FAQ's

Yes – we are pet‑friendly under the following rules.

Pet Fee

$80 pet fee per stay

The fee covers the entire stay, not per night

Pet Rules & Policy

Violation of any pet rule may result in immediate removal and cancellation without refund, so please read carefully:

Leash required: Pets must be on a leash at all times when outside the cabin.

No unattended pets: Pets may not be left alone in the cabin at any time.

Noise control: Excessive barking or noise that disturbs neighbors is not allowed.

No pets on furniture: Pets are not allowed on beds, couches, or other furniture.

Hair & cleanliness: Remove all pet hair before check‑out. Extra cleaning fees will apply if hair is found on furniture or bedding.

Outdoor clean‑up: You must pick up after your pet outside. Failure to do so may result in deep‑cleaning or yard clean‑up fees.

Damage: Guests are financially responsible for any damage caused by their pet, inside or outside.

Health: Pets must be licensed and current on vaccinations.

Breed & Size Restrictions

We do not allow:

Large breed dogs over 50 lbs

Aggressive or poorly behaved dogs

Commonly restricted breeds known for aggressive behavior (including but not limited to Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and similar breeds)

If you’re unsure whether your dog qualifies, contact us before booking with age, weight, and breed details

We will send you a door code specifically for you which will work during your stay. It is self check in so you can show up whenever you would like.

Yes – there are multiple places to enjoy Lake Huron nearby:

Arenac County Park / Pt. Au Gres County Park (Rumsey Rd)

About a short drive from our Booth Rd cabins MAP LINK

Long sandy beach on Saginaw Bay, picnic tables, grills, pavilions etc. 

County park entry fee is typically charged per car; check Arenac County for current rates and dates (open seasonally late spring–fall).

Cemetery Beach (north of Au Gres on US‑23)

A more remote, undeveloped shoreline north of the Whitney‑Sims Cemetery on US‑23 MAP LINK

Publicly owned shoreline with basic access – good for those who like a quieter, off‑the‑beaten‑path swim or rock‑hunting spot. 

Other small public accesses along US‑23

The US‑23 Heritage Route has small pull‑off beaches and viewpoints up and down the Sunrise Coast.

Yes – every cabin has a fire pit.

We offer firewood at our cost (details in your guest guide)

You’re welcome to bring your own seasoned firewood as well

Always follow local burn rules and never leave fires unattended

Yes – every cabin has a gas grill, and we supply propane.

Please clean the grill before check‑out if you use it.

Here’s a quick overview of our core cabins:

Nature’s Nest, Sunrise Shore, Life’s a Hoot, Lakeview & Wildlife

1 queen bed on the first floor

2 queen beds upstairs

1 full bathroom on the first floor

Cozy Home I

1 full bed on the first floor

2 queen beds in the loft

1 full bathroom on the first floor

Cozy Home II

3 queen beds on the first floor

1 full bathroom on the first floor

Always check your specific cabin’s listing for photos and exact layouts, as small details can change with updates and improvements.

Ariel map with position of all cabins.

No. You can book for as little as 1 night.

There is no extra charge for cleaning fee unless place is left a mess beyond normal use.

Check in 4pm check out 10am, we do offer a 2 hour early check in for $20 and a 2 hour late check out for $20.

Yes – we have exceptionally fast Wi‑Fi, with speeds up to about 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload (speed can vary slightly by device and time of day)

.

It’s more than enough for:

-Streaming on multiple devices

-Remote work / video calls

-Online school

We have basic cookware, utensils and a gas grill.

Yes – Au Gres, Standish, and nearby towns have local restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream spots.

For an up‑to‑date list of our favorites (with addresses, phone numbers, and quick notes), visit our:

Quick Guest Guide on our website

Or check the Things To Do / Blog sections for restaurant and area guides Lake Life Cabin Rentals

We keep those guides refreshed with seasonal favorites

Honestly – every season is great, just in different ways:

Spring: Bird migration, fewer crowds, cool nights and fresh mornings

Summer: Beach days, boating, fishing, kayaking, warm evenings by the fire

Fall: Colorful foliage, cooler temps, great fishing, quieter towns

Winter: Ice fishing (when safe), quiet getaways, snowy walks, and cozy nights in

Our cabins are built for year‑round comfort with heat, A/C, strong Wi‑Fi, and full kitchens.

Absolutely – families are very welcome.

Our cabins, nearby nature trails, beaches, and kid‑friendly towns make this a great family getaway. Please supervise children around the water, marsh, fire pits, and wildlife at all times (there is no lifeguard).

You’re in a very bird‑rich area! Great options include:

Wigwam Bay State Wildlife Area – shallow bays, marshes, and wetlands known for waterfowl and shorebirds along Saginaw Bay. 

Au Gres River Mouth / DNR Boat Launch – excellent for seeing waterfowl, raptors, and migrating birds right where the river meets the bay. 

Arenac & Iosco Birding Trail – our region is part of this recognized birding trail, with multiple stops within a short drive. 

Wigwam Bay & other local spots are listed in our guest guide under “Things To Do” with map links and driving directions.

We also link a detailed in our FAQ and guidebook so you can plan stops along the Sunrise Coast.

Very close. On average, the ordinary water line is about 100 feet from the cabin deck. However:

-Water levels in Saginaw Bay change from year to year and season to season

-Some years the shoreline is shallow or even mostly dry marsh in front of the cabins

-Other years the water comes right up closer to the marsh edge

Because the shoreline is natural and marshy, it’s beautiful for wildlife viewing and sunrise watching, but it is not a groomed sandy “walk‑right‑in” swimming beach. For sand & easy swimming, see the beach info below.

If you’re curious about current water conditions right before your stay, feel free to message us a week or so before arrival and we can give you an up‑to‑date snapshot.

We’re tucked away in Au Gres, Michigan – just 2.5 hours from Detroit and 2 from Mackinac Island. A peaceful spot with wildlife, world-class fishing, and small-town charm!

We’re in a low light‑pollution area along Saginaw Bay, which is great for:

Meteor showers

Milky Way viewing on dark, clear nights

Occasional Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during strong solar events

Northern Lights are never guaranteed, but your odds are better:

In fall and winter (longer nights & clearer skies)

Around periods of high solar activity

On clear, cloudless nights between roughly 10 pm and 2 am

A favorite viewing spot is the parking lot past the DNR Au Gres River Mouth boat launch, looking out over the lake when conditions are right.

Not yet. We do not currently have a hot tub, but it’s something we’re actively considering for the future.

That depends on how flexible you are:

If you need specific dates (holidays, peak summer weekends, long school breaks): book as early as possible. Those periods do sell out.

If you’re flexible on dates or cabin choice, you can often book closer to your stay and still find availability.

You can book as little as 1 night.

Yes we have retreats, and small gatherings and other forms hosted as long as the house rules are followed, not disturbing neighbors etc. see house rules, we do not allow parties putting the property over the occupancy levels

Work with us by filling out the form at: https://www.lakelifecabinrentals.com/collaborators

Yes. All cabins have heating and air conditioning so you can enjoy Lake Life comfortably year‑round – from summer beach days to cozy winter getaways.

Yes – Saganing Eagles Landing Casino in Standish is about 12 miles from the cabins depending on your exact cabin and traffic).

Slots & electronic table games

On‑site food & drinks

If you plan to head there, please arrange a safe ride home if you’ll be drinking or staying late.

Yes – we offer kayak rentals as an add‑on.

You can book them on our Extras page on the website

Several homes do—see each cabin page for driveway length and turn‑around space.

Your main launch for Saginaw Bay is the Michigan DNR Au Gres River Mouth Boat Launch, sometimes just called the DNR launch:

Located at the end of the Au Gres River, off Riverside Drive, a short drive from our cabins Au Gres public access boat ramp

One of the largest boat access sites in the area, with multiple ramps that can launch several boats at once, lots of trailer parking, and restrooms 

State of Michigan Recreation Passport (on your license plate) is required for entry/parking at state boat launches

This launch gives you quick access out the river channel directly into Saginaw Bay / Lake Huron. Always check the marine forecast and wind direction before heading out, as conditions can change quickly on the open water.

Yes – Saginaw Bay and nearby waters are popular for ice fishing when conditions allow.

However, ice conditions vary every year. Always:

Follow local DNR guidance and posted signs

Talk to local bait shops about current thickness and safe areas

Use proper safety gear and never assume the ice is safe

We cannot guarantee ice conditions or dates and cannot provide safety clearance – that’s up to local authorities and your judgment.

Our rates vary by cabin, date, day of week, and season, but as a general range:

Most stays fall between $50–$185 per night

Weekdays are usually less than weekends

Winter is generally less than summer

We occasionally run last‑minute deals – check our Deals page or booking calendar.

For exact pricing for your dates, check the Our Cabins section on our website or your preferred booking platform.

Not at this time. There are no EV chargers directly at the cabins.

However, there is a public fast‑charging station 4 miles away:

WeCharge / Au Gres Ace Hardware

Address: 236 W Huron Rd, Au Gres, MI 48703

Network: WeCharge / Monta

Typically 4 fast DC chargers (up to around 150 kW, CCS‑type connectors)

Open 24/7 (Ace store hours don’t affect charger access)

Yes – we are open year‑round.

Summer: beach, boating, fishing, paddling

Fall: foliage, cooler temps, quieter stays

Winter: ice fishing (when safe), cozy cabins, and occasional Northern Lights

Spring: bird migrations, less crowding, cool evenings by the fire

Yes – our fast Wi‑Fi is ideal for:

Remote work and video calls

Streaming movies and shows

Online gaming and school work

Many guests use our cabins as a “workcation” base – work by day, relax by the water at night.

We are in a rural, lakefront environment:

You may see deer, birds, small critters, and bugs (especially in warm months).

Doors and screens should be kept closed to avoid letting wildlife and insects inside.

Mayfly season typically lasts about two weeks per year – they’re harmless but can be numerous around lights at night.

No. All of our cabins are 100% non‑smoking and non‑vaping indoors.

Smoking or vaping inside will result in a minimum $100 charge plus additional nightly charges if we cannot immediately re‑rent the cabin due to smoke odor, and any extra cleaning needed.

You may smoke outside away from doors and windows – please fully extinguish and dispose of butts properly.

We do not add a cleaning fee,

However:

If the cabin is left significantly messier than normal use (trash everywhere, damaged items, pet messes, excessive dirt, etc.), we may charge an additional deep‑cleaning fee as outlined in our House Rules.

Normal use (dishes in the dishwasher, beds unmade, regular towels used) is expected and fine.

Yes, you can absolutely cook:

Each cabin has a full kitchen (stove, fridge, basic cookware, dishes & utensils)

We provide basic cookware & utensils

Outside, you’ll have a gas grill with propane provided

If you need anything specialized (Instant Pot, air fryer, special baking pans, etc.) we recommend bringing it along.

Yes:

Bed linens and bath towels are provided

We do not provide beach towels – please bring your own for the beach or outdoor use

Please don’t take our bath towels or linens outside the cabin

There is no daily housekeeping, but there is a washer and dryer available for guest use

Yes – washer and dryer are available for guest use in each cabin.

A quick summary (full details are in our House Rules):

Leave used beds unmade

Put used towels in the bathroom or hamper

Clean the grill if you used it

Load and start the dishwasher

Bag trash and place it in the outdoor trash can

Close and lock all doors & windows

Text us when you check out

There’s no standard cleaning fee added to reservations, but excessive mess beyond normal use may incur an extra cleaning charge.

We have simple self check‑in:

A few days before your stay, you’ll receive a unique door code for your cabin.

The code is active from check‑in time until check‑out time for your reservation.

Because it’s self check‑in, you can arrive as late as you like on the first day of your stay – no need to meet anyone in person.

If you plan to arrive super late (like after midnight), we just recommend downloading directions and your code ahead of time in case cell service is spotty during your drive.

What are check‑in and check‑out times?

Check‑in: 4:00 pm or later

Check‑out: 10:00 am or earlier

We also offer:

Early check‑in: 2:00 pm (2 hours early) for $20

Late check‑out: 12:00 pm (2 hours late) for $20

Yes – small retreats, workshops, and family gatherings are welcome as long as:

-You respect quiet hours and neighbors

-You do not exceed the listed occupancy for each cabin

-You do not host parties or events that would disturb the neighborhood

-All House Rules are followed

Au Gres Fish Cleaning Station – Riverside Park
Driveway before Riverside Park
GPS Coordinates: 44°02'51.6"N 83°41'20.4"W

Yes, there is a Sunrise Market (IGA) a few miles from all of the cabins, a Family Fare less than 15 miles from the cabins in Standish, Michigan, and a Walmart or a Neimans Family Market in Tawas, Michigan about 25 miles from our cabins.

Convenient Store / Subway (Gas Station) Called Pier 23 a few miles down the road from our cabins.

Yes, M65 bait shop a few miles from the cabins. Usually they have minnows, wax worms, worms, fishing gear. Call for more information or hours (989) 646-2444
Pine river market for minnows about 10 miles from the cabins.

Pier 23 (gas station in town) a few miles from our cabins usually has worm, nightcrawlers, and wax worms.

Northwoods wholesale Outlet in Pinconning about 26 miles from our cabins but an excellent place to stop on your way up or on your way home. Very large outlet store which has all of your needs.

All of these places you can also buy fishing licenses or you can use the Michigan DNR hunt and fish app on your phone.

Use our availability calendar or contact us directly for dates, minimum stays, and seasonal

rates.

you can check availability here.

Yes—our business is based in Au Gres, and we host guests visiting the Lake Huron shoreline

from Pinconning to Oscoda.

We’re a great option for travelers who want a comfortable cabin stay within an easy drive of

those towns. Many guests explore multiple towns during the same trip.