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Backwoods Retreat | Abutus Lake | Pontoon Rentals

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Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
2 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV
Interior

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
The current price is NZ$866
includes taxes & fees
15 July - 16 July

About this property

Entire place

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

Backwoods Retreat | Abutus Lake | Pontoon Rentals

Escape to this rustic and updated lakefront resort on all-sports Arbutus Lake, just 20 minutes from downtown Traverse City! This unit has two separate bedrooms and one bathroom. This pet friendly space is perfect for families and groups. You will have access to the resort's sandy beachfront, docks, rental boats (please inquire for availability) with interiors designed for modern comfort.

🍷 Discover Traverse City & Beyond:

✔Leelanau & Old Mission Peninsula wineries – Award-winning wine tours
✔Downtown Traverse City – Boutique shopping, craft breweries & fine dining
✔Turtle Creek Casino – Gaming, live entertainment & nightlife
✔Grand Traverse Bay Beaches – Relax at East Bay Park & Clinch Park
✔Grand Traverse Resort Golf Course-Set a tee time at the Bear, the Wolverine or Spruce Run
✔Grand Traverse Commons-Experience unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants or a guided historical tour

⛷️ Outdoor Adventures Year-Round:

✔Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Scenic hikes & breathtaking overlooks
✔Brown Bridge Quiet Area-1300 acres with 6 miles of trails to explore the Boardman River
✔TART Trail – Walking & biking with stunning views
✔Skiing & snowboarding at Mt. Holiday & Crystal Mountain
✔Vasa Trail – Mountain biking, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing (3K-25K loops)
✔Fishing, kayaking & boating on the region’s beautiful inland lakes

🎉 Nearby Events & Festivals:

✔Keystone Soccer Complex – Perfect for tournament teams & families
✔Great Lakes Equestrian Festival at Flintfields Horse Park
✔National Cherry Festival – A celebration of Traverse City’s rich cherry heritage
✔Traverse City Restaurant Week – Prix fixe dining at top local eateries
✔Traverse City Comedy Festival – Laugh therapy with top comedians
✔Iceman Cometh Challenge – Epic 30-mile mountain bike race every November

Whether you're seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat or an adventure-packed getaway, this prime location offers something for everyone in every season.

Book now and make unforgettable memories in Traverse City on Arbutus Lake!

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Boat

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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet

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3 bedrooms, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Arbutus Lake | King Suite | Pontoon Rentals

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
The price is NZ$564
includes taxes & fees
8 July - 9 July
Arbutus Lake | King Suite | Pontoon Rentals

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

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

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: Must be leashed, picked up after in the yard, not

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
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, a first aid kit 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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

orp5b618a7x

About the area

Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • Arbutus Lake - 1 min drive - 0.0 km
  • Spider Lake - 7 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Centre Ice Arena - 13 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 18 min drive - 17.3 km
  • Traverse City State Park - 19 min drive - 17.2 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Peegeo's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪K I Bar And Grill - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Village Ice Cream Shoppe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Taqueria TC Latino Dos - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Backwoods Retreat | Abutus Lake | Pontoon Rentals pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Backwoods Retreat | Abutus Lake | Pontoon Rentals?

As of 7 Jul 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Backwoods Retreat | Abutus Lake | Pontoon Rentals on 15 Jul 2025 start from NZ$865.77, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Backwoods Retreat | Abutus Lake | Pontoon Rentals?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Backwoods Retreat | Abutus Lake | Pontoon Rentals?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Backwoods Retreat | Abutus Lake | Pontoon Rentals located?

Situated on the beach, this holiday home is steps away from Forest Lakes and Arbutus Lake. Spider Lake is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) away.

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Backwoods Retreat | Abutus Lake | Pontoon Rentals Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 9 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 9 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 9 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cara A.

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

Wonderful Place to Stay!

My husband and I absolutely loved our weekend spent here! The area surrounding the building is extremely peaceful and it’s a close distance from just about everything!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathaniel W.

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

Awesome place for glamping with friends!

Cabin #4 was amazing. Had all the comforts of home combined with all the fun of camping. The owners were incredibly easy to reach, super friendly and answered all my questions quickly. Overall an awesome place to stay and I’d highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Griffin C.

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

Quick Getaway

Great little place for our family of five for a quick up north getwaway. House was clean and fresh and cozy. Nice view of lake from porch. Only comment is parking was on a slope and not ideal but it was doable.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

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

Modern cabin with everything you need!!

Awesome stay! Beautiful location with a modern cabin! All new appliances, larger bedrooms PLUS everything you need to have that home away from home feeling. We used this property as a home base while exploring Traverse City (about 13 min away) and Sleeping Bear Dunes ( about 50 min away). Would love to stay longer next time and explore the beautiful lake with one of the pontoon rentals! 5/5 stay and will be returning!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Guy S.

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

Arbutis

My family vacationed here for years. Then it was sold. Sold again and the new owners have done a great job of rehabing the place. Can't vwait to get back.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

D M.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and Quiet

A decent place. Beds were comfy . Appliances all new. Could use more towels. AC worked great. Very quiet area. If you want to avoid traffic and crowds this is the place. Lake is beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy L.

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

Wonderful Stay #4

We stayed in cabin #4. Beautiful view off the deck looking out over the lake. Cabin was clean and just what we expected based on the accurate pictures. We brought our own kayaks, however they have kayaks you can use. We rented a pontoon to enjoy the beautiful clear lake. Would definitely stay there again. Only suggestion would be to have cleaning stuff available, such as a broom and dustpan to keep up on the sand that gets tracked in.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Carol S.

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

Very Very Disappointed with area

We did not feel safe in the area at all. Also the area was surrounded by construction materials & not very nice cabins. Absolutely not a vacation area. We did not stay at the property. We asked for a refund & the property owner refused. I will be contacting my cc company to dispute the charges.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Jeffrey C.

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

Relaxing Time

Superb location, super clean and easy check in with clear communication
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024