Northern Michigan Vacation Rentals & Glamping Experience
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Accommodations
Happy Camper
Immerse yourself in the camping experience without the hassle of hauling a travel trailer to a campsite!! Our 30' Coachman has been remodeled inside for an upgraded experience. Outside is a private campsite on a wooded lot, in a residential neighborhood in Ogemaw County. Let the path take you from the trailer to the fire pit and enjoy the sunset while roasting marshmallows. Spend the afternoon in a hammock or be adventurous and kayak on one of the many local lakes or the Rifle River. If ATV/ORV is your jam...there are several local trails and state trails within a 30 minute drive.
Reserve through
Or
For a hassle-free trip Up-North, check out our fully-furnished Elbow Lake Campsite
Hilltop Glamping
Tent Camping with
a Glamp-up!!
Sitting on a tree-covered hillside, on a spacious 16'x20' deck, your majestic 16' Bell Tent awaits!! Inside, the comforts of home are included: Queen bed, tv, mini fridge, microwave, two recliners and carpeting throughout. Internet, Streaming services and Electricity are also included. There is a private bathroom and shower just off from the deck. A path winds down the hill, to a fire pit and sitting area. A hammock swings gently in the wind. The yard is fenced, private and in a residential neighborhood. Smith's Lake (in Oscoda County) can be seen from the entrance to the Bell Tent - the lake is ~1000' away. Access to the private lake is just an 1/8th mile from Hilltop Glamping!!
Big Creek Cabin
Warm & Inviting Cabin. located on a wooded private lot in a Hunter & ATV/ORV local paradise!!
Coming Summer 2026!!
(Not photo of actual cabin -
that will be coming soon!!)
A traditional style Up-North Cabin, near Big Creek in Crawford County. Wonderful location for the Hunter or the ATV/ORV enthusiast, with State of Michigan land right across the street!! Deer and bear are frequent visitors in the area. Fully furnished and ready to go - all that is missing is you!! More photos and updates as this property is developed!!
A-Frame of Mind
COMING SUMMER 2027!!
Charming A-Frame
near a private lake,
with lake access
Charming A-Frame, nestled among the trees (adjacent to State of Michigan land). Within .5 mile from two lake access spots on a large, private all-sports lake!! This property is located in Arenac County. Fully furnished, just bring you, your boat and your groceries!! More pictures and updates as this property is developed!!
House Rules
Reservations
We offer convenient self-check-in and check-out. Check-in is after 2:00pm, check-out is before 11:00am.
Occupancy
Each location has it's own occupancy limits:
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Happy Camper - 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children (under 18).
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Hilltop Glamping - 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children (under 18).
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Big Creek Cabin - 6 adults or 4 adults and 4 children (under 18).
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A-Frame of Mind - 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children (under 18).
Cancellations
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your booking, please do so at least 31 days prior to your arrival to receive a full refund (including fees). Cancellations made within 15-30 days of the arrival date will result in a 50% refund (including fees). There will be no refund if you cancel with 14 days of the reservation.
Dogs
Smoking/Vaping
We are dog lovers!! All locations allow dogs (with size restrictions that vary per location). There is a non-refundable daily dog charge and a non-refundable pet cleaning fee. If you leave the dog at the property (for a short period of time), it MUST BE IN A KENNEL (that you provide)!! If you have a dog that will bark from separation anxiety, we ask that he/she not be left alone (or outside alone while the family is indoors). Do not let the dog wander around the interior of the property when you are not present. There is a fenced-in yard at each location for your dog to play. Please pick up after your dog (poop bags are provided around the properties). The other requirement we have for pets is that they are NOT allowed on the beds. Please bring a dog bed, if you cannot, we leave a dog blanket in the closet. This is specifically for your dog. You can lay this on the floor in an area and your pet is welcome to sleep on this.
Electronic Communications
When creating an online or a direct reservation, you consent to receive electronic communications from us. You also consent that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide to you electronically, via email, text, and on the site, satisfy any legal requirements that such communications be in writing.
Disclaimer
NO SMOKING or VAPING INSIDE the accommodations!! Smoking and vaping is allowed outside, anywhere on the private lot.
Good Neighbor
Please be respectful of the neighbors - most live in the areas full time and we are guests in their communities. Quiet time is from 10pm-6am daily. Campfires are allowed only inside the designated fire pits. We welcome soft music and equally soft conversations around the campfire, but we are NOT the place for parties and loud music!! Sound carries through the neighborhood.
We are Sandy's Up-North Sanctuaries - and being a Sanctuary is literally in our name!! Our fundamental reason for existence is to allow people and families to unwind, relax, and disengage from society by engaging with nature in a peaceful & tranquil environment while creating lasting memories!!
No loud music or vulgar language. Please no trespassing onto neighboring land. We Love Our Neighbors and want to respect their privacy, peace and quite. Out of respect for all guests, disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Fees and Taxes
All rates quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes and service charges. These additional costs will be calculated and added to your final bill at checkout.
We strive to keep our guests informed and their stays enjoyable. However, please note that our policies are subject to change without prior notice. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend visiting the Contact Page on our website or directly reaching out to us.
Special Occasions
If you're planning a Special Occasion at one of our properties - such as a proposal, elopement, etc. - PLEASE Contact us prior to your stay to discuss the details. We want to make your Special Occasion VERY SPECIAL!!
Our Story
Sandy's Up-North Sanctuaries started as a "whatever happens happens" road trip between siblings (Sandy & Shaun) the spring of 2024. After traveling and camping along the way; from Michigan to the Dakotas and back home via the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the thought came up - "Let's purchase some land Up-North and turn it into a family campground and business.".....And so our search began. We were blessed to be able to purchase a few properties in Northern Michigan - each with their distinctive allure. The excitement was at an all-time high and Sandy's Up-North Sanctuaries was born!! Within a year, our first property - "The Happy Camper" is ready to go!! In spring of 2026, "Hilltop Glamping" at Smith Lake will be available. Mid-summer of 2026, "Big Creek Cabin" on Hideaway Drive will be unveiled. Finally, "A-Frame of Mind" at Forest Lake will be ready to rent starting Spring 2027! All of our properties take into consideration our LOVE of Camping and the Great Outdoors!! Do you like to camp, hike, and mushroom hunt? Or do you prefer kayaking and boating on one of many lakes or rivers? How about the thrill of ATV/ORV trails? Or are you more of a hunter in search of wild game? If shopping and tourist attractions are your thing, we got you covered there too!! Sandy's Up-North Sanctuaries is close to it all!!
Guest Stories
"Happy Camper was a delight! Fully furnished, large private fenced yard. Sandy & Shaun are awesome hosts."
Christy T.
"Sandy's Up-North Sanctuaries truly redefined camping for us. The seamless blend of adventure and comfort made our stay unforgettable. So much to do in the surrounding area. We stayed at the Happy Camper."
Kurt S.
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For inquiries, bookings, or personalized assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to make your glamping dreams a reality.
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