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Black Bear Lodge: on Au Sable River, Beautiful in Winter!

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Black Bear Lodge: on Au Sable River, Beautiful in Winter!

Terrace/patio
Exterior
Snow and ski sports
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Entire cabin

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 465 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Frederic, MI
  • Au Sable River
    7 min walk
  • Hartwick Pines State Park
    13 min drive
  • Hanson Hills Recreation Area
    19 min drive
  • Gaylord, MI (GLR-Gaylord Regional)
    24 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Frederic

On river.A stay at this cabin places you within half a mile (1 km) of Au Sable River and 6 miles (10 km) of Hartwick Pines State Park. Also within 9 miles (15 km) are Big Bradford Lake and Wakeley Lake.

What's nearby

  • Au Sable River - 7 min walk
  • Hartwick Pines State Park - 13 min drive
  • Rayburn Property Trail - 14 min drive
  • AuSable Artisan Village - 15 min drive
  • Hanson Hills Recreation Area - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Frederic Inn - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Swamp II Bar & Restaurant - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Kathy's Cafe - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Big Boy Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Fellowship Cafe - ‬12 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Black Bear Lodge: on Au Sable River, Beautiful in Winter!

BLACK BEAR LODGE ON THE AU SABLE RIVER

BLACK BEAR LODGE ON THE AU SABLE RIVER
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1 (queen bed in master & bunk bed in hall)
Bathrooms: 1 (full bath with shower only-no tub)
*Riverfront (Au Sable River is difficult to access)
*Smart TV with Streaming. No cable
*Patio furniture and grill are placed out by May 1st and is removed shortly after Labor Day. Both dates are weather dependent.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A/C: There is a window unit only. Ceiling fans and box fans are also available to help keep it cool.

Animals: Coyotes, partridge, squirrels, rabbits, & standard bugs

ATV/Snowmobiles: Bring them and ride right from the property! Trail 679 and Trail 7 are just 0.5 miles east of the cabin!

Bathroom: The main bathroom has a toilet, sink, and shower (no tub)

Beach/Swimming: The river is not ideal for swimming. It is shallow and best for just wading and fishing. Otsego State Park, located 11.3 miles away (13 minutes) has a beach for swimmers.

Bedroom Configurations:
Master bedroom: Queen bed
2nd Bedroom: (in the hallway) twin bunk beds

Boats: You are welcome to bring your own row boat or kayak.

Bugs: Yes, there are plenty of bugs in the wilderness. If doors are left open at the cabin, even for short periods of time, then bugs/flies/mosquitos love to sneak in. We do not spray outside for bugs, as with the natural landscape, along comes bugs. Depending on the level of rainfall, mosquitos can be plentiful. Bug spray is highly recommended.

Cable/Satellite TVs: No traditional cable TV. However, there is a smart TV with streaming.

Cell phone service: Generally good, however, it can get spotty.

Skiing:
*Forbush Cross-Country Skiing- 3 Miles/5 Minutes:
*Hanson Hill Recreational Park- 22 minutes away
*Weary Legs (trail length 7.5 mi), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
*Deer Run Trail (trail length 5 mi), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
*Au Sable River Trail (trail length 3 mi), Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Dock: No dock

Fire Pit: Yes! Enjoy some stories and s'mores! (During the winter time, it might be covered in snow and not accessible)

Fishing: Great fishing on the Au Sable River! Just walk out the back door and start fishing! On the part of the Au Sable where the cabin is located, the trout fishing season opens the last Saturday in April. Experienced trout fishermen do well. Bring your poles!

Fishing License: You can purchase your fishing license on the Michigan DNR website

Grill: There is a charcoal grill provided. Please bring your own charcoal and lighter fluid. (Not available in Winter)

Handicap Accessible: Space may be too tight for a wheelchair, however, it is a great space for those that have limited mobility as it is a one level property. You must be able to navigate rough terrain to walk down to the water.

Hunting: No Hunting on the property please

Grocery Store: Beacon &Bridge Market: Frederic, MI

Internet: Yes! Spectrum internet.

Linens: Yes, we provide you with basic bedding, sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you before you arrive. If you are particular about the thread count of your sheets, let us know and we will make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets.

Parking: Plenty of parking for vehicles and ATV/Snowmobile trailers.

Pets: There are no pets allowed. Please enjoy this pet free space.

Privacy: During the summer with the foliage, fewer cottages are seen.

Smoking:​​​​​​​ Absolutely no smoking allowed

TV- No traditional cable TV. However, there is a smart TV with streaming.

Space: 1 level/1 bedroom home.

Towels: Yes, we provide towels. Please bring your own beach towels to take to the water.

Washer and dryer: There is no washer and dryer in the cabin. The closest laundry-mat is in Grayling, MI

Wood: All over the property you will find wood for burning. If you would like more, the local grocer also sells bundles.

Property manager

Freshwater Vacation Rentals

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony or patio
  • Yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Dock

Laundry

  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Phone

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Swimming nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Sledding nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 700 sq ft (65 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

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Black Bear Lodge Open Memorial Day Weekend 4th July 2019
Black Bear Open Memorial Day Weekend 4th July 2019 Frederic
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213675

Black Bear Lodge: on Au Sable River, Beautiful in Winter! Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 63 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 63 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 63 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 63 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 63 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kyler T.

Liked: Cleanliness
A lovely cabin for a weekend stay
While we were a bit taken aback by the size of the cabin it was nice and cozy for a newlywed couple, all the amenities served their purposes perfectly and the environment was inviting and relaxing. Would certainly book again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jerry A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cool little cabin
I enjoyed my stay the view in the back room is very nice and the property is well maintained!! Easy access to and from I-75 and Frederic is a very friendly place highly recommend!!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stay
The cabin was cozy for my husband and tween step kids and had a great view!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Gary B.

Frederic
Good Location
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Christina H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice Cabin
Overall it's a nice Cabin does need some improvements.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Lawrence H.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Very disappointing
There was mold in the bathroom. The pictures showed a path down to the river. There was no such path. My wife was particularly unhappy and I did not relish 3 days with an Unhappy Woman -- so we left, even though we had paid for 3 nights.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Jeff K., Fort Wayne

Liked: Cleanliness
Came to relax and got plenty
This was an adequate property. Most everything you could need for an extended stay and close to lots of activities in Frederic, Grayling, Kalkaska, and other places in the upper Michigan mitten. Property manager was helpful with problems (particularly a problem with Roku, but later the day of arrival we determined that the Roku stick had been removed from tv and was under the TV stand). No local TV (no antenna for local OTA, but may have been too far from Grayling to pick up area channels. Due to rain and cold we spent more time than planned in cabin and got plenty of time to relax.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Debra M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fishing trip
Every thing was great except for the beds. The top bunk was so close to the ceiling that nobody could get into it. The full size bed mattress was extremely unsupported. Sleeping was not ideal.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Great views
The house had Great Lake view’s would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Jennifer Q.

Liked: Cleanliness
Maintenance of the outside
Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne and Dan P.

Liked: Cleanliness
A perfect few days
This 'cabin' was exactly as portrayed. Besides being set in a private little woods, it was very clean, everything worked! The bed was comfy, hot water in the shower, even a dishwasher! We cooked all of our meals there and every tool and all the dishes and glasses we needed were supplied. We spent every day bicycling over to Hartwick Park, an easy ride of half a dozen miles. In the evening, we'd enjoy the comfortable seating on the private deck. Couldn't be better. Wish it were closer to home!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Gerald R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Will be back!
Wish we had communication of bridge being out and river closed off in front of property. Was looking forward to fly fishing from the cabin. Address is wrong on the house. Confused at first trying to find location with bridge out. We found the house in perfect order and the most comfortable bed! Maybe could be a bit cleaner on the deck and patio getting rid of spider webs and sweeping before tracking in house. Need better instructions for tv. Had it on but could not change channels! We liked the closeness of being able to find restaurants in Grayling. Construction on bridge was a bit noisy with the jackhammers busting up the cement at bridge and it kept us from fishing that branch of the river. Did fish other branches. Great food and help from Ray in Grayling! Overall We will be back next year when construction is finished.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Getaway
My wife and I stayed here for the weekend, rode our side by side from the house trails are close and came home to a comfortable place. Nice firepit and grill to use.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

D L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint Cabin
Very clean. Near the river. Easy checkin
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

jonathan h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Enjoyed our time
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Location
The rental was clean and in a beautiful location on the Au Sable River. The only reason for the lower review is the noisy neighbors! There were loud parties that ran from noon until well into the night on three out of the five days of our stay. Also, the second day we were there, the local utility had underground borers digging and drilling all day right outside the front door. While I know that sort of work cannot be helped, it should be noted that we were informed that there will also soon be work performed on the bridge near the property, adding to the noise and traffic.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

allan g.

Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyable
Enjoyed our stay, had privacy hidden from the road, would stay again
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Derrick Q.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location for fly fishing.
Au Sable (backyard) and Manistee (within 10-15 mins)rivers so close and convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

William A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect spot for our hunting trip
Awesome setting overlooking the river.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

joseph i.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great little cabin with a beautiful view
Cabin was as described the view of the river from the porch was very relaxing. Property and cabin were very clean and Cozy. Will be on our return list.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

richard h., highland

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
Rental was just as listed , a very nice cabin , every thing was clean , great for our getaway
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

6/10 Okay

Janine N.

Good center point for tip of the mitt attractions
Typical up north cabin within an hour or so of many attractions.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Krag H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent Fish Camp!!
Due to late snow in the U.P., we couldn’t get to our cabin for fish camp. My wife booked this cabin for us and we were thrilled with the location. Close to three great fly fishing rivers!! She couldn’t have picked a better place for us to stay. Will definitely book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Great little cottage, awesome location
We stayed a week at Black Bear Lodge, loved the location, right on the AuSable river, and only a few minutes from the freeway. It has a great kitchen with full size appliances including a microwave for family popcorn night! Dining room table, small bedroom, living room, and bunk bed in the hall. Everything was tidy, and as advertised. We plan to stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charity M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
Enjoyed viewing the snow/trees and river at night with the yard light
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022