In the serene surroundings of Merritt, this charming 2-bedroom cabin offers a peaceful retreat. Sip coffee on the screened porch as you listen to the soothing sounds of Muskegon River and enjoy endless aquatic adventures at nearby Houghton Lake.
Reviews
8.88.8 out of 10
Excellent
Entire cabin
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 684 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
Add dates for prices
About this property
Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill
Tucked away in the serenity of Merritt sits this 2-bedroom, 1-bath vacation rental cabin. Listen to the Muskegon River flow as you sip your coffee on the screened porch and fire up the grill when hunger strikes. With Houghton Lake just minutes away, you can enjoy endless aquatic adventures in the summer and ice skating or snowshoeing when Michigan turns into a winter wonderland. Regardless of the weather, finish each day around the fire - inside or out!
-- THE PROPERTY --
Air Conditioning | Screened Porch w/ Ceiling Fan | Bicycle Provided
Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to love this remote cabin which offers a much-needed unplugged getaway in an ideal location for connecting with nature and loved ones.
Bedroom 1: Queen Bed | Bedroom 2: Queen Bed | Loft: Queen Bed
OUTDOOR LIVING: Charcoal grill, gas grill (bring your own propane), fire pit (bring your own wood), patio furniture, corn hole, soccer ball KITCHEN: Fully equipped, drip coffee maker, toaster, microwave, dishware & flatware, spices, breakfast bar w/ seating INDOOR LIVING: Cable TV, DVD player, stereo, fireplace (pellet stove), dining table, ceiling fans, games & puzzles, library GENERAL: Towels, linens, complimentary toiletries, window A/C & central heating FAQ: Pet fee (paid pre-trip, dogs only), no WiFi, limited cell service, steps required for access, firewood/propane not provided PARKING: Driveway (2 vehicles)
-- THE LOCATION --
OUTDOORS: Houghton Lake (10.6 miles), Heights Marina & Boat Rental (12.5 miles), Roscommon State Forest Area (14.6 miles), Higgins Lake (20.5 miles), Half Way Between Houghton Lake and Lake City (22.0 miles) GOLFING: The Quest Golf Course (11.5 miles), Pineview Highlands Golf Course (14.5 miles), White Deer Country Club (18.2 miles) PARKS: Clam River Dam Park (11.8 miles), DNR Boat Launch Lakeview Park (14.9 miles), Houghton Lake State Forest Park (15.7 miles), Trestle Park (18.7 miles) AIRPORT: Cherry Capital Airport (64.1 miles)
-- REST EASY WITH US --
Evolve makes it easy to find and book properties you'll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we'll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we'll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.
-- POLICIES --
- No smoking of any kind (including marijuana or vaping) - Pet friendly w/ $50 fee (+ fees & taxes, dogs only) - No events, parties or large gatherings - Additional fees and taxes may apply - Photo ID may be required upon check-in - NOTE: Because the cabin provides a remote getaway experience, there is no WiFi available. However, there is limited cell phone service for phones and computers using your own data plan - NOTE: The property requires stairs and may be difficult for guests with limited mobility - NOTE: Firewood and propane are not provided - NOTE: The cabin sits on a bluff so although you can view the river, you are not sitting directly by the river
Property amenities
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
TV with cable channels
Video library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Furnished balcony/patio
Garden
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Bicycles
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Hunting nearby
Motor boating 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
Bicycles
Garden
Unit size: 900 square feet
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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 are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
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 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
Frequently asked questions
Is Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Rustic River View Cabin w/ Fire Pit, Games & Grill located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area and within 9 miles (15 km) of Ben D. Jeffs River Park and Kirtlands Warbler Wildlife Management Area. Merritt Area Community Park and Lake Township Hall are also within 12 miles (20 km).
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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.
Perfect spot to explore all the great things up north
Ted B.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Shawn
17 Sept 2024
A last minute booking...
Our stay was wonderful! Perfect blend of relaxation and fun. Very close to refreshing Houghton Lake with a feeling of being away from the bustle of city life.
If you want to unplug and have a secluded location, this is definitely the cabin you need. I had requested central air but found out too late that there is only a window AC unit in the dining area. But the nights were fairly cool and with the fan I brought I was very comfortable. Mattresses, furniture and carpet were all old but we didn’t spend a lot of time at the cabin so we only used it a little. But being a pet friendly cabin, I didn’t expect it to be newly renovated.
Suzie Q.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Julie S.
29 May 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Unplugged
The location is remote with breathtaking view. It was well equipped with everything for an away from home stay; except heat! The furnace was out and pellet fire place didn't work. The property manager Georgia and her husband Jay were Johnny on the spot trying to fix anything we needed done and brought out electric heaters. They were great and very friendly and helpful; including replacing the toaster that didn't work.
Great place if you need to find yourself and let the distractions of this world disappear! And the people in town were very friendly and helpful! Esp. John at WalMart computer desk, Jay at Tobacco store, and Tammy at used bookstore.
The place was very quiet, relaxing, private and great view. The manager Georgia was very helpful. The cell phone reception was disappointing, but have Dish cable was great. Would recommend.
Very clean. Quiet. Had everything we needed. Except needs more garbage bags. Steps to water would be nice. There are plenty of things to do not far from the cabin. We enjoyed oir stay. We would stay again.
Had a great romantic time for a mini escape up north with my husband. Will be back!
Amanda S.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Guy
26 Jul 2025
off grid stay
The cabin was very cute and cozy and on a pretty setting overlooking the river. My only problem is that there is no WIFI and the cell service is VERY limited. There was no cell signal at all inside the cabin for my Verizon phone and my girlfriend's ATT service connected inside, but wasn't strong enough to run a hotspot.
Guy
From a partner site
8/10 Good
David
30 May 2024
Nice weekend
The cabin was nice and quite if your looking for a place to detach this is it . A path to the river would have been AWSOME to go fishing but not at the current time :(
The cabin is adorable, clean and stocked with anything you need. The view overlooking the river was beautiful and the screened in porch was perfect to get away from the bugs at night. I will be bringing my family back ASAP! We all loved it!
This cabin was perfect for a relaxing weekend. The owner was very kind, made sure we had everything we needed, and was quick to respond to any questions. We grilled, sat around the fire at night, and slept in! When we did decide to venture out we went to the Maple Leaf Farm (which the kids loved!) and went fishing. If it had been warmer we would have loved to spend time at one of the nearby beaches but still had a great time.
This was the perfect place for my family to get away for the weekend. The cabin had dish soap, dish washer detergent, trash bags, toilet paper and paper towels, all things I really didn't expect but a nice addition I appreciated having those items there. There were all kinds of dishes available for use which was perfect, the only thing I could have used is a little larger frying pan but otherwise perfect!! Thank you for sharing your cabin with us, we had a great time.
The cabin was well equipped and cozy. The view of the river was great, even from inside. We enjoyed spending time in the screened room which protected us from bugs. Birders should know that we saw nearly 50 species in just a few days, WOW! Sarah, the caretaker, went above and beyond to make our stay pleasant. Looking forward to booking again.
DEAN W.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Stephen B.
30 May 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Good deal
The property is pretty much as described. There is no WIFI or cell phone signal. Very quaint and I considered it a great deal considering the price point.
The view was lovely and the beds comfy. There was a few maintenance things that put a damper on our stay. (shower water didnt get hot no matter where I put it, stairs to the loft are a bit sketch). It was almost everything we were looking for. A cozy little cabin in the woods by a river
We had a very nice and relaxing time..
Can I ask if you may have found my nook (electronic book reader) I know I took it but I can’t find it at home…please let me know if you might have found it
Thank you
CarolynMorrison
Carolyn M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
6/10 Okay
jackie k.
2 Jul 2025
Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Check-in
Weekend getaway
Property was clean and enough space for our family. On arrival grass was extremely long, we had to use a yard bug spray. No propane to use the grill as stated in the listing, an empty tank was left to be filled, what an inconvenience. No firewood. Although this house sits on the river, absolutely no river access, it’s a straight drop off to the river, so don’t plan on getting off or on the river near this house. Never stayed at a rental that offered absolutely no amenities.
Was a nice property over all. They showed a game room area in the pictures that was not a thing at all. They also mentioned coin laundry and that was not a thing either. The screen room could of have been a touch cleaner. Book at the property had different check out instructions then the email I recevied so that was a little confusing checking out.
Holly C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Renee M.
11 Jun 2023
Liked: Check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
River Cabin Merritt
We have few complaints. The cabin had ants, the water lines to the shower are crisscrossed..hot water was on the cold side and cold was on the hot side. The TV remote was missing and we emailed about it but never was contacted. So no TV for us. The cabin really needs to have Wifi. I dont want to be blamed for the missing remote. It was clean..bedding was cleaned and we slept well.