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Riverfront, hot tub, pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks

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Private deck perfect for that morning cup of coffee or evening night cap
6 person hot tub overlooking the river; hot tub open all year round
Relax and get cozy, DVDs and board games provided for rainy days!
Living area with views of the river and sliding door leading to the covered deck
Chill by the firepit overlooking the river, waving to the boats passing by

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8110.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
South Haven, MI
  • Kal Haven Trail
    ā€Ŗ5 min walkā€¬
  • Michigan Maritime Museum
    ā€Ŗ17 min walkā€¬
  • South Beach
    ā€Ŗ5 min driveā€¬
  • Benton Harbor, MI (BEH-Southwest Michigan Regional)
    ā€Ŗ28 min driveā€¬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap Ā· Towels provided Ā· Toilet Ā· Shower only Ā· Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap Ā· Towels provided Ā· Bathtub or shower Ā· Toilet Ā· Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Riverfront, hot tub, pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks

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 - May 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 October 2024, the framing and roof are complete and the construction fencing has been removed to prep for landscaping. Weā€™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 donā€™t hesitate to ask. We understand that construction next door can be a concern during a vacation, and thatā€™s why weā€™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 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.


ā›Æ Our town ā›Æ

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!), 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.


ā˜… Key features and amenities ā˜…

ā˜€ Outdoor ā˜€

- 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)

āŒ‚ Indoor āŒ‚

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

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

- 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

Property manager

Haven Trail Rentals (Kathy Blackburn)
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0ā€“17
Children are allowed, but home is NOT childproof
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 3 total
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
While using kayaks, life preservers must be worn at all times
No swimming allowed in the river
Pets while outside of the house must be leashed

Important information

You need to know

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

South Haven

Located in South Haven, this cottage is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Pilgrim Haven Natural Area, while Michigan Maritime Museum and Michigan Flywheelers Museum are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider The Fun Park and Kids Place Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
South Haven, MI

What's nearby

  • Kal Haven Trail - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Michigan Maritime Museum - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • South Haven Center for the Arts - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • North Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • South Beach - 5 min drive - 3.2 km

Getting around

  • Bangor Station - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ā€ŖMcDonald's - ā€¬4 min drive
  • ā€ŖCulver's - ā€¬3 min drive
  • ā€ŖBiggby Coffee - ā€¬18 min walk
  • ā€ŖBurger King - ā€¬4 min drive
  • ā€ŖTaco Bell - ā€¬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Riverfront, hot tub, pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at Riverfront, hot tub, pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Riverfront, hot tub, pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Riverfront, hot tub, pet friendly, boat slip, kayaks located?

This family-friendly South Haven cottage is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Kal Haven Trail, Michigan Maritime Museum and South Haven Center for the Arts. Lake Michigan is 1.8 mi (2.8 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 124 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 124 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 124 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 124 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 124 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christopher H.

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

Loved it!

Property was clean and cozy. Hot tub was a lot of fun and the kids loved the arcade machine!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Joshua M.

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

Great stay overall!

We took a mini-ā€œstaycationā€ not too far from home and it was nice to have more intentional family and friends time. We played many games, grilled out, made s'mores and enjoyed the hot tub.The only ā€œnegativesā€ were that my family has sensitive noses and the smell of dogs, cats, etc is hard to completely clean away. Also, the cabin was great, but the Vrbo pics were sooo good that it looked a lot ā€œnewerā€ and crispy clean, if that makes sense.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark V.

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

Awesome river front escape !

A great place to stay . Centrally located to everything around . Amenities were exactly how they were described .
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy F.

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

Very nice!

The house was very clean and had everything we needed for a stay. The view out back is beautiful and the hot tub was great! Thereā€™s a nice trail nearby that we really enjoyed. I loved the old school arcade games even more than the kids ha ha. We hope to visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann B.

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

Wonderful early spring getaway!

We enjoyed our stay very much! This home was cozy, clean, and had everything we needed for a wonderful stay. The hot tub was a delight along with the fire pit! The river location was so peaceful. The construction next door was minimal and not a bother. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra W.

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

Girls Weekend

We always look forward to our annual girls weekend and we always enjoy our stay here. It is well stocked and has a great layout/location for winter days spent playing games, karaoke, hot tubbing and trail walking. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Curtis B.

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

Location, amenities, and a beautiful view

An incredible property that let us enjoy everything South Haven has to offer. Exactly as described and as shown in the photos. If we'd needed to stay in there was plenty to keep us occupied. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimber B.

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

Family time

This was the perfect spot to be together! We will have to return in the summer!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

eden b.

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

Cozy get away

Our family had a great getaway. We loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caleb H.

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

Weekend get away!

Our stay was absolutely perfect. The house comfortable and fully stocked with cooking supplies, movies, games and books. Ducks and geese were floating in the river which added to the relaxing atmosphere in the hot tub. A short drive to town for food and shopping.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jay M.

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

Great getaway

Great host!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan N.

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

Nice riverside cottage to enjoy the village

Very clean, fully stocked cottage next to the river. The river acts as an inlet and dock area for some of the bigger boats that move out into Lake Michigan. It was neat to watch them go by with a few adventurous kayakers mixed in. Lots of waterfowl following the river. Just enough to keep our pup entertained. Close to town but far enough away that you donā€™t hear noise or see many people close by. Thereā€™s construction going on next door, but they didnā€™t start until 9 on the weekday we were there and nothing on the weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Krysten M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

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.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa Logan W.

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

Perfect Location and Amenities in South Haven

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig R.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl C. C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen D.

Liked: Communication, location

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great vacation spot

Awesome location. Very clean and well equipped house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamie E.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

About the host

Hosted by Haven Trail Rentals (Kathy Blackburn)

Host profile image
Search for Haven Trail Rentals for more information.
We are Kathy and Kirk! We enjoy living in the South Haven area and frequenting all this quaint town has to offer. Our local favorites are Three Blondes Brewing, Kilwins ice cream, and don't forget to stop by Decadent Dogs for your four legged friends. We live on a hobby farm with our two dogs, Zeppelin and Nirvy, just outside of the city. We enjoy dirt biking, growing a garden, and traveling around the national parks. We strive to make your stay top notch and are here for any questions you may have about the area!

Why they chose this property

South Haven is the perfect place to get away and has so much diversity in activities. Whether it's watersports on Lake Michigan, lounging on the beach, bike riding/snowmobiling on the Kal-Haven trail, kayaking in the river, wine and brewery tours, or shopping in the quaint town shops - this town really has it all.

What makes this property unique

There's just something about being right on the water. On a lazy summer day watching the boats go by feels so peaceful and relaxing. Taking a dip in the hot tub at dusk after a day of walking around town, you just can't beat that feeling.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests