Entire home

Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

Photo gallery for Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

Property grounds
Exterior
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Overview of Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

Reviews
8.2

Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space

Explore the area

Map
Gary, IN
  • Popular LocationMarquette Park13 min walk
  • Popular LocationMarquette Beach3 min drive
  • Popular LocationLake Street Beach6 min drive
  • AirportChicago, IL (DPA-Dupage)91 min drive

Space details

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sleeps 8
1507 sq ft
Bedroom 1
    1 queen bed
Bedroom 2
    1 queen bed
Common area
    1 twin/single bed

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

Camp Baxter is tucked away in a tranquil, wooded section near the Indiana Dunes National Park, in Miller Beach. This 2 Bedroom/1 Bath, newly renovated, 1920’s cottage is nestled on the side of a dune and loaded with Smart Home technology, modern conveniences, and abundant amenities inside and out.

Soak up the natural surroundings from the spacious, multi-level outdoor living spaces that feature a 6-person hot tub perched near the top of the dune, firepit (firewood provided), outdoor dining and seasonal cushioned lounge furniture, seasonal outdoor heated shower, and a 6ft tall perimeter fence that surrounds the compound for ultimate privacy.

We are dog friendly and Camp Baxter is affectionately named after our departed Vizsla (Hungarian pointer) who enjoyed many years chasing birds and squirrels around the yard!

Note: An additional guest fee applies over 4 people: $25/person per night (not including children less than two years of age on Arrival Date), regardless of length of stay or purpose of visit. The maximum occupancy is 8 people.
Parking is available for up to four vehicles. There is no guest access to the garage.

Additional Amenities include complimentary Nespresso and Keurig coffee, 4 total Smart TVs with digital Comcast/Xfinity cable and video streaming, high-speed Wi-Fi, Nest Thermostat, and Washer/Dryer.
Supplies provided include paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, hand soap, dish soap and sponge, dishwasher detergent, shampoo/conditioner/body wash, trash bags, firewood, bath and beach towels, all bedding, and more.

The street leading to Camp Baxter is narrow and easy to miss upon arrival. We recently demolished a building on the adjacent lot and the foundation is still visible.
Once you enter the gated compound filled with mature black oaks, evergreens, and wildflowers, it is easy to become one with nature and experience how beautiful the Dunes are in all four seasons!

The cottage has a small but fully functional kitchen, separate dining room with a table that flips to reveal a poker top, cozy lower level media room, and a vaulted, skylighted Living Room with large windows and glass patio doors that open to the 700 sq. ft outdoor living space. The marble-tiled bathroom has heated floors and a jetted tub with a heated ledge seat.

Sleeps four (4) in two private, queen bedrooms and an additional four (4) guests on a full-size, fold-down sofa bed and deluxe, high-rise Aerobed (all bedding is provided).
............................

Add-on options (fees and taxes apply, invoiced separately after booking):
* We are dog-friendly and allow up to four adult, house-trained dogs: Per dog fees: $79 (2-night stay), $29/night (3+ night stay) or $200/week
* Guests may request an Early Check-in 1pm and/or a Late Checkout at 1pm. Each are available for a fee of $69 if Peak Season and $39 if Non-Peak Season. Due to COVID restrictions and enhanced cleaning procedures, Early Check-in and Late Checkout may not be available.
2 night minimum (observed Holidays require a 3 night minimum
Licensee must be at least 30 years of age.
Abide by all Terms and Conditions of the signed vacation rental agreement required for rental of any Miller Beach Vacation Rentals property, regardless of booking method (direct or via a third party)
No high school, college, after-prom party, or any other underage groups allowed.
No bachelor or similar groups permitted.delete
Additional Guest fee applies over 4 people: $15/person per night. This covers maintenance/replacement of aerobeds, pullout sofas, extra laundry, increased utility costs, wear and tear, and more.
Maximum Occupancy is 8 individuals total not including children less than two years of age on Arrival Date
Excessive cleaning (if required)is billed at $35/hr. Repairs due to damages are $45/hour. If anything becomes ruined or missing, you will be charged accordingly. Notification is given prior to any deductions from your security deposit on file.

No smoking inside or anywhere within 15 feet of any open door or window ($1000 fine).
In certain cases, an additional Holiday Premium may apply to your dates

Care for the Premises with all due care, leave it undamaged, clean, and keep conditions safe throughout your stay.
Safely Trust and Safety Damage Waiver Fee provides up to $10,000 of accidental coverage for contents damage and up to $100,000 coverage for accidental property damage and bodily injury during your stay. Full terms provided upon booking.

Licencees agrees to identity verification and background check preformed by SafelyStay, Inc.
Neighborhood quiet hours are strictly enforced from 9PM-9AM; Parties / events, lack of decorum and disruptive noise will not be tolerated; If the neighbors are disturbed, Miller Beach Vacation Rentals reserves the right to ask the tenant to vacate the premises with no refund.
Outdoor Music is not permitted after 9PM.
Small, wireless bluetooth speakers are permitted except during Quiet Hours (9pm - 9am). Not permitted are party speakers, amps, subwoofers, stereo surround systems, or other high-powered audio equipment, etc.

Property manager

Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Limited onsite parking (max 4 spaces)

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Water park on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 unit
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,507 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Secluded Fenced Cottage House
Secluded Fenced Cottage
Secluded Dunes Cottage Hot Tub in the Trees Sleeps 8 Near Beach!
Secluded Fenced Cottage House
Secluded Fenced Cottage Hot Tub Fire Pit Dog Friendly Natl Park
86039
Secluded Fenced Cottage Hot Tub Fire Pit Dog Friendly Nat’l Park
Secluded Dunes Cottage Hot Tub in the Trees Sleeps 8 Near Beach!

About the neighborhood

Gary

Located on a lake, this vacation home is in Miller Beach, a neighborhood in Gary. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. Traveling with kids? Consider Deep River Water Park and Team Combat LIVE. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Marquette Park - 13 min walk
  • Marquette Beach - 3 min drive
  • Lake Street Beach - 6 min drive
  • West Beach - 9 min drive
  • Ogden Dunes Beach - 12 min drive

Getting around

  • Gary Metro Center - 7 min drive
  • Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • Flying J Travel Center - 7 min drive
  • McDonald's - 20 min walk
  • Wendy's - 7 min drive
  • Great Lakes Cafe - 9 min drive
  • Miller Pizza Co. - 15 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park located?

This family-friendly Gary vacation home is located on a lake, within 1 mi (2 km) of Paul H. Douglas Center, Indiana Dunes National Park, and Lake Michigan. Marquette Beach and East Shoreline are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 34 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Abby R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice little get away
The yard is awesome, of course the hot tub at the top of the hill was the best, and we enjoyed the firepit as well. The house was a tidy little cottage at which we enjoyed our stay. It’s within a short walk to the National Park and downtown Miller Beach. The neighborhood is fine, pretty secluded, and still close to most attractions.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Lori F., Columbus, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place.
We had a great time. The neighborhood was very sketchy but that was expected. Right near the dunes was perfect. The house accepted dogs, we brought our injured pup. Awesome. Smaller than anticipated but all in all it was awesome. Clean and had everything we needed. With all the text messages from the rental company about checking in, they NEVER answered our text about how to turn on the outside lights. My husband and I numerous of times tried to text the number given and NO ONE bothered to call or text back. Glad we did not bring the boat, should be very clear very small entry way and alley way to house. Very protected but we think someone either the owner or rental company had come in when we left. The storage door downstairs was locked when we arrived. The day we left to the dunes, Monday it was unlocked. Also, someone must have been watching us leave because we were not gone too long, and someone had come onto the property to put the trash cans out on the street. Very aware we had to do it because it is in CAPS in the house rules, so that was a bit eerie also. All in all, great vacation and everything worked out. We were happy with the house and the fenced in yard and the space we had for the four of us and dog. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

Mark C., Fort Wayne, Indiana

“Sorry” not sorry
Two bedroom - one bed is what ya get. The bed collapsed. The gate lock would not open. After thirty minutes of calling nobody back. Leaving me outside for a half hour. Mind you I called 6 PM with 7 PM, 8 PM, 9 PM, 10 PM, 11 PM midnight 1 AM, 2 AM, 3 AM, 4 AM, 5 AM, 6 AM, 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 9 AM finally I am told I’m sorry. By the manager. Not a solution just sentiment. Meaning I had to cancel the rest of my guest, because there was no bed in the rental. Six hours later I was told they could send someone over but by then it is too late. I had cancelled my family from coming. The catered food which was arriving at 11am was cancelled. And the over $2,000 spent was out the window and spent the holiday alone. They don’t care about the customer. Once the money hit their account that was the last time they cared. You will sign contract and have phone calls and pre screening but don’t expect any support from them when you don’t get what you paid for.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

2/10 Terrible

Mark C., Fort Wayne, Indiana

If you have a problem - “Sorry”
First, they have a signed contract after contracts and do background checks, OK acceptable. Then the day of they call you three different times. Make sure you’re coming and go over everything you had to sign in contracts. OK acceptable. When you get there the code does not work to get in the gate and you stand there for over a half hour and you call and you call and you call and nobody returns or phone calls. No fortunately I booked the same place two days later, and I receive the code for the gate which that one did work it shouldn’t have for security reasons, but it did. I get all my stuff moved in get ready for bed sit on the bed and the bed collapses. Waiting for a phone call from 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, 9 PM, 10 PM, 11 PM, 12 1 AM, 2 AM, 3 AM, 4 AM, 5 AM, 6 AM, 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM when I do get a phone call from the manager his response is “sorry” sorry which means the two bedroom two bed. In short, I have to cancel my party from coming which means I have to cancel the food for the week which means I am spending Thanksgiving alone and their responses. I’m sorry but thank you for sending the $2000. We’re off to the bank lol.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

4/10 Poor

stacy V.

Not as advertised
This place served it's purpose for a girls' trip, but only because we are not high maintenance. Upon entering, it smells musty, very musty. The photos make it look fresh and modern. It is FAR from that. Notice every pic has a filter. The basement is like a dungeon and none of us felt comfortable sleeping there. So the futon upstairs was used. IT'S a rock!! (And I'm ex-military and can sleep damn near anywhere!!) The gate lock was broken when we got there. I texted immediately to let the manager know, She said she'd get a new one that night or morning. We never heard from her again, until the night before check out. We used the lock from the sprinkler system, otherwise, we would have had no gate lock the whole stay...and let's just say with that neighborhood, probably not a good idea. I seriously never write complaints, but this stay was a bit over the top. The property is EXTREMELY overpriced, pics are not accurate and the property manager was inattentive. (She did call 72 hrs after our arrival. Too little, too late.) If you're going to Miller Beach, avoid this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice relaxing place. Only issue was gate was to tight to pull directly in with a full size truck.
Good place & location close to beaches & dunes. Gate to tight for full size truck.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nathan O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Highly recommended !
Highly recommended!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Smells like grandmas basement
Where to start… The listing says the house is in Miller Beach, IN. The house has a Gary, IN address. The town and neighborhood leading up to the rental property is really trashy. It looks like a hundred construction projects were never finished and everything in town looked really run down. I was thankful we brought the dogs and that there was a gate we could lock at the end of the driveway. The property itself looks pretty nice. We really liked the privacy/privacy fence the property has to offer. The house looks cute from the outside. The grass was long though, not sure when it was mowed last. We entered the house and noticed a very strong, musty, old basement smell (hence the title of my review). The interior is cute. Everything was fairly clean. I found a few large ants in the kitchen over the course of our stay. I also found a plastic meat and cheese wrapper by the nightstand in the bedroom to the right of the bathroom. So, that makes me wonder who’s cashing in on my cleaning fee? If it’s an outside company, maybe the rental company needs to ask for a refund. The coffee cups were dirty along with some of the silverware. The kitchen counters could use a good wipe down. It looked like something was spilled by the coffee maker and wasn’t cleaned up properly. The button to turn on the jets in the bathtub is stuck/broken. The outdoor shower doesn’t work. I was delighted to see that they provided everyday items such as shampoo/conditioner/body wash, hand soap, dish detergent and detergent for the dishwasher, trash bags, and paper towels. They provided beach towels and there are even sand toys and bag chairs at the house you could borrow for the beach, which was really nice. All of the smart home technology was pretty cool. The hot tub was ok, some sticky gunk on the edge of the hot tub. I think it was probably from some tape used to repair a possible tear in the hot tub cover. Nonetheless, it was nice to relax in the hot tub in the evenings. The heated floors in the bathroom were really nice. I’m pretty sure I need heated floors in my house now. Overall, I give it a 3 star rating. Not sure I would ever return, but that statement is mostly based on the neighborhood which surrounds the property. Driving through town made me very uncomfortable. For the most part, we had a nice time.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

sheryl b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Almost perfect
Location was a little rough, we were fien with it, but woul dhave appreciated a heads-up.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Larry V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice
Everything was satisfactory
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022