat for my husband and I. It was so peaceful. The location was great, and it was fully stocked with EVERYTHING ! We had a great stay!!
This was our third visit to a very relaxing place on the Betsie river. No doubt, we'll be back again.
Tom G.
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 April 2025
Such a privilege to have guests like Tom and Terry. Thanks for the heads-up on the studio issue, it’s been taken care of.
Thank you for visiting again,
Sharon
You've heard of the 4C's with diamonds.. these are the 4C's of Sharon's VRBO on The Betsie: Clean, Comfortable, Cute, Charming.Having coffee on the screened in porch was magical. We would highly recommend vacationing here. Even the dog loved it!
Beautiful location on the Betsy river. The property was so amazing in the woods quiet. House was very accommodating with everything we needed in the kitchen.
Spent a week at this great cabin on the Bestsie River. Close to everything yet situated in the woods so it feel private. The cabin had everything that was needed. Great getaway for sure.
Stayed for 15 nights with my fiance and dog. Cute property and the river along the back of the property was very nice and convenient. Loved the screened room that looked out to the river. The property location was fantastic as everywhere we wanted to go was about equal distance away and not too far. We really did not want to leave at the end of our stay. We would definitely come back! We had a blast!
Amber L.
Stayed 15 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2025
It makes me extremely happy to know you had such a wonderful time (and that you didn’t want to leave 😂).
Looking forward to next time,
Sharon
Very nice and quiet! The river is absolutely beautiful but it would have been nice if some of the fallen trees and just some of the trees period were removed would make for a much better view, couldn’t ask for a better location
Danielle C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 13 August 2023
I wish it was possible to remove more trees also but the Betsie River is a designated scenic and wildlife river prohibiting cutting at the river.
The cabin is just as we expected. Nice, clean, and private. The host had everything we needed, and I love that she provided a bottle of champagne to start our vacation. We also really loved being by the river. The sound of running water is calming. Would definitely stay again!
Amanda B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 August 2023
The review was not correct this couple is a property owners dream. 5 star in all categories. They are welcome back anytime.
It’s a bit like staying at your grandma’s house. Lots of interesting things to look at. One could prepare gourmet meals or simple ones as the kitchen had all kinds of pots, pans, dishes and glassware. The cabin could be stuffy on hot damp days, but an airconditioner helped.We loved the setting of woods, wild flowers, trees, river and stream .
Katherine C.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 July 2025
That’s exactly how I describe my cabin to people, thank you. I’m so happy you enjoyed everything and appreciate
I hope that you have the opportunity to come again,
Sharon
We had a great time! Sitting on the swing overlooking the river with the sound of the creek drinking our coffee every morning was just what the doctor ordered! We went on adventures that were all day trips or just relaxed! Great stay to reset yourself! Thanks for a great opportunity, Sharon!
The property was beautiful with the river running behind it. Sharon has made the place cozy and welcoming. Most importantly, it was clean and well kept. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to anyone looking to get away from the hustle of city life, and if you have dogs, they will love it! Thank you Sharon for being such a welcoming host!
CLARE M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2023
So glad everything met your expectations. See you again soon.
Everything was great! Sharon is a great host and makes sure you have everything there that you need. The inside of cabin was very clean and beautiful, the decor was very cool(the rock lamps and mirrors ❤️) had everything there that you need to feel at home. The outdoor scenery is breathtaking, the River, the trees-a completely serene and relaxing atmosphere. Just a little slice of heaven ❤️! Would definitely recommend and do it again. Thanks again for a great week northern Michigan! #michigansbeauty #wilderness #beautifulwaterseverywhere
Cindy S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 August 2023
Thanks Cindy
It was a pleasure having you enjoy my cabin on the river. I look forward to your return.
I was A little confused when the owner showed up and said the 2nd building wasn’t included in the price. The ad never stated that and was in all the pictures. That should be clarified a little better.
Also had trouble with the bathtub handle being so tight you could barely turn it then it broke on the last day of our stay.
Carol H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 13 August 2023
The extra sleeping accommodations is an additional $35.
I apologize for the bathtub faucet not working properly. The bathtub faucet was immediately replaced with a new one.
We really enjoyed our stay. Sharon is a very accommodating host. She is very helpful to assist with helping us locate places of interest. We would definitely vacation with her again.
The house is nice and the owner is accessible and nearby. We enjoyed our stay being close to so many things to do and see. The house has everything you need. There’s no laundry but laundromat is in a nearby town that’s nice to visit. Just beautiful having the creek and river so close. We enjoyed the fire pit and especially the screen porch!
We enjoyed our stay in the cabin on the Betsie. We had many great hikes, peace in our hearts sitting in the swing above the river and lots of relaxing. Just what we wanted!
Terry G.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 August 2023
Thanks for your return visit. So happy to see you again.
Sharon
This was a perfect spot to do what exactly we wanted....to relax. We found amazing places nearby to hike, and it was a week we won't ever forget. The cabin is very sweet, and decorated adorably. Colors were still beautiful even though it was the 2nd week of November. Our weather was perfect til the last 2 days and we enjoyed it all. Thank you so much for this special experience. AND the river was mesmerizing.
Terry G.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2021
About the host
Hosted by Sharon Black
I have the best of both worlds living and working in this beautiful part of the state. I am a retired local realtor with Coldwell Banker as well as the proud owner of Betise River Retreat that I have owned and operated for the past 21 years. I find my joy in sharing this 'little bit of heaven' with my guests. I am proud of my involvement in the local chamber of commerce and enjoy the civic awareness which results from my association in Zonta International. Needless to say my church affiliation provides the basis & support of my personal & professional life.
Why they chose this property
Close to Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan, Crystal Lake, Little River Casino and multiple golf courses direct frontage on the beautiful Betsie River.
What makes this property unique
Tranquil setting overlooking the Betsie River. Enjoy nature at it's finest whether floating down the river, sitting on the screened porch and relaxing or sitting around the campfire with family.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests