Spreading along the southern shores of Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is an excellent vacation destination for watersports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and travelers looking to get away from hectic everyday life and unwind in the heart of nature. While the city is known for its museums, the National Cherry Festival, and the City Opera House, exploring its surroundings is undoubtedly worth it. The region is sprinkled with lakes galore, so fishing, boating, swimming, and kayaking are popular in the area. The city is surrounded by vast forested areas and diverse wildlife, making the experience memorable. With so many things to do outside, it’s a great destination for traveling with your pet. Continue reading for our list of the best pet-friendly cabins in Traverse City, Michigan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and pet-friendly rules and regulations. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 24, 2025.
1. Comfortable lakefront cabin
This property allows guests to enjoy the many activities in and around Forest and Spider Lakes and the wonderful outdoors surrounding the cabin. The cabin sits on a 160 ft (48.77 m) lakefront with a front deck and outdoor picnic tables. The host can rent out three pontoon boats if requested, while kayaks are complimentary.
The pet-friendly accommodation in Traverse City allows one dog under 50 lbs (22.68 kgs) for a one-time fee of 50 USD, so bring your four-legged friend and take them kayaking and swimming in the shallow waters of the lake. The cabin is part of a 2.6-ac (1.05 ha) resort with nine cabins. Since other properties might be rented at the same time, guests will need to be mindful of their pets.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
12.09 km (7.6 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel
Top guest reviews
Host:
communication was super easy and the owner was very responsive if we had any questionsLocation:
a good place to rent for a home away from homeCleanliness:
the cabin was clean and cozyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we had a great memorial weekend at this cabin recently updated with new furniture appliances and a/c unitkitchen was well stocked and they have two grill options to use as well
2. Shadowland River Lodge
Originally built in 1929, the pet-friendly vacation rental in Traverse City, Michigan, has seen additions in both building and amenities to offer a more modern experience for visitors. Sitting on the banks of the Boardman River and spread across 33-ac (13.35 ha), this property is ideal for those who love the outdoors. The hosts love dogs and want visitors to enjoy the serene setting with their fur babies. Shadowland is one of those rare properties that does not charge a pet fee.
Lead your pet for an early morning hike or fishing in the river, and watch them spend the rest of the day playing by the river. Everyone can cozy by the indoor fireplace in the evenings or enjoy barbecues and sit around the riverside firepit.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
11.42 km (7.1 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel
Top guest reviews
Host:
jason and nicole are wonderful hosts and always have everything ready to go on arrivalthe host was great we loved our 8 night vacationyou will not find better hosts than jason and nicole they were so kind and accommodatingit’s easy to see that the owners care for every detailRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the cabin was well stocked and clean
3. Bayside cabin with spectacular sunrise views (from USD 350)
This two-bedroom town cabin has an excellent location, only a few blocks from the beach and walking distance from downtown and its breweries, stores, and restaurants. The view from the cozy living room of this Airbnb vacation rental is unbeatable, and it can be enjoyed by sipping your morning coffee. Come evening, guests can gather in front of the fireplace, play board games, or read books from the vast collection. The kid- and pet-friendly Airbnb in Traverse City, Michigan, allows pets as long as they’re kept off the furniture and crated when left unattended. Guests planning on bringing their fur babies along should get prior permission.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
12.5 km (7.8 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & HotelAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
she is an excellent hostkate was a great host and easy to communicate withkate made everything easy and was very responsive to questions and requests for recommendationshost is very attentive and offers great tips and guide to area and things to doliked host’s recommendations for things to do in areaLocation:
the location is greatgreat location near downtown traverse citycute place close to townconvenient location and good valueperfect location = near the lake away from noise but close to town sites and shoppingCleanliness:
clean quiet great communication and a great locationthe cabin is cozy immaculately clean and well appointeda very comfortable and clean place at very reasonable ratessmall tidy bedrooms clean spaces with charming ammenities and personal touches mid-century rustic feel quiet neighborhoodthe sheets and towels were clean (this is something i always look for in reviews)Read more reviewsAmenities & Room:
all the amenities for a comfortable staykate also provides really thoughtful touches like tea and coffee as well as bathroom amenitiesthe kitchen and coffee tables were good sizes for games and mealsgorgeous view of the bay within a cozy neighborhoodthe ‘vintage’ space was very clean and kate provided lots of amenities in the kitchen and bath
Nearby cabin rentals
4. Cozy cottage in the woods with beach access (from USD 396)
Although nestled in the woods, this cozy vacation rental is within walking distance from the lake and offers guests beach access. The interior has an open layout with a queen-sized bed, a well-appointed kitchen, and a dining area. From the kitchen, guests can step outside on the patio where they will find a fire pit, a barbecue grill, and a picnic table perfect for enjoying nature and fresh air. The cottage is pet friendly but visitors should know that other pets live on the property too.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
13.01 km (8.1 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & HotelSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts' dogs are adorable and we loved rubiconkayaks trampoline canoe are free so it was really nice friendly host & great hospitalitytom was a great host great communication prior to check in and what to expectLocation:
great location and little cabinthe location is great and close to traverse city and many other northern michigan destinationsgreat location and lovely property thank yougreat location to experience local hiking and traverse citythe lake was beautiful and the location pretty remoteCleanliness:
the cabin was very clean and had everything we neededthe cabin was very clean and we felt very safe from a covid perspectiveRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the outdoor area of our cabin had a lovely picnic table chairs grill and campfiregreat cozy cabin on a lake
5. Lakefront vacation rental with a private fire pit (from USD 460)
This three-bedroom cottage by the lake is ideal for larger groups looking to relax, have fun, enjoy watersports, and spend time outdoors. With a private grill and a picnic table on the patio, dining has never been this fun. Guests also have access to shared facilities, including a fire pit, a dock, and Spider Lake’s beautiful lakefront. Guests should keep in mind that parties, events, and smoking are not permitted, but the property has a pet-friendly policy.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
12.16 km (7.6 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & HotelAccommodates: 12
Top guest reviews
Host:
thank you for being such great hostshost was very friendly and accommodatingowners were also great with the hiccup we had with ur guest joining us later in the weekgreat place to stay host was extremely easy to contact and made the stay stress freethat being said dondald was a great host and we had an awesome stayLocation:
very peaceful close to hiking trailsthe house is in a beautiful location and very quieta great place for a weekend ice fishing tripwe had a great time out on the pontoon and it was close to activitiesgreat place to relax by the lake and close to downtown traverse cityCleanliness:
clean and very homeygreat accommodations very clean and comfortablethe place was clean and comfortablegreat place to stay clean and comfortablethe house was clean and as expectedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
a nice and cozy cottage on spider lakeair conditioning in both rooms upstairs made it easy to sleep and keep the whole place coolthe cabin was perfect and comfortable for the amount of people we had (six)very comfy beds great views of the water and not a far drive from tcomfortable beds tv's in every room heater worked well great kitchen with all the appliances needed
6. Refurbished log cabin with lake views (from USD 1316)
This recently refurbished three-bedroom log cabin offers guests a cozy stay in the heart of nature, only steps from Rennie Lake. The family-friendly cottage can host up to six people and allows guests to bring a maximum of two dogs. The living, dining, and kitchen area have an open-space layout, offering plenty of space for get-togethers. Amenities such as washer, dryer, and dishwasher help guests spend their time enjoying the location and surroundings rather than doing chores. There are two kayaks and a sailboat available, and the lake is ideal for fishing. Other alternatives for fun and entertainment are available, with a picnic table and fire pit right outside the cabin.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
11.56 km (7.2 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & HotelAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
the property management company is very responsive and helpfulotherwise this was a very family friendly rental and we would certainly rent it againLocation:
location living space and outdoor space are perfect for any style of trip to traverse citythe lake location is stunning even better than i expected from the picturesCleanliness:
it was very clean and stocked with toiletries dish soap laundry detergent etcRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the house has everything you need and has a great view from the living room
7. Lakeview hideaway with private dock (from USD 593)
This secluded two-bedroom cabin is an excellent choice for couples looking for a romantic getaway or families wanting to spend quality time together. The rental is not suitable for infants under two years but allows pets with prior approval. Guests should keep in mind that pets will be counted as additional people and added to the final number. Some of the property’s highlights include a private pontoon boat that can be booked for an extra fee, a spacious yard with a fire pit, and a furnished wooden deck with lake views.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
11.88 km (7.4 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & HotelAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
kathy was a wonderful hostbeautiful little setting and awesome hoststhe host is very responsive and has local recommendations and information about the areakathy was very easy and kind to work withshe communicated everything as expected and was very responsiveLocation:
such a cute and cozy location this is the perfect place to destresseasy location to downtown and surrounding locationsit’s also within a close driving distance to downtown traverse city and beautiful wineriesi would absolutely recommend this location for a true northern michigan experiencesuch a beautiful location and within 20 mins from the most popular restaurants and outdoor activitiesCleanliness:
linen was neat and cleanthis property was clean private and enchanting with beautiful lake adventureskathy's cabin was very clean and had everything i needed for my time therethe cabin is clean and neat and looks just like the picturesvery clean and very peaceful perfect for wife and iRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
beautiful views and a great cozy place to staya cozy little cabin with a great lake viewthe cabin is cozy and is right next to the lake with a beautiful scenic view
8. Riverside cabin with a screened-in porch
This four-bedroom cabin along Boardman River has been recently renovated to make the interior as comfortable as possible and match the outdoor area’s beauty. Guests will find a washer and dryer, air-conditioning, and brand-new kitchen appliances. Guests can take in the river views from the fully furnished screened-in porch or enjoy gathering around the fire pit while grilling out on the patio. Pets are welcome, so no need to leave your fur baby behind.
Traverse City, MI, US
9. Family-friendly cabin with beach access
This family-friendly cabin is situated on Rennie Lake’s shore, in a secluded location only 15 minutes from Traverse City. Water sports aficionados will love this rental as it boasts a private dock, pontoon boats, kayaks, jet skis, and a small beach area covered in fine sand. Guests can enjoy grilling and have a picnic outside or sit back and relax on the lakefront deck. They can also bring their pet along but should keep in mind that there’s a maximum limit of one pet per stay.
12.27 km (7.7 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & HotelAccommodates: 5
Minimum Nights: 4
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Host:
pet friendly is a bonusthe owner’s brother lives next door and was very friendly and helpfulfriendly helpful neighbors as wellLocation:
bike trails near by and close to everything we enjoyed doingthe place was in a great location and very quaintclose enough to traverse city to enjoy everything the area offers but quiet and relaxingi would absolutely recommend this place and hope to come backwe highly recommend the location and amenitiesCleanliness:
the property is very cleanoverall pretty clean beds were super comfyvery clean and a great location not far from traverse cityRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
nice to have wifi and directvthe cabin was cozy and well appointed and we loved sitting on the deck watching the water
10. Quiet vacation rental perfect for couples
This charming cabin is nestled in a forest on Chandler Lake’s shores, a quiet setting that makes it the ideal getaway for couples. The interior is full of charm, blending modern and rustic elements perfectly and offering guests all amenities needed for a comfortable stay. The cottage is available for couples or solo travelers only, but guests can bring their pets along. Out on the deck, guests will find plenty of dining and seating space, excellent for taking in the lake views and spotting wildlife whether it’s a deer crossing the forest or chipmunks dropping by to say hi.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
12.53 km (7.8 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel
Top guest reviews
Host:
haake was super helpful/informative and a great hostall information was extremely well organized he is very responsive to our questionsLocation:
the location is idealbeautiful location close to traverse citywould absolutely recommend this location for a couple or party of twoRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the kitchen is well stocked and everything is very clean and organized
11. Vintage cabin with modern amenities
This cabin rental is full of charm and vintage touches but comes equipped with modern amenities and facilities. The four bedrooms can accommodate up to eight people, and guests can also bring their pets. With Long Lake being a stone’s throw away, the surroundings are worth exploring. Guests can go swimming in the lake, fishing, or boating. If water activities are not your thing, there’s a grill, a picnic table, and a fire pit outside, making the patio a great place to relax.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
26.37 km (16.4 mi) from Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel
Top guest reviews
Host:
rating details:the property manager was adequately helpfulrating details:the property manager was very helpfulrating details:the property manager was very helpfulrating details:the property manager was very helpfulrating details:the property manager was very helpfulLocation:
the location was nicevery cute and quietlocation is very friendly as wellthe location is truly perfect and we would absolutely go backreviewer comments:the location and house was perfect for our familyCleanliness:
the vacation rental was very cleanthe vacation rental was very cleanthe vacation rental was very cleanthe place just wasn’t cleanthe vacation rental was cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the house was a perfect fit for us with room for allnice fire pit area and plenty of chairs/tables for the whole family as wellthe 4 bedrooms fit our family perfectly with the setup of available bedswhich made it all very comfortable
Enjoy lake life in and around Traverse City
Staying in a lakefront cabin has its charm, from sweeping water vistas to plenty of outdoor opportunities. If you add the ease of traveling with your pet to it, you’ve got yourself a winning combination. So, check the best pet-friendly cabins for rent in Traverse City, Michigan, and get ready for your next getaway in the heart of nature.
Frequently asked questions about pet-friendly cabins in Traverse City
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