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Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch

Travelers find a peaceful retreat in this natural sanctuary where families bond over fireside s'mores and friendly competition in the game room.

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Nature surrounds guests at At Large forest retreat, where the fire pit becomes a gathering spot after days spent kayaking or canoeing on Clear Lake. The 80-foot covered deck provides ample relaxation space, while kids enjoy the arcade/game room and playground.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Laundry room
  • Kitchen

About the area

Dowling is home to this lodge. Hastings Country Club and Gull Lake View Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Cadwallader Park and Peace Labyrinth. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking, rafting and power boating adventures can be found near the property. Visit our Dowling travel guide
View more Lodges in Dowling
Map
Dowling, MI

What's nearby

  • Western Michigan University
    Western Michigan University
    45 min drive - 36.4 miles
  • Clear Lake
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kellogg Arena
    23 min drive - 17.3 miles
  • Firekeepers Casino
    31 min drive - 24.0 miles
  • Gun Lake Casino
    43 min drive - 38.4 miles

Getting around

  • Battle Creek Transportation Center
    27 min drive
  • Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.)
    48 min drive

Restaurants

  • Horn Creek Pub
    9 min drive
  • The Pasture Wagon
    6 min drive
  • Scott's Farm Repair Services
    24 min drive

About this property

Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch

  • Family-friendly lodge
  • At Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch, you can look forward to a firepit, a garden and a playground. In addition to an arcade/games room and laundry facilities, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with a speed of 50+ Mbps.
  • You'll also enjoy perks such as:
    • Games, outdoor furniture and barbecues
    • Books and a table football
  • Room features
  • All guest rooms at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch feature perks, such as fireplaces and air conditioning, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi and desk chairs.
  • More amenities include:
    • Highchairs, children's dinnerware and children's books
    • 4 bathrooms with Jetted bath and hairdryers
    • Smart TVs with DVD players
    • Porches or lanais, separate dining areas and kitchens

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Books
  • Foosball table
  • Games
  • Playground
  • Stereo

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Smart TV
  • Video games

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Minimum check-in age - 18

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

Pets

Pets are allowed

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

5 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Hosting an event at the property requires $500 fee

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Frequently asked questions

Is Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch pet-friendly?

Yes, this lodge allows pets (limit 5 total).

How much is parking at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch located?

This family-friendly Dowling lodge is within 3 mi (5 km) of Clear Lake, Mud Lake and Bristol Lake. Little Mill Lake and Mill Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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Reviews

Forest Retreat - Sleeps 30 - 2 minutes from boat launch Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

8.4

Cleanliness

9.4

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katy P.

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

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bryan F.

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

Great space

This house is great space for large groups. Plenty of rooms and hangout space
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brooke A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David L.

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

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+
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

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

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grace G.

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

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Erica F.

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

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

George D.

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

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen L.

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

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elle Jo H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was a great place to stay with family and friends. Definitely an older house, but still was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Girish P.

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

Family get together

great place for large groups, lots of outdoor area to play games and relax
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlie O.

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

Great secluded hideaway

Perfect for our retreat!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We booked the house for a craft retreat for a group of nine ladies. The house had plenty of space for all of us and the sleeping accommodations were perfect. Everything was exactly as described and we had all the amenities we needed for a fantastic weekend. I would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dillon A.

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

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Beth J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Wooded cottage

If you want the feel of camping with all the modern conveniences this is your cottage.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SUSIE L.

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

Progeny Gathering

Our large group was thrilled with the layout and space available. All needs were accommodated.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zi T.

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

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Theresa R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Marian S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Not what was advertised. Swing, outside games baby crib and grounds. Not there or unusable. Bad smell in basement and no top sheets on any beds. When paying for cleaning it should be clean.
Outdoor play stuff
Swing set
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025