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Crystal Lake Retreat

Photo gallery for Crystal Lake Retreat

Three blue Adirondack chairs facing a calm lake with a distant shoreline.
A calm lake at sunset with a dock on the right.
A two-story building with a white exterior, a front door, and a picnic table in front.
A wooden picnic table and chairs outside a building with a white door and window.
A bedroom with a bed, bedside tables, a nightstand, a chair, a bench, a dresser, and a potted plant.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Scenic water view
    Relax and unwind with top-rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
  • By the lake
    Guests love the beautiful lakefront location.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Keystone Heights, FL
  • Place, Crystal Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Florida
    ‪50 min drive‬
  • Place, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
    ‪52 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Second Bedroom

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

TV Area

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Downstairs Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Crystal Lake Retreat

Come stay a while at our serene two story lakefront cottage surrounded by beautiful oak trees, backyard patio, outdoor eating and grill. Enjoy amazing sunsets as you sit on the back patio of our Lake house rental or stick your toes in the white sandy beach and refreshing water. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities to swim, fish, go boating, water sports and don't forget to simply relax. Located just 25 miles from Gainesville, Florida, 56 miles from Saint Augustine, Florida, and 53 miles Jacksonville, FL.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO smoking is allowed inside the house. If any guest smoke outside, please do not throw cigarette butts in the yard. Thank you.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2434958vb
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 and a first aid kit
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

Keystone Heights

Located in Keystone Heights, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Etoniah Creek State Forest, while Eugene l. Matthews historical museum and Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park are cultural highlights. Wainwright Park and Waldo Motorsports are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, kayaking and waterskiing adventures can be found near the property.
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Map
Keystone Heights, FL

What's nearby

  • Crystal Lake - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Gainesville Raceway - 44 min drive - 53.8 km
  • University of Florida - 50 min drive - 62.5 km
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 52 min drive - 63.8 km
  • Jacksonville Equestrian Center - 61 min drive - 81.1 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stone’s Irish Pub - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Florida Cracker Oyster Bar & Grill - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Crystal Lake Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Crystal Lake Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Crystal Lake Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Crystal Lake Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Crystal Lake Retreat located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is steps from Crystal Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of Lake Geneva and Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. Santa Fe Lake and Shands Starke Regional Medical Center are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

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. 57 out of 61 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 61 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 61 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 61 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 61 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tawnya P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay! Grandkids really enjoyed the lake, playing in the sand, and fishing!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lake views were the best part! Hit the spot for a relaxing lake get away
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ed R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The best kept secret on Crystal Lake. Awesome cottage. 3 br 2 b. The most comfortable beds and very clean. The view was awesome of the lake. Owner Butch and Dawn are precious. Very accommodating too. I highly recommend this cottage to everyone!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Glen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The space met our needs and it was a very pretty property to stay and enjoy.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

PAUL W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serene location.Our host Dawn was readily available for assistance or questions. Property was clean and well amended. Centrally located for day tripping to St.Augustine or Daytona. Highly recommend this property for couples or family. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets as well as the fishing.
Stayed 18 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such an incredible vacation for our family every year!! The property is just like pictured, and the beach is amazing!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home! Dawn responded promptly when we had questions. We were very happy with all the little extras she left for us - beach chairs set out, coffee options, a few games for the kids (it rained!) The lake view was lovely - wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacqui J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy lakehouse on a beautiful lake. Sunsets and wildlife are my favorite.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan F.

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

Love this lake house!

Beautiful home, beautiful lake, and very pleasant hosts!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy check-in, the owner even came and helped us put our boat in. Super cute place, very clean! Communication with the owner was very detailed and super responsive. We loved it and, more importantly, the kids loved it. We will be back to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

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

Perfect Getaway

We were very pleased with this property. The owners were very accommodating and the place had everything we needed for our family getaway
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DAVID G S.

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

Great Property! Host is always available to answer questions.

Dawn is a an awesome host. We enjoyed our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KIMBERLY E.

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

Peaceful lake rental

Come to town for football and family wish we had planned more down time at this peaceful lake location
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Nov, 2022
Kimberly and her family were the ideal guest. They were very respectful of the property and left it in excellent condition. We would love to have them back anytime
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Drue P.

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

Wonderful stay

We had a wonderful visit in this beautiful home right on the water. Celebrating our sons graduation and family all together. Thank you for allowing us to stay in your home.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen C.

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

Mini stay-cay

We had a blast. Dawn and her husband were amazing and helpful. The lake is beautiful. We had a relaxing stay for a mini getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn S.

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

Incredible experience!

This is our second time at Crystal lake and we loved it even more! Such a perfect home on a beautiful lake!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

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

Relaxing

Second time here and will book again. Always feel refreshed when the trip is over. Perfect for weekend getaway or a week long vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DAVID G S.

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

Nice Spot!

Very clean d well appointed. Very nice beach area facing west.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jan, 2022
David was a great guest. He left the house very clean and was respectful of the property. We would gladly have them back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn S.

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

Incredible Stay!

Absolutely beautiful home with an even prettier view and beach looking out onto the clear lake. Everything was just like it is shown in the listing pictures!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

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

Great relaxing place!

The lake house view is beautiful. The atmosphere is quiet, peaceful and relaxing. The house was beautiful with every detail considered. This is a place we will definitely visit again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David Y.

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

Fabulous

Wonderful place with a great host!! I’d recommend this place to anyone. Top notch!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Austin J.

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

Family

It’s our second time staying & we had just as much fun, we’re local to keystone so it’s a great and affordable staycation that we love having the opportunity to enjoy We’ll hopefully be back next summer
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michele E.

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

Peaceful retreat

This was a peaceful place and had beautiful views of the lake. If you're trying to get away from a busy city - stay here. The decor is nice, beds were comfy and the host was attentive. She thought of everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

TIna B.

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

Keystone Heights get away

Very peaceful and relaxing. Enjoyed the lake, fishing and sunsets. Loved the community as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David F.

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

A super fun family vacatoon

We loved everything about are experience the water was beautiful the beach was super nice and the kids loved it we will be back for sure house was clean and the a/c worked good! Over all we had a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Dawn Croft

Host profile image
Hi, My name is Dawn. My family and I have enjoyed Crystal Lake for well over twenty years. It is a place we come to for family fun and relaxation. It is good to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, even if for a short time. One of our favorite family activities besides, skiing, swimming, and fishing, is our annual Low Country Boil every July 4th. It consist of boiled shrimp, snow crab legs, sausage, potatoes, onions, and corn on the cob. Dessert always involves home-made ice cream. We have made priceless memories, enjoyed countless breath-taking sunsets, and built life lasting bonds. It is a joy to be able to share a part of this with you.

Why they chose this property

Crystal Lake is one of the most beautiful, clear, spring fed lakes in the area, and is a popular vacation spot. The house is nestle among large oak trees on a slopping hill. It is conveniently located 25 miles from Gainesville, Florida, for the sports fans who enjoy college sports.

Languages:

English

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