Entire cabin

Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!

Family-friendly stay near Crystal Mountain

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!

Interior
Golf
Pool
Exterior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 15

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a map
Thompsonville, MI
  • Place, Iron Fish Distillery
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Crystal Mountain
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Mountain Ridge Golf Course
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Thompsonville

On river.Within 6 miles (10 km) of this Thompsonville cabin, you'll find Iron Fish Distillery and Crystal Mountain. Michigan Legacy Art Park and Misty Acres Preserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Iron Fish Distillery - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 8 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Mountain Ridge Golf Course - 10 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Misty Acres Preserve - 11 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Michigan Legacy Art Park - 11 min drive - 7.6 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Thistle Pub & Grill @ Crystal Mountain - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Rosie's Country Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Waffle Cabin - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Iron Fish Distillery - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Yurt - ‬15 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!

Create your own family memories in this beautifully renovated Betsie River cabin with over 165' of prime direct river frontage & private dock. Tucked back close to state land on two acres of mature hardwoods and pines, this 'family friendly' updated cabin with 5 nice size bedrooms plus a loft will easily sleep 14 in beds. There is also an additional powered queen air mattress at your disposal for another two if needed. House also has Central Air Conditioning and fast Fiber Internet.

Whether it be kids playing/wading in the water, fly fishing for Steelhead, Salmon or Trout, serving up a family game of backyard sand volleyball, or simply enjoying a nice fire inside or out with friends and family, your vacation retreat awaits! We have (4) kayaks for navigating the Betsie River as well. This cabin has gone through an interior remodel and provides an updated kitchen with updated appliances & granite countertops. Large bedrooms also have closets to store all of your gear. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need for multi-family stays and cooking. Cabin has two full bathrooms. (One main floor and one upstairs).

Rainy Day? We have you covered. A large basement game room has ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, electric dartboard, Fullsize Pac-Man arcade with 14 games, 55” Smart TV & game table with many games that are perfect for keeping everyone entertained. A river rock stone wood-burning fireplace will keep you warm and cozy on cooler nights in the great room and the large screened in porch is perfect for listening to river while enjoying your favorite libation, catching up with friends/family or playing a game. Five Smart TV's throughout. The cabin also has a spacious outdoor deck with patio table & chairs, Weber propane grill and a fantastic stamped concrete firepit area with plenty of Adirondack chairs that are great for listening to river after a busy day of activities. (Limited firewood provided as a courtesy) A full-size sand volleyball court with nearby outdoor hot/cold shower are at your disposal as well.

Outdoor games such as Corn Hole, Washer Toss, Bocce Ball & Kan Jam are provided in shed. A 4'x12' private dock is on our property at the end of our trail and provides easy access to the river with swim ladder. The Betsie River is a great shallow river for Steelhead, Salmon and Trout fishing as well as canoeing and kayaking. Also great for smaller kids to safely play around off of the dock. State Snowmobile & ATV/UTV trails are also very close outside the neighborhood for summer/winter fun.

Up for water fun? Grab one of the (4) provided kayaks and walk down the trail to the river/dock and launch right from the house. Paddles and standard life vest provided but bring your own life vest if desired. (Please note the Betsie River flows one way so plan accordingly) You can launch upriver or launch at the house and pull out at multiple public access pts. down river. Kayak map provided upon request & also at house. Feeling like a walk, bike ride or snowshoe adventure? Our quiet gravel driveway and private road is perfect for walks, riding bikes & snowshoeing as well. You can even walk, ride a bike or snowshoe over to the Iron Fish Distillery!


Located just four miles from Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa you have skiing, golf, biking, pool/hot tub, outdoor water park, a beautiful spa & fitness center, high-ropes, climbing wall, laser tag along and many other activities waiting for you. (Nominal daily fee applies) The cabin is also a short drive to Arcadia & Frankfort Lake Michigan Beaches, Traverse City, Crystal Lake in Beulah, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Platte River Rafting, Bear Lake and Manistee. The popular Iron Fish Distillery is just across other side of river from cabin and St. Ambrose Cellars & Tasting Room (Mead/Wine/Beer) just 15mins north. So many things to do and places to see that are close to cabin, although the privacy and peacefulness of the cabin may be all you need.

If the dates you are looking for are not available, or if you need an additional rental close by for additional family, please check out:
The Lemon Lodge: ID#4475313 (4bed, 2bath, 2 family rooms & sleeps 13)
The River Pine Lodge: ID#9465007 (3bed + Loft, 2bath directly on Betsie River w/ 8 acres and 600' of private frontage and sleeps up to 13)
The address of Balsams on the Betsie is 14552 Old Grade Rd. Thompsonville, MI 49683.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Dock
  • Firepit
  • Free firewood
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: No smoking inside the house.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Foosball table
  • Golf
  • Gym
  • Kayak
  • Snow sports gear
  • Table tennis
  • Tennis
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 24

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

NO underage drinking or illegal drug use on the property.
No Hunting or Target shooting allowed on property
Quiet Hours 10:00pm to 8:00am daily

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed
No weddings.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside the house.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No weddings.
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 is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: No weddings. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Beautiful Betsie River Cabin A/C Mins Crystal Mtn. Resort
Beautiful Betsie River A/C Mins Crystal Mtn. Thompsonville
Beautiful Betsie River A/C Mins Crystal Mtn.
Beautiful Betsie River A/C Mins Crystal Mtn. 5bd Loft

Frequently asked questions

How close is Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks! to the airport?

This cabin is 25.8 mi (39-min drive) away from the Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks! have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cabin.

Does Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks! offer free breakfast?

This cabin does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!?

No, there is no casino at this cabin.

What time is check-in at Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks!?

Free parking is not available at this cabin.

Does Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks! have a pool?

This cabin does not have a pool.

Does Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks! have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cabin.

How close is Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks! to downtown Thompsonville?

This cabin is 3.8 mi away from Thompsonville.

Relaxing Betsie River Cabin by Crystal Mtn 5bd+2ba+Loft+Game Rm+Fire Pit+Kayaks! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 277 out of 286 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 286 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 286 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 286 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 286 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meredith R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We love our stay at Balsam on the Betsie every year! It is such a great set up for our families and we love how everything is labeled! Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jack L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay! Convenient to Crystal Mountain and David was an excellent host. We cooked every meal and the house was well stocked. Kids and adults took advantage of the game room.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We visited Balsam on the Betsie for a special winter retreat and we all had a wonderful time! The beds were very comfortable, the fireplace was beautiful, the kitchen well stocked. There were plenty of places to sleep and blankets to keep warm. The game room was a great place to hang out with the kids, especially since it was winter. The trail to the river was beautiful, and the grandkids enjoyed throwing snow balls into the river. The location is very peaceful and quiet. Crystal Mountain Resort was just a few minutes away and we enjoyed dinner there in one of their igloos. David was very polite and responsive and we appreciated his hospitality. We completely enjoyed our stay and highly recommend!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marci B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect cabin and location for our short family getaway. The cabin was very clean & comfortable. The host was extremely responsive. We hope to come back again soon! Thank you, Balsams for your wonderful hospitality .
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ambie F.

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

Perfect weekend retreat

We had a wonderful time. The home is well equipped and in a wonderful location. It was exactly as described.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alberto T.

Everything was great we were in love with the place

Everything was great we were in love with the place
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James P.

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

Love this spot

Great place well managed love it
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason L.

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

Fishing with family and friends

This is a beautiful place and great location. Everyone enjoyed there stay
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vitalii K.

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

Very nice

Very beautiful place by the river. Beautiful house in a cozy place. I recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie F.

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

Kid-friendly family fun

The indoor and outdoor activities available for both kids and adults make this perfect for families looking to spend time together.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathon V.

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

Beautiful for Skiing

Host was responsive, gave personal advice based on the group in the area. Place was clean and well-kept, perfect for our weekend getaway and group skiing at Crystal Mountain.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gavin H.

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

Great long weekend

Wonderful property.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lincoln V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin, location, entertainment options, cleanliness, communication, kitchen and bath supplies were all excellent! It would have been a perfect 5 stars if the beds weren't terrible. I assume they were new and the owners are trying to get a long life out of them, however they were extremely hard and terribly uncomfortable. My bed at home is firm... these are bricks, every single one.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wanda M.

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

Great family getaway

We enjoyed the area, float down the river, alpine slide, macwood dunes, light houses, grill outs, fires at night, loved all the games in the house on a rainy day with cozy movie night, zip lining, mackinaw bridge. Overall a great trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Peaceful Getaway

The cabin was very cozy, the river was very calming, and the area was very quiet. We would go again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna G.

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

Moms 80th birthday party

We stayed for the weekend my brother caught a nice size fish from the river. And the young adults enjoyed the kayak's and the birthday party was a success
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel S.

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

Wonderful experience

This property was amazing. Communication with the owner was excellent. Very responsive. The place was exactly as described. We had the very best time and will cherish our memories from this trip. We look forward to coming to stay again. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olesia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a very quiet and nice property. The house is full with everything you will need for your vacation.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley R.

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

Beautiful

Beautiful comfy cabin, perfect for a friends weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

alen c.

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

Great Location great vibes

Great clean cabin on the Betsie River. All the amenities you could need. The host is very helpful, and nice. I would definitely come back here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori M.

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

Annual ski trip

The cabin was very clean and spacious, well equipped and decorated nicely.. We enjoyed our stay while skiing at Crystal Mountain. Would definetly recommend. Thank you for a great vacation
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

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

Wonderful get-away!

We really enjoyed our stay at this property! It had everything we needed for a comfortable stay- the kids really enjoyed the game room, and it was very conveniently located to Cyrstal Mountain for skiing. The only extra thing that would have been nice to have would be a hot tub, but otherwise no complaints!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful and feel like home cabin. Excellent communication with owner.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie F.

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

Family vacation

Stayed with extended family for a hiking/kayaking trip Plenty of space and well laid out for large groups. We kayaked right from the cabin and it worked great! On a dirt road that worked well for bike riding/walks.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marjory H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family of 14 stayed here for a week. Great location, great communication with the host, beautiful Betsie River for morning kayak trips.The house was well appointed. Improvements I could suggest are pretty small...a screen on the downstairs bedroom, more hooks for hanging clothes in bedrooms, a clothesline for drying towels. Small things, indeed!We loved staying in David's home. The screened in porch was a favorite! Perfect for a big group.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025