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Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch

Family-friendly lodge in Dowling

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Photo gallery for Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Dining
Smart TV, fireplace, video games, DVD player
Property grounds
Exterior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Dowling, MI
  • Place, Bristol Lake
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Howard Lake
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Gilmore Car Museum
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Airport, Grand Rapids, MI (GRR-Gerald R. Ford Intl.)
    ‪67 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Dowling

Located within a 5-minute walk of Clear Lake, this lodge is within a few miles (5 km) of Mud Lake. The guestroom includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
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What's nearby

  • Bristol Lake - 6 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Mill Lake - 10 min drive - 4.2 miles
  • Howard Lake - 12 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • Gilmore Car Museum - 27 min drive - 15.2 miles
  • Gull Lake - 31 min drive - 16.9 miles

Getting around

  • Battle Creek Transportation Center - 27 min drive
  • Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Horn Creek Pub - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Scott's Farm Repair Services - ‬24 min drive

About this property

Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch

Tucked away amid six acres of wooded landscape, the lodge offers a private retreat with plenty of room for everyone in your group. Relax on the covered 80 foot deck; gather the family around the fire pit; paddle your kayak or canoe around stunning Clear Lake from the boat launch two minutes away; serve dinner for 30 around the farmhouse tables inside and out. This is the place to get away from it all and experience the natural beauty of West Michigan.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. The bathroom offers a jetted tub and hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a kitchen, a washing machine, and 4 bathrooms.

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Books
  • Foosball table
  • Games
  • Playground
  • Stereo

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Smart TV
  • Video games

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

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

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • 5 total pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Hosting an event at the property requires $500 fee

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 80
Note from host: Hosting an event at the property requires $500 fee
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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 80.
  • Note from host: Hosting an event at the property requires $500 fee

Frequently asked questions

What can I see near this lodge?

This lodge is located in Dowling within a short 5-minute walk of Clear Lake. You'll also find Bristol Lake and Mill Lake within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch?

No, there isn't parking at this lodge.

Is this lodge associated with a casino?

No, this lodge is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this lodge?

No, there is no indoor pool at this lodge.

Is Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch good for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this lodge include a fireplace, a jetted bathtub, and a kitchen.

Are there hot tubs at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch?

No, but all guestrooms at this lodge have jetted bathtubs.

Does this lodge offer breakfast?

No, this lodge doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this lodge allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this lodge.

Does Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch have connecting rooms?

No, this lodge doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from this lodge?

The closest major airport to this lodge is Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.), which is about 23.4 mi away. Another top airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), which is around 29.5 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch?

Yes, every guestroom at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch comes with a balcony.

Reviews

Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

8.4/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elle Jo H.

Was a great place to stay with family and friends. Definitely an older house, but still was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We booked the house for a craft retreat for a group of nine ladies. The house had plenty of space for all of us and the sleeping accommodations were perfect. Everything was exactly as described and we had all the amenities we needed for a fantastic weekend. I would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Marian S.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Not what was advertised. Swing, outside games baby crib and grounds. Not there or unusable. Bad smell in basement and no top sheets on any beds. When paying for cleaning it should be clean.
Outdoor play stuff
Swing set
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Theresa R.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Great Views

We enjoyed having our coffee on the front porch and taking in the animals that came to visit. I imagine the fall at this property would be priceless. The space the property offers is amazing. Our one disappointment was that the bathrooms need more detail cleanings. Every bathroom needed attention which I handled. It was communicated to the host and we received a very response that it would be brought up to their cleaning crew.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Girish P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family get together

great place for large groups, lots of outdoor area to play games and relax
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Friend reunion

Mark was great at communicating and making sure I had everything that was needed, and the location was beautiful. The place was spacious, it was a perfect spot for our needs as the kitchen allowed for a great community vibe and the outdoor deck was the perfect hanging spot. The only downside is the basement did have a mild smell that bothered one of my friends who had a mold allergy, but this particular friend is quite sensitive to such things. I was not personally bothered by a smell in the basement, just something to keep in mind for people who are particularly sensitive. Overall if I was having a similar gathering I would rent again. It’s great for bigger groups who have pets, the dogs loved running around.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Erica F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Reunion

This was a nice large rental with lots of areas to gather. The queen beds were memory foam which were very nice. The driveway is a little hidden (a sign would helpful) and in need of some leveling. Our only complaint was a heavy musty smell in the basement.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charlie O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great secluded hideaway

Perfect for our retreat!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grace G.

Liked: Cleanliness

A fun experience for a big group

Our kids and grandkids joined us. The living room was comfortable with a large screen TV. The kitchen was big and the two refrigerators were welcome! The spacious porch was a favorite spot. The teenagers loved the downstairs area. The locale was great, as we visited Holland, the AirZoo, the Airshow in Battle Creek, the beach at Gull Lake. A great place for a big family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Friends getaway

The property was great for our friends getaway. Plenty of room for our 5 family getaway with 11 kids ranging from 8 to 1 years old. Loved having two fridges and large dining space. The area in front was perfect for water inflatable. Sleeping accommodations worked well with the bunk room for the kids. This will be a core memory for them for years to come.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

George D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great for golfers

We had a group of 8 men for a golf trip to Gull lake and other courses. We were able to check in early and get situated before our afternoon round on Thursday. Communication with Mark was great and check in was effortless. We cooked 2 meals in and had everything we needed to do that. The big tables were great for gathering around to eat and play cards at night. Everyone’s rooms were comfortable and gave us all our space. The only negative(but we made it work) was the downstairs has 2 bathrooms, but only 1 shower. Four of us shared it and it wasn’t a big deal, but if not mistaken I think the description of the house showed 4 showers in the house. If we return for another golf trip we would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Secluded house

This house was perfect for us. Plenty of room and space for everyone. Came out for a golf weekend. WiFi was spotty but didn’t care. Quick and easy communication everything was A+
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brooke A.

at one with nature

this home is beautifully located in a hidden spot with farmland around it. It is very peaceful. The beds are super comfortable and there is lots of room for everyone. we enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bryan F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great space

This house is great space for large groups. Plenty of rooms and hangout space
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Beth J.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Wooded cottage

If you want the feel of camping with all the modern conveniences this is your cottage.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katy P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Our stay

Large space to accommodate young and old with easy access, beds are comfortable and plentiful space to gather or separate for quite time.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Matt's Stag Party

Great facilities! The guys were super happy with the bedrooms, and the groom loved the master suite. So glad there were two fridges and the grill was an absolute god send when we NEEDED burgers and dogs. We had an awesome time building a fire and hanging on the Adirondacks with the picnic table playing bags. 5 Star stay!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

SUSIE L., United States

Liked: Cleanliness

Progeny Gathering

Our large group was thrilled with the layout and space available. All needs were accommodated.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Zi T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best Place

We love the location because there was no outside distractions. All rooms were super clean. Host are fast to responses to messages. We left some stuff behind and the host was kind enough to deliver it to my home. Definitely recommend this place and will book again. Thank you Mark and Acacia.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dillon A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Stay in Dowling

The cabin was great. Wide open spaces! Beautiful scenery. Would definitely recommend for anyone to stay here if you have a group of 6 or more.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023