Cabin

Life is Better at the Lake at Lakeside Cottage

Photo gallery for Life is Better at the Lake at Lakeside Cottage

A stone staircase leading up to a wooden structure.
A cabin with a metal roof, wooden deck, and a chimney.
A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, a couch, a patterned armchair, and a table with a lamp.
A room with multiple windows, wooden walls, and a view of a backyard with a tree and a vehicle.
A log cabin with a wooden deck, a bench, and a sign indicating 'Island Park Reservation'.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
5 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Internet
  • Washer
  • Onsite parking available
  • Microwave

Explore the area

View in a map
Island Park, ID
  • Place, Island Park Reservoir
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Mack's Inn Playhouse
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Place, Henrys Lake
    ‪44 min drive‬
  • Airport, West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone)
    ‪69 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

+2
2 Queen Beds and 4 Twin Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Main floor bath

Toilet · Shower only

Master bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Life is Better at the Lake at Lakeside Cottage

Lakeside Cottage is located in the private, gated Bills Island community. It had a major remodel with new carpet in the living room and upstairs bedrooms in spring of 2017. A new master suite, large deck, and main bath have all been remodeled within the past 5 years including new washer and dryer and kitchen appliances. Our rustic cabin is very secluded being nestled in the trees off the waterfront. Two private docks (one for a boat and one for swimming) with close proximity to a boat loading area, make this a great place for boating, wake boarding, jet skiing, swimming, or fishing. A large retaining wall with two sets of steps to the lake adds a safety feature for young and old. The cabin offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and will sleep 12 guests comfortably. The main floor has the master bedroom with king size bed and en-suite bathroom with jetted tub/shower. A den with hide-a-bed is directly off the master. The other main floor bathroom has a tiled shower with two vanities. Bedroom #2 is upstairs with a queen size bed. Bedroom #3 has 2 queen size beds and 4 twin beds. An extra bed is available in the remodeled shed with electricity. We have a BBQ grill with propane provided and fire pit (bring your own wood). Several picnic tables offer great outdoor eating options. 3 patio sets with umbrellas help in feeding a crowd. This is the perfect place to vacation as it is within 45 minutes of Yellowstone Park. Other close attractions are Mesa Falls, Big Springs, Henry's Lake, Harriman State Park, and Quake Lake, to name a few.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 986742
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Island Park

Located in Island Park, this cabin is on a lake. While the natural beauty of Henrys Lake State Park and Caribou-Targhee National Forest can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Island Park Golf Course.
View more Cabin Rentals in Island ParkOpens in a new window
Map
Island Park, ID

What's nearby

  • Island Park Reservoir - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Mack's Inn Playhouse - 26 min drive - 21.6 km
  • Harriman State Park - 33 min drive - 30.3 km
  • Big Springs - 39 min drive - 33.1 km
  • Henrys Lake - 44 min drive - 43.5 km

Getting around

  • West Yellowstone, MT (WYS-Yellowstone) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shotgun Bar - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Boondocks - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Trouthunter - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Lakeside Lodge Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Blue Buffalo Grill - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Life is Better at the Lake at Lakeside Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Life is Better at the Lake at Lakeside Cottage?

As of Sep 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Life is Better at the Lake at Lakeside Cottage on Jan 1, 2027 start from $525, 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.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Life is Better at the Lake at Lakeside Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Life is Better at the Lake at Lakeside Cottage?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Life is Better at the Lake at Lakeside Cottage located?

Situated on a lake, this cabin is steps from Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Island Park Reservoir. Island Park Dam and Mack's Inn Playhouse are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Excellent!

Excellent getaway in Island Park! Perfect for our family of 8 - steps from the water, private docks, fun cabin!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lake Cabin at Island Park

Spacious cabin with plenty of room inside and out for a large family. Conveniently located to West Yellowstone. Market and restaurant close by. Nice lake setting. Would definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great getaway in a cozy cabin by the lake! Ended up needing to reschedule dates due to an issue and the host was helpful and willing in doing so.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family Vacation

We had an amazing stay at this cabin on Bill's Island. None of us had ever visited and we were all pleasantly surprised with the quaintness of this area. Although a holiday weekend, we still felt secluded and enjoyed a lot of time out on the deck fishing. We were easily able to bring our boat and unload at the boat ramp. The host was responsive and all directions were easy to follow on how to enter the island. The kids had a great time riding around the roads on their ebikes, most people drive very slow as there are lots of kids riding around which is nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Quiet and peaceful

Would definitely recommend this place to anybody
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Packer cabin Yellowstone vacation

We had two families that stayed here. It had plenty of room and beds. The views from the cabin and the dock on the water were amazing. The only thing that would make it better is if it were a little closer to the Yellowstone entrance!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Water front fun

Lake level was very low but this place had great docks that still allowed easy access. Host was accessible and helped with minor issues. Be aware you need to plan time to wash and dry all towels on the day you leave so not great for a quick get away on the check out morning. House will hold a lot of people, great location for enjoying the lake and 4 wheelers. Great outdoor seating areas.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 28, 2021
We're so happy you enjoyed your stay. The rental letter indicated a change of cleaning the towels. I am sorry that you didn't notice that on the letter. The signs may not have been changed in the laundry. Housekeeping is doing all laundry now. We will make sure that is clear on site.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful lake house. Quiet. Enjoyed our stay while visiting Yellowstone.

Easy checkin and checkout. Cabin beautiful and spacious.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

As expected. Very Nice!

We really enjoyed the time we spent at this cabin. Great location and amenities. No complaints.
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great Location!

We stayed here as part of our small family reunion and it was a great location! The water is so close and having 2 private docks made it super fun for the kids. It was secluded on Bill's island where it felt like you were away from everything, and we enjoyed it so much. The cabin was nice and clean and fit our family just fine.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 17, 2021
We're glad that you enjoyed the two docks and close water access. Having gated access cuts down on the traffic to this vacation spot. Thank you for your kind review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Loved

We loved the location of the property and free access to kayaks and paddle board. Contacted property manager about an issue during our stay, and she quickly responded back to help resolve the issue. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful, clean, spacious property. Beautiful views

My family stayed here during our vacation to Yellowstone Park. Do not let the pictures fool you- the house is huge!! There are like three living rooms all together, which was perfect for our group because we were staying with family friends. Plenty of space in the main living room to all hang out together, also space in the other living rooms to escape and read a book or something. We spent most of our time outside on the deck or the docks. There are tons of patio tables and picnic tables to pick from. Also it is easy to get from the patio to the dock. That was one thing I was concerned about since we have a few little ones in our group, but I felt totally comfortable staying up on the deck while they played down in the yard. You can keep an eye on them from the deck or from the kitchen. The Host was super responsive and easy to get ahold of. We would definitely stay here again in the future.
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 21, 2020
Thanks for you wonderful review! We have worked hard to make the cabin a retreat in all respects. We are glad your vacation was a success.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

family all together

Lots of good memories. Had a great time. We have had neighbors and friends ask for contact info for themselves to stay at the cabin
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect

Great house, great location
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Fun Cabin!

Our family of 6 stayed in this property and had a great time. Pros: location was awesome, and the dock area was so much fun. Having kayaks and a canoe available to use was a huge bonus. The cabin is more spacious than the photos show - we all had plenty of room. Cons: there is construction going on right next door. Not the fault of this cabin, but it is hard to enjoy the serenity of nature when there is a worker ‘singing along’ to “Highway to Hell” 100 yards away. They showed up promptly at 8am with trucks and saws going. Not great and just something to be aware of. Also there were several power outlets that did not work. Overall we really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 26, 2020
So sorry about the construction noise. We were up there in July and had no distracting noise from them. Probably a different crew. The cabin next door will be completed this fall. 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Location on the lake close to Yellowstone with peaceful remote loacation

We really enjoyed our stay. The location was fantastic and was remote enough that we could enjoy some relaxing by the lake, yet it was close enough to yellowstone to enjoy the park as well. Property was as described and we loved hearing the local moose calling at night! I would highly recommend!
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Thumbs up!

Great spot on the lake for a small family reunion. We very much enjoyed the watercraft and time on the dock. Couple of minor issues, but the manager was quick to respond. Overall, it was a great stay.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 26, 2020
We appreciate your concern over a few problems found during your rental. It is always helpful, especially if problems are immediately reported within 24 hours so they can be handled promptly. Always contact the manager.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place

We stayed at the cabin with our daughters and grandkids for our 50th anniversary. It was great. Having the canoe, kayaks, and docks to fish from and just relax and enjoy, was wonderful.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 26, 2020
Thank you for your wonderful review of our cabin. We're glad the new canoe and kayaks are adding to the fun!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Place

This cabin was fabulous. It is the best lake property on Bill’s Island which is the best part of Island Park. The cabin is clean and nice and comfortable. The location is just perfect and beautiful. If you are coming to a Island Park or Yellowstone you could not do better. We loved it and would stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Great, fun cabin

The cabin is right on the water and the owner left a canoe, paddle board, and life jackets for use. The dock is easy to get to, though a bit steep. It is only a short walk from the public boat launch. Bill's Island is quiet and convenient to off roading, fishing, and a short drive to Yellowstone. Cabin is quaint with some newer finishes, and overall very clean and organized. Kitchen has everything you need for a short stay, minus a coffee pot. The huge deck and tables with umbrellas were a major hit as we were in town for a family reunion, so it was a perfect gathering and eating place. We would definitely rent again!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful property right on the lake!

Loved this quaint, clean, homey property! The lake access is incredible and the views are breath taking!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Great cabin but.....

The cabin was great and we had a fun time. The only problem with our stay was the cabin next to us was being torn down and demolished the whole time we were there so there was quite a bit of noise during the day. The other problem was that we love to sit by the fire at night and we were unable to because of the fire restriction at the time of our stay. My rating otherwise would have been 5 stars. Everything else about the cabin was great and was everything that we were expecting and more.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 26, 2020
I am so sorry about the noise. I thought they were waiting until fall to dismantle their cabin. It has been a hot August. The fire pit area is so fun to use. I hope everything else went well. Ruth Ann/owner and manager
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Perfect in every way!

This cabin is the perfect location as well and met our large groups needs in every way. The cabin is comfortable inside and had plenty of room outside. Rose was the perfect hostess in meeting our needs as well and answering questions. I highly recommend this cabin and would definitely stay again. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great cabin on the lake

This cabin had all the amenities we were looking for and great lake access. We were able to use the docks to launch our kayaks and enjoyed the fire pit on the deck that overlooks the lake. Everything was clean, orderly, and exactly as described. We would definitely recommend this place to our friends.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful!

What a great trip! Loved the area and scenery. Plenty of room for our family. Enjoyed our day trip to Yellowstone as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017

About the host

Hosted by Ruth Ann Rose

Host profile image
Our father and mother were both born in Idaho and returned after his residency to start a medical practice. Several years later after vacationing in a cabin in upper New York state, they began looking for the perfect place in Idaho to vacation.

Why they chose this property

Our family has owned this property for over 50 years. Originally purchased by our parents when the cabin was only two years old, we have spent many summer days fishing, water skiing, and jet skiing. As we have gotten older, our children and grandchildren have taken up the fun activities as we snap photos and enjoy the company.

What makes this property unique

Mother fell in love with the lot. So many trees provided privacy from both the road and the lake. A deck was built and enjoyed for our parents' 45 wedding anniversary. One recent addition included tearing down that deck and replacing it with a beautiful large deck with railing looking out over the lot and lake. Over the years the cabin has been remodeled inside to handle our growing family.

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English
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