Entire home

Crystal Lake Lakefront - Private Dock + Patio - Sleeps 9 - 2-Tier Deck - Kayak

Photo gallery for Crystal Lake Lakefront - Private Dock + Patio - Sleeps 9 - 2-Tier Deck - Kayak

Exterior
Exterior
The beach area facing North showing Crystal Ave and the Betsie Valley Bike Trail
Beach area with fire pit and dock
Living/dining area on the main floor

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Beulah, MI
  • Place, beach near Fair Park
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, Betsie Valley Trail
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Crystal Mountain
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Convertible bed(s)

1 Double Sofa Bed

Upstairs

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Crystal Lake Lakefront - Private Dock + Patio - Sleeps 9 - 2-Tier Deck - Kayak

The Crystal Lake House

Enjoy 60’ of private Crystal Lake frontage with crystal-clear water and a dock designed for easy access—ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing on one of Northern Michigan’s most beautiful lakes.

The dock features an extended patio area at the end, creating a natural space for lounging, swimming, and spending time directly over the water—whether it’s morning coffee, afternoon sun, or evenings by the lake.

The shoreline has a natural, firm entry, with the lake bottom transitioning to sand just beyond. Most guests prefer entering the water from the dock, where the swimming experience is the easiest and most enjoyable.

Above the lake, the cottage now features a new two-tier deck with premium outdoor furniture, designed for gathering, dining, and relaxing throughout the day. It creates a seamless connection between the home and the water, with multiple spaces to enjoy the lake views.

This 3-bedroom, 2-bath cottage sleeps 9 and is set up for classic Northern Michigan lake living, with a queen upstairs. Downstairs features a double bed, bunk room (twin + twin bunks), and a full-size pull-out sofa.

Spend your days on the water, grilling by the lake, or relaxing around the fire pit in the evening. A 2-person kayak is included for exploring the shoreline.

The Betsie Valley Trail runs directly through the property, and you’re just minutes from downtown Beulah, several top golf courses, and a short drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Private lakefront, dock-centered access, and elevated outdoor living—this is a place designed for time on the water and returning year after year.

The Cottage

Designed for comfort and connection, the home sleeps up to 9 guests, making it ideal for families or small groups.

3 Bedrooms / 2 Full Baths
Sleeps 9 comfortably
Open living spaces with lake views
Fully equipped kitchen for easy meals at home
Two-tier deck with premium outdoor seating and dining space
Indoor-outdoor flow designed for summer living

Wake up to the lake, spend your day outside, and wind down with sunsets you won’t forget.

60’ of Private Crystal Lake Frontage

This is what it’s all about.

Step outside to 60 feet of private lakefront with your own dock and patio area, perfect for:

Boating & watersports on one of Michigan’s premier lakes
Swimming directly from the dock in crystal-clear water
Fishing right off the dock
Lounging and relaxing over the water

Crystal Lake is known for its exceptional clarity, making it ideal for both casual swimmers and serious lake enthusiasts.

Direct Access to Betsie Valley Trail

Right outside your door, the Betsie Valley Trail runs alongside the road leading to the cottage—offering:

Scenic biking through forests and farmland
Morning runs with lake breezes
Easy walks for all ages

Summer in Beulah & Surrounding Area

You’re perfectly located to experience the best of Northern Michigan:

Downtown Beulah – ice cream, shopping, and casual dining
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Local wineries, breweries, and farm markets
Golf courses and outdoor recreation
Endless boating on Crystal Lake

Evenings Done Right

After a full day on the water:

Grill dinner and dine on the deck overlooking the lake
Watch the sun set from the dock or deck
Roast s’mores at the fire pit
Enjoy the quiet that only Northern Michigan can offer

Why Guests Love It

Private dock with patio area for lounging and swimming
Two-tier deck with premium outdoor living space
Clear water with excellent swimming conditions
Ideal for watersports and boating
Direct access to trail, town, and top attractions

Plan Your Stay

Peak summer weeks on Crystal Lake book quickly—and for good reason.

If you’re looking for a classic Michigan lake experience with premium outdoor living, easy water access, and an unbeatable location, this is it.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Beulah

Located in Beulah, this cottage is on the beach. Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts and Point Betsie Lighthouse are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Crystal Mountain and Crystal Lake Golf Club. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and snowmobiling.
Map
Beulah, MI

What's nearby

  • beach near Fair Park - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Betsie Valley Trail - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Crystal Lake Golf Club - 5 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 12 min drive - 19.5 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 50 min drive - 72.1 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪A Papano's Pizza BEULAH - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Papa J's Pizzeria & Diner - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Five Shores Brewing - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Crystal Lake Lakefront - Private Dock + Patio - Sleeps 9 - 2-Tier Deck - Kayak pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Crystal Lake Lakefront - Private Dock + Patio - Sleeps 9 - 2-Tier Deck - Kayak?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Crystal Lake Lakefront - Private Dock + Patio - Sleeps 9 - 2-Tier Deck - Kayak?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Crystal Lake Lakefront - Private Dock + Patio - Sleeps 9 - 2-Tier Deck - Kayak?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Crystal Lake Lakefront - Private Dock + Patio - Sleeps 9 - 2-Tier Deck - Kayak located?

Nestled on the beach, this Beulah cottage is within 3 mi (5 km) of Betsie Valley Trail, Crystal Lake Golf Club and Pinecroft Golf Course. Benzie Area Historical Museum is 1.5 mi (2.5 km) away.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 29 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

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

Great location

Clean, comfortable, perfect location!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie S.

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

Great location

The location was everything I was looking for! Bike to town. Bike to Railroad point. Short drive to kayaking and Lake Michigan and Frankfort.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robyne T.

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

Perfect place to stay !

The house was better then it looked in the pictures, perfect for a family with adult children, parents have their own little part of the house. We really enjoyed our stay
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Doug C.

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

Great CrystaL Lake Location

Property is in an ideal location right across from the bike path and very small, light traffic road from the lake. Private beach area with fire pit was great for hanging around, reading or just enjoying the great weather we had. Check-in process could have been communicated a little better but was cleared up with a quick phone call. The beds were comfortable but small. I would recommend going up a bed size in the upstairs and larger of the downstairs bedrooms. The kitchen had everything we needed for meal prep. The dining/TV room had a great view of the lake and we spent most of our indoor time there. Very conveniently located to Beulah for going out for meals. Stayed there for the Michigan Ironman in Frankfort and it was convenient for getting to the Athlete Village area in downtown Frankfort (about a 10 minute drive). All in all, a great place to stay, highly recommend it for summer and/or Ironman visits
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

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

Great stay!

We loved our long weekend at Crystal Lake! Everything was as expected, and we were grateful to be able to bring our dogs. Our two families enjoyed the lake, walking/biking path & nearby outdoor fun.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diana W.

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

Beautiful week!

We had a beautiful week at Crystal Lake. The home was perfect for our family of 6 adults. Very clean and spacious.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carrie B.

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

We loved our stay. The house was very clean. We loved the view of the lake.

The house was very clean. We loved the view of the lake. We would stay at the this property again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie B.

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

Bike ride into town

We had a great time reconnecting with our adult children and grandson. We were able to fish, bike ride, play pickleball and golf. The residence was close to everything and enjoyed our time.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Dina D.

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

Beautiful Beulah

Large space. Loved bike path.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Javad B.

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

Gorgeous place Nice people

It is a gorgeous place and the property owners are the best. Her parents leave next door and they are very accommodating and super nice. There was an issue with the AC and we mentioned that to the owners. It didn’t take more than a few hours that a technician showed up to fix it.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

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

Great Autumn Week

We needed a break from the big city and hectic pandemic life and this was the perfect getaway. My children did remote school by day, my husband biked, I read by the beach and took walks with my dog. In the evenings we all reconvened to visit our favorite spots around Sleeping Bear, Leland, and Traverse City. Great place and owner communication and A+ WiFi for handling 3 kids doing remote learning!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine L.

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

Great Location, comfortable accommodations

This house is the perfect location on Crystal Lake. It is a short bike ride, walk or drive to Beulah. Although the weather was too chilly for us to swim, the private beach is delightful and the fire pit was delightful on the cool evenings. Due to Covid 19, we did not eat out at restaurants. The kitchen was really well stocked for cooking every night. The communication with the owner was prompt, easy and pleasant. We would definitely stay here again and recommend it to others.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff I.

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

Can't beat the location!

We thoroughly enjoyed our week in this rental on Crystal Lake. The location is fantastic, as it is an easy walk/drive to Beulah, while also just a short drive from Frankfort. The area is quiet and neighbors friendly. This home has all the amenities needed, and then some! There is a beautiful view of the lake off of the front porch and balcony. The property manager was great to work with and very communicative. Would definitely rent again and recommend to others as well!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Tammy L.

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

Communication

Owner was always VERY quick to reply 😊
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bobbie T.

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

Beautiful Crystal Lake

We love this area. Lake access and a quick walk or bike into Beulah makes this location perfect.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathi C.

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

Lake vacation

Perfect location. The house was just right for a small family getaway and able to accommodate the grandparents as well. Loved having our own private beach. Spent a perfect week swimming, kayaking, biking, walking to town, and exploring. It helped that the weather was amazing!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen D.

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

Great spot for a relaxing weekend

We very much enjoyed our stay here. We had plenty of space for 2 families and enjoyed being right on the lake with space to run around. We hope to be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric P.

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

Very comfortable summer stay

This location was just what we needed for part of our time on Crystal lake. Lots of room and storage. Boat moorings were just what we needed. The host family answered all our questions and made us feel at home.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Kristine G.

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

Perfect location on the lake

Perfect location on the lake - private beachfront, quiet street, less than a mile walk into town, right on the bike trail. One of the only places that would allow us to bring our dog with us, which we very much appreciated. He loves Michigan too!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

RP H.

Relaxing and Revitalizing

This cottage was everything as represented on the VRBO site! Crisp, cool nights for campfires by the lake; fishing wasn't 'that great', but we enjoyed our time on our boat, nonetheless. Thank you! We hope to be back next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mary o.

We were very happy!

Nice place with fairly modern amenities. Loved crystal lake and proximity to it..walking path and close to Beulah and Benzonia and Frankfort. It was clean and comfortable. We wish it had AC as it does get quite hot especially on the upper level. Great stay all around.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Robert M.

Beautiful home and stunning location

Home is very clean, recently remodled. Great accommodations for a large family. Kitchen had everything we needed for meals. Bathrooms are good size and clean. Our only complaint was no Air Conditioning. Owner provided a few fans but in 90+ degrees sleeping was uncomfortable. My family has vacationed on Crystal Lake for many years. This is a great location. Close to downtown Beulah, MI and just 12 minutes to Frankfort, MI.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

James R.

Great location, great lake, great owner

We had 11 people (6 adults, 5 children) and two small dogs. The sleeping arrangements were enough, with an air mattress for the littlest one. The lake is crystal clear and not too busy. The Betsie Valley trail is perfect for hiking, jogging or biking. We spent 2 days at Lake Michigan near Sleeping Bear Dunes lakeshore, only a 25 minute drive. Frankfort has excellent restaurants and bars, and a big new park for kids. The owner was very courteous and accomodating, as we changed our party size at the last minute.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

pamela m.

Affordable and Accommodating

The location is great; the price is reasonable; there's enough room for ten people; and we can bring dogs! (which many cottages do not allow). We expect to return next year.
Archival

2/10 Terrible

Debra E.

terrible never got there

i contacted this person and we thought we were all set and suddenly she comes back with "the owner won't rent for the 5 nights" even though its listed for minimum 4 nights. The person i dealt with didn't respond to messages and kept me waiting for more then a month. I would never do business with this owner again. She would say " I'll get back to you" then would take forever. i have now told another place i found something thinking I had this rental. Wasted over a month on this.

About the host

Hosted by Betsy Evans

Host profile image
We have a long connection to this part of Crystal Lake—I grew up next door to our cottage, and we’ve owned this property for over 20 years. Over that time, it has been both a place we’ve shared with guests and, more recently, our own full-time home.

Our time here has always centered around extended family and what we came to call “cousining”—a rhythm of lake days, shared meals, and everyone naturally gathering together without much structure. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and being together becomes the focus.

For the past several years, we lived here year-round, which gave us the opportunity to invest in and refine the property in a way that reflects how we actually use it—focusing on comfort, outdoor living, and making the most of the lake.

Why they chose this property

Crystal Lake is one of the most distinctive lakes in Northern Michigan—known for its clarity, depth, and overall feel. Having spent so much time here over the years, it’s a place we’ve come to appreciate not just for its beauty, but for how naturally everything comes together.

It offers a balance that’s hard to find: peaceful, uncrowded water with easy access to everything the area has to offer. From the cottage, you have direct access to the Betsie Valley Trail, and you’re just minutes from downtown Beulah, several well-regarded golf courses, and a short drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

It’s a setting where you can spend the entire day on the lake—or step away for biking, golf, or exploring—and still feel connected to the same place when you return.

What makes this property unique

The private dock with an extended patio area creates a true on-the-lake gathering space—making it easy to swim, relax, and spend the day right at the water. Combined with the clarity of Crystal Lake and the sandy bottom just beyond the shoreline, it offers an excellent swimming experience, with most guests preferring to enter from the dock.

Above the lake, the two-tier deck with premium outdoor furniture adds another dimension to the experience, creating multiple spaces for dining, relaxing, and taking in the view throughout the day.

Because we lived here full-time, the property has been maintained and refined with a level of care that reflects how it’s actually used—not just set up as a rental. The focus has been on making the experience feel natural and easy, from the moment you arrive through the time you leave.

It’s a combination of quality lakefront, thoughtful outdoor living, and long-term ownership that’s difficult to replicate on Crystal Lake.
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