The Elms Waterfront Cottages

Our group had 12 people, including adults, children, and infants, and the lodge worked perfectly for everybody. Chandler was pleasant and accommodating from the moment we booked the whole lodge. The place was very clean, the kitchens were fully stocked, and there was so much to do that we didn’t need to leave the grounds. There were water sports for all ages, a fire pit and wood at each cottage, volleyball every night, and corn hole. They even had music on the grounds for a few hours on Saturday. The staff were amazing, and Chandler lets you check in early and leave late. He seems to have thought of everything for a family vacation. We can’t wait to return. The one concern was that although it’s a pet friendly place, some guests’ dogs were aggressive and that was alarming. That responsibility belongs to the pets’ owners.

We were there for five days in early September 2023, and the low key atmosphere and solitude were a big part of what we enjoyed. I think there was just one other guest around. Our dog Luna may have had the best time of all: she could roam by the lake in front of our cabin, chase ducks and squirrels, and splash her feet in the cool, clean water. The cabin worked well for us. It had two bedrooms, so we used one for our things and slept in the other. The bed was comfortable, the A/C worked, the water pressure was good, and there was a TV. We paid extra for housekeeping during the stay, and it was worth it: the beds were made, towels replaced, trash taken out, and floors swept. Lorraine and Jessica, who did the cleaning, couldn’t have been nicer. There were plenty of free water toys too, including canoes, kayaks, row boats, and water bikes. We’ll most likely be back next year.

The setting by the lake was fantastic, with a back deck, fire pit, small beach, kayaks, and other water gear. The cabins were spaced comfortably apart, so there was a nice sense of privacy, and the front desk staff were friendly and helpful. It was a convenient, cozy place, though the price felt a little high. The cabins were very rustic, with duct tape on the toilet bowl and a flimsy tension rod holding up the shower curtain. There wasn’t much furniture for clothes, so I mostly lived out of my bag for the week. The A/C was awkward and inadequate, just one freestanding unit in the living room expected to cool the whole two bedroom cabin. Since there was a kitchen, we expected basics like salt, pepper, spices, coffee filters, or other sundries left by previous guests, but there were only pots, pans, and dishes.

There were mouse droppings all over the house, including on the kitchen sink, counters, and cutting board. The place was very dirty, so we left right away. The owner offered only a small partial refund, and we’re now disputing it. We strongly do not recommend this place.