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Bear Tree Homestead

Hosted by Jill · Trowbridge Park, Michigan
2 sites · Lodging · 50 acres
100%
·
367 reviews
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Best Hipcamps in Michigan
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.
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Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
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Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
Bear Tree Homestead is nestled among the cliffs and ravines which drains the south face of Hogback Mountain located in Marquette Township Michigan. Hogback Mountain is one of the larger rock formations in the Huron Range, a surprisingly rugged, and diverse region of low mountains carved by glaciers. Each cabin is hand-built of log and stone using traditional Scandinavian building tools and techniques. The cabins have access to the pond, use of the canoe, a private fire pit, picnic table, charcoal grill and privy. Inside the cabins is a functional kitchen with dishes, flatware, pots and pans, so you can prepare meals onsite. Cabins also have table and chairs as well soft chairs/sofa sitting area, bookshelves with a variety of books, board games and puzzles, and covered porch in case of rain. Our buildings, gardens, and pastures are integrated into the forested landscape and are not your typical homestead. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, collect fresh eggs (when they are laying), lay in the hammock, listen to the sounds of nature and the barnyard or take an adventure hike, bike ride, snowshoe, or ski right out the door.  One of the most wonderful things we have to offer is the accessibility to thousands of protected acres surrounding us and the trails that bisect them. The property is on the North Country Trail, just over a Noquemanon Trail Network Forestville trailhead where access to year round recreation awaits. Hogback Mountain is just up the trail from the cabin with spectacular views of forest, mountains and lake superior. We are located 8 miles from downtown Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where there are many great restaurants, shops, and brewpubs. However, once you drive into Bear Tree Homestead and settle in you will not want to leave.

Select a site

Lodging

2 sites

The Pond Cabin

99%
(279)
Cabin · Sleeps 4 · 2 beds
The Pond Cabin is the most private cabin we offer.  It is off-grid and sits on the far end of the pond. There is no electricity or running water.  Firewood to heat the cabin is provided in colder months.  Water is provided in a 7 gal jug. There is a 2 burner gas stove for cooking, dishes, flatware, pots, coffee making options, a private fire pit, picnic table & bbq grill.   A front porch overlooks the pond offers a great place to sit on a rainy day and enjoy a book.   Pond Cabin is just under 200 square feet, can sleep 4 people.  Queen size futon bed lower, a queen size foam mattress and one twin foam mattress found in the low ceiling loft.  This loft space is tight, a steep ladder with out hand rails for access.  Clean sheets, blankets, and pillows will be provided, but you may need to make up the beds.    This cabin has its own out house a short distance from the cabin. The cabin is easily accessible with its own driveway and parking for 2-3 vehicles.    It is a short walk to our cabin area.   A tent can be set up next to this cabin. We are located in the middle of a recreational area.  You can walk, ski, snowshoe, bike and hike right from the cabin to destinations like Hogback Mountain, Harlow Lake, Sugarloaf,  Noquemanon Trail network, North Country Trail and trails that lead you to lake Superior shores.  PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE MAKING A RESERVATION. This is a working homestead, and our cabins are rustic.   We have lots of sounds around our homestead, including occasional chainsaws, night time guard dogs, cows, ducks and chickens, as well as a roaster, you will likely hear some charming farm sounds.  Our dogs are friendly, but they bark, especially if they are protecting our farm from predators. We also have neighbors, and their dogs like to visit, so you may encounter their dogs as well.   The cabin may have spiders and even mice, but we do our best to take precautions before your arrival.  The Homestead is only 8 miles from downtown Marquette, but the last 2 miles are trail roads and can be difficult to travel in the winter and spring thaw. We recommend a 4 wheel or all-wheel drive during these times,  Refunds will not be considered for mismanaged expectations, and any concerns can always be addressed with your host directly.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table

Orchard Cabin

100%
(181)
Cabin · Sleeps 8 · 4 beds
The Orchard Cabin sits next to the orchard and garden under large hemlock trees. The Cabin is located on the edge of the homestead and in the main compound area of the property in view of the owner’s cabin. The covered front porch overlooks the yard and pasture where the highlander cows and chickens forage. There is a pond with a hammock, a sitting area, and a fire ring for your use through the fenced in orchard & garden. The Orchard cabin has two large lofts that are accessed by a ladder and bridge that connects them. The lofts are set up for sleeping with a queen size bed in one and 2 twin (single) beds in the other with an additional foam single mattress if needed.  There is an full size futon and a sofa in the downstairs living room area. There is plenty of floor space for air mattresses (provided by you). Sheets and blankets pillows are provided for the four beds, and futon in the cabin; however, daily maid service is not part of the package. This is a rustic cabin with electricity and a hand pump for water. There are no showers for this cabin ( private sauna rental onsite) or YMCA offers showers and towels for a small fee and is easy to find in Marquette.  The wood-fired masonry stove is the heat source for this cabin.  The wood is provided in a shed attached to the cabin.  There is an outdoors composting toilet steps away.  You will find the kitchen fun to prepare meals in with stove, oven, refrigerator, coffee maker, cookware, and dishes. There is plenty of room to sit and enjoy yourselves in the living-dining area of this cabin.  Parking for 2-3 vehicles next the cabin. Once you arrive, you are only 8 miles from Marquette, MI; however, the last 2 miles are on dirt logging roads. So in the spring and winter, an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. You will not want to leave once you are here.  Refunds will not be considered for mismanaged expectations, and any concerns can always be addressed with your host directly.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table

Reviews

100%· 462 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    Bear Tree Homestead offers a cozy and serene escape, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature. Visitors consistently praise the well-equipped cabins, the warm hospitality of hosts Jill and Nick, and the unique experience of mingling with farm animals. The property provides a feeling of seclusion while being conveniently close to hiking trails and town amenities. The occasional mention of barking dogs at night is a small note in an otherwise peaceful retreat.

  • Lisa R.

    Camped at Orchard Cabin, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Staying at Bear Tree Homestead was a perfect getaway. The craftsmanship of this homestead was truly awe-inspiring. The property was gorgeous and secluded, and the hosts were very kind. The Orchard Cabin had a private and very close walkway to the pond. In addition to a wonderful sauna, the pond area included a canoe, hammock, and a nice fire pit area with chairs and picnic table. As a hiker, the property could not have been more ideally located. The property itself includes hiking trails (including NCT access), but it was also close to other major trailheads. I hope to be back soon!

  • Tracy S.

    Camped at The Pond Cabin with pets, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Staying at the Pond Cabin will be on our list of most cherished memories this year. Even though the cabin is off grid, every detail for comfort is well thought out. We are seasoned tent campers, so being off grid was not a deterrent for us. You can tell that the hosts have put countless hours, over many years lovingly crafting their homestead. Around every corner was a new detail to marvel at. Even the outhouse was beautiful to behold and kept neatly—it even smelled better than the majority of public restrooms I have visited. I highly encourage booking the sauna! Our family made a core memory out of our sauna and pond dip experience. I can’t say enough good things about our time here. We will definitely be back again!

  • Moriah J.

    Camped at Orchard Cabin with pets, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    We had such a lovely time at Bear Tree Homestead. The land is stunning, cabin is beautiful, dogs and cows are so cute. Jill and Nick are so nice and great hosts. We would come back any time!

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Amenities

  • Fire pitsTemporarily unavailable due to a fire ban
  • Composting toilets
  • Potable waterSpigot, Hose, Pump or well, Bottled water or jugs
  • Picnic tables
  • Trash disposalCompost bin, Recycling bin, Trash bin
  • Cooking equipmentPrivate, Oven, Stovetop or hot plate, Fridge, Freezer, Cookware, Cooking utensils, Dishware, Cutlery, Basic seasoning and oils, Sink or other dishwashing station, Grill over firepit, BBQ
  • No showers
  • No wifi
  • No laundry
  • No hot tub
  • No playground

Things to know

  • 2WD accessiblePark at your site.
  • Pet-friendlyOn leash.
  • Fire ban in effectCampfires are temporarily unavailable due to a fire ban. However, the ban still allows charcoal grills and smoking.
  • Check-in processYou'll head straight to your site upon arrival.
  • Cancellation policyModerate at some sites; Strict (14 days) at the others. Full refund 3 days before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 3pm. Check-out at 12pm.
  • Booking windowBook from 1 day to 6 months ahead. Stay at least 2 nights.

Location

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

Your Host

Jill E.Joined July 2019

Frequently asked questions

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