Entire home

Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

Photo gallery for Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

Terrace/patio
Exterior
Exterior
Smart TV, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

8.2 out of 10

Very good

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8140 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

Camp Baxter is tucked away in a tranquil, wooded section near the Indiana Dunes National Park, in Miller Beach. This 2 Bedroom/1 Bath, newly renovated, 1920’s cottage is nestled on the side of a dune and loaded with Smart Home technology, modern conveniences, and abundant amenities inside and out.

Soak up the natural surroundings from the spacious, multi-level outdoor living spaces that feature a 6-person hot tub perched near the top of the dune, firepit (firewood provided), outdoor dining and seasonal cushioned lounge furniture, seasonal outdoor heated shower, and a 6ft tall perimeter fence that surrounds the compound for ultimate privacy.

We are dog friendly and Camp Baxter is affectionately named after our departed Vizsla (Hungarian pointer) who enjoyed many years chasing birds and squirrels around the yard!

Note: An additional guest fee applies over 4 people: $25/person per night (not including children less than two years of age on Arrival Date), regardless of length of stay or purpose of visit. The maximum occupancy is 8 people.
Parking is available for up to four vehicles. There is no guest access to the garage.

Additional Amenities include complimentary Nespresso and Keurig coffee, 4 total Smart TVs with digital Comcast/Xfinity cable and video streaming, high-speed Wi-Fi, Nest Thermostat, and Washer/Dryer.
Supplies provided include paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, hand soap, dish soap and sponge, dishwasher detergent, shampoo/conditioner/body wash, trash bags, firewood, bath and beach towels, all bedding, and more.

The street leading to Camp Baxter is narrow and easy to miss upon arrival. We recently demolished a building on the adjacent lot and the foundation is still visible.
Once you enter the gated compound filled with mature black oaks, evergreens, and wildflowers, it is easy to become one with nature and experience how beautiful the Dunes are in all four seasons!

The cottage has a small but fully functional kitchen, separate dining room with a table that flips to reveal a poker top, cozy lower level media room, and a vaulted, skylighted Living Room with large windows and glass patio doors that open to the 700 sq. ft outdoor living space. The marble-tiled bathroom has heated floors and a jetted tub with a heated ledge seat.

Sleeps four (4) in two private, queen bedrooms and an additional four (4) guests on a full-size, fold-down sofa bed and deluxe, high-rise Aerobed (all bedding is provided).
............................

Add-on options (fees and taxes apply, invoiced separately after booking):
* We are dog-friendly and allow up to four adult, house-trained dogs: Per dog fees: $79 (2-night stay), $29/night (3+ night stay) or $200/week
* Guests may request an Early Check-in 1pm and/or a Late Checkout at 1pm. Each are available for a fee of $69 if Peak Season and $39 if Non-Peak Season. Due to COVID restrictions and enhanced cleaning procedures, Early Check-in and Late Checkout may not be available.
2 night minimum (observed Holidays require a 3 night minimum
Licensee must be at least 30 years of age.
Abide by all Terms and Conditions of the signed vacation rental agreement required for rental of any Miller Beach Vacation Rentals property, regardless of booking method (direct or via a third party)
No high school, college, after-prom party, or any other underage groups allowed.
No bachelor or similar groups permitted.delete
Additional Guest fee applies over 4 people: $15/person per night. This covers maintenance/replacement of aerobeds, pullout sofas, extra laundry, increased utility costs, wear and tear, and more.
Maximum Occupancy is 8 individuals total not including children less than two years of age on Arrival Date
Excessive cleaning (if required)is billed at $35/hr. Repairs due to damages are $45/hour. If anything becomes ruined or missing, you will be charged accordingly. Notification is given prior to any deductions from your security deposit on file.

No smoking inside or anywhere within 15 feet of any open door or window ($1000 fine).
In certain cases, an additional Holiday Premium may apply to your dates

Care for the Premises with all due care, leave it undamaged, clean, and keep conditions safe throughout your stay.
Safely Trust and Safety Damage Waiver Fee provides up to $10,000 of accidental coverage for contents damage and up to $100,000 coverage for accidental property damage and bodily injury during your stay. Full terms provided upon booking.

Licencees agrees to identity verification and background check preformed by SafelyStay, Inc.
Neighborhood quiet hours are strictly enforced from 9PM-9AM; Parties / events, lack of decorum and disruptive noise will not be tolerated; If the neighbors are disturbed, Miller Beach Vacation Rentals reserves the right to ask the tenant to vacate the premises with no refund.
Outdoor Music is not permitted after 9PM.
Small, wireless bluetooth speakers are permitted except during Quiet Hours (9pm - 9am). Not permitted are party speakers, amps, subwoofers, stereo surround systems, or other high-powered audio equipment, etc.

Property manager

Miller Beach Vacation Rentals

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Free WiFi, with speed of 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking (max 4 spaces)
  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Toaster
  • Ice maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Fenced yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Firepit
  • Free firewood

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • Near a hospital
  • Near outlet shopping

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Power boating nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1507 sq ft (140 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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 transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Secluded Fenced Cottage House
Secluded Fenced Cottage
Secluded Dunes Cottage Hot Tub in the Trees Sleeps 8 Near Beach!
Secluded Fenced Cottage House
Secluded Fenced Cottage Hot Tub Fire Pit Dog Friendly Natl Park
86039
Secluded Fenced Cottage Hot Tub Fire Pit Dog Friendly Nat’l Park
Secluded Dunes Cottage Hot Tub in the Trees Sleeps 8 Near Beach!

About the neighborhood

Map
Gary, IN

What's nearby

  • Indiana Dunes National Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Marquette Park - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Ogden Dunes Beach - 12 min drive - 9.9 km
  • Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana - 16 min drive - 18.0 km
  • Ameristar Casino East Chicago - 18 min drive - 21.9 km

Getting around

  • Gary Metro Center - 7 min drive
  • Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Flying J Travel Center - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Denny's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Great Lakes Cafe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Polekatz Indiana - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park located?

This family-friendly Gary vacation home is located on a lake, within 1 mi (2 km) of Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. Marquette Park and Paul H. Douglas Center are also within 15 minutes.

Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 34 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Abby R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice little get away
The yard is awesome, of course the hot tub at the top of the hill was the best, and we enjoyed the firepit as well. The house was a tidy little cottage at which we enjoyed our stay. It’s within a short walk to the National Park and downtown Miller Beach. The neighborhood is fine, pretty secluded, and still close to most attractions.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Lori F., Columbus, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place.
We had a great time. The neighborhood was very sketchy but that was expected. Right near the dunes was perfect. The house accepted dogs, we brought our injured pup. Awesome. Smaller than anticipated but all in all it was awesome. Clean and had everything we needed. With all the text messages from the rental company about checking in, they NEVER answered our text about how to turn on the outside lights. My husband and I numerous of times tried to text the number given and NO ONE bothered to call or text back. Glad we did not bring the boat, should be very clear very small entry way and alley way to house. Very protected but we think someone either the owner or rental company had come in when we left. The storage door downstairs was locked when we arrived. The day we left to the dunes, Monday it was unlocked. Also, someone must have been watching us leave because we were not gone too long, and someone had come onto the property to put the trash cans out on the street. Very aware we had to do it because it is in CAPS in the house rules, so that was a bit eerie also. All in all, great vacation and everything worked out. We were happy with the house and the fenced in yard and the space we had for the four of us and dog. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

Mark C., Fort Wayne, Indiana

“Sorry” not sorry
Two bedroom - one bed is what ya get. The bed collapsed. The gate lock would not open. After thirty minutes of calling nobody back. Leaving me outside for a half hour. Mind you I called 6 PM with 7 PM, 8 PM, 9 PM, 10 PM, 11 PM midnight 1 AM, 2 AM, 3 AM, 4 AM, 5 AM, 6 AM, 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 9 AM finally I am told I’m sorry. By the manager. Not a solution just sentiment. Meaning I had to cancel the rest of my guest, because there was no bed in the rental. Six hours later I was told they could send someone over but by then it is too late. I had cancelled my family from coming. The catered food which was arriving at 11am was cancelled. And the over $2,000 spent was out the window and spent the holiday alone. They don’t care about the customer. Once the money hit their account that was the last time they cared. You will sign contract and have phone calls and pre screening but don’t expect any support from them when you don’t get what you paid for.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

2/10 Terrible

Mark C., Fort Wayne, Indiana

If you have a problem - “Sorry”
First, they have a signed contract after contracts and do background checks, OK acceptable. Then the day of they call you three different times. Make sure you’re coming and go over everything you had to sign in contracts. OK acceptable. When you get there the code does not work to get in the gate and you stand there for over a half hour and you call and you call and you call and nobody returns or phone calls. No fortunately I booked the same place two days later, and I receive the code for the gate which that one did work it shouldn’t have for security reasons, but it did. I get all my stuff moved in get ready for bed sit on the bed and the bed collapses. Waiting for a phone call from 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, 9 PM, 10 PM, 11 PM, 12 1 AM, 2 AM, 3 AM, 4 AM, 5 AM, 6 AM, 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM when I do get a phone call from the manager his response is “sorry” sorry which means the two bedroom two bed. In short, I have to cancel my party from coming which means I have to cancel the food for the week which means I am spending Thanksgiving alone and their responses. I’m sorry but thank you for sending the $2000. We’re off to the bank lol.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

4/10 Poor

stacy V.

Not as advertised
This place served it's purpose for a girls' trip, but only because we are not high maintenance. Upon entering, it smells musty, very musty. The photos make it look fresh and modern. It is FAR from that. Notice every pic has a filter. The basement is like a dungeon and none of us felt comfortable sleeping there. So the futon upstairs was used. IT'S a rock!! (And I'm ex-military and can sleep damn near anywhere!!) The gate lock was broken when we got there. I texted immediately to let the manager know, She said she'd get a new one that night or morning. We never heard from her again, until the night before check out. We used the lock from the sprinkler system, otherwise, we would have had no gate lock the whole stay...and let's just say with that neighborhood, probably not a good idea. I seriously never write complaints, but this stay was a bit over the top. The property is EXTREMELY overpriced, pics are not accurate and the property manager was inattentive. (She did call 72 hrs after our arrival. Too little, too late.) If you're going to Miller Beach, avoid this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice relaxing place. Only issue was gate was to tight to pull directly in with a full size truck.
Good place & location close to beaches & dunes. Gate to tight for full size truck.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nathan O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Highly recommended !
Highly recommended!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Smells like grandmas basement
Where to start… The listing says the house is in Miller Beach, IN. The house has a Gary, IN address. The town and neighborhood leading up to the rental property is really trashy. It looks like a hundred construction projects were never finished and everything in town looked really run down. I was thankful we brought the dogs and that there was a gate we could lock at the end of the driveway. The property itself looks pretty nice. We really liked the privacy/privacy fence the property has to offer. The house looks cute from the outside. The grass was long though, not sure when it was mowed last. We entered the house and noticed a very strong, musty, old basement smell (hence the title of my review). The interior is cute. Everything was fairly clean. I found a few large ants in the kitchen over the course of our stay. I also found a plastic meat and cheese wrapper by the nightstand in the bedroom to the right of the bathroom. So, that makes me wonder who’s cashing in on my cleaning fee? If it’s an outside company, maybe the rental company needs to ask for a refund. The coffee cups were dirty along with some of the silverware. The kitchen counters could use a good wipe down. It looked like something was spilled by the coffee maker and wasn’t cleaned up properly. The button to turn on the jets in the bathtub is stuck/broken. The outdoor shower doesn’t work. I was delighted to see that they provided everyday items such as shampoo/conditioner/body wash, hand soap, dish detergent and detergent for the dishwasher, trash bags, and paper towels. They provided beach towels and there are even sand toys and bag chairs at the house you could borrow for the beach, which was really nice. All of the smart home technology was pretty cool. The hot tub was ok, some sticky gunk on the edge of the hot tub. I think it was probably from some tape used to repair a possible tear in the hot tub cover. Nonetheless, it was nice to relax in the hot tub in the evenings. The heated floors in the bathroom were really nice. I’m pretty sure I need heated floors in my house now. Overall, I give it a 3 star rating. Not sure I would ever return, but that statement is mostly based on the neighborhood which surrounds the property. Driving through town made me very uncomfortable. For the most part, we had a nice time.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

sheryl b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Almost perfect
Location was a little rough, we were fien with it, but woul dhave appreciated a heads-up.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Larry V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice
Everything was satisfactory
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Short stay.
The photographs looked amazing but the property is tired and needs some renovations and a deep cleaning. Some of furniture was new and in perfect condition, some was old and had throws to cover staining. We enjoyed the hot tub. The padlock to secure the property did not open and whilst the manager was very communicative, the issue took 30 minutes to resolve. This lock has been replaced. The shower did not work, even when we followed the instruction sheet taped to the bathroom wall. Several of the remotes had batteries missing and some of the dishes in the cupboards were dirty. When checking out I highlighted these issues and did not receive a response. The location is a short walk to the beach which was pleasant enough however the area is run down and not somewhere we would wish to return to.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Keillie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secluded and relaxing
Great property. Lots of nature, it was cool to see the deer at night. Hot tub was nice and the outside hanging lights made for great ambiance. Big, comfy bath tub (unfortunately the jets didn't work though). Only negative... The "smart" thermostat had to be changed by the property manager every time we wanted to adjust it, which meant we had to text them and then wait for them to adjust. Super inconvenient, especially since we had an extended stay. Overall, a nice place to stay.
Stayed 21 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

James O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful Winter Getaway
"Camp Baxter" was exactly what we were looking for as a quick winter getaway to decompress from our hectic life. The house was clean and beautiful. This was a perfect place for our family of four to come and play games, relax and read, and watch movies as we watched the snow fall outside. The hot tub was clean and ready for us to relax. Everything was well-stocked with everything we needed. The house manager was quick to reply to any comments or questions, the WiFi and smart TVs were fast. We'll definitely look to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Ana B.

More expensive than it should be
This property photographs beautifully, but doesn't live up to it in person. We had some issues with cleanliness during our stay: the dining table was chipped and filthy when we arrived. Almost every rug is stained as well as pillows and the fold-out futon. The whirlpool tub jets did not work. It says it sleeps 8 but that isn't exactly true unless all members of the group are willing to sleep closely next to each other. The beds sleep 2 each, the futon sleeps 2, and the air mattress sleeps 2. If there are members of your group who aren't close, this is awkward. A member of my group stepped on something sharp near the TV and we discovered it was a toenail so it clearly had not been vacuumed recently. All in all, we had a fine time but not worth the price we paid. I reached out to give them my review first to let them fix things before I wrote a review but no one responded so here it is.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Short Vacation
My wife and I wanted to get away for a couple days. We selected Camp Baxter because of the location and hot tub. The hot.tib was relaxing. The location was a little sketchy. The property has a gate that must be unlocked before you can drive onto the property. This added some sense of security. The house was coY and relaxing. The beds are a little hard
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Pamela H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy, comfortable, safe
While Miller Beach was not quaint beach town we envisioned, the Camp Baxter property did not disappoint. Our family with teens was very comfortable and enjoyed all the amenities: air-conditioning, multiple televisions with cable, wifi, fire pit, hot tub, laundry, kitchen. This was a great place to kick back and relax between trips to the beaches along the shoreline. Check-in/out instructions and communication with the property manager were easy and efficient - no issues whatsoever. Thank you for a great vacation!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

4/10 Poor

Kerri P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Misleading
We were shocked upon arrival at the broken down houses next door, abandoned car next door, unkept yard and the neighborhood in general. Nothing like we expected.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect dog-friendly home close to beach
Camp Baxter was exactly as described and the best dog friendly VRBO we have found in the Dunes area. House is very close to Marquette Park/beach and the yard was great for our fur baby! The house had everything you could need and it was incredibly quiet during our stay. We are already planning our return in the fall!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Zachary W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice getaway close to Dunes
Beautiful secluded little cottage. Fenced yard and drive makes it feel very private. Home was perfect for a weekend trip to the Dunes. Would not hesitate to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

8/10 Good

Raelynn J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice, dog friendly home
Overall, we had a nice stay at Camp Baxter. The house was clean, conveniently stocked with basics like shampoo, conditioner, coffee, firewood, etc., and in a quiet, secluded area. We only had two minor annoyances, the second one being more important: 1.) no hot water in the bathroom sink. 2.) the listing describes the property as having a “6ft tall perimeter fence that surrounds the compound.” This is not accurate. The 6ft wood fence is partial with the rest of the property surrounded by a shorter wire fence. There was a significant gap under the entry gate and another gap near the back corner. We had to block off both to make sure our 3 large dogs didn’t get out. I’d recommend checking the fence upon arrival before letting dogs loose, especially smaller ones, and bringing a flash light (we saw coyotes along the back fence one night). The check in/ check out process was easy, house cozy, and nice amenities. We would stay here again and enjoyed our trip very much. Recommend to anyone looking for a secluded retreat who wants to bring along their pups!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sharon C., Saint Louis, MO

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Retreat!
This property is exactly as described. It's private and off-the beaten path. It has 2 bedrooms, a small kitchen, laundry room in the basement and best of all a hot tub. It is so cozy comfy and a couple blocks from the lake.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

christine m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice close get away
Nice close to home. Relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Anna P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway
Had a wonderful getaway for a few nights. The house was very clean and had all the basic amenities, plus some. The house manager quickly responded to any inquiries. The only bummer was the number of local closures. The house manager provided an update prior to arrival of the closures and indicated the beaches and parks that remained opened.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Annie S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice house for a weekend but location lacking
The house is nice, but pictures are a bit “glamorized” compared to the real thing. Kitchen in TINY so if you plan on cooking at all, keep that in mind. Not much to do in the neighborhood, but if your plan is to tuck in and stay at the house the whole time it’s a great place for that. The hot tub is very relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Karolina S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Miller beach
Nice place for weekend
Stayed 2 nights in May 2020