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All the amenities of home hidden in swoon-worthy locations you’d expect only of campsites: these are the perks of the best secluded cabins in Michigan.
Michigan is known for its lake shores – after all, it’s the gateway to the great lakes. However, the Wolverine State is also about 53 percent wooded. Combine those two, and you have the perfect recipe for some pretty amazing getaways out in nature.
Whether you’re looking to unwind on the river, in the forest, or on a beach, one of these private Michigan cabin rentals has your name on it.
Related Read: 8 Unique & Secluded Cabin Rentals in Ohio
1. Couples Retreat on the River
Why you should stay: Riverside A-frame with traditional “up-north” vibes.
- Location: Irons
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $185/night
This riverside A-frame is a classic “up-north” retreat. Inside, the stone fireplace, taxidermy, and log interiors provide that traditional north-woods aesthetic. Outside, the Big Sabel River sits in the backyard and offers soothing sounds and scenery for your stay.
Since the cabin is nestled in the woods, you’ll see plenty of wildlife. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the river room (a comfortable spot with a table and chairs surrounded by large windows) for optimal wildlife viewing, or paddle the many rivers and lakes in the area with the kayaks provided for your use.
Check Availability“The quiet and seclusion creates a wonderful setting to watch all kinds of wildlife, especially from the comforts of the river room.”
Related read: 7 Idyllic Cabin Rentals in Michigan with Hot Tubs
2. Majestic Log Home
Why you should stay: Dog-friendly cabin on Lake Michigan with room for you and all your buddies.
- Location: Cedarville Township
- Sleeps: 14
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $260/night
On 400 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, this log home comes equipped with all the amenities needed for hosting and entertaining large groups. A fully stocked kitchen (and an extra fridge in the garage) makes meals a breeze any time of year while the spacious great room allows everyone to comfortably gather for conversation or to warm up by the fire.
When you’ve had enough of relaxing indoors and enjoying the lake views, play a competitive game of foosball or air hockey in the garage. Or, head out onto the spacious lawn to play corn hole while dinner is cooking on the charcoal or gas grill. And if everyone splits the cost, this one is the most affordable cabin rental in Michigan on this list.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Unique Places to Stay in Michigan for an Extraordinary Escape
3. Nature Lover’s Paradise
Why you should stay: Nature retreat surrounded by an abundance of outdoor recreation.
- Location: Irons
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $150/night
If your idea of an ideal getaway is spending more time outdoors than in, this riverside cabin is a great option. The cabin itself is newly remodeled and offers all the comforts of home with the perks of seclusion. It’s on a small hill right on the Little Manistee River, well-known as a fishing hotspot.
When you’ve had enough of the fishing, less than 10 minutes from the cabin are multiple OFV trails. For non-motorized fun, check out the nearby hiking trails or go for a float or paddle on the Pine River, Big Manistee River, and The Pere Marquette River. There are several nearby companies that rent canoes and provide shuttle rides for a stress-free river experience.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 of the Best Cabin Rentals in Michigan
4. Lakeside Timberframe Cabin
Why you should stay: Architecturally unique lakeside cabin especially good for birdwatching.
- Location: Galesburg
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $129/night
This hand-built timber framed cabin sits on a small lake less than a half-hour drive from Kalamazoo. It’s tucked into the woods for a peaceful escape from the everyday. A spacious upper deck offers panoramic views, making it the perfect spot for bird watching, so be sure to bring along some binoculars.
Head down to the 300 feet of private lakefront for some swimming and paddling — your rental comes with a kayak, canoe, and small dock. Catch some fish or a gorgeous sunset, then enjoy a grilled meal on the back lawn. Finish out the evening around the rustic campfire before turning into plush beds for the night.
Check Availability”Stunning view and setting matched by an equally gorgeous home! We so enjoyed our stay at this little slice of paradise and felt like we were in a secluded treehouse, away from it all.”
5. Lake Michigan Log Cabin
Why you should stay: Private Lake Michigan cabin with a view to remember.
- Location: St. Ignace
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 5 nights
- Rates from: $195/night
A large back porch facing the lake for relaxing. Views of the famous Mackinac Bridge from your beachfront. Four acres of woods for that secluded feeling (though you’re minutes from town). This newer log home cabin in Michigan has it all. It’s a private, comfortable escape for your “up north” adventure. There’s no Wi-Fi, so download a few movies in advance if that’s you’re preferred evening entertainment.
Your rental is just outside the town of St. Ignace, your gateway to the Upper Peninsula, where the great outdoors are the focal point. You’ll be driving distance to the state’s two National Lakeshores (Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks) and hundreds of acres of explorable state land. Mix in some civilization and take the ferry from town right to Mackinac Island, a carless, Victorian-style tourist island complete with horses and carriages.
Check Availability6. Cozy Cabin in the Woods
Why you should stay: Year-round cabin close to ski resorts and hiking and biking trails.
- Location: Alanson
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $260/night
For a cozy place to head home to after a day of playing outside, this log cabin checks all the boxes. It has a full kitchen perfect for a home cooked meal and plush linens and bedding, but most note is the antique and hand-made furniture throughout the house. The owners made the furniture themselves (and injected a bit of Swiss flair) for a quintessential “up north” aesthetic.
Boyne Highlands and Nubs Nob ski resorts are both within a 10-minute drive. If you’d rather snowmobile, there’s a trailhead with miles of playground close by as well. In the summer, hiking and mountain biking trails abound. Two kayaks are included with the rental so you can cool off at Petoskey State Park Beach. Also nearby are Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Mackinac Island, one of Michigan’s best resort town getaways.
Check Availability“Loved the secluded and wooded area. [We] stayed during peak fall color, and the cabin was perfect!”
7. The Fish House
Why you should stay: Lakefront cabin surrounded by national forest.
- Location: St. Ignace
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $265/night
This charming lakefront cabin is located in the Hiawatha National Forest, a sprawling and remote woodland. These secluded woods offer a peaceful escape teaming with wildlife. You can expect to see swans, loons, eagles, and many other birds.
The cabin sits on Brevort Lake, a swimming and fishing lake, and is equipped with a fire pit, outdoor grill, hammock, swing set, two kayaks, and a boat mooring. If you don’t have a boat, you can rent one from local shops in nearby Curtis and they can deliver it to the home when you arrive.
While the outdoors around the cabin are the main draw, the inside doesn’t cut any corners. Hardwood floors and knotty pine walls create a classic cabin feel. Luxury beds, a charming wood stove, and a fully-equipped kitchen ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Check Availability8. Seeblick Haus
Why you should stay: Ultra-modern, no-kids cabin for design lovers.
- Location: Northport
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $410/night
This secluded cabin is a mid-century modern, Scandinavian dream: sweeping windows, a sunken living room with eye-catching furniture, and clean, modern appliances. Whip up a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen, then dine on the wrap around patio to enjoy the views of Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding orchards.
Your rental is just outside of Northport, and only a short drive to the end of the peninsula, home to Leelenau State Park. There you can hike eight miles of trails, visit the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, and hunt for petoskey stones (fossilized coral) along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Check Availability“Every inch of the home is gorgeous and the setting, on a secluded hill overlooking the water, is sublime.”
Follow ’em: @seeblickhaus
9. Fire & Water
Why you should stay: Newly renovated and luxuriously equipped cabin above a river.
- Location: Fennville
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $505/night
Newly renovated and landscaped, this rejuvenating cabin rental in Michigan is a riverside retreat to relax outdoors and unwind. Down a private road, the cabin sits on an acre overlooking the Kalamazoo River. Guests can take a load off in the hot tub or read a book in one of the hanging wicker egg chairs. And when it’s time for some fresh air, go for a paddle down the river or cast a few lines to catch some fish. With two decks, a fire pit area, and a spacious front lawn, there’s room for everyone in your group to enjoy some privacy.
If you decide to venture away from the cabin, it’s location in the Saugatuck area has you within 10 minutes of wineries. Spend an afternoon bouncing from tasting room to tasting room or head into downtown Holland for shopping and restaurants.
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Seen in: Cabins, Michigan, Midwest, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in the Midwest
