Sometimes called the “Caribbean of the North,” Torch Lake is a top Michigan destination for anyone who enjoys turquoise waters, beaches, and sandbars that make perfect hangout spots. This Northern Michigan lake is stunningly beautiful, and the best way to experience it is to rent a property in the vicinity to really immerse yourself in the area. Fortunately, there are some great options for rentals on the water, rentals with docks, and luxury lakefront properties. Here are some of the top Torch Lake vacation rentals to consider for your next lake getaway for the weekend or even longer.
Clam Lake Cottage - Clam River
A Vrbo cottage that’s available for Torch Lake-area vacations is this house for larger groups up to eight people. It’s on Clam Lake between Torch Lake and Lake Bellaire on the Elk River Chain of Lakes. This means that you can easily get to Torch Lake by land or boat on your trip. Book this property to be on the water and have a deck above the boat house that overlooks Clam Lake. This is a fun spot to be while you enjoy a meal and watch the boats go by. The driveway and garage can accommodate four vehicles.
Torch Lake Sandbar Waterfront Home - Rapid City
One sandbar vacation rental at Torch Lake is this Vrbo listing that is right on the turquoise waters of Torch Lake. It is newly remodeled and has a full kitchen, dining area for up to nine people, and awesome lake views. Guests love the deck that overlooks the lake right at the water’s edge. It has a fire pit for s’mores, a grill for cookouts, and a mooring buoy in front of the dock. The host also has a couple other vacation rentals on Torch Lake available if this one is booked during your travel dates.
Walk to the Beach/Sandbar in Under 3 Minutes - Rapid City
In this 2,000-square-foot house, you’ll have four bedrooms, five beds, and 2.5 baths all to yourself. It sleeps nine people and is just across the road from Torch Lake. There are two public beach/sandbar access points that are less than a three-minute walk from here. The home comes with laundry machines, TV, views of the lake, and a cozy reading nook. It’s also fun to spend time by the charming pond with water lilies and around the romantic fire pit with rustic log seating. Your backyard here leads into the forest, with its many trails to hike.
Cute Cottage Near Torch Lake - Alden
It’s fun to experience Torch Lake in this adorable yellow cottage that sleeps four people and has one bedroom, two beds, and one bath. It’s in the quaint town of Alden and in walking distance of Torch Lake. The interior of the cottage has been renovated and is clean and cozy. It has a king-size bed in the bedroom, a queen sleeper sofa in the living room, and a full kitchen. Couples and small families love it here. Kids can go across the street to play at Alden Park because there is a playground and tennis court. The boat launch is just a minute away from this cottage rental. This is a pet-friendly vacation rental, so bring your pup along.
Torch Lake Village Cozy Cottage with Private Dock - Kewadin
You can rent this cottage for up to six people when you plan a trip to Torch Lake. It has two bedrooms, three beds, and one bath in Kewadin. It’s an ideal place to rent for the week from Saturday to Saturday. The home comes with a large screened-in porch with lake views and fire pit to enjoy more time outdoors. The home isn’t right on the lake, but it’s just a short walk down a hill to a private dock you can use. This is a pet-friendly rental when you pay an extra fee and keep pups on a leash. When you stay here, you’ll be just a half mile from the Grand Traverse Bay, which is a perfect place to watch the sunsets. Wi-Fi, TV, and a kitchen are also provided.
Paradise Nook - Central Lake
Two guests can stay in this guesthouse, which is one of the most unique homes in the region. It is decorated in a very interesting way and located in a quiet and peaceful spot. The rental unit is a semi-attached guest house with new appliances, new paint, and new hardwood floors. The home comes with a queen-size bed, kitchen, A/C, central heat, TV, fireplace, and other amenities. Meanwhile, the outdoor area has a courtyard, BBQ grill, fire pit, table and chairs, horseshoes, and nature trails.
Howard's House - Central Lake
Take a step back in time with this 1904-era home that’s been renovated and features vintage and whimsical touches. It sleeps up to six people and has two bedrooms, four beds, and one bath. This turn-of-the-century house has front and back porches, a large yard, and a quiet setting that’s perfect for a relaxing vacation. The closet boat launch to get on Torch Lake is about six miles away, so book this rental property to explore the greater region. This is a family-friendly rental, too.
Up North Couple's Getaway - Bellaire
Relax and unwind in this cozy A-frame that’s close to Torch Lake. Grass River is just a five-minute walk away for kayaking and canoeing too. This two-person cabin has one bedroom and one bath with everything located on one floor. The host provides Wi-Fi and cable TV, as well as a gas fireplace to make the space extra cozy. This unique A-frame rental is on a quiet, paved road and near several small towns worth exploring.
House Two Minutes from the Lake/Sandbar - Rapid City
With three bedrooms and two baths, here’s a 1,120-square-foot vacation rental house that’s right across the road from Torch Lake. It has sandbar access less than a two-minute walk down the road and is about two miles from Alden. The home features a full kitchen, laundry machines, and basement with a foosball and ping pong table. The outdoor area has a romantic fire pit, grill for cookouts, and trails nearby.
Crystal Beach Cottage - Rapid City
Another cottage rental for up to six people is this Airbnb option that has two bedrooms and one bath. It’s a perfect spot for summer fun because it’s just a short walk from access sites on the south shore of Torch Lake. The cottage rental has a backyard, patio, charcoal grill, and firepit. It’s a pet-friendly spot that allows up to two pups for an extra fee per dog. Guests staying here are only about two miles from downtown Alden, which is fun to walk around and check out the shops and parks. Other perks of staying here are the kitchen, TV, and Wi-Fi.
Paddler's Paradise with Dock Access - Rapid City
Here’s a cute vacation rental with dock access that has one bedroom and is 100 feet behind the host’s summer cottage. The space sleeps two people and comes with Wi-Fi and cable TV. Although the home isn’t directly on the water, it’s still a fun spot that comes with fishing poles, a fire pit, and chairs for the dock. The host’s main house is in front of the cabin, so you may see family members out with their dogs. Guest dogs are allowed with prior approval and an extra fee. There is a three-night minimum to stay here.
Torch Lake Guest Suite - Alden
Here’s a popular private room rental that is right on Torch Lake. Two guests can stay here because there’s a king-size bed in the bedroom. You can see the lake from your room and access the private loft through your own entrance. Guests get access to a fridge and coffeemaker, as well as Wi-Fi and a quiet space to relax. There are a lot of great hiking and biking trails nearby and also the sandy beach for swimming. Pontoon boat and jet ski rentals are about a mile away.
