Entire home

Crystal Lake Retreat

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Lakeside patio with plenty of room for outdoor eating

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location

Exceptional

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 91200 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Kitchen
Barbecue grill
Outdoor space

Explore the area

Keystone Heights, FL

Place, Kingsley Lake
Place, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
‪12 min drive‬
Place, Gold Head Branch State Park
‪12 min drive‬
Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
‪45 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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Amenities

Kitchen

Washing machine

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

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

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

About the area

Keystone Heights

Located in Keystone Heights, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Starke Golf and Country Club and Royal Manor Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Gold Head Branch State Park. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, kayaking and waterskiing adventures can be found near the property.

View more Cottages in Keystone Heights

Keystone Heights, FL

What's nearby

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park - 12 min drive - 10.0 km
Gold Head Branch State Park - 12 min drive - 10.0 km
Santa Fe Lake - 17 min drive - 10.4 km
Waldo Motorsports - 27 min drive - 25.2 km
Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park - 34 min drive - 38.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

‪Orange Blossoms - ‬9 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
‪Florida Cracker Oyster Bar & Grill - ‬9 min drive
‪Wendy's - ‬10 min drive
‪Circle K - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Crystal Lake Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this 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 within 9 miles (15 km) of Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, Gold Head Branch State Park and Santa Fe Lake. Shands Starke Regional Medical Center and Lincoln City Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn S.

9 Aug, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Megan F.

16 Jul, 2024

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

8/10 Good

Ralph H.

25 Oct, 2022

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

Nice

Nice place.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Austin J.

20 Aug, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

13 Oct, 2021

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

10/10 Excellent

Michele E.

11 Sept, 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn S.

6 Jun, 2024

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

8/10 Good

Colson D.

19 Sept, 2022

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

Very Relaxing

There were 6 of us and the house was very comfortable. The lake was great. Overall, a good place to stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristen C.

16 Mar, 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

DAVID G S., Palm city

9 Jan, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

TIna B.

25 Mar, 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

david c.

13 Aug, 2024

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

Family Vacation

Butch and Dawn are by far the best host that we have ever had. Great memories are made each year we stay. The house & lake was amazing as always!! Next summer can't come fast enough.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David F.

16 May, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

30 Aug, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

David Y.

5 Feb, 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Carmen D.

2 Feb, 2024

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

Friend's getaway

I rented the house for my best friend bachelorette weekend. We were looking for a fun/ relaxing place to hang out at the property was it. Had a great time with friends and the lake view was pretty.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

21 Feb, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

3 Jun, 2023

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

Little piece of paradise

Our stay was nothing short of AMAZING!!! The lake house was so cute and very clean. We enjoyed fishing and relaxing in the beautiful water. The neighbors and everyone we encountered in town were so friendly. Definitely will be back!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gregory J.

4 Sept, 2024

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

Crystal Lake

As advertised. No issues. Clean and well equipped. Very nice hosts.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Drue P.

12 May, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

David C.

13 Aug, 2023

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

Hope’s Birthday

The owners are absolutely amazing! This is our 3rd year saying and will return again next year. Lots of memories has been made.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn S.

15 Jun, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Patty G.

7 Oct, 2022

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

Weekend Getaway

House has everything you need for a weekend getaway. The lake was still comfortable in late September. Grocery store and restaurants close by. Will come back again.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fran A.

22 Jul, 2024

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

Awesome

Everyone had a great time! Very nice lake house and clear clean lake! Brought 4 of our oldest grandchildren age range was 12 to 16 and we pretty much stayed in the lake swimming and paddle boarding. The kids even had a blast catching brim - Nothing big but we catch and release. Glad they were all able to catch some fish. We cooked full family meals everyday and the kitchen had everything I needed. Hopefully we will come again soon!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Natalie H.

7 Nov, 2023

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

Beautiful lakeside getaway

Very clean, comfortable furnishings, and plenty of space! The host was readily available to answer questions. We stayed over a weekend and found the place to be quiet and peaceful. It is worth noting that the driveway and area leading up to the unit is not paved and the property has a slight hill with some irregularities (tree roots, etc) so someone with mobility challenges may find it a little challenging to come/go from this unit. We were very happy with the accommodations and will definitely be earmarking this place for a return visit!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Dawn Croft

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.