Bear’s Den ~ Hot Tub, Kayaks, Skiing, Pet & Trails
Entire chalet in Gaylord, Michigan
- 9 guests
- 3 bedrooms
- 6 beds
- 2 baths
Hosted by Dorene And John
- Superhost
- 11 years hosting
Listing highlights
Private hot tub with lake views
Soak in the private hot tub on the deck overlooking the lake, available year-round
Dorene and John go above and beyond
Guests highlight how responsive and helpful Dorene and John are throughout every stay
Leave your worries behind at this spacious and charming 3-bedroom chalet, set on a peaceful lake with a private outdoor hot tub. Just 6 miles from downtown Gaylord, this Alpine retreat is perfect for year-round family fun. Spend your days kayaking, swimming, fishing, or barbecuing on the deck, then unwind on the dock or soak in the hot tub as the sun sets over the water. Whether summer adventures or snowy getaways, this lakefront chalet is the perfect Up North escape.
The space
The Space
Welcome to The Bear’s Den Chalet, a cozy yet modern 3-bed, 2-bath retreat overlooking beautiful Lake Little Bear. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase stunning lake views year-round—stay cool with central A/C in summer, or warm up by the wood stove during snowy winter nights.
Perfectly located just 6 miles from downtown Gaylord and minutes from golf, hiking, and biking, this chalet offers the ideal base for four-season adventure. After a day outdoors, unwind with a BBQ on the deck, stargaze by the lakeside fire pit, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the private hot tub.
Kitchen & Dining
Fully equipped kitchen with newer appliances
Cookware, bakeware, utensils, spices, dishware & flatware
Dining table for 6 in the upstairs great room
Walkout basement with an additional dining table for 4
Kitchen linens provided
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Master Bedroom (Upstairs)
Queen bed
Private full bath with shower/tub
Bedroom 2 (Main Floor)
Queen bed
Bedroom 3 (Main Floor)
Queen bed + bunk (2 twins) + single twin — a perfect kids’ room!
Bathroom 2 (Main Floor)
Full bath with shower/tub
All linens, blankets, pillows, towels & washcloths provided.
Entertainment & Comfort
High-speed WiFi throughout
Living Room: 60" Samsung Smart TV (200+ live channels + streaming)
Basement: 46 inch Samsung Smart TV
Wood stove available for use (please bring your own firewood)
Lake Life & Outdoor Fun
Private sandy beach
4 kayaks with paddles & life jackets
Large lake-facing deck with patio dining and propane BBQ grill (extra tank included)
Year-round hot tub overlooking the lake
Dock for swimming or fishing (bass, perch, pike, bluegill & more)
Lakeside fire pit with chairs (bring firewood)
Crystal-clear waters ideal for fishing, paddling & relaxing
Nearby Adventures
Downtown Gaylord (6 miles): restaurants, shops & Alpine Village charm
Golf: 25+ courses within 15–20 minutes, including championship courses
Trails: Endless hiking & biking options for all skill levels
Elk Viewing: Behind Jay’s Sporting Goods
Day Trips:
Petoskey – 35 min
Traverse City – 45 min
Mackinaw City – 1 hr
Boyne Mountain – 25 min
Winter Wonderland
Located in Michigan’s Snow Belt with 180+ inches of annual snowfall
Snowmobiling: Ride directly from the chalet to DNR Trail #4 (no trailering needed!)
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing & nearby downhill ski areas
4WD/AWD strongly recommended in winter months
RAIN Day Activities
Bowling, movie theater, Otsego County Sportsplex (swim & skate)
Call of the Wild Museum, Energy Outlet playground
Mini golf, go-karts & more
Birdwatching paradise: bald eagles, loons, ducks, hummingbirds, woodpeckers
Spring: Morel mushroom hunting in nearby woods
Things to Note
Stairs: Entry stairs + 3 interior levels (your built-in vacation stair-master!)
Parking: Space for up to 3 vehicles; trailers must be approved in advance
Overflow parking available in the private association lot with lights & cameras
Whether you’re here for lazy summer days on the lake, colorful fall hikes, or deep winter adventures, The Bear’s Den Chalet is your perfect Up North getaway.
Dates not quite right? We host eight homes with private hot tubs from Gaylord to Topinabee. If you’re flexible, message us and we’d be happy to help you find another great fit. You can also explore all eight of our homes right here on this platform!
Guest access
We have a lock box located at the door entry way and code is given to guest on the morning of check in by email on this platform
Other things to note
💙 Returning Guests Save!
If you’ve stayed with us before and are planning another Northern Michigan getaway, be sure to reach out! Returning guests may be eligible to book directly through Northern Lakeshore Vacation Home Rentals, which can often save around 10% compared to booking through third-party platforms, while still providing a safe and secure reservation experience.
We truly appreciate your continued support and look forward to welcoming you back!
Property & Guest Info 🏡
Parking 🚗
Limited parking, especially if bringing a trailer—must be arranged in advance.
Maximum of 3 vehicles on-site.
If you need additional space, overage parking is available. Please notify the host of trailers or extra vehicles before booking.
No dirt bikes allowed.
Stairs & Levels 🪜
The chalet has 3 levels and steps down to the home—consider it your personal stair master!
Pets 🐾
1–2 dogs welcome, but must be approved prior to booking. Pet fees apply (see House Rules).
One-night bookings: 2 guests only, no pets.
Late Check-Out ⏰
Available until 1:00 PM, $50 fee if arranged and paid in advance.
Hot Tub ♨️
Water is changed between guests—may not reach full temperature until early evening.
Tap water starts at ~50°F; hot tubs heat 6–10°F per hour with cover on.
Air Conditioning ❄️
Available May–mid-October only (warm months).
Towels & Nature 🌿
Beach towels not provided; all other towels included.
Property is naturally located in the outdoors. Nature may occasionally enter if doors are left open.
Do not prop doors open—damage may occur in windy conditions. Contact us immediately if wildlife enters—we’ll remedy the situation. No refunds for insects or critters.
Outdoor Association Pool: Walking distance, free, open Memorial Weekend–Labor Day.
Note: Bring your own beach towels for either pool. Towels inside the chalet remain there. Bring your own basketball, volleyball and/or pickle ball equipment for any of the courts in case there is none supplied at the park(s).
Hot Tub Notice:
The home features a private hot tub on the deck, which is professionally maintained and available for guest use. While we do our very best to ensure it is fully operational for every stay, hot tubs are mechanical systems and unexpected issues (such as leaks, heating errors, or weather-related problems) may occasionally occur.
In the rare event the private hot tub becomes unavailable before or during your stay, we will make every reasonable effort to repair it as quickly as possible; however, availability of the hot tub is not guaranteed and does not constitute grounds for refunds or discounts.
Note: Bring your own beach towels. Towels inside the chalet remain there. Bring your own basketball, volleyball and/or pickle ball equipment for any of the courts in case there is none supplied at the park(s).
The space
The Space
Welcome to The Bear’s Den Chalet, a cozy yet modern 3-bed, 2-bath retreat overlooking beautiful Lake Little Bear. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase stunning lake views year-round—stay cool with central A/C in summer, or warm up by the wood stove during snowy winter nights.
Perfectly located just 6 miles from downtown Gaylord and minutes from golf, hiking, and biking, this chalet offers the ideal base for four-season adventure. After a day outdoors, unwind with a BBQ on the deck, stargaze by the lakeside fire pit, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the private hot tub.
Kitchen & Dining
Fully equipped kitchen with newer appliances
Cookware, bakeware, utensils, spices, dishware & flatware
Dining table for 6 in the upstairs great room
Walkout basement with an additional dining table for 4
Kitchen linens provided
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Master Bedroom (Upstairs)
Queen bed
Private full bath with shower/tub
Bedroom 2 (Main Floor)
Queen bed
Bedroom 3 (Main Floor)
Queen bed + bunk (2 twins) + single twin — a perfect kids’ room!
Bathroom 2 (Main Floor)
Full bath with shower/tub
All linens, blankets, pillows, towels & washcloths provided.
Entertainment & Comfort
High-speed WiFi throughout
Living Room: 60" Samsung Smart TV (200+ live channels + streaming)
Basement: 46 inch Samsung Smart TV
Wood stove available for use (please bring your own firewood)
Lake Life & Outdoor Fun
Private sandy beach
4 kayaks with paddles & life jackets
Large lake-facing deck with patio dining and propane BBQ grill (extra tank included)
Year-round hot tub overlooking the lake
Dock for swimming or fishing (bass, perch, pike, bluegill & more)
Lakeside fire pit with chairs (bring firewood)
Crystal-clear waters ideal for fishing, paddling & relaxing
Nearby Adventures
Downtown Gaylord (6 miles): restaurants, shops & Alpine Village charm
Golf: 25+ courses within 15–20 minutes, including championship courses
Trails: Endless hiking & biking options for all skill levels
Elk Viewing: Behind Jay’s Sporting Goods
Day Trips:
Petoskey – 35 min
Traverse City – 45 min
Mackinaw City – 1 hr
Boyne Mountain – 25 min
Winter Wonderland
Located in Michigan’s Snow Belt with 180+ inches of annual snowfall
Snowmobiling: Ride directly from the chalet to DNR Trail #4 (no trailering needed!)
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing & nearby downhill ski areas
4WD/AWD strongly recommended in winter months
RAIN Day Activities
Bowling, movie theater, Otsego County Sportsplex (swim & skate)
Call of the Wild Museum, Energy Outlet playground
Mini golf, go-karts & more
Birdwatching paradise: bald eagles, loons, ducks, hummingbirds, woodpeckers
Spring: Morel mushroom hunting in nearby woods
Things to Note
Stairs: Entry stairs + 3 interior levels (your built-in vacation stair-master!)
Parking: Space for up to 3 vehicles; trailers must be approved in advance
Overflow parking available in the private association lot with lights & cameras
Whether you’re here for lazy summer days on the lake, colorful fall hikes, or deep winter adventures, The Bear’s Den Chalet is your perfect Up North getaway.
Dates not quite right? We host eight homes with private hot tubs from Gaylord to Topinabee. If you’re flexible, message us and we’d be happy to help you find another great fit. You can also explore all eight of our homes right here on this platform!
Guest access
We have a lock box located at the door entry way and code is given to guest on the morning of check in by email on this platform
Other things to note
💙 Returning Guests Save!
If you’ve stayed with us before and are planning another Northern Michigan getaway, be sure to reach out! Returning guests may be eligible to book directly through Northern Lakeshore Vacation Home Rentals, which can often save around 10% compared to booking through third-party platforms, while still providing a safe and secure reservation experience.
We truly appreciate your continued support and look forward to welcoming you back!
Property & Guest Info 🏡
Parking 🚗
Limited parking, especially if bringing a trailer—must be arranged in advance.
Maximum of 3 vehicles on-site.
If you need additional space, overage parking is available. Please notify the host of trailers or extra vehicles before booking.
No dirt bikes allowed.
Stairs & Levels 🪜
The chalet has 3 levels and steps down to the home—consider it your personal stair master!
Pets 🐾
1–2 dogs welcome, but must be approved prior to booking. Pet fees apply (see House Rules).
One-night bookings: 2 guests only, no pets.
Late Check-Out ⏰
Available until 1:00 PM, $50 fee if arranged and paid in advance.
Hot Tub ♨️
Water is changed between guests—may not reach full temperature until early evening.
Tap water starts at ~50°F; hot tubs heat 6–10°F per hour with cover on.
Air Conditioning ❄️
Available May–mid-October only (warm months).
Towels & Nature 🌿
Beach towels not provided; all other towels included.
Property is naturally located in the outdoors. Nature may occasionally enter if doors are left open.
Do not prop doors open—damage may occur in windy conditions. Contact us immediately if wildlife enters—we’ll remedy the situation. No refunds for insects or critters.
Outdoor Association Pool: Walking distance, free, open Memorial Weekend–Labor Day.
Note: Bring your own beach towels for either pool. Towels inside the chalet remain there. Bring your own basketball, volleyball and/or pickle ball equipment for any of the courts in case there is none supplied at the park(s).
Hot Tub Notice:
The home features a private hot tub on the deck, which is professionally maintained and available for guest use. While we do our very best to ensure it is fully operational for every stay, hot tubs are mechanical systems and unexpected issues (such as leaks, heating errors, or weather-related problems) may occasionally occur.
In the rare event the private hot tub becomes unavailable before or during your stay, we will make every reasonable effort to repair it as quickly as possible; however, availability of the hot tub is not guaranteed and does not constitute grounds for refunds or discounts.
Note: Bring your own beach towels. Towels inside the chalet remain there. Bring your own basketball, volleyball and/or pickle ball equipment for any of the courts in case there is none supplied at the park(s).
Where you’ll sleep
1 of 2 pages
What this place offers
Lake view
Beach access – Beachfront
Kitchen
Fast wifi – 209 Mbps
Dedicated workspace
Select check-in date
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Rated 4.96 out of 5 from 260 reviews.
Guest favorite
This home is a guest favorite based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
Overall rating
- 5 stars, 96% of reviews
- 4 stars, 4% of reviews
- 3 stars, 0% of reviews
- 2 stars, 0% of reviews
- 1 stars, 0% of reviews
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value
Guests mention
Where you’ll be
Gaylord, Michigan, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.
Neighborhood highlights
The neighborhood is private and quiet. Most homes in neighborhood are 2nd homes so not many full time neighbors which adds to seclusion.
Need to go to town, 15 minutes and you are Downtown Gaylord with stores galore, Meijers, Walmart, Aldi, Family Fare, oh and lots of restaurants, from mom and pop shops such as Diana's Delights, Alpine Tavern to restaurants you are familiar with such as Applebees, Big Boys, Bob Evans, etc, list goes on and on! Gaylord is known as Vacationland!
Located on the 45th parallel, Gaylord offers easy access directly off I-75 and is truly the heart of northern Michigan. We are known for our year round diverse "All Outdoor" adventures found in the breathtaking beauty of our water (over 90 inland lakes and 5 pristine rivers) and land (miles of distinct parks, forest and trails). Our recently remodeled downtown is bursting with eclectic shops, microbrews, tasty dining options and a new vibe, while still embracing our trademark Swiss-themed architecture and friendly ambiance. Winter flurries bring enough powder to snowmobile, snowshoe, ice fish, downhill and cross country ski, and fat tire biking is hitting the scene! Your winter wonderland awaits in Gaylord!
Need to go to town, 15 minutes and you are Downtown Gaylord with stores galore, Meijers, Walmart, Aldi, Family Fare, oh and lots of restaurants, from mom and pop shops such as Diana's Delights, Alpine Tavern to restaurants you are familiar with such as Applebees, Big Boys, Bob Evans, etc, list goes on and on! Gaylord is known as Vacationland!
Located on the 45th parallel, Gaylord offers easy access directly off I-75 and is truly the heart of northern Michigan. We are known for our year round diverse "All Outdoor" adventures found in the breathtaking beauty of our water (over 90 inland lakes and 5 pristine rivers) and land (miles of distinct parks, forest and trails). Our recently remodeled downtown is bursting with eclectic shops, microbrews, tasty dining options and a new vibe, while still embracing our trademark Swiss-themed architecture and friendly ambiance. Winter flurries bring enough powder to snowmobile, snowshoe, ice fish, downhill and cross country ski, and fat tire biking is hitting the scene! Your winter wonderland awaits in Gaylord!
Meet your host
Where I went to school: Dorene: Lincoln Park; John: Allen Park
My work: Hospitality field
John and I love everything Northern Michigan has to offer—from lake life, hiking, trail riding, boating, and kayaking to snowmobiling to cozy winter escapes. We enjoy sharing our homes so families and friends can create lasting memories, Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or both, we hope our homes provide the perfect place to experience the beauty & charm with fresh air, and unforgettable star-filled skies that make Up North so special. We look forward to hosting you!
Dorene And John is a Superhost
Host details
Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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