Escape to Rocky Shores Retreat, a classic bay-front cottage in Door County that seamlessly blends modern comforts with vintage charm. Enjoy the views from 180' of frontage, gas grill on the front patio, and large outdoor fire pit area with seating for the whole family. The well-stocked kitchen is perfect for culinary adventures while comfortable beds ensure a great night's sleep.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 10123 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
The current price is €464
€464
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Waterfront Door County Retreat
☀️ Summer at Rocky Shores Retreat — A Classic Waterfront Door County Escape Rocky Shores Retreat truly comes alive in summer. Set on 180 feet of private shoreline on Little Sturgeon Bay, this timeless Door County cottage is a guest favorite for kayaking, swimming, fireside sunsets, and laid-back lake days. Guests consistently rave about the peaceful setting, immaculate cleanliness, exceptionally stocked kitchen, and unforgettable water views. Tucked away on a quiet private road—yet just 15–20 minutes from Sturgeon Bay—Rocky Shores offers the perfect balance of true waterfront seclusion and Door County convenience.
🌊 Waterfront Living at Its Best With expansive shoreline and calm bay waters, summer days here are effortless: • Kayaking directly from the property • Swimming and shoreline exploring • Yard games, hammock naps, and sun lounging • Morning coffee with sunrise over the bay • Golden-hour sunsets and star-filled nights Guests often say the outdoor space alone makes the stay unforgettable.
🚣 Kayaks, Yard Games & Outdoor Fun (Available late spring–early fall) Rocky Shores is designed for outdoor living: • 4 kayaks included • Large grassy yard for cornhole, frisbee, and games • Hammock tucked among cedar trees • Bayfront fire pit with firewood provided • Plenty of seating for relaxing, gathering, and reconnecting Wildlife sightings—deer, wild turkeys, eagles, and cormorants—are common and frequently mentioned in reviews.
☀️ Wake Up to Sunrises, Wind Down with Sunsets Start your day on the expansive waterfront deck with coffee as the bay wakes up. Spend sunny afternoons on the water or exploring Door County, then gather around the fire pit at night for s’mores, stories, and glowing sunset skies. Guests often describe Rocky Shores as *“peaceful, calming, and impossible to rush.”*
✪ Designed for Comfortable, Family-Friendly Stays Inside, the cottage blends classic Door County charm with modern comfort: • Bright living space with big bay windows • Comfortable seating for families and groups • Indoor wood-burning stone fireplace *(open late Oct–Apr)* • Smart TV + game console for movie and game nights • Books and board games for unplugged fun • Open layout perfect for meals, games, and conversation • High-speed Wi-Fi for streaming or remote work (Starlink) • Self check-in for easy, stress-free arrivals Guests frequently comment on how the home feels cozy yet spacious, spotless, and thoughtfully arranged.
🍽 One of the Best-Stocked Kitchens Guests Have Ever Used A standout feature in nearly every review: • High-quality cookware (guests *love* the pans) • Spices, condiments, and cooking essentials • Coffee station • Full-size appliances and ample prep space • Easy access to the outdoor Weber grill Perfect for cooking family meals, grilling fresh fish, or enjoying local favorites from Marchant’s Grocery or Sunflower Bakery.
🛌 Bedroom Layout + Bonus Bunk House Primary Bedroom – King Bed • Plush king bed with hotel-quality linens • Ceiling fan • Quiet location for restful sleep
Guest Bedroom – Two Queen Beds • Ideal for families or groups • Washer & dryer conveniently located in-room
Detached Bunk House (Kid’s Cottage) A huge favorite—especially for kids and teens: • Sleeps up to 5 • Smart TV • Mini fridge + freezer • Heating & AC • Bay views • *(Note: No bathroom in the bunk house)*
👶 Family-Friendly Extras Traveling with little ones? We’ve got you covered: • Crib / Pack ’n Play • Plenty of space for kids to play indoors and out • Bunk house that kids absolutely love
🚿 Bathroom & Essentials Thoughtfully stocked with: • Shampoo, conditioner & body wash • Extra towels • Space heater near shower • Safety features including smoke alarms and first aid kit
🌳 Outdoor Space Guests Rave About Waterfront Deck • Overlooks the entire bay • Partial cedar shade • Seating for coffee, cocktails, and sunset watching • Outdoor lighting for evenings
Fire Pit Area • Adirondack chairs • Firewood included • Perfect for s’mores and stargazing
Front Patio + Grill • Wind-sheltered brick patio • Weber grill steps from the kitchen
✪ 2026 Water Levels Water levels in Little Sturgeon Bay are lower than in recent years. Kayaks are still usable, though guests may need to walk a bit farther across shoreline rocks to reach adequate depth.
📍 Peaceful Yet Convenient Location • ~15–20 minutes to downtown Sturgeon Bay • Easy access to beaches, wineries, parks, and golf • Quiet, private road with minimal traffic Guests love having a true retreat that’s still an easy drive to Door County highlights.
🌞 Why Guests Love Rocky Shores Retreat (Curated from Rocky Shores reviews) • Stunning waterfront views and sunsets • Spotless, extremely clean home • Exceptionally stocked, organized kitchen • Comfortable beds with quality linens • Thoughtful amenities — *“they thought of everything”* • Amazing outdoor space with kayaks, fire pit, and yard • Kids LOVE the bunk house • Peaceful, private setting with easy access to town • Stress-free stay with excellent communication and guidebook
🌊 Your Door County Summer Starts Here If you’re looking for a classic waterfront cottage, space to spread out, and the kind of peaceful summer setting guests return to year after year—Rocky Shores Retreat is it. Summer dates book quickly. Reserve your stay today.
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the bay
Near the marina
On a lake
On the waterfront
Things to do
Kayak
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Guests are required to sign a Rental Agreement.
A security deposit of $300 is required.
Food is not allowed in any bedrooms. Quiet time is from 11 p.m to 8 a.m.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront Door County Retreat?
As of 6 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront Door County Retreat on 1 Apr 2026 start from €464, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Waterfront Door County Retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Waterfront Door County Retreat?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Waterfront Door County Retreat?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Waterfront Door County Retreat located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Michigan and within 12 miles (20 km) of Potawatomi State Park and IdleWild Golf Club. Hi-Cliff Park is 12 mi (19.3 km) away.
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Waterfront Door County Retreat Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The cabin was very clean, well-maintained, and full of almost any supply (from spare towels to coffee creamer) that one could wish for! Dana (host) was very helpful and prompt in responding to any query, and was even able to support early entry on this occasion. The location was peaceful and right on the lake/bay shore, with great equipment options (kayaks etc.) as well as some nice visits by cormorants and deer. We were privileged to see a beautiful sunset. All in all, a terrific stay.
We really enjoyed our stay here. The kitchen was well stocked, it was clean, easy to check in and out, and the location was nice. Thanks for the awesome place!
Beautiful, perfectly located hideaway with kayaks, fire pit, hammock and other activities for outdoors along with board games and card games and plenty to keep everyone happy inside. Highly recommend this well-kept beauty.
We had an excellent time staying at this property for a long weekend. It was great access to door county delights, but a quiet, peaceful spot for relaxing. The Lakeview is incredible!
We truly enjoyed our stay at Dana’s Rocky Shores Cottage! The cabin offers amazing views of the lake, ample room for our family, great amenities, and was within a short drive to town! We would definitely stay again!!
Wife and I took a few days away. Very quiet, relaxing, very impressed by the little things that were provided (kitchen, bathroom, chargers, etc). Would definitely go back if we get the chance!
The home is beautiful and the location is stunning. Everything in the house was so organized it and it was decorated so nice! The hosts were very helpful. Great stay and highly recommend.
This property was everything advertised. Very cozy cabin with beautiful views of the lake. Everything was well stocked and very clean. Great quiet location. Would like to come back again in the future...
Extremely comfortable, clean, and cozy cabin. Amenities were great and the view was priceless. Definitely worth being a little ways outside of Sturgeon Bay. Great for families with all the games and water activities, and great for couples with how tranquil.
We really enjoyed our stay. My husband and I were there for a relaxing getaway for his birthday. The property was right on the water with beautiful views. The owner was very responsive and had everything you might need. The property was clean and the outside had lots of seating and a fire pit with firewood provided. Easy check in and check out. Would highly recommend!
Loved the cabin! So cozy with the fireplace on a cold winter weekend! Everything was immaculate and so well organized! Lovely time with my family! Communications with caring owner was a 10!!!
We were a group of six and there was plenty of room. We loved the access to the kayaks, which was a big plus. We made so many wonderful new family memories there. We went on daily adventures to surrounding areas during the day and relaxed around the campfire in the evening with occasional dancing with the grandkids on the expansive deck. It was clean and perfect for our getaway.
Gorgeous setting and vacation home. Very spacious, comfortable and clean. Kayaking was fun for the whole family and late night firepits were special. Host was very informative and helpful with everything. Would highly recommend this property for a vacation. We will definitely be coming back!
Dave L.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
This review is from a guest who booked and stayed through a partner site and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Katie D.
19 Jun 2024
Great getaway
My family of 4 stayed at Rocky Shores Retreat for a week in June and could not have been more pleased with our stay. Rocky Shores was clean, comfortable, and well stocked with all of our needs, including a few unexpected items. Some of our favorite evenings were sitting out at the firepit enjoying sunsets on the lake, and our kids (ages 11 and 6) loved the hammock. Thank you to Dana for opening up her home to share!
I have nothing but happiensss for this weekend! Rocky Shores was one of the best vrbo I’ve ever stayed in, actually it was the BEST! So clean, organized, stocked with anything you may need! Fire pit, and the view was amazing! Thank you so much for an amazing weekend! Thank you so so much!!!
Very cozy place, not too far away from Milwaukee, Chicago. We had a nice time despite some interesting weather.
1 toilet is def a bit of an issue, especially when it broke for day but owner was quick to get it fixed. Nice yard and views.
We just left the most amazing vacation at Rocky Shores Retreat! There are a lot of places to stay in Door County, but I can’t imagine a more lovely place to sit by the water than this home. I was here with my husband and another couple, and we had a lovely time. The house has great amenities, a great host, and a great location on the lake. We missed in the listing that it has one bathroom, but we were glad that didn’t stop us from booking, because it was so wonderful. Your biggest challenge will be visiting without dreaming of moving to Door County!
Kendra W.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
This review is from a guest who booked and stayed through a partner site and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Katie H.
1 Apr 2025
Great spring break stay
Our family had a wonderful trip to Door County, and we enjoyed our stay at Rocky Shores Retreat!
Despite the chilly early-spring weather, we stayed warm inside, and the fireplace between the large windows overlooking the bay made things cozy. The house was clean, and we had everything we needed and then some. We thought the beds were comfortable, the kids loved the bunkhouse, and we enjoyed the outdoor furniture for short bits of time (again, it was still a bit chilly!).
The location of the house was great; we were right on the water, and the quiet meant that we could hear the lake clearly. Nevertheless, we were just a short drive from places to eat and things to do.
We would be happy to stay again (if we don't buy our own Door County property, ha!). Dana and Timothea are SUPER responsive, so you'll be in good hands if anything happens or you have any questions.
Our family fell in love with Rocky Shores Retreat the moment we stepped onto the front deck and looked out onto the breathtakingly beautiful panoramic view of water and sky framed in cedar and birch trees. It's an exceptional place, inside and out. We really appreciated the lovely and organized interior living space, with its great view of the water (even from the kitchen!) and good supply of games. We were also very impressed with the responsiveness of our host, Dana, to any questions or concerns. Favorite memories include roasting s'mores by the fire pit while watching the sunset or star gazing, and kayaking to and from the Sunset Grill one evening.