Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat

98%

306 reviews

· Stanwood, Mecosta, Michigan

100 acres hosted by Robert V.

3 lodging sites · 3 RV/tent sites · 1 tent site

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Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

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My property (Lynx Run) has an amazing geological and historical background. During the last ice age, glacial waters carved out the ravine in which the Betts Creek flows. Sometimes, the creek drops over 60 feet below the surrounding terrain as it meanders back and forth in oxbows as it flows toward the Muskegon River. It was once the hunting, foraging and camping grounds of the Potawatami Indians. In the late 1800's it was at the center of the Michigan Timber Industry. Running along the edge of my property is the old railroad bed where timber was once hauled away. Only two miles from my home, the logs were sent down the side of the hill and into the Muskegon River on log chutes and then floated to where the Muskegon empties into Lake Michigan. Piles of field stones indicate that after the timber industry moved on, farmers moved in and attempted to tame the land. But, fortunately for me, the land was abandoned by the farmers and has returned to a much more natural and pristine state. My land is now a part of the Manistee National Forest and I am surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful land (both public and private). I am the only person who lives back here in this part of the forest, so seclusion and privacy are wonderful and the wildlife and beauty is abundant.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

Lake

River, stream, or creek

Wetlands

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Lodging 3 sites

Cabin

98% (99)

Cabin · Sleeps 6

Arrive and immediately relax in this stunning little wilderness cabin with barn, orchard, English country garden, wilderness, Japanese garden, beautiful and pristine trout stream and natural spring with two Japanese bridges behind the cabin. The cabin is true to the real wilderness cabins of old: It doesn't have electricity or running water. You can come and unplug and unwind. Read a good book and go for long walks. Renters have easy access to two beautiful full bathrooms with warm showers only 200 feet from the cabin. At the main house, you can connect to Wi-Fi and plug in to electrical outlets. The cabin easily sleeps three with room for more if anyone is willing to sleep on a mattress on the floor. It's like luxurious camping! The cabin has a large cooler to keep food (you bring the ice!), a gas grille on the porch for cooking and even an antique claw-foot tub on the porch if you want to take a bath outdoors! (There is a gas heater for the water right next to the tub.) This cabin offers a relaxing and interesting experience for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. It sits in the middle of the Manistee National Forest with plenty of bird song and sounds of nature to lull you into a relaxed mood.

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Tipi

97% (38)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 4

Welcome to Otter Lodge, a wilderness Tipi. This Tipi is surrounded by a pristine trout stream and sounds of diverse native wildlife. Located in a beautiful valley, the Otter Lodge is the perfect getaway to connect with your most natural self. Take a dip in the stream, enjoy the noises of nearby creatures, and warm up with a night time fire in the comfort of an artistic and rustic shelter. The exterior design of the Tipi was painted by a diversity of guests who have stayed on the property and generously lent a helping hand to this project. The Tipi sleeps 5 people. There is bedding, pillows, a fire pit, and artistic touches throughout. The fire must be kept low, and we kindly ask that no dogs enter the Tipi, given the proximity to the stream and natural debris.

Courtyard

95% (30)

Cabin · Sleeps 2

Check in and get ready to relax! This gorgeous courtyard guest room is nestled in a courtyard garden between an art studio and architecturally beautiful house of contemporary Japanese design influence. The garden has pathways and lots of flowers and stonework. The art studio is open for viewing and use by guests as is the house. The library is one of a kind! The kitchen is beautiful and the house is full of artwork. Each room is private and there are two shared bathrooms in the courtyard. Each bathroom comes with a very nice tiled hot shower, towels and soap/shampoo. The whole property is one garden after another and is surrounded by the Manistee National Forest. It's stunning here every season of the year. Guests will have full privacy in their rooms. Most of the rest of the spaces are shared, but the grounds and home are expansive and offer lots of private areas.

RV/tent sites 3 sites

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Secluded Wildlife Paradise

97% (72)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 10 · Vehicles under 6 m

Come and pitch your tent and set up camp on our beautiful property, where you'll have the feeling of being in the middle of the wilderness. The tent areas are set apart to insure lots of privacy. Tent sites one and two are overlooking the beautiful trout stream. Tent site three is at the end of the orchard looking into a wild meadow. While the tent areas are primitive, all campers will have access to hot showers in really nice, easy access bathrooms. We do have a cabin on site if you prefer to rent a cabin - you can head over to our Hipcamp cabin listing. The cabin has a gorgeous English Country garden in front with stone fences and an authentic Japanese fern and moss garden behind with two Japanese bridges and ancient stone sculptures from China. To the north of the cabin on our property there is a small fruit orchard, and to the south is a beautiful little red barn with a covered porch and chicken coop attached. The property is very unique with a very large art studio that the campers are welcome to use if they ask. All facilities are completely off-the-grid. 100% solar run with an LP back-up generator for cloudy days. The main house has Wi-Fi which reaches about 80 feet from the house. I grow most of my own food in the summer months in a raised-bed garden that the visitors are welcome to visit. My 20 acres backs up to 80 acres of state land and about two miles away, visitors have access to thousands of acres of land that runs along the Muskegon river. A lot of great hiking in the area. Camp Site one and camp site three are large enough where several tents could be placed for a group of campers. The other sites are more remote. It's a magical place with lots of things to see and experience. Hope you come, relax and enjoy! The prices listed are for the camping spots only. The cabin and the guest rooms will have their own posting.

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Wilderness Stream Magic

100% (51)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 10 · Vehicles under 6 m

This camp site is remote and gorgeous overlooking a lowland meadow of grasses and wildflowers. A beautiful trout stream flows through the middle of the meadow. The bathroom and main house are about a three minute walk away. You will see lots of amazing birds and wildlife. You will fall asleep to the gurgling of the trout stream as it flows over rocks not far from your camp fire. Wander into the low meadow to gaze at the stars at night. You will be camped under trees for shade during the day. This campsite is remote and has no car access. You will have to carry your tent and belongings a short distance but that only adds to the adventure!

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Secluded Forest with field edge

98% (25)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 32 · Vehicles under 6 m

This campsite is beautifully located at the end of a small orchard in a group of trees and on the edge of a beautiful field. Very private with lots of big trees and plenty of space to set up tents or campers. A small spring runs near it. There's a picnic table and fire pit. Lots of birds and wildlife. Good for big groups. You can drive right up to the site.

Tent sites 1 site

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Beautiful Secluded forest site

95% (11)

Tent site · Sleeps 14

This wonderful campsite sits on a small rise overlooking a marsh meadow with a beautiful trout stream and tipi. Very private. This is a walk-in site. It is just 3 minutes from where you will park your vehicle. Lots of wildlife.

30 ft

Reviews

98% Recommend418 ratings · 306 reviews

Lynx Run offers a serene and immersive camping experience with its peaceful surroundings and natural beauty. Guests frequently mention the vibrant wildlife, including free-roaming chickens and the soothing sounds of a trout stream. The campsite is ideal for those looking to unplug and enjoy nature, though some might find the rustic amenities, like the wood-burning stove, challenging. Overall, Robert, the host, is praised for his hospitality and the unique artistic touches throughout the property.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Mandi S.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

Wilderness Stream Magic

We loved tent camping here! The weather wasn't great during our stay but the beautiful grounds we were able to explore, the free roaming chickens and the comfortable setting made us forget about the cloudy skies and on off rain. Great adventure! Would stay here again!

Laura A.

6 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Peaceful beautiful spot in Michigan

Tent · Group trip ·

Secluded Wildlife Paradise

We had a blast tent camping at Lynx Run. It was so peaceful. We heard whippoorwills, wood thrush, turkeys, owls, grouse drumming. Such a beautiful spot in the woods with a trout stream running through it. Host was very friendly and accommodating. Love that he shares his home and land with all of us so that we can enjoy it as well. His home is very cool and like a museum!

Jackie K.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Cabin

Rob's retreat was a magical wilderness wonderland. There was so much to enjoy, from trails to the fascinating library to themed gardens. It was a real off-the-grid treat! Be prepared for no water or electricity, and time to unplug. This place is for those who prefer to connect, enjoy unique experiences, and don't mind a rustic stay. Rob is a wonderful host and a fascinating human being. Be prepared to sleep soundly and be awoken by the rooster's crow! So much to discover!

Barry G.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tipi

Very fun trip in a unique location. Robert was a great host. From the trails, to the creek and nearby river, and the art, it was a weekend to remember.

Chloe G.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

October Anniversary night away

Cabin

We had a great stay in Rob’s rustic cabin! The incredible property and the chance to see his library were worth the trip alone! The fall colors were stunning, I wish we had booked another night to explore more of the property. We met several kind folks who were also staying on the property and overall loved the laid back vibes of the company Lynx Run attracts. The wood burning stove was a super cool feature to test out but I’m not sure my sensitive lungs could handle another night in the cabin, there was smoke that hung out when the fire died down. (We aren’t experts so it could have been user error, but I think the flue swings open and closed very easily). We’d love to visit again at one of the camping sites!

Julia K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Immaculate Vibes and Generous Host!

Tent · With pets ·

Beautiful Secluded forest site

Lynx Run is gorgeous, vibrant, and shows how much love and passion that Rob puts into the land and the experience here. Everyone should check out his art and the Library collection if they have a chance! Immaculate vibes. Our particular campsite had plenty of space for multiple structures & car. It's in far sight of the cabin, but very private. The merry band of chickens and the cat are likely to walk through the site, so that’s important to keep in mind if bringing a dog. We loved the site so much and would pick it again. The property has lots of benches/good little places to sit and enjoy the views and sounds of nature, plus some trails. Any trails that don't directly lead to a campsite aren’t really clear, and you may want to ask to be shown where to wander. We did enjoy some off-trail traipsing in the forest which was a delight. There are two clean and well stocked bathrooms with big showers and flush toilets and sinks. They're not heated but do have hot water. We advise you to leave them vented/screen door open so that moisture from showers can actually dry out. Rob was so generous and kind to let us wash our camp dishes in his sink and fill up water there as well. Best tasting well water ever. The road into the property might be difficult for low riding cars, especially if there has been rain. Google maps led us the wrong direction, but Waze got it right, so I recommend navigating to the intersection mentioned in the arrival directions and going from there!

Location

Stanwood, Mecosta, Michigan, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking