Cabin

Black Bear Lodge: Fall Colors on the Au Sable | Cozy Riverfront Cabin

Photo gallery for Black Bear Lodge: Fall Colors on the Au Sable | Cozy Riverfront Cabin

A forested area with a dirt path leading to a building with outdoor seating.
A cabin with a sign for Freshwater Vacation Rentals, featuring a deck with chairs and string lights.
A cabin nestled in a forest, surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage.
A wooden cabin with large windows and a sloped roof, surrounded by tall trees.
A cabin surrounded by tall trees in a forest.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Sledding nearby
    A rare find — snowy slopes for sledding are just minutes away.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Au Sable River

Popular amenities

  • Balcony or patio
  • Charcoal barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Internet access
  • Refrigerator
  • Onsite parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Frederic, MI
  • Place, Au Sable River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪49 min drive‬
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

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About the area

Frederic

Located in Frederic, this cabin is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hartwick Pines State Park and Otsego Lake State Park, while AuSable Artisan Village and Crawford County Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
Map
Frederic, MI

What's nearby

  • Au Sable River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 49 min drive - 85.4 km
  • Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark - 50 min drive - 86.1 km
  • Torch Lake - 50 min drive - 73.3 km
  • SkyBridge Michigan - 57 min drive - 93.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Frederic Inn - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Swamp II - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Cracked Pot Kitchen - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Fellowship Cafe - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Kathy's Cafe - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Black Bear Lodge: Fall Colors on the Au Sable | Cozy Riverfront Cabin pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Black Bear Lodge: Fall Colors on the Au Sable | Cozy Riverfront Cabin?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Black Bear Lodge: Fall Colors on the Au Sable | Cozy Riverfront Cabin?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Black Bear Lodge: Fall Colors on the Au Sable | Cozy Riverfront Cabin?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Black Bear Lodge: Fall Colors on the Au Sable | Cozy Riverfront Cabin located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Au Sable River and within 9 miles (15 km) of Hartwick Pines State Park and Big Bradford Lake. Rayburn Property Trail and AuSable Artisan Village are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 49 out of 81 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 81 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 81 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 81 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 81 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a beautiful place to stay for our wedding weekend, the kitchen was great and had everything we needed and the view of the river was amazing!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept, 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re honored that you chose to stay with us for such a special wedding weekend. We’re glad you enjoyed the well-equipped kitchen and beautiful river views. Wishing you both many happy memories together, and we’d love to welcome you back again! -Van, FVR
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
No ac or fan was tough
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug, 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry the lack of A/C or a fan made your stay uncomfortable. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and will keep your feedback in mind as we look for ways to improve the guest experience. -Van, FVR
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was a really nice place and really good location! Really enjoyed staying there and while probably stay again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept, 2025
We’re so glad you enjoyed the place and its great location! You were wonderful guests, and we’d be happy to welcome you back anytime. -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always very clean and an easy check in and out.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov, 2025
Thank you so much! We’re glad to hear everything was clean and that check-in and check-out were easy. You were wonderful guests, and we’d be happy to host you again anytime! -Van, FVR
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
The cabin was close to UTV and ATV trails. The bathroom was clean. The mattress on the queen size bed was old and uncomfortable. The silverware drawer is dirty and had a few dead bugs. The cabin instructions were to strip the beds of all linen before you check out. When I took the pillow cases off the pillows, oh my gosh I was so disgusted. The bed pillows are so stained and dirty.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept, 2026
Yes, the proximity to the UTV and ATV trails in Frederic, just outside of Grayling, is ideal. Thank you for recognizing the cleanliness of the bathroom. The drawer should have been cleaner, and we appreciate you bringing that to our attention. You are also right about the mattress and pillows—they clearly need to be replaced. Please accept my apologies. We are already working on getting a replacement mattress and new pillows for the cabin. Thank you for your feedback. It helps us identify where improvements need to be made. We wish you all the best in your travels! Sincerely, Cara Owner, Freshwater Vacation Rentals
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice clean cabin with nice outside seating.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Aug, 2025
We’re so glad you enjoyed the cabin and we appreciate your kind words. You were wonderful guests, and we’d be happy to host you again anytime. -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay

Enjoyed our time
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
Jonathan , we're glad that you had a great stay, and we hope to see you back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful cabin on the river. Amazing view from the living area, very peaceful and private.

Very peaceful and private. Perfect for a weekend away!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jul, 2025
Thank you so much Gavin! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the peaceful and private setting. You were wonderful guests, and we’d be happy to host you again anytime! - Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Nice place!!

Easy to find and a nice view of the Ausable
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Nov, 2024
Thank you for your kind review Jerry! We're so glad you enjoyed the beautiful view of the AuSable River and found the property easy to locate. You're always such a great guest, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon! - Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second time back as we love the location! The cabin is very close to town and trails are close by if that’s your thing. Also enjoy sitting by the river for a little peace and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept, 2025
Thank you for coming back! We’re glad you love the location and enjoy the nearby trails and river. You’re fantastic guests, and we’d be happy to welcome you again anytime! -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was very good communication and quick responds to the questions
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Dec, 2025
Thank you so much! We really appreciate your kind words. You were great guests, and we’re always happy to help with quick and clear communication. Hope to host you again in the future! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Weekend getaway

Rental was just as listed , a very nice cabin , every thing was clean , great for our getaway
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
Richard, we're glad that you enjoyed your weekend and hope to see you back for another getaway.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Place

It was a beautiful cabin, a nice place to sit back and relax!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
Jesse, we are glad that you had a relaxing time at the Lodge. It was great having you as our guest, and we'd love to work with you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful setting

This was a clean and comfortable cabin with a great view of the trees and river. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
Judy, we would love to have you come back again! We're so glad that the cottage was comfortable for you.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great views

The house had Great Lake view’s would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug, 2023
Melissa, we're glad that you enjoyed the views of Lake Michigan. We agree, they are pretty spectacular. We do hope that you come back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect spot for our hunting trip

Awesome setting overlooking the river.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
William, we agree, Black Bear Lodge is pretty awesome. We're glad that your stay was a good one, and we hope to see you back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the view from the living room down to the river. It was close to town which was very convenient! Cara was very prompt with a response with the couple of questions I had for her also!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct, 2025
Thank you so much! We’re so glad you loved the river view and convenient location. Cara will be happy to hear your kind words you were wonderful guests, and we’d love to host you again anytime! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Enjoyable

Enjoyed our stay, had privacy hidden from the road, would stay again
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
Allan, we're so glad that you enjoyed your stay, and we look forward to your return!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cozy Cabin

It had everything we needed for a week away.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
We are so happy you were able to enjoy your week away. We try to make sure you have everything you need so you can relax. We would love to have you again in the future, just mention you are a returning guests and we will be able to provide you with a discount. Also we have over 45 properties throughout the state of Michigan in case you would like to try a different area. Freshwater Vacation Rental Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great weekend getaway

My boyfriend and I stayed here for a quick weekend getaway. The property matched the photos and description, very clean with great views. Check in and out was a breeze. We look forward to staying there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
Amanda, we look forward to having you as our guest again!  It's good to hear that  Black Bear Lodge worked out well for your getaway weekend.  The cabin offers the fishermen, hunters, hikers, golfers, ATVers, snowmobilers, or a small family, a clean, comfortable, affordable place to stay with outdoor activities right outside your door!
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great location for fly fishing.

Au Sable (backyard) and Manistee (within 10-15 mins)rivers so close and convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
Derrick, we're glad that you spent your fly fishing trip with us, and that the property worked out well for you. We hope to see you back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy

A lovely cabin for a weekend stay

While we were a bit taken aback by the size of the cabin it was nice and cozy for a newlywed couple, all the amenities served their purposes perfectly and the environment was inviting and relaxing. Would certainly book again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov, 2024
Kyler, we're so glad to hear the cabin worked out well for your newlywed getaway and that the amenities made your stay comfortable. It’s wonderful to know you found the environment inviting and relaxing. We’d be thrilled to have you back for another stay soon! - Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Cool little cabin

I enjoyed my stay the view in the back room is very nice and the property is well maintained!! Easy access to and from I-75 and Frederic is a very friendly place highly recommend!!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov, 2024
Jerry, we’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay and appreciated the lovely view and well-maintained property. It's great that the convenient location added to your experience. You were a fantastic guests, and we'd love to welcome you again! - Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing Getaway

My wife and I stayed here for the weekend, rode our side by side from the house trails are close and came home to a comfortable place. Nice firepit and grill to use.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
Carl, it sounds like you had a fun getaway. We hope that you come back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great little cabin with a beautiful view

Cabin was as described the view of the river from the porch was very relaxing. Property and cabin were very clean and Cozy. Will be on our return list.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2023
Joseph, we're glad that you found the property to be cozy, and relaxing. We're happy to hear that you plan on coming again.
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