Cabin in Michigan
15 guests · 5 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this cabin rental
Create your own family memories in this beautifully renovated Betsie River cabin with over 165' of prime direct river frontage & private dock. Tucked back close to state land on two acres of mature hardwoods and pines, this 'family friendly' updated cabin with 5 nice size bedrooms plus a loft will easily sleep 14 in beds. There is also an additional powered queen air mattress at your disposal for another two if needed. House also has Central Air Conditioning and fast Fiber Internet.
Whether it be kids playing/wading in the water, fly fishing for Steelhead, Salmon or Trout, serving up a family game of backyard sand volleyball, or simply enjoying a nice fire inside or out with friends and family, your vacation retreat awaits! We have (4) kayaks for navigating the Betsie River as well. This cabin has gone through an interior remodel and provides an updated kitchen with updated appliances & granite countertops. Large bedrooms also have closets to store all of your gear. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need for multi-family stays and cooking. Cabin has two full bathrooms. (One main floor and one upstairs).
Rainy Day? We have you covered. A large basement game room has ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, electric dartboard, Fullsize Pac-Man arcade with 14 games, 55” Smart TV & game table with many games that are perfect for keeping everyone entertained. A river rock stone wood-burning fireplace will keep you warm and cozy on cooler nights in the great room and the large screened in porch is perfect for listening to river while enjoying your favorite libation, catching up with friends/family or playing a game. Five Smart TV's throughout. The cabin also has a spacious outdoor deck with patio table & chairs, Weber propane grill and a fantastic stamped concrete firepit area with plenty of Adirondack chairs that are great for listening to river after a busy day of activities. (Limited firewood provided as a courtesy) A full-size sand volleyball court with nearby outdoor hot/cold shower are at your disposal as well.
Outdoor games such as Corn Hole, Washer Toss, Bocce Ball & Kan Jam are provided in shed. A 4'x12' private dock is on the property and provides easy access to the river with swim ladder. The Betsie River is a great shallow river for Steelhead, Salmon and Trout fishing as well as canoeing and kayaking. Also great for smaller kids to safely play around off of the dock. State Snowmobile & ATV/UTV trails are also very close outside the neighborhood for summer/winter fun.
Up for water fun? Grab one of the (4) provided kayaks and walk down the trail to the river/dock and launch right from the house. Paddles and standard life vest provided but bring your own life vest if desired. (Please note the Betsie River flows one way so plan accordingly) You can launch upriver or launch at the house and pull out at multiple public access pts. down river. Map provided upon request. Feeling like a walk, bike ride or snowshoe adventure? Our quiet gravel driveway and private road is perfect for walks, riding bikes & snowshoeing as well. You can even walk, ride a bike or snowshoe over to the Iron Fish Distillery!
Located just four miles from Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa you have skiing, golf, biking, pool/hot tub, outdoor water park, a beautiful spa & fitness center, high-ropes, climbing wall, laser tag along and many other activities waiting for you. (Nominal daily fee applies) The cabin is also a short drive to Arcadia & Frankfort Lake Michigan Beaches, Traverse City, Crystal Lake in Beulah, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Platte River Rafting, Bear Lake and Manistee. The popular Iron Fish Distillery is just across other side of river from cabin and St. Ambrose Cellars & Tasting Room (Mead/Wine/Beer) just 15mins north. So many things to do and places to see that are close to cabin, although the privacy and peacefulness of the cabin may be all you need.
If the dates you are looking for are not available, or if you need an additional rental close by for additional family, please check out:
The Lemon Lodge: ID#4475313 (4bed, 2bath, 2 family rooms & sleeps 13)
The River Pine Lodge: ID#9465007 (3bed + Loft, 2bath directly on Betsie River w/ 8 acres and 600' of private frontage and sleeps up to 13)
The address of Balsams on the Betsie is 14552 Old Grade Rd. Thompsonville, MI 49683.
Whether it be kids playing/wading in the water, fly fishing for Steelhead, Salmon or Trout, serving up a family game of backyard sand volleyball, or simply enjoying a nice fire inside or out with friends and family, your vacation retreat awaits! We have (4) kayaks for navigating the Betsie River as well. This cabin has gone through an interior remodel and provides an updated kitchen with updated appliances & granite countertops. Large bedrooms also have closets to store all of your gear. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need for multi-family stays and cooking. Cabin has two full bathrooms. (One main floor and one upstairs).
Rainy Day? We have you covered. A large basement game room has ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, electric dartboard, Fullsize Pac-Man arcade with 14 games, 55” Smart TV & game table with many games that are perfect for keeping everyone entertained. A river rock stone wood-burning fireplace will keep you warm and cozy on cooler nights in the great room and the large screened in porch is perfect for listening to river while enjoying your favorite libation, catching up with friends/family or playing a game. Five Smart TV's throughout. The cabin also has a spacious outdoor deck with patio table & chairs, Weber propane grill and a fantastic stamped concrete firepit area with plenty of Adirondack chairs that are great for listening to river after a busy day of activities. (Limited firewood provided as a courtesy) A full-size sand volleyball court with nearby outdoor hot/cold shower are at your disposal as well.
Outdoor games such as Corn Hole, Washer Toss, Bocce Ball & Kan Jam are provided in shed. A 4'x12' private dock is on the property and provides easy access to the river with swim ladder. The Betsie River is a great shallow river for Steelhead, Salmon and Trout fishing as well as canoeing and kayaking. Also great for smaller kids to safely play around off of the dock. State Snowmobile & ATV/UTV trails are also very close outside the neighborhood for summer/winter fun.
Up for water fun? Grab one of the (4) provided kayaks and walk down the trail to the river/dock and launch right from the house. Paddles and standard life vest provided but bring your own life vest if desired. (Please note the Betsie River flows one way so plan accordingly) You can launch upriver or launch at the house and pull out at multiple public access pts. down river. Map provided upon request. Feeling like a walk, bike ride or snowshoe adventure? Our quiet gravel driveway and private road is perfect for walks, riding bikes & snowshoeing as well. You can even walk, ride a bike or snowshoe over to the Iron Fish Distillery!
Located just four miles from Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa you have skiing, golf, biking, pool/hot tub, outdoor water park, a beautiful spa & fitness center, high-ropes, climbing wall, laser tag along and many other activities waiting for you. (Nominal daily fee applies) The cabin is also a short drive to Arcadia & Frankfort Lake Michigan Beaches, Traverse City, Crystal Lake in Beulah, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Platte River Rafting, Bear Lake and Manistee. The popular Iron Fish Distillery is just across other side of river from cabin and St. Ambrose Cellars & Tasting Room (Mead/Wine/Beer) just 15mins north. So many things to do and places to see that are close to cabin, although the privacy and peacefulness of the cabin may be all you need.
If the dates you are looking for are not available, or if you need an additional rental close by for additional family, please check out:
The Lemon Lodge: ID#4475313 (4bed, 2bath, 2 family rooms & sleeps 13)
The River Pine Lodge: ID#9465007 (3bed + Loft, 2bath directly on Betsie River w/ 8 acres and 600' of private frontage and sleeps up to 13)
The address of Balsams on the Betsie is 14552 Old Grade Rd. Thompsonville, MI 49683.
Amenities at Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Michigan
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviewsThe property offers a peaceful and spacious retreat with plenty of activities for families and groups. Guests appreciated the cleanliness, great communication, well-equipped kitchen, and fun amenities like games and fire pits.
10 / 10Outstanding·Feb 2026
We love our stay at Balsam on the Betsie every year! It is such a great set up for our families and we love how everything is labeled! Thank you!
10 / 10Outstanding·Jan 2026
Great stay! Convenient to Crystal Mountain and David was an excellent host. We cooked every meal and the house was well stocked. Kids and adults took advantage of the game room.
10 / 10Outstanding·Jan 2026
We visited Balsam on the Betsie for a special winter retreat and we all had a wonderful time! The beds were very comfortable, the fireplace was beautiful, the kitchen well stocked. There were plenty of places to sleep and blankets to keep warm. The game room was a great place to hang out with the kids, especially since it was winter. The trail to the river was beautiful, and the grandkids enjoyed throwing snow balls into the river. The location is very peaceful and quiet. Crystal Mountain Resort was just a few minutes away and we enjoyed dinner there in one of their igloos. David was very polite and responsive and we appreciated his hospitality. We completely enjoyed our stay and highly recommend!!
6 / 10Average·Dec 2025
The cabin, location, entertainment options, cleanliness, communication, kitchen and bath supplies were all excellent! It would have been a perfect 5 stars if the beds weren't terrible. I assume they were new and the owners are trying to get a long life out of them, however they were extremely hard and terribly uncomfortable. My bed at home is firm... these are bricks, every single one.
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Top rated by guests
9.9Outstanding
(278 Ratings)
The property offers a peaceful and spacious retreat with plenty of activities for families and groups. Guests appreciated the cleanliness, great communication, well-equipped kitchen, and fun amenities like games and fire pits.
From real guest reviews summarized by AIDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
