Escape to the tranquil atmosphere of Up North Retreat, nestled near Mt. McSauba and a short walk from the stunning sand dunes on Lake Michigan. Unwind with family and friends on the spacious deck or around the fire pit while roasting marshmallows, then retreat to your remodeled bathroom for some relaxation.
Reviews
8.88.8 out of 10
Excellent
Entire home
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Short Walk to Sandy Dunes | Lake Michigan | Adjacent to Mt. McSauba | Firepit
Welcome to your Up North Retreat
This three-bedroom home is the perfect place to relax and enjoy Northern Michigan. Located near Mt. McSauba and just a short walk to the sandy dunes of Lake Michigan, you’ll have easy access to some of the area’s most beautiful shoreline.
New update: The home now includes air conditioning for added comfort.
Whether you’re spending your days at the beach or your evenings around the fire pit roasting marshmallows, this home makes it easy to unwind. A favorite among returning guests, it features three bedrooms and a beautifully remodeled, barrier-free bathroom.
The layout is ideal for both relaxing and gathering. Enjoy meals on the spacious outdoor deck with a dining table, or spend time inside in the large living area—perfect for family movie nights or games. The home also includes a full kitchen and a private washer and dryer for your convenience.
Sleeping arrangements:
Two bedrooms with queen beds
One bedroom with two twin beds
Set on a quiet corner lot, the home offers a sense of privacy while still being just a five-minute drive from downtown Charlevoix.
This rare property is also wheelchair accessible, making it a comfortable option for a wider range of guests.
Charlevoix comes alive in the summer with festivals and events, and you’re also within an easy drive of popular day-trip destinations like Mackinac Island and Traverse City.
Whether you’re here for the beach, the quiet setting, or time with family and friends, this Up North retreat is a great place to call home during your stay. Note: Due to short-term rental and use occupancy licensing restrictions, this home has a strict maximum occupancy of 6. Please contact Northern Michigan Escapes reservations for more information and availability for this home prior to booking. Summer Season: A 3- or 5-Night Minimum Stay may apply Off Season: 2-Night Minimum Stay
Property amenities
Ski
Close to skiing
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
DVD player
Games
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Patio
Laundry
All-in-one washer/dryer
Laundry facilities
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
In-room accessibility
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
Near a hospital
Near the marina
Things to do
Bicycles
Boat
Golf
Kayak
Snow sports gear
Tennis
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Hunting nearby
Ice skating nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events 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 and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Charlevoix is home to this holiday home. Mt. McSauba Recreation Area and Beaver Island Boat Company Ferry Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and North Point Nature Preserve. Ready for a night out? Consider Castle Farms and Lavender Hill Farm. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including winery tours. Visit our Charlevoix travel guide
Is Short Walk to Sandy Dunes | Lake Michigan | Adjacent to Mt. McSauba | Firepit pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Short Walk to Sandy Dunes | Lake Michigan | Adjacent to Mt. McSauba | Firepit?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Short Walk to Sandy Dunes | Lake Michigan | Adjacent to Mt. McSauba | Firepit?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Short Walk to Sandy Dunes | Lake Michigan | Adjacent to Mt. McSauba | Firepit?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Short Walk to Sandy Dunes | Lake Michigan | Adjacent to Mt. McSauba | Firepit located?
Situated in Charlevoix, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of North Point Nature Preserve and Lake Michigan. Mt. McSauba Recreation Area and Artform Fabricating are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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Short Walk to Sandy Dunes | Lake Michigan | Adjacent to Mt. McSauba | Firepit Reviews
Reviews
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
This property was perfect for our stay! Charlevoix is such a charming area to explore. Being just outside of town was perfect since we could be so close to the beach and dunes. Just a short walk to the dunes for a little more vigorous entry and exit to the beach or a short walk the other direction to get to an easier entry to the water and very cool sand bar area with lots of Petoskey stones! If you are staying in the winter, you are right around the corner from a ski hill. The accessible ramp to the side door was a great benefit for Grandma’s limited mobility. We would stay again if we get back up to this area.
Tim B.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
Jenny Z.
25 July 2024
Michigan stay
Rating Details:
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
There was an outside odor the duration of our stay. Occasionally it drifted into the house. We thought skunk initially but concluded it more like a sewage odor. Unpleasant. Also no hair dryer that we could find. Otherwise great property!
Jenny Z.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Anthony M.
27 Oct 2025
Great little place
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The house was as-advertised and nicely kept! We'd stay again.
This was the perfect place to stay for a girl's weekend away, with a super close walk to Lake Michigan. The wildlife around the area was beautiful and we even got to see a cute little porcupine shuffle into the woods. I 100% recommend and will definitely be trying to come back in the future!
This house is clean, adorable, well appointed and located close to everything. It's a quick walk to Mt. McSaub beach and hiking, a short drive to quaint downtown Charlevoix and only a 20 minute drive to Petoskey. The property managers were quick to respond to questions and the check in/check out process was a breeze.
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Was in town for our sons wedding. Great location. Deer in the yard all the time. Beach right across the road. Outside deck needs some upkeep and cleaning, but overall a great place to stay. Would stay there again. Management was very helpful getting us another location, when our original location stopped being a VRBO after we had it booked.
Jason W.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Laura G.
28 Aug 2025
Family Gathering in Charlevoix
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Home is comfortable in a great location near Lake Michigan and Charlevoix. Accessible entrance and within house except bathroom. Cannot wheel wheelchair into it and roll in shower has no grab bars.
Laura G.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
James D.
4 Aug 2025
Comfy cabin by the beach
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We enjoyed our two week stay at the property. The cabin has been nicely decorated and works well for a family of four with one bathroom. Everything was clean and functional. The amenities and location are as described. The best feature by far is the location just across from the beach entry.
We loved the quiet location and the view of the woods. It was great to be so close to the beach. The beds and furniture were comfy and the house was clean. The outdoor furniture was also great.
The location of the property couldn't be more perfect. Beautiful area, short walk to the beach, short drive to downtown. The house had everything you would need and the open concept makes it a great property for enjoying family time together.
Overall, the house was what we needed for our beach vacation. We have family that lives locally so the proximity to their homes and McSauba beach couldn't have been better. The ability to walk across the street and go to Lake Michigan is priceless. The check-in and check-out process was simple as well.
my sorority sisters and i went up north for memorial day weekend as a retreat and my 21st birthday trip. we enjoyed having dinner in Petoskey and downtown Charlevoix as well as just relaxed on the beach.
We had the a wedding at shanahan's barn at Charlevoix country club and this was a great location for the groom and groomsmen to hang out, stay and get ready. Cozy, simple, rustic and all around lovely. Thank you
Joy L.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Corey J.
12 July 2023
Paradise in paradise
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
It was exactly what we expected. Top notch across the entire transaction.We will return.
House is an older cottage but is well laid out and worked perfect for our trip. The walk to the beach is about 10 minutes even with being loading down with beach chairs, and 2 children. The beach is amazing and even with a full parking lot had a ton of room for everyone. We went into town several times and its a super quick 1.5 mile drive. If we didn't have the kids we could have biked there no problem. We also did the hiking trails to the observation platform which was quick and fun.
Marcus D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Brian H.
29 June 2021
Awesome Location
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Great location - kids loved the walk to the beach, the numerous trails and the frisbee golf! Took a bit to figure out the TV but got it to work. Not sure why a room would still have a VCR in it.... GREAT STAY!
Brian H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Cynthia H.
4 June 2025
Girls Trip 2025
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Cottage was older but nice inside. Outside needed some TLC. TV service wasn’t the greatest. Not sure if it was the service or user? We weren’t able to get streaming service on living room TV, only Spectrum and that was questionable. A glass enclosure for shower would help to keep water off bathroom floor. Everything else was great.
Cynthia H.
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
Julie P.
5 Aug 2018
9268 McSauba
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was more than happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Great location, we had fun. BBQ wouldn't heat up so we had to cook steaks inside. Kitchen not well stocked with pots, pans, and utensils
Stayed here Tuesday-Friday with my 80 year old Mom and 2 sons. The house was very cute and clean. Beds were comfy. Nice wrap around deck with decent patio furniture! Dunes across the street and a short walk were beautiful! A little tough for an elderly person but worth the walk for the view. The beach here was virtually all sand unlike many others in the area that have a lot of rocks and sand. Only downside was couldn’t get local channels or live tv, only Netflix and Amazon. Was maybe a 5 minute drive to downtown Charlevoix. Great location, would definitely recommend staying here!
Jessica D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Kathleen E.
29 Aug 2019
Bright and sunny
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had a great time during our 3 nights here. It was a short walk to the beach at the end of the road and about a 10-15 minute walk through the park to the big beach and sand dunes. The cottage was very comfortable. The wifi was occasionally good but it repeatedly dropped off while we tried to use it. The firepit was great, but the chairs near it were wobbly.
Kathleen E.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
jennifer s.
6 Aug 2022
Perfect house in a prime location -charlevoix /Lake fun!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
From the minute we turned onto McSauba Drive and saw our quaint house we were thrilled! The porches to relax with coffee or wine were great! The .25 mile easy walk across the street to gorgeous Lake Michigan with its clear water, sandy beach and unique large and plentiful dunes was perfect. The house has ample space for our family + daughter’s boyfriend. One con is the only 1 bathroom, but not a big deal at all. This was overshadowed by proximity to the cute town of Charlevoix with great restaurants and shopping, disc golf, biking and beaches. The owners even were very quick and helpful in finding and mailing a few items we left behind. We will surely be back!!!