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⛵Riverfront, hot tub, family and pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks, fireplace

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for ⛵Riverfront, hot tub, family and pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks, fireplace

Exterior
Marina
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Outdoor spa tub

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8110 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
South Haven, MI
  • Kal Haven Trail
    5 min walk
  • Warner Vineyards
    17 min walk
  • Michigan Maritime Museum
    17 min walk
  • Benton Harbor, MI (BEH-Southwest Michigan Regional)
    28 min drive

Room options

About this property

Entire place

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

⛵Riverfront, hot tub, family and pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks, fireplace

Haven Trail Rentals welcomes you to South Haven!
Perched on the banks of the Black River, this cozy cottage is the perfect place for families, couples, or those looking to bring their pets along for the ride! Enjoy the tranquility of the riverfront location, while also having access to a host of activities and amenities in the idyllic lake town of South Haven.

** Now - April 2025 guests **
Please be advised, there will be construction of a new home next door, as well as some road improvements in the area. As of Ocotber 2024, the framing and roof are complete and the construction fencing has been removed to prep for landscaping. We’ve been notified that the construction will take place during weekdays from approximately 7 am to 5 pm. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the proximity, potential noise, or anything related, please don’t hesitate to ask. We understand that construction next door can be a concern during a vacation, and that’s why we’ve reduced our rates during this time and are proactively informing all potential guests. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as our neighbors work to improve the area! We look forward to welcoming you.

The cottage accommodates 6 adults comfortably and up to 8 people total. It is outfitted with three queen bedrooms and a full pull-out sofa with memory foam mattress in the living area. The primary bedroom features a private balcony overlooking the river, perfect for a morning cup of coffee or an evening nightcap.


The kitchen has everything you need to make a hearty meal. The major appliances include a microwave, a fridge, a range, a drip coffee maker, a toaster, a crock pot, a blender, and an electric skillet. We do our best to keep the essentials stocked in the pantry such as coffee filters, coffee, sugar/sweetener, salt, pepper, oil, etc. We also have a well stocked selection of pots, pans, and other cooking utensils. If you need anything specific, just ask! The open floor plan allows you to freely move around the kitchen and dining without feeling cramped. The large dining table offers seating for 6, with table leaves available upon request to extend seating to 8.


The living room is a great place to spend quality time with family and friends. Get nostalgic on the classic arcade with all your favorites, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Dig Dug, and many more. The 55" smart TV, DVD library, board games, and collection of books provide plenty of options for rainy-day entertainment for all ages.


As we step outside through the sliding glass door from the living room onto the covered deck, take in the beautiful river and marina. Take a dip in the hot tub and let your worries drift away. Grill up a feast on the gas BBQ and enjoy your meal on the covered deck. For a unique outdoor experience, relax around the fire pit, go kayaking on the river, or explore the Kal-Haven Trail, whatever your heart desires! Feeling adventurous? Take full advantage of the exclusive boat slip, bring or rent a boat, and take a day trip out to Lake Michigan. No matter the style in which you like to vacation, we've got you covered.


⛵ Boat Slip ⛵

There are four boat slips in front of the cottage. One is made available for your stay, that slip will fit up to a 10' by 30' boat. Please indicate if you would like to have this boat slip available for use during your stay. There are boat rentals available just across the river and our previous guests have loved being able to rent a boat for the week, boat down to South Haven's marina, and park for a few hours to grab a bite to eat or chill on the beach. With Lake Michigan, about 30 minutes downriver by boat (no wake zone), take full advantage of the amazing fishing and water sports the big blue lake has to offer.

The other three slips are actively being used by other boaters. We simply ask all boaters to be respectful of each other's space and access to the docks.


⛯ Our town ⛯

Welcome to South Haven, the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers! Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, South Haven offers a wealth of activities. From the picturesque beaches to soak up the sun, to the historical Michigan Maritime Museum, to the iconic South Haven Lighthouse, there is so much to explore. Not only is South Haven great for outdoor activities, but it also has a fantastic selection of eateries, bars, and cafes to enjoy. From Taste's scrumptious small plates, to Three Blondes Brewery (voted Michigan's favorite!), to our town's own Travelers' Choice award winner - Sherman's Ice Cream, you'll find something to fit everyone's appetite. South Haven is the perfect getaway for those looking for a unique adventure. With its proximity to the Kal-Haven Trailhead and Black River, you can make the most of your time and explore both the beautiful outdoors and the vibrant downtown area. It's the perfect place to relax and experience the world around you.


★ Key features and amenities ★

☀ Outdoor ☀

- Riverfront

- 6 person hot tub

- Docks with kayak and fishing access, 30' boat slip available

- Covered deck with outdoor dining

- 3 burner gas grill

- Fire pit overlooking the river (April - November)

- Kayaks and equipment included (April - November)

⌂ Indoor ⌂

- High-speed DSL internet (up to 300 Mbps)

- Entertainment: DVDs/Arcade/Smart TV/Board games

- Indoor fireplace

- Fully stocked kitchen

- Comfy living room with beautiful views of the river


Our property has an outdoor security camera mounted to the back of the house with view of the driveway for security purposes only. We do ask each primary guest to sign a short-term rental agreement prior to check-in.


We look forward to making your stay in South Haven fantastic! We strive to provide our guests a 5-star local home-like experience, check out our reviews for yourself! Take relaxation to the max and book today or save us for a future date.

Haven Trail Rentals
This cottage's great location gets high marks from our customers. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Kal Haven Trail. A water park, a spa tub, and an arcade/game room are available. Free WiFi and a kitchen are available in the cottage.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine, and 2 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Splash around at the water park
  • Guests have great things to say about the helpful staff and the location
  • Just a 5-minute walk from Kal Haven Trail and a 5-minute drive from Lake Michigan
This cottage offers its guests a water park and a spa tub. Barbecue grills, an arcade/game room, and a garden are also featured at the family-friendly cottage.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this South Haven cottage.

Property manager

Haven Trail Rentals (Kathy Blackburn)

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • A hot tub

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Coffee grinder
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Spices
  • Blender

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bath or shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Games room
  • Video games
  • DVD player
  • Video library
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Gas grills
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 3 total pets

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Kayaking on site
  • Golf on site
  • Boating on site
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Hiking nearby

Safety features

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

General

  • Unit size: 1187 sq ft (110 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 3 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Children are allowed, but home is NOT childproof

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

⛵Riverfront, hot tub, family and pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks, fireplace Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 107 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 114 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Krysten M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Had a few downsides but was overall a good stay
Pros -Lovely location on the water with a view from the back of the house of a marina and the river with ducks, geese, and beautiful sunsets -House was clean and had everything we needed in terms of bedding, kitchenware, towels -Enjoyed the hot tub that seated 4 people comfortably and the arcade machine -2nd floor porch was a favorite location for reading -Solo Stove was fun for smores and fireside chats Cons -Listing mentions the house is next to a house that will be under construction from June - October. It does not mention that the house next door is no more than 5 feet from the rental house and that as of the end of Sept, the house is still being framed (i.e., unlikely to be complete in Oct.). No work was done on the house while we were there, but a constant sound of flapping house wrap could be heard while on either patio and from inside the second floor bedroom on the back of the house. -Listing does not mention the condo building under construction two properties away for which construction began as early as 7am. Construction equipment and supplies including a tractor are parked directly in front of the house blocking the view of the marina. When standing at the kitchen sink to wash dishes, I did not enjoy my view of construction equipment. -Kayaks were appreciated, but were very dirty. Could benefit from a hose down before guests arrive. Also need to mark which oars go together. -Dish drying rack is much too small given there is no dishwasher
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Ross J., Portage

Nice cottage a half hour boat ride away from the lake
We enjoyed a nice long weekend stay and were able to bring our boat and our dog. Nice parking with plenty of room for our trailer, our car and a guests car when needed. The public boat launch is only 10 minutes away. The cottage is dated but has a nice updated bathroom downstairs. Only a queen bed in the small downstairs bedroom made it kinda tight. The ceiling fan needed cleaned. Turned it and leading edge dust buildup blew on the bed. The stairs going to the upstairs bedrooms were small and tight. The bedrooms upstairs smelled really smoky. I was not able to sleep up there. It was nice to have the boat dock in the backyard. But the slip next to our executive dock had a WaveRunner covered with duck poop And resident ducks wanting to share the dock. You will also need a lot of patience on your half hour boat ride out to Lake Michigan. In my 40 years of boating I have never been yelled at, flipped off, and harassed so much for going too fast or,too slow it was not as fun as it could have been.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

stacy r.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa Logan W., Auburn Hills, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location and Amenities in South Haven
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome Stay. As advertised and then some.
I don't know if this property is newly remodeled but for a VRBO property it was in amazing shape and super clean. It was everything as advertised. If it was walking distance to town it would have been over the top. We would definitely stay again. I don't know if Kathy lives on her phone but she answered every email immediately. Maybe the most professionally run VRBO we ever visited. Thank you!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great family vacay spot
We stayed here for a family vacation and absolutely loved it. Everything was as described and the owner is very nice and replies quickly to you. We are planning to stay here again next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deena M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl C. C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen D.

South Haven
We had an amazing stay for our first time in South Haven. Kathy was an awesome host. Very helpful and accommodating. Very responsive.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darrell L.

Liked: Cleanliness
great vacation spot
Awesome location. Very clean and well equipped house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamie E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent place to stay
We had an amazing time staying at this property. It was super clean, big, comfortable with really cool amenities. The black river is beautiful and the view was so cool! We got to ride kayaks and make a fire! My family had such a good time! Cannot recommend this property enough!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing rental on the Black River
We had an amazing time staying at this rental. First of all, it was so clean. Secondly, everything worked...the BBQ grill, the hot tub, the gaming system, the fire pit. And we used it all. It is very conveniently located by car to the local sites you may want to visit. Most things are just a few minutes drive away. Having stayed in downtown South Haven, I appreciated being away from the crowds. In the past, we have rented places where there were constant streams of people walking by. Not here! We sat out on the dock, deck and lawn chairs and just watched the river. It was so relaxing. The owners touched base with us just to check that things were going okay. Based on our experience, I highly recommend this place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M., Munster, Indiana

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway and location
We enjoyed our stay at this lovely, well maintained cottage and would recommend. Good communication with the owner and the outdoor decks and hot tub were wonderful and relaxing - unique location as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karolina G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cabin, great area!
We had a fantastic stay! The cottage is clean and wonderfully equipped. Communication was top-notch. The location is charming, and you can easily walk everywhere. We wish we could have stayed longer and will definitely be back. Thank you so much!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Anne S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Easy river access
The place was super clean and perfect for our family. The kayaks were great, and hanging outside on the river by the fire pit was wonderful and relaxing.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, super clean and comfortable, great host
Absolutely loved this place and would definitely stay again. 4 minute drive from downtown, very clean (and me and my friends are picky). The host was very responsive - had everything we needed with so many extra touches (such as extra linens, towels, kitchen necessities, games, ceiling fans, movies). Loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
Highly recommend. Great please to stay with the family, kids, dogs.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hannah D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceeded Expectations
The cottage was exactly as listed! Visited with our dog and 2 other friends over Memorial Day weekend. It was VERY clean and cozy. So much to do at the cottage but also very relaxing scenery. Hot tub, games, kayak, smores by the fire pit. Not to mention great location to downtown South Haven and only 20 minutes to Saugatuck. Our boat rental got cancelled due to incoming inclement weather so we ended up taking the kayaks provided out on the river. Neighbor was extremely kind while playing yard games between our 2 properties. Truly a perfect stay! Will be going out of our way to stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Cottage!
Our time spent at this cottage was absolutely amazing. The location is very quiet and peaceful. The cottage itself was very clean and well stocked with everything we needed such as towels, toiletries, kitchen utensils, etc. Kathy was very nice and easy to communicate with. We even extended our trip an extra day that’s how much we loved it here. We will be returning in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aaron D.

Liked: Cleanliness
River front cottage
Had a great experience staying in South Haven. The dock was great for easy access to Lake Michigan on our fishing trip.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mitch m.

Liked: Cleanliness
guys weekend
ideal location with activities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing stay with great views!
My husband and I, along with our infant, parents, and two dogs stayed here for a quick weekend getaway. The location is great, as it offered pretty views of the river and was very close to downtown South Haven. The amenities were excellent; we had everything we needed. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
The property was clean and well stocked. The decor was lovely, and the furniture was very comfortable.We had a great time on the kayaks and nearby beaches. We were very happy with our stay and would definitely visit again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nick S.

Liked: Cleanliness
5 stars
Our stay was excellent, the property was great. We hope to visit this property again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024