Entire home

Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain

Beachfront holiday home for sun and fun

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On the beach, sun-loungers, beach towels - Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain (Traverse City)
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel cot, free WiFi - Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain (Traverse City)
Nestled on 500 feet of sandy beach frontage, Whitetail cottage offers a serene retreat. Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on Bass Lake, then savor the sunset by the fire pit with plenty of firewood available. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms provide comfort for up to four guests.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 493 sq m

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.

Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain

Just 10 minutes from Traverse City, 30 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and 35 minutes from Crystal Mountain, Whitetail Cottage is nestled on the shores of Bass Lake. Although it's an all-sports lake, it is best suited for fishing and kayaking. With 500 feet of shared sandy beach frontage, Whitetail Cottage has a gas grill on the deck overlooking the water as well as a beachfront fire pit. Two kayaks are available for renters to use for free and two child-size kayaks are available upon request. We also have paddle boards and bikes that can be rented for a separate fee by the day based on availability.

The cottage has two bedrooms with queen beds. There is a strict 4 person limit due to township rules. The upstairs bathroom has a tub and the downstairs bathroom has a newly renovated, walk-in shower.

A few quirks to note:
- The upstairs, where the bedrooms are located, has lower than standard ceilings, so if you are more than 6 feet tall, please take that into consideration.
- Whitetail Cottage has window air conditioner units in place during the summer - one downstairs and one upstairs (as pictured). Traverse City summers tend to be temperate and while these should do the trick, additional fans are also provided.
- The dock at Whitetail Cottage is not big enough to tie up motorized boats. Please contact us first if you plan to bring a boat and we will see if we can help!

Unfortunately, we don't allow guests to have pets; however, the property owners have doodles that love people and will want to say hi at some point, guaranteed!

While Traverse City is well known for its festivals, shopping, and restaurants, easy access to a quiet lake and extensive trail system are what sets our property apart. Plus, our proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Crystal Mountain makes it a perfect location for those seeking natural beauty, freshwater beaches, and more.

Here are some of our favorite leisure activities by season:
- Summer: Beach days, fishing, kayaking, rock hounding, paddle boarding, and berry picking
- Fall: Mountain biking, leaf peeping, hiking, beer/cider tasting, and apple picking
- Winter: Cross-country/downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sledding, and snowmobiling
-Spring: Cherry blossoms, trail biking, bird watching, winery hopping, and morel mushroom hunting

We are more than happy to offer local insight on our favorite spots to do all the above - except for morel mushroom hunting - you're on your own :)

Lastly, we are a family-run property with multiple listings, so if you're interested in coordinating several cottages for a larger group, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thanks for considering Whitetail Cottage and please reach out with any questions!

Long Lake Township Certificate Number: STR22-00071

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Charcoal grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

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.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Casino nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Wildlife walks 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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 first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Located in Traverse City, this holiday home is on the beach. The Crown Golf Club and Hickory Hills Ski Area 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 Fisher's Run. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Great Lakes Children's Museum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking. Visit our Traverse City travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Traverse City
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • Young girl reeling in a fish on a boat with her family
    Bass Lake
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Pie is Life!
    Front Street
    13 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Aerial view of Petoskey and Little Traverse Bay, Michigan
    Traverse City Beach
    20 min drive - 20.6 km
  • Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
    9 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Munson Healthcare
    12 min drive - 13.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Chick-fil-A
    10 min drive
  • Culver's
    11 min drive
  • Starbucks
    10 min drive
  • McDonald's
    10 min drive
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
    9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain located?

This Traverse City holiday home is on the beach, steps from Bass Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of The Crown Golf Club and Fisher's Run. Lake Michigan and West End Beach are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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Lakefront cottage close to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes & Crystal Mountain 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. 82 out of 97 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 97 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 97 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 97 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 97 reviews

9.6

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bill S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The view of the lake from the back porch AND from the couch in the living room are amazing. This is a fantastic property. The owners are wonderful and the trip couldn’t have gone better. This place is worth a visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krista W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful lake view! Really appreciated the little guide put together by the hosts, very thoughtful and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean cottage. Beautiful view.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtney O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it! Thank you to awesome hosts, great location- peaceful and short drive to TC!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn W.

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

Beautiful peaceful setting

Perfect location for a family reunion
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian C.

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

A great stay!

We enjoyed our accommodations and our vacation was very nice. Clean & quiet. Had a great time at Sleeping Bear dunes.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adria L.

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

Quiet Rustic Retreat

A beautiful setting that was very relaxing. Nice amenities provided to enjoy the lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

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

Great Getaway

Great place to stay. Kayaked, biked & just relaxed. Lake is beautiful. Hosts are awesome, so very friendly & helpful. Highly recommended anyone considering, you won’t regret the stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kory B.

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

Northen Michigan lake cottage

The hosts were very nice people and very accommodating with great and prompt communication. The cottage is quaint and has everything you need.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel M., Bowling Green, OH

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

Great place to stay

The house was a great place for our family. The sandy beach was perfect for our young children to play. The house was clean and we had everything we needed. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

kim z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Lake house

Beautiful view of lake. Fun to kayak and fish.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mariel C.

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

The perfect get away!

This was the perfect place for our friend weekend getaway. The house is right on the lake, which was so perfect and serene. Location is close to downtown Traverse City and Sleeping Bear dune. Jodi was super responsive to our messages and questions - we look forward to staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele W.

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

Beautiful spot on the lake

Quaint and quiet cottage right on the lake. Enjoyed having the kayaks available. Also, enjoyed the fire pit on the beach. Close to Traverse City and all it has to offer.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy F.

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

Cute cottage

We had a nice time with our two kiddos. Great fishing, kayaks provided, super nice host, and convenient location. We checked out the Cherry Featival in TC and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emmy B.

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

Little slice of heaven

We loved the location and the view. Within an hour’s drive to all the places we wanted to see. Having kayaks on the property was a plus!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Duane K.

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

Summer 2024

This place is amazing, the beach was wonderful, everything was what we expected. They had the most amazing fireworks for the 4th, they did did not dissapoint us at all. I would recommend anyone thinking of staying here that you book it as fast as you can!! Thanks again to Jody for letting us use this place for our stay, we more than enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

A S.

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

Beautiful View

The cabin location was fanastic, right on the lake. Bass lake was quiet and peaceful. I enjoyed the kayaks and my son loved fishing on the dock. The house was clean and rustic. The neighborhood was private and felt safe. We enjoyed adventuring around TC and other surrounding areas. The host was easy to communicate with. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Carol G., Oro Valley

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

Water seeker

We enjoyed our stay because of its convenience to Leelenau Peninsula. It was located on a quiet lake that was great for fishing. Bath on each level. Hosts were responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy E., Milwaukee, WI

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

Cozy house by Bass Lake

This was our second stay on Bass Lake, but first in this location. We really appreciated having access to a beach and kayaks, plus the fire pit was excellent. The house has all the things you would want for a long stay, plus the kitchen was well stocked with pots, pans, and utensils. The owners were attentive and friendly, and made us feel welcome. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely rent again. P.S. I recommend bringing a pitcher-type water filter with you. Its a little bit more convenient than buying water by the gallon.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Susan P.

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

Lake House

Clean and easy check in. Probably not the house for us - 2 elderly couples. More for a small family. One of the bedrooms was really small and one of the bathrooms only had a bathtub - no shower. Also - they had air conditioners / dehumidifiers running constantly both upstairs and downstairs - loud
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Jill G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Not worth the price of admission

The location was great, lots of local things to do and great surrounding lakes to enjoy. The beds very comfortable! The house could use a few enhancements; such as screens on the two glass sliding doors, window dressings that can actually close /provide privacy. Fridge froze items regardless of placement or temperature setting. Lake is great if you only want to fish/boat/kayak, not recommend for swimming if you don't want swim in the weeds.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jen T.

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

Peaceful retreat close to all the sites

We had a terrific week staying here! Pics are just as shown. House is clean, cozy, and well stocked. Very comfy beds! Loved having the 2 kayaks, and we rented the 2 paddle boards for the week, which was perfect. The lake is calm, warm, and has lots of fun sandbars to stop at. Life jackets are quite old so we just picked up a few of our own. Water shoes were an item our kids were glad they packed. We loved having a fire pit… many s’mores were enjoyed! We couldn’t believe how secluded the house was but so close to TC! 20 minutes to town where we jet skied, walked around the shops, and had a couple meals. It’s just 40 minutes to the Sleeping Bear dune hike/overlook, and 35 minutes to Fishtown. Jodie was easy to reach with a few questions and was very responsive. Highly recommend all around!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Mary S.

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

Lovely & quiet, would have been perfect for a few things

It's a little haven of peace & we really enjoyed it. As the host mentioned there are dogs in the neighborhood which was fine with us (we love dogs!). We were a bit worried about some noisy jet skis but the host quickly reassured us & indeed it happened only once during our stay. Beds are very comfortable (but the pillows are a bit 'plasticky'). Like in many cabins the water's sulfurous. It smells but is safe to drink. It dissipates if you let it sit a while. The staircase steps are pretty narrow & can be tricky for a person with balance issue. All in all we recommend the cabin for anyone who wants to enjoy the quiet by a beautiful lake. For families/group of friends there are plenty of games available too. Now compared to other cabins we rented there are a few things we were surprised not to find hence the 4-star overall rating. We didn't find any shower gel/soap or shampoo, only hand soap. We don't expect a full pantry but since there was oil, spices and coffee we were surprised not to find tea or sugar/sweetener. Some foil or wrap to pack our leftovers would have been helpful. We didn't find a scrubbing pad or dish brush to do the dishes. The Welcome Book could have more practical info on the area: the nearest store for basic shopping, where to get bait, good breakfast place... Of course there's internet for that but it's always nice to have the host's personal recommendations.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed the lake view, the quiet, and fire on the beach at night. We enjoyed the stay immensely. The cottage was quaint, clean and cozy.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location was indeed lovely on the lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025