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Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise

Waterfront vacation home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise

Exterior
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Dining
Outdoor dining
Take advantage of a firepit, a garden, and laundry facilities at Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise. Active travelers can enjoy kayaking at this vacation home. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms1564 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise

Welcome to the Red Dog Lodge!

Situated in the heart of Lovells, Red Dog is truly a sportsperson's dream with endless opportunities within reach.

This clean and well maintained 1997 chalet sits on over 200' of frontage on the North Branch of the AuSable river and features a nice yard with a gentle slope down to the river. The home contains three bedrooms with ample sleeping capacity along with two full baths, new washer and dryer, and an open concept kitchen, dining, and living area. Includes air conditioning and all of the kitchen appliances and utensils you likely have at home along with cozy and welcoming northern Michigan décor throughout. There is a large, new deck facing the river with a propane grill for your enjoyment. High-speed cable internet allows you to stay "plugged in" and enables Netflix/Prime/YouTubeTV/other streaming apps on the smart tv.

Whether the objective is to fly fish the historic North Branch or nearby Main/South Branches of the AuSable, fish nearby lakes, recreate on the river, golf, access hundreds of miles of ATV/Snowmobile trails, grouse/small game/deer hunt on thousands of acres of nearby state and federal land, hike, bike, or simply to relax in beautiful northern Michigan, Red Dog is an ideal base camp.

When you fish in the immediate vicinity, you are fishing in the footsteps of legends: Ernest Hemingway, Henry and Edsel Ford, Thomas Edison, John and Horace Dodge, Charles Nash, Harvey Firestone, and the list goes on. In fact, there is a large and elusive brown trout in this vicinity that has been named "Ernest" for obvious reasons. ***NOTE*** this section of the North Branch is artificial flies only (extends from Sheep Ranch upstream all the way down to the confluence with the main branch of the AuSable). While there are harvest opportunities with appropriately sized fish, catch and release fishing is strongly encouraged.

Within walking distance to:
-Additional access to the North Branch
-North Branch Outing Club (historic lodge with available fly fishing guides and full service fly shop for all of your fishing needs)
-Lovells Museum of Trout Fishing History
-Douglas Park/children's playground
-The Lovells home center (outstanding homemade sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, brownies, pizzas and more)
-Lovells Riverside Tavern (food, riverside ambiance, spirits)
-Main Snowmobile Trail (47)

Short Drives:
5 minutes to Shupac Lake (fishing, beach, swimming, boating - electric motor only)
7 minutes to KP Lake (fishing, swimming, boating - electric motor only)
10 minutes to Hartwick Pines
15 minutes to Lewiston
20 minutes to Grayling
25 minutes to Garland Resort
25 minutes to Upper Manistee River
30 minutes to Treetops Resort
30 minutes to Gaylord

And if you were wondering, "Red Dog" is an homage to our beloved Golden Retriever named Bella.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: Absolutely no smoking of any kind indoors.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,564 square feet

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
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Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

All trash must be bagged and in the can outside, or taken to the dump in Lovell’s using our permit ( located in living room cabinet )

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets
Note from host: Allow potty trained, non-aggressive breed dogs.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking of any kind indoors.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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

Property is also known as

House

About the neighborhood

Map
Grayling, MI

What's nearby

  • West Twin Lake - 14 min drive - 11.0 miles
  • Hartwick Pines State Park - 16 min drive - 13.1 miles
  • Little Bear Lake - 18 min drive - 13.4 miles
  • Au Sable River - 21 min drive - 16.8 miles
  • Garland - 21 min drive - 16.9 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 86 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lovell's Riverside Tavern - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly vacation home is within 12 mi (20 km) of Hartwick Pines State Park, West Twin Lake, and Little Bear Lake. Guthrie Lake is 12.1 mi (19.4 km) away.

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Reviews

Red Dog Lodge - Beautiful Riverfront Chalet - Sportsperson's Paradise Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

10

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 77 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 77 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 77 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karl J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent spot to stay. We did several day trips & came back to a great place where we could relax & cook a nice dinner. We would gladly stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the cottage and location. Really close to many of the best access points to the Ausable
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rita H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was just as expected plus cozy and family friendly. Loved how the home was decorated and had plenty things to keep everyone busy from fly fishing in the back yard to the lumberjack festival in Lewiston. Very enjoyable stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

THOMAS

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable, clean and quiet. Great location.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Todd H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great time at the RD Lodge. Spent time hanging out in the river, near by tavern was good, did some local canoeing and tubing, BBQ, and cooked some of our own family dinners.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

ken G.

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

Place is awesome

Only problem was, it tick season. Beside that it is a very nice place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Relaxing Weekend

We had a nice relaxing weekend at the Red Dog Lodge! The house was clean and felt like a nice home away from home. I will say the yard was not like the pictures in the posting and we were disappointed that we couldn’t fish of the dock because of the trees in the river. If the yard was cleaned up and you could fish if the dock, we would go back for sure!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen D.

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

Great weekend at Red Dog Lodge!

Fly fishing, family time, a great weekend away. Accommodations were cozy, clean and perfect for our 2 families. Fish weren’t biting much but we had a blast!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garrett D.

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

Great Place!

Such a nice stay :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carole D.

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

Red dog lodge

Very cozy clean place. Comfortable beds and furniture. Loved our stay. Owners extra nice too.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark F.

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

Fun in the Outdoors

It was well located for our activities and suited our needs. The Red Dog Lodge offers all the enmities for a comfortable get away.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie J.

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

Fly fishing

Property wad beautiful right on the river. Local people were very welcoming and friendly. Would highly recommend this Property.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

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

Nice place.

We rented this house instead of a local hotel. It worked out great. Had everything we needed. Loved the room arrangements. Had plenty of beds for the kids with their parents.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Michelle C.

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

Lovely home friendly community

Nice spacious home, very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul P.

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

Incredible!

Beautiful quiet spot with plenty of space!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin W.

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

Fall fishing trip

Great location right on the river. The cabin was clean and well appointed. Large back yard with a fire pit and easy stairs down to the river. Excellent spot on the river with easy wading up and downstream.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom G.

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

Up North vacation

Great accommodations for our family get together. The house had everything needed for a great vacation. The campfire close to the Ausable was perfect. We will definitely book this place again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark F.

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

Wonderful way to spend a week with my brother

We enjoyed the deck and grill as well as the comfortable indoor accommodations. A great venue for relaxation.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annika D.

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

Fun-filled birthday trip

This was the perfect spot for our family birthday trip. The property was beautiful, with lots of green space and the pretty river access. The rooms were quite comfortable. The location was great for us to be able to go to the beach, hike, and shop. At night we enjoyed the fire pit and the great DVD collection!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom R.

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

Awesome Place

Red Dog is an awesome property on the N. Branch of the AuSable. The house is super clean and comes well stocked. I highly recommend Red Dog!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dan R.

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

Fly fishing weekend

This property is terrific! Right on the river, with easy entry into the water. The home was clean and had all the amenities needed for a getaway. This was our second time staying here and I highly recommend this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

David K.

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

Great place on the North Branch

Second time we’ve stayed. Enjoy Fly Fishing and this is a great location! It was my wife’s first time to Fly Fish. She loved it, and we’ll be back again. Thank you for everything.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nina S.

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

Relaxing

Real nice place. Highly recommend. Loved relaxing on deck and watching river.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

radwan f.

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

Deer hunting

Very clean and great setting and location.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brooke W.

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

Perfect weekend

Our long weekend at Red Dog was fabulous! So clean and comfortable- the beds were amazing! Large kitchen and washer and dryer were wonderful. Thank you for sharing your beautiful cabin!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022