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Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise

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Outdoor dining - Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise (Grayling)
Exterior - Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise (Grayling)
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library - Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise (Grayling)
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library - Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise (Grayling)
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library - Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise (Grayling)
Take advantage of a firepit, a garden and laundry facilities at Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms145 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Add dates for prices

About this property

Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise

  • Welcome to the Red Dog Lodge!

    Situated in the heart of Lovells, Red Dog is truly a sportsperson's dream with endless opportunities within reach.

    This clean and well maintained 1997 chalet sits on over 200' of frontage on the North Branch of the AuSable river and features a nice yard with a gentle slope down to the river. The home contains three bedrooms with ample sleeping capacity along with two full baths, new washer and dryer, and an open concept kitchen, dining, and living area. Includes air conditioning and all of the kitchen appliances and utensils you likely have at home along with cozy and welcoming northern Michigan décor throughout. There is a large, new deck facing the river with a propane grill for your enjoyment. High-speed cable internet allows you to stay "plugged in" and enables Netflix/Prime/YouTubeTV/other streaming apps on the smart tv.

    Whether the objective is to fly fish the historic North Branch or nearby Main/South Branches of the AuSable, fish nearby lakes, recreate on the river, golf, access hundreds of miles of ATV/Snowmobile trails, grouse/small game/deer hunt on thousands of acres of nearby state and federal land, hike, bike, or simply to relax in beautiful northern Michigan, Red Dog is an ideal base camp.

    When you fish in the immediate vicinity, you are fishing in the footsteps of legends: Ernest Hemingway, Henry and Edsel Ford, Thomas Edison, John and Horace Dodge, Charles Nash, Harvey Firestone, and the list goes on. In fact, there is a large and elusive brown trout in this vicinity that has been named "Ernest" for obvious reasons. ***NOTE*** this section of the North Branch is artificial flies only (extends from Sheep Ranch upstream all the way down to the confluence with the main branch of the AuSable). While there are harvest opportunities with appropriately sized fish, catch and release fishing is strongly encouraged.

    Within walking distance to:
    -Additional access to the North Branch
    -North Branch Outing Club (historic lodge with available fly fishing guides and full service fly shop for all of your fishing needs)
    -Lovells Museum of Trout Fishing History
    -Douglas Park/children's playground
    -The Lovells home center (outstanding homemade sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, brownies, pizzas and more)
    -Lovells Riverside Tavern (food, riverside ambiance, spirits)
    -Main Snowmobile Trail (47)

    Short Drives:
    5 minutes to Shupac Lake (fishing, beach, swimming, boating - electric motor only)
    7 minutes to KP Lake (fishing, swimming, boating - electric motor only)
    10 minutes to Hartwick Pines
    15 minutes to Lewiston
    20 minutes to Grayling
    25 minutes to Garland Resort
    25 minutes to Upper Manistee River
    30 minutes to Treetops Resort
    30 minutes to Gaylord

    And if you were wondering, "Red Dog" is an homage to our beloved Golden Retriever named Bella.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Absolutely no smoking of any kind indoors.

Services and conveniences

  • Limited housekeeping

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,564 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 30

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Rules

All trash must be bagged and in the can outside, or taken to the dump in Lovell’s using our permit ( located in living room cabinet )

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets
Note from host: Allow potty trained, non-aggressive breed dogs.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking of any kind indoors.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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

Located in Grayling, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Hartwick Pines State Park and West Twin Lake reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include AuSable Artisan Village and Otsego County Sportsplex. Travelling with kids? Consider Gaylord Discovery Center and Bavarian Falls Park. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling. Visit our Grayling travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Grayling
Map
Grayling, MI

What's nearby

  • Michigan Autumn Hike. Vibrant fall colors along a hiking trail through the hardwood forest of Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, Michigan.
    Hartwick Pines State Park
    16 min drive - 21.0 km
  • West Twin Lake
    13 min drive - 17.7 km
  • Little Bear Lake
    18 min drive - 21.5 km
  • Au Sable River
    22 min drive - 27.7 km
  • Garland
    22 min drive - 26.8 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    86 min drive

Restaurants

  • Lovell's Riverside Tavern
    9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly holiday home is within 12 mi (20 km) of Hartwick Pines State Park, West Twin Lake and Little Bear Lake. Guthrie Lake is 12.1 mi (19.4 km) away.

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Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

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.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 72 out of 80 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 80 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 80 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 80 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Massimo O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage, cozy. Responsive owner. Plowing service—we had about a foot of snow. Good location on the river.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

THOMAS

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable, clean and quiet. Great location.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carole D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Red dog lodge

Very cozy clean place. Comfortable beds and furniture. Loved our stay. Owners extra nice too.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun in the Outdoors

It was well located for our activities and suited our needs. The Red Dog Lodge offers all the enmities for a comfortable get away.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Up North vacation

Great accommodations for our family get together. The house had everything needed for a great vacation. The campfire close to the Ausable was perfect. We will definitely book this place again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful way to spend a week with my brother

We enjoyed the deck and grill as well as the comfortable indoor accommodations. A great venue for relaxation.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fly fishing

Property wad beautiful right on the river. Local people were very welcoming and friendly. Would highly recommend this Property.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible!

Beautiful quiet spot with plenty of space!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Michelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home friendly community

Nice spacious home, very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall fishing trip

Great location right on the river. The cabin was clean and well appointed. Large back yard with a fire pit and easy stairs down to the river. Excellent spot on the river with easy wading up and downstream.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place.

We rented this house instead of a local hotel. It worked out great. Had everything we needed. Loved the room arrangements. Had plenty of beds for the kids with their parents.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Place

Red Dog is an awesome property on the N. Branch of the AuSable. The house is super clean and comes well stocked. I highly recommend Red Dog!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fly fishing weekend

This property is terrific! Right on the river, with easy entry into the water. The home was clean and had all the amenities needed for a getaway. This was our second time staying here and I highly recommend this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nina S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

Real nice place. Highly recommend. Loved relaxing on deck and watching river.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

radwan f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Deer hunting

Very clean and great setting and location.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Annika D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun-filled birthday trip

This was the perfect spot for our family birthday trip. The property was beautiful, with lots of green space and the pretty river access. The rooms were quite comfortable. The location was great for us to be able to go to the beach, hike, and shop. At night we enjoyed the fire pit and the great DVD collection!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Traci W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded our expectations!

This was a last minute up north trip for us and we could not have asked for a better property to spend it at. The kids were sad to leave. You can't beat being outside enjoying a fire with a backyard view of the AuSable River. We will definitely be coming back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sharon m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Perfect quick getaway

Perfect place for a getaway with friends. The home was clean and ready for visitors. The floors were a little sandy but nothing horrible. It was stocked well with whatever you would need. We had most of our meals there and lacked nothing. We had one beautiful day and spent it hanging out in the water. The rest we spent sitting on th
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Deb W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin on the North Branch

Very nice cabin. Set up well and comfortable. Plenty of usable closets, dressers, kitchen utensils, plates, glasses, and cookware. Nice back yard right on the river. Netflix and Amazon Prime available on a large flat screen tv. Interesting reading materials and games closet. General store across the street…restaurant just down the road. Historic North Branch Outing Club close by. Pretty much all you need!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cabin on the River

The cabin had all the amenities needed for a long stay. The kitchen was spacious enough to easily make homemade dinners, and the hardware store across the street does fresh homemade sticky buns. If you are looking for restaurant dining, those are fewer and farther away in the Lewiston, Grayling, and Gaylord. Easy enough to keep the cabin at a comfortable temperature in the summer with AC units and multiple windows. The beds were comfortable and there are plenty for sleeping multiple people as needed. Access to the river is easy enough, but swim socks are recommended, and road traffic can sometimes be heard depending on the time of day.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic Charm, Beautiful Outdoors

The Red Dog Lodge is well stocked and quite clean. It's definitely rustic, and shows some signs of use, but was completely comfortable and relaxing. The true star of this property - and the reason I gave it a high rating - is the outdoor space. The deck immediately off of the house is large and furnished. There was a grill, plenty of seating, and storage space for fishing gear. The lawn is spacious, and the surrounding areas are full of beautiful local wildflowers which attracted hummingbirds daily. A fire pit was perfectly situated and had a set of comfortable chairs surrounding it. Stepping stones lead down a path to the river where yet another deck and set of chairs were waiting to be enjoyed. It was fairly easy to walk right in to the river, and in August, the water temp was cool but comfortable. Our family, dog included, spent a majority of our time enjoying the outdoor spaces at the Red Dog. Yes, the road is nearby, but the noise was infrequent and not distracting. We could also hear distant military training exercises on the last day of our stay. We would certainly recommend staying here if you are looking for a laid back, "up north" experience!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our 4th year staying at the Red Dog for our annual grouse hunt. The location is perfect for our activities and the accommodations are clean and first class.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karl J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent spot to stay. We did several day trips & came back to a great place where we could relax & cook a nice dinner. We would gladly stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the cottage and location. Really close to many of the best access points to the Ausable
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rita H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was just as expected plus cozy and family friendly. Loved how the home was decorated and had plenty things to keep everyone busy from fly fishing in the back yard to the lumberjack festival in Lewiston. Very enjoyable stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025