If your kind of vacation starts with a quiet morning on the dock and ends with s’mores by the fire, set your compass for Barryton, Michigan. Ron’s Waterfront Cottages sits on Lost Lake in the Martiny Chain—an all-sport playground of connected waters where Cabintimers can boat through channels, cast for panfish and bass, and watch loons glide past at sunset. Weekly and nightly stays are available year-round, and booking direct with the owner means no service fees, no middleman, and real local know-how.

The Setting: Lost Lake & the Martiny Chain

This pocket of mid-Michigan is a paddler’s and angler’s happy place. Ten+ lakes link together through calm channels, so you can make a half-day paddle or an all-day cruise without ever loading your boat. The shoreline is largely natural, with state land and the Martiny Lake State Game Area nearby for wildlife viewing, waterfowl watching, and fall color drives. Winter brings hardwater action—bring a heater or pick up propane and take advantage of the ice shanty.

Choose Your Cottage

Ron’s offers five waterfront stays, each with its own personality and shoreline hangout. Rates below were current at the time of writing and may change—check availability directly with the owner.

The Loft — Open all four seasons and built for together time. An entertainment room with a pool table sets the tone, while big windows frame water on two sides. Two lofted sleeping spaces (one enclosed with an Amish queen bed) add flexibility. A covered porch with grill and log furniture extends the hangout outdoors. Utility room with washer and dryer keeps week-long stays simple. Max 7 guests. From about $160/night or $945/week.

Island View — A classic cottage layout with a fire pit and boating dock steps from the door. Free use of the ice shanty in season makes it a solid pick for hardwater anglers. Max 6 guests. From about $135/night or $795/week.

The Cove — A snug basecamp for small groups that just want to fish, float, and relax around the fire. Max 5 guests. From about $110/night or $645/week.

Sunset Cottage — Bring the whole crew and spread out. An extra-large deck stares straight at the lake. Inside you’ll find a king bed in the primary bedroom with an en-suite half bath, plus a second bedroom with a queen. Central air and satellite TV deliver easy comfort; propane for the gas grill is included. Max 6 guests. From about $135/night or $795/week.

Loon’s Nest — Cozy nights are a given thanks to a real wood-burning fireplace, and summer days roll by around the lakeside fire ring. Central air keeps things cool; a 50″ TV covers movie nights. Master bedroom has direct access to the full bath; living room includes a pullout couch. Propane for the grill is included. Max 3 guests. From about $125/night or $750/week.

All Stays Include the Waterfront Fun

Every cottage is fully furnished so you can focus on the lake. Kitchens are stocked with pots, pans, and utensils. Outside, you’ll find a gas grill, picnic space, and a lakeside fire ring. The private dock and calm water are perfect for kayaks and canoes—and they’re included, along with a rowboat and paddle boat. Anglers will appreciate the screened fish-cleaning station with running water.

Traveling light? Pillows are provided; please bring your own bed linens and towels. If you need a specific fitted sheet size, the owner can provide one. Check in after 3 p.m.; check out before 11 a.m. For everyone’s comfort, there are no pets allowed.

Pontoon Days, Bonfire Nights

Want to range farther across the Martiny Chain? Ask about the on-site pontoon rental. It’s a relaxed way to explore channels, picnic on the water, and sneak into quiet coves for wildlife photos. Pontoons head back before dark; fuel is paid by the renter. Pro tip for Cabintimers: sunrise cruises are glassy and peaceful, while golden hour brings the best photo light on the docks.

Four-Season Play for Cabintimers

Spring & Summer: Launch right from your dock. Spend the day paddling through channels, trolling for crappie and panfish, or anchoring up for a swim. Evenings call for grilling and a campfire under big Midwest stars.

Fall: Maples light up the shoreline and the bite stays strong. Bring layers and a thermos for morning paddles. Wildlife viewing peaks as migration moves through the state game area.

Winter: When the ice sets, the fun continues. Use the ice shanty and chase bluegill, perch, and crappie, with chances for largemouth bass and northern pike. Back at the cottage, warm up by the fireplace at Loon’s Nest or settle in for board games at The Loft.

Nearby Things to Do (When You Can Pull Yourself Off the Dock)

Big Rapids is an easy day trip for coffee, galleries, and a thoughtful visit to the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University. Cyclists can hop on the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail—now a fully paved 92-mile route linking Cadillac and Grand Rapids—for smooth cruising through towns and countryside. Hikers can summit Bundy Hill Preserve for sweeping views, while golfers can tee it up at St. Ives or Tullymore in Stanwood. For a float day on moving water, J & J’s River Run in Evart rents tubes, canoes, and kayaks on the Muskegon River. Back near the cottages, the Martiny Lake State Game Area offers quiet two-tracks and wildlife viewing year-round.

Why Book Direct with Ron’s

You’ll talk to the owner, get straight answers, and skip big-site service fees. You’ll also get local tips—where fish are biting this week, which cove stays calm on a breezy day, and where to grab a great burger after the evening bite. Cabintimers know: book direct for the best rates and the best info.

Ready to plan? Check availability and ask questions at RonsWaterfrontCottages. Bring the crew, bring the marshmallows, and make Lost Lake your new cabin tradition.

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