A private waterfront retreat near Mackinaw City
Gather on the water, slow down beneath the trees, and experience Northern Michigan together—without giving up the privacy of your own cottage.
Welcome to the water
Carlton Cove Resort brings three distinctive cabins together as one relaxed, intimate resort. Reserve a single cottage for a quiet getaway, or make the entire property yours for family gatherings, reunions, milestone celebrations, and restorative group escapes.
2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom · 2 queen beds
A cozy waterfront cottage for up to four guests, with two bedrooms and easy access to the shoreline.
2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom · 2 queen beds
A welcoming two-bedroom cottage made for relaxed mornings, lake days, and cozy evenings together.
4 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms · 4 queen beds
Our largest cottage, with air conditioning and generous space for families and groups of up to eight guests.
Stay together, beautifully
When all three cottages are reserved together, your group enjoys space to gather and room to breathe. Spend the day as one big family, then retreat to separate cottages at night.
The experience
Share coffee beneath the trees, linger over picnic-table dinners, and end the day around the fire.
Read, reconnect, watch the water, and let the schedule loosen in the best possible way.
Three separate cottages give every guest a little privacy while keeping the people you love close.
“A place for families to come together, breathe deeply, and make the kind of memories that stay with you.”
— Carlton Cove Resort
Photo journal
All 165 professional photographs are included below. Tap any image to open the full gallery.
The best of Northern Michigan
Make Carlton Cove Resort your home base for ferry trips to Mackinac Island, waterfront dining, historic sites, scenic drives, beaches, and long summer evenings along the Straits.
Plan with confidence
Please review the cancellation timing carefully before reserving.
Cancel within 48 hours after booking and at least 30 days before check-in.
Cancel after the 48-hour window but at least 14 days before check-in.
Cancellations made fewer than 14 days before check-in are non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the cottages, waterfront, amenities, and getting around.
About 12 minutes away.
About 10–12 minutes away.
No, the cottages do not have a washer or dryer.
Papa Bear has air conditioning. Mama Bear and Baby Bear are smaller cottages with plenty of screened windows and a lovely, cool lake breeze.
Yes, the cottages have heat.
Yes. All linens are provided, so please do not bring linens from home.
Yes. Complimentary kayaks are provided free of charge with a signed waiver.
Yes, each cabin has its own dock. The docks are for swimming, fishing, and launching kayaks. No diving or boat docking is allowed. However, we may have a marina slip a few doors down with your name on it—just ask!
Yes, each cabin has a propane grill. Propane refills may be purchased about 3 minutes away at Chubb’s Marina.
Yes, each cabin has its own firepit.
Firewood is available at Chubb’s Marina, just a few doors down—about 3 minutes away.
Yes. Mackinaw City has a wide array of restaurants with something to satisfy every taste.
We have both—a Keurig for pods and a traditional drip coffee pot.
Absolutely! Any closer and you’ll be swimming.
Yes, we have plenty of parking.
The cabins are right next to one another, literally separated by a fence—perfect for groups who want to stay close while still enjoying their own space.
No. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the property, inside or outside. Violations may result in being asked to leave and a $450 extra-cleaning fee.
Please contact us first and present your planned event for approval. An additional event fee will likely apply.
Yes, all cabins are one level.
They have tubs.
Yes. The sunroom is screened in, and all windows have screens as well.
Each cabin has a stated maximum occupancy. Please do not exceed the maximum number of guests for your reservation.
Kindly refrain from requesting early check-in. Housekeeping needs the full turnover time to properly prepare the property for your arrival.
Absolutely! This is a great unpaved back road for biking and letting kids just be kids.
Good to know
Before arrival, please review these rules and send the requested confirmations.
Please message us with:
Your unique door code will be sent after we receive your reply and any required waiver.
Check-in: after 4:00 PM
Check-out: by 10:00 AM
Please avoid early check-in requests so our team has time to clean thoroughly.
Smoking violations may result in being asked to leave and a $450 extra-cleaning fee.
Baby Bear: maximum 4 guests
Mama Bear: maximum 4 guests
Papa Bear: maximum 8 guests
Direct reservations
Reserve Baby Bear, Mama Bear, or Papa Bear separately, combine cottages for a larger group, or reserve the entire three-cottage retreat for up to 16 guests.
No marketplace service fee. Personal communication with the property owner.