Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
40 min drive
Room options
About the neighborhood
Ludington
Located within a 5-minute walk of Hamlin Lake, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Wilson Hill Park. The cottage includes a kitchen, a patio, and a sofa bed.
Ludington Waterfront Park - 17 min drive - 12.2 miles
S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry - 18 min drive - 12.4 miles
Little River Casino - 41 min drive - 31.3 miles
Getting around
Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 51 min drive
Restaurants
Stix Bar - 21 min drive
The Perch At Hobby Crest - 22 min drive
Barnhart's Marina Resort - 4 min drive
Pirate's Pub - Hamlin Lake - 4 min drive
Boot - 14 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The Bunkalow Lakefront Compound w Lifts for your Speed Boat & Tritoon
BUNKALOW.NET The Bunkalow Compound is arguably located at the most prime location on all of Hamlin Lake, on the point jutting into Upper Hamlin along it's south shore at the mouth of Indian Pete's Bayou. Only a 4-minute drive to Barnharts Resort & Marina (2 minutes by boat!), 7-minutes drive to Hamlin Grocery (a classic little country store), and only a 17-minute drive to House of Flavors in Downtown Ludington.
We continue to improve the property. In 2021 we completely remodeled the primary bathroom in the main Bungalow cottage, and we added a sink to the kitchenette counter in the Bunkhouse. In 2019 we added air conditioning units in the main cottage and the bunkhouse. And in the two years prior we added 1) the Boathouse Suite, which can double as a bedroom/sleeping quarters, 2) all new deck furniture, including a lounge setting with couch, love seat, chair and tables, 3) 10 new Adirondack Chairs surrounding the fire-pit, 4) four new chaise lounges for sun worshipers, 5) bar level seating with a view over the lake from the main deck, 6) and attractive new metal roofs to all three buildings.
THE MAIN BUNGALOW COTTAGE: Sleeps up to 5 with two on a queen size bed on the lake side, and three on a full/single bunk bed in the back room. It has two bathrooms with a shower in one and a washer/dryer in the other. The kitchen has been recently upgraded. It also has a 48-inch TV with Charter Cable and all channels, plus a landline phone for free calling within the U.S.
THE BUNKHOUSE: Sleeps up to 8 persons with 2 on a queen size bed on the loft, 4 on single bunks on the ground floor, and 2 on a full size pullout sofa. Please note that the max number of persons allowed sleeping on the property is 13. It has one bathroom (no shower) on the ground floor. We have also added a private deck shower that I personally use every time I shower at the property! (Check our reviews - everyone seems to love the deck shower). It has a 60-inch TV with Charter Cable and all channels and surround sound.
THE BOATHOUSE SUITE: New in 2017, and configured with a large deck and 4 chaise lounges just off the lawn, it includes a 9-piece, cushy sectional lounge and a Smart TV with WIFI, perfect for teens to hang out. It can even double as a sleeping room, though it is not provided with linens. We recommend you bring sleeping bags and arrange the sectionals into a big square bed! A very fun new room!
BOAT LIFT, PONTOON LIFT, & SEAWALL W CLEATS FOR YOUR WATERCRAFT: Don't bother to trailer your watercraft each day. Feel free to use our boat lift (up to 20ft) and/or pontoon lift (up to 25 ft) and/or seawall with room and cleats and rubber bumpers for three boats.
OTHER BUNKALOW AMENITIES: The main bungalow has a roomy and open floor plan with a HUGE deck overlooking the HUGE yard and HUGE Lake. Free high speed wireless internet, unlimited long-distance phone, and top 100 channels of Charter cable TV with DVRs on each TV (except the Boathouse, which only has wifi and a smart TV - no Charter or DVR).
NEARBY AMENITIES: Barnharts Resort & Marina is 0.5 miles by boat (1.1 mile by car) includes fuel for your boat, boat rentals, and a great restaurant with an island vibe and live weekend music. Wilson Park Boat Launch is just 0.5 miles away. The Shagway Arts Barn (less than a mile) hosts regular weekend art shows combined with live music. The "Dunes" beachfront and Ludington State Park (~ 2 miles by boat) are favorite places for pontoon/boat hangout with shallow sand for sunny day water lounging. Lower Hamlin Grocery (4 miles south of cottage). Downtown Ludington (9 miles south of cottage). Excellent Mountain Biking Trails - Call the bike shops in town for details. Excellent Fishing on Hamlin Lake - Cast your reel from our swing seat!
- Charter Fishing on Lake Michigan - Ludington Skate Plaza (skateboarding & inline skating) - Silver Lake Sand Dunes (20 miles south of Ludington) - Historic SS Badger Car Ferry (Cross Lake Michigan to Wisconsin) - Historic White Pine Village - Sand Castles Children's Museum - Disc Golf - Horseback Riding (Neigh Haven Stables (3 miles) 4716 N Beaune Rd, Ludington. Indian Ridge Riding Stables, 1525 S. Poplar Road, Custer, MI 49405, Phone: (231) 757-4514)
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a sofa bed, and a coffee maker.
Similar properties
Private Hamlin Lake Water Front Cottage Perfect Family Retreat
Private Hamlin Lake Water Front Cottage Perfect Family Retreat
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 not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,876 square feet
Policies
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Rentals during prime summer weeks are Sunday to Sunday. Prime time starts the Sunday before Memorial Day and ends the Sunday after Labor Day.
Tenants must be respectful of our neighbors at all times. Please do not make noise outside beyond 10pm.
Tenants must place trash in blue trash bins on Thursday evening for trash pickup early (6:30am) each Friday morning.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking inside forfeits deposit.
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether 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
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.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Property is also known as
Bunkalow Lakefront Compound Lifts Your Speed Boat Pontoon Boat
Bunkalow Lakefront Compound Lifts Your Speed Boat Pontoon Boat
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do near this cottage?
This cottage is located in Ludington, just steps from Hamlin Lake. You'll also find Wilson Hill Park and Victory Memorial Park within a short drive.
Is there parking available at this cottage?
No, there isn't parking at this cottage.
Is this cottage associated with a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.
Is The Bunkalow Lakefront Compound w Lifts for your Speed Boat & Tritoon a good place to stay for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside cottage include a kitchen and a smart TV in each accommodation with some featuring lake views.
Does The Bunkalow Lakefront Compound w Lifts for your Speed Boat & Tritoon have a hot tub?
No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this cottage include breakfast service?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.
Are there connecting rooms at this cottage?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this cottage.
How far is the airport from this cottage?
The closest major airport to this cottage is Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker), which is 27.9 mi away (51 minutes by car).
Are there rooms with balconies at The Bunkalow Lakefront Compound w Lifts for your Speed Boat & Tritoon?
Yes, every accommodation at The Bunkalow Lakefront Compound w Lifts for your Speed Boat & Tritoon comes with a deck with some featuring lake views.
Reviews
The Bunkalow Lakefront Compound w Lifts for your Speed Boat & Tritoon Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers 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.
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 108 reviews
10 - Excellent
88
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 108 reviews
8 - Good
19
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 108 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 108 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 108 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Tammy R.
Aug 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This was our 2nd year staying and we couldn't have loved it more! Perfect location, space for everyone, great fishing!!!
Tammy R.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Steve L.
Aug 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, nice cottage, would definitely stay again.
Steve L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lisa R.
Jul 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Our family loves our stay at The Bunkalow. Plenty of room. Kids love the bunkhouse. Easy drive to sights. Recommend Stix for a great dinner.
Lisa R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kristin F.
Jul 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Family
Our stay at the Bunkalow was great. Plenty of room for all of us and the different houses gave the kids a place to hangout together. Plenty of room to bring our boats. Convenient spot on the Lake for trips to the dunes and favorite fishing locations.
Kristin F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jamie K.
Jun 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Indian Pete Bayou doesn’t disappoint
7 family members stayed for a week and a couple others came for a night. This cottage was comfortable and in a great spot for watching lake activities.We caught our biggest amount of perch and blue gills from the shore of the cottage.There’s nothing better than a fresh fish fry on Hamlin lake.Using the TV’s was the only quirky thing we encountered, besides the outside shower which my father-in-law and husband used all week. Really enjoyed the location. Evening walks, pontoon ride, games, fires, dune visit, fishing, shopping, eating and time with family amazing vacation
Jamie K.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Chris R.
Jun 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We had a great time on Upper Hamlin. Great yard for hanging out and doing a little bit of shore fishing. Nice boat docks. Plenty of space.
Chris R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jason P.
Aug 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!
Couldn't have asked for a better place to enjoy Hamlin Lake. Great property, great accomodations, plenty of space, and great communication from the property owner and manager. Would definitely stay again and recommend to anyone looking to enjoy Hamlin Lake. The boat lift was especially useful for our Pontoon. Emphatic 5 stars!
Jason P.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tammy R.
Aug 12, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Family Vacation!!
Everything about our stay was wonderful! The location, the property both inside and out, communication with the property owner and manager. We loved it so much we already booked for next year! It was everything we needed thank you for sharing it with us!!
Tammy R.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Adam D.
Jul 31, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
July 2024
The Bunkalow was great. The location in the water was a big hit with our group. If you want to relax in an outdoor atmosphere, this is a terrific choice.
Adam D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
8/10 Good
Virginia Q.
Jun 6, 2024
Bunkalow
The various options for sleeping and activities offered at the location was exceptional. There were games, canoe, fishing boat and outdoor games offered. The lawn and lakefront footage was large and gorgeous.
The kitchen was well stocked with pans and all that was needed. There was a large gathering area with a variety of seating to allow for all to get together in and outside.
The amount of options for seating outside on the deck were amazing. The firepit had lots of chairs to enjoy conversation while relaxing.
The dock and lift were excellent and sturdy. What a gem to have at a lake!
The were a great supply of towels and a washer and dryer to accommodate any needs. Having a shower in the restroom inside and one outside allowed for options depending on the needs of those staying.
There were directions for the property on the fridge which were helpful. A book (binder) would be great to have specifics for using the TV , where to purchase firewood and any other suggestions for a wonderful stay would be a great addition.
The 2 separate buildings for sleeping arrangements were a positive addition for when you have a combination of families and bedtime routines.
Overall-a great facility for a combined family vacation!
(We were the first of the season and the owner will be doing a deep clean for future visitors).
Virginia Q.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
8/10 Good
Rhonda K.
Aug 22, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Yearly Family Vacation
This was our 3rd time staying here. The spacious yard and large deck is what keeps us coming back. This year they added a new large dock great for sun bathing and fishing.
Rhonda K.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Judy M.
Aug 17, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
2023 Family Vacay
Great property for our family group of 12.
Judy M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Karen D.
Aug 1, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Vacation!
Loved it! We enjoyed the house so much, and the lake is incredible! Both houses were spacious and very comfortable, and the boat house was an added bonus! We will definitely be back!
Karen D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
David B.
Jul 31, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Always a great spot!
Great time, great property and great spot on the lake.
David B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
6/10 Okay
John L.
Jul 9, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
Great location. Home is in need of updating. Waterfront was not kid friendly. Good fishing. Quiet neighborhood.
John L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Scott R.
Jun 20, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Family on the Lake
The property on Hamlin lake was perfect for our family.
Everything that we could want was there and we will likely return.
Our only regret is that we chose a week early in June and the weather was horrendous.
It’s always iffy this close to Lake Michigan so we advise trying to secure a higher percentage of a sure thing and attempt, and he stays in Ludington From mid June through early August
Scott R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
George S.
Sep 20, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Vacation Rental
This property has one of the best outdoor setting properties out of 200 rentals in my life time. It has really high quality outdoor furniture, two umbrellas, and plenty of room for cornhole, bocce ball or freisbe. Great outdoor lighting as well so you can find it if you do night boat cruises. His place can accommodate 5 boats as well with an electric lift for pontoons.
The best part was I asked if he had refrigerator in any houses other then the main house and he said no.... He put one in at my request great customer service. I asked if he had adequate lights on the deck and he added Edison lights. He is one of the best communicators almost instant after a text and he aims to please his clientele. One last thing never buy wood from a gas station for 5 dollars a bundle regarding bonfires. He offers a service that brings three times the wood at 1/3 the price and they put it right next to the bonfire with a cover over it in case of rain. Andrew is many cuts above as a host. Thank you Andrew for the exceptional vacation rental top notch!!!!
George S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Keely M.
Aug 25, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot!!
We have been looking at the property for years and finally got to try it. It is on the perfect spot on the lake and place is awesome! We will definitely be back for sure! Helpful for future visitors: if you like to be cold when you sleep bring an extra fan. Bunk house very comfortable (where we slept). Parents thought bedroom off kitchen was a little warm but again it’s a lake house and we like to be cold :). Overall amazing place though!
Keely M.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
peggy k., Whitehouse, Ohio
Aug 25, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Memories
The house and setup was amazing! We had plenty of room for our children and grandchildren! The setting was perfect! Enjoyed morning coffee on the deck watching the sunrise over the lake! Andrew was very helpful getting us information to prepare for our vacation!
peggy k.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Kristina T.
Aug 12, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location for family vacation
My immediate family and I spent 8 amazing days on this property! It was the perfect size to accommodate all 11 of us. Being right on the water is our happy place and this priority was speeder for that! Fishing and boating were amazing and we loved spending time at the sand bar by the dunes right around the corner. We will be back!
Kristina T.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Brent S., Rockford, MI
Jun 30, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Memories made
Second time renting this property. Great yard and location on upper Hamlin. We go with a family group and everyone had a great time.
We had an issue with the boat lift and the bunkhouse water heater when we checked in after 4 PM but the owner was quick to respond and had people out to address the problems the following morning.
Looking forward to a return trip if it fits into our schedule next summer.
Brent S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jodi G., San Francisco areA
Jun 25, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
great family vacation
We rented this property and my sister's family rented up the road at Grace Cottages as they have a pet which can't stay at this property. The two locations were fantastic. This property was well stocked and every day was a joy!
Jodi G.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Mike W.
Sep 19, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!
Had a fantastic weekend stay! We had all of the amenities we could ask for and the boat lift was the icing on the cake. Would definitely book again!
Mike W.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
10/10 Excellent
Jeremy S.
Sep 15, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
This property has a great location. There is plenty of space for a large family and the kids to bring some friends along. If you have a boat, the is a large seawall that you can tie off to and a boat lift (I didn’t try the boat lifts). We were able to easily come and go (on the boat). There was ample parking for large vehicles and a boat trailer.
The cabin was located about a 10-15 min drive from most stores and restaurants. There is a party store that makes food and has bait only 5 mins away. (They have most everything you’ll need)
The cabin was clean and spacious. The only negative is if you are bringing a large group, there is only (1) indoor shower (there is an outdoor shower attached to exterior of garage). There are also 2 half baths. Only 1 indoor shower was not an issue for me, but could be for a large group.
I really enjoyed this home and will certainly rent it again in the future!
Jeremy S.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
10/10 Excellent
Joe G.
Sep 13, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing stay on Hamlin Lake
We really enjoyed our stay and the owner was very responsive.
The location is great and trips to stores in Ludington didn't take very long. Easy route to the city as well. Many nice eateries downtown and a small restaurant on the lake as well.
Lots of space overall and accommodated the 7 of us just fine.
I sent a list of a few items for recommended repairs at the end of the season as we left and he appreciated the information.
We are very likely to return. :)