In Dowling .At this Dowling lodge, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Clear Lake and 3 miles (5 km) of Mud Lake. Also, Bristol Lake is within 3 miles (5 km) and Little Mill Lake is within 6 miles (10 km).
Tucked away amid six acres of wooded landscape, the lodge offers a private retreat with plenty of room for everyone in your group. Relax on the covered 80 foot deck; gather the family around the fire pit; paddle your kayak or canoe around stunning Clear Lake from the boat launch two minutes away; serve dinner for 30 around the farmhouse tables inside and out. This is the place to get away from it all and experience the natural beauty of West Michigan.
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets are welcome
Maximum 5 pets
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 80
Note from host: Hosting an event at the property requires $500 fee
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. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 80. Note from host: Hosting an event at the property requires $500 fee
Frequently asked questions
How close is Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch to the airport?
This lodge is 34.6 mi (48-min drive) away from the Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this lodge.
Does Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch offer free breakfast?
This lodge does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch?
No, there is no casino at this lodge.
What time is check-in at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch?
Free parking is not available at this lodge.
Does Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch have a pool?
This lodge does not have a pool.
Does Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this lodge.
How close is Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch to downtown Dowling?
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 17 reviews
10 - Excellent
14
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 17 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 17 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
8.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
6/10 Okay
Theresa R.
Jul 5, 2025
Disliked: Cleanliness
Great Views
We enjoyed having our coffee on the front porch and taking in the animals that came to visit. I imagine the fall at this property would be priceless. The space the property offers is amazing. Our one disappointment was that the bathrooms need more detail cleanings. Every bathroom needed attention which I handled. It was communicated to the host and we received a very response that it would be brought up to their cleaning crew.
Theresa R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Girish P.
Jul 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Family get together
great place for large groups, lots of outdoor area to play games and relax
Girish P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kristen L.
Aug 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Friend reunion
Mark was great at communicating and making sure I had everything that was needed, and the location was beautiful. The place was spacious, it was a perfect spot for our needs as the kitchen allowed for a great community vibe and the outdoor deck was the perfect hanging spot. The only downside is the basement did have a mild smell that bothered one of my friends who had a mold allergy, but this particular friend is quite sensitive to such things. I was not personally bothered by a smell in the basement, just something to keep in mind for people who are particularly sensitive. Overall if I was having a similar gathering I would rent again. It’s great for bigger groups who have pets, the dogs loved running around.
Kristen L.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
8/10 Good
Erica F.
Jul 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family Reunion
This was a nice large rental with lots of areas to gather. The queen beds were memory foam which were very nice. The driveway is a little hidden (a sign would helpful) and in need of some leveling. Our only complaint was a heavy musty smell in the basement.
Erica F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Charlie O.
Jul 24, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great secluded hideaway
Perfect for our retreat!
Charlie O.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Grace G.
Jul 11, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A fun experience for a big group
Our kids and grandkids joined us. The living room was comfortable with a large screen TV. The kitchen was big and the two refrigerators were welcome! The spacious porch was a favorite spot. The teenagers loved the downstairs area. The locale was great, as we visited Holland, the AirZoo, the Airshow in Battle Creek, the beach at Gull Lake. A great place for a big family.
Grace G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heather B.
Jul 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Friends getaway
The property was great for our friends getaway. Plenty of room for our 5 family getaway with 11 kids ranging from 8 to 1 years old. Loved having two fridges and large dining space. The area in front was perfect for water inflatable. Sleeping accommodations worked well with the bunk room for the kids. This will be a core memory for them for years to come.
Heather B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
George D.
Jun 19, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great for golfers
We had a group of 8 men for a golf trip to Gull lake and other courses. We were able to check in early and get situated before our afternoon round on Thursday. Communication with Mark was great and check in was effortless. We cooked 2 meals in and had everything we needed to do that. The big tables were great for gathering around to eat and play cards at night. Everyone’s rooms were comfortable and gave us all our space. The only negative(but we made it work) was the downstairs has 2 bathrooms, but only 1 shower. Four of us shared it and it wasn’t a big deal, but if not mistaken I think the description of the house showed 4 showers in the house. If we return for another golf trip we would definitely stay here again.
George D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
David L.
Jun 12, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Secluded house
This house was perfect for us. Plenty of room and space for everyone. Came out for a golf weekend. WiFi was spotty but didn’t care. Quick and easy communication everything was A+
David L.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brooke A.
Jun 4, 2024
at one with nature
this home is beautifully located in a hidden spot with farmland around it. It is very peaceful. The beds are super comfortable and there is lots of room for everyone. we enjoyed our stay!
Brooke A.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Bryan F.
May 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great space
This house is great space for large groups. Plenty of rooms and hangout space
Bryan F.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
8/10 Good
Beth J.
May 22, 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness
Wooded cottage
If you want the feel of camping with all the modern conveniences this is your cottage.
Beth J.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Katy P.
Oct 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Our stay
Large space to accommodate young and old with easy access, beds are comfortable and plentiful space to gather or separate for quite time.
Katy P.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Sep 21, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Matt's Stag Party
Great facilities! The guys were super happy with the bedrooms, and the groom loved the master suite. So glad there were two fridges and the grill was an absolute god send when we NEEDED burgers and dogs. We had an awesome time building a fire and hanging on the Adirondacks with the picnic table playing bags. 5 Star stay!!!!
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
SUSIE L., United States
Jul 23, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Progeny Gathering
Our large group was thrilled with the layout and space available. All needs were accommodated.
SUSIE L.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Zi T.
Jul 19, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Best Place
We love the location because there was no outside distractions. All rooms were super clean.
Host are fast to responses to messages.
We left some stuff behind and the host was kind enough to deliver it to my home.
Definitely recommend this place and will book again.
Thank you Mark and Acacia.
Zi T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dillon A.
Jun 13, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Stay in Dowling
The cabin was great. Wide open spaces! Beautiful scenery. Would definitely recommend for anyone to stay here if you have a group of 6 or more.