We’re excited to host your trip and want you to feel confident when booking with us. At the same time, our season is short and most reservations are made far in advance, so holding space for each guest is a serious commitment on both sides. This policy is designed to be fair, clear, and flexible when life happens—while also protecting our ability to operate.
Deposits
A deposit secures your cabin or boat and guarantees it will be held for you.
- A 50% deposit is required to reserve any cabin or boat.
- For reservations made for the following year, we allow 25% down at booking, with the remaining 25% due by December 31.
- Reservations made within the same calendar year require the full 50% deposit at the time of booking.
Payment Methods
- Major credit cards accepted
- Personal checks accepted (must be received within 10 days of booking)
The remaining balance is due at check-in.
Cancellation Options
We understand that sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel, your options depend on timing.
Cancellations Before January 1 (for that year’s reservation)
You have two options:
- Receive a refund minus a $100 cancellation fee per unit reserved, or
- Apply 100% of your deposit to a future stay (valid for up to 2 years)
Cancellations After January 1
- 90+ days before arrival: 100% of your deposit can be applied to a future reservation
- 30–89 days before arrival: 50% of your deposit can be applied to a future reservation
- Less than 30 days before arrival: deposit is forfeited
Important Details About Deposit Transfers
- Deposits applied to future stays must be used within 2 years of cancellation
- Deposits can only be applied to new reservations, not existing bookings
- Deposits for multiple cabins or boats are treated separately and must be reapplied accordingly
Why We Have This Policy
Birch Forest Lodge operates for less than five months each year, and the majority of our reservations are made 10+ months in advance. When a cabin or boat is reserved, we often turn away other guests for those same dates.
Last-minute cancellations are very difficult for us to refill and have a significant impact on our season. At the same time, we recognize that unexpected situations do happen.
That’s why we’ve structured this policy to:
- Give guests flexibility through deposit transfers
- Encourage early communication if plans change
- Protect the limited number of peak-season reservations we have available
We truly appreciate your understanding and your commitment when you book with us. Our goal is to continue providing a great experience for every guest who stays at Birch Forest Lodge.
If you have any questions about this policy, we’re happy to help—just reach out.
Cabins at Birch Forest Lodge are priced per cabin up to the maximum occupancy. Check cabin details for occupancy number for each cabin. If total number of people in cabin exceeds the max occupancy additional charges will apply. Price is $20 per night or $100 per week (per person) regardless of age of occupants.
Pets are not allowed on the main property at Birch Forest Lodge and Resort. Adjacent to the resort property is a vacation rental that we manage (The Lake House). It is a large 3 bedroom unit with a private dock, yard and fire pit area. Well behaved pets are allowed at the Lake House. If you choose to bring a pet(s) with you on your vacation to the Lake House the rules are as follows…
- Only well behaved pets are allowed.
- Pets must not come over to the main property including the beach, main lodge and main dock area.
- Pets are allowed inside the Lake House but must be kept off any furniture including beds and couches.
- A $30 per night fee or $150 per week fee will be charged per pet.
- Any damage caused by pets will be charged to the renter.
- Pets must be cleaned up after.
- Pets can’t be left unattended inside the Lake House. There is an attached garage and pets can be left there in a kennel(you provide kennel).
- Incessant barking will not be tolerated. It is your pet and you brought them with you to spend time with them. If the dog is nervous and barking constantly or left behind and barking we will hear it because the unit is next to the main lodge. You will be asked to take the dog home or leave the property with no refund if problems arise due to your pet.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times when outside. This includes just walking down to your dock.
We understand that pets are often part of your family. We want you to have a fantastic vacation with all your loved ones, including the 4 legged family members. Please understand that your vacation can’t supercede anothers’ situation. If problems start to occur with pets at the newly acquired vacation rental property we will discontinue allowing pets there.
Do Not Ruin This Opportunity For Others
We accept cash, checks or credit cards for all forms of payment including deposits. Credit card processing companies do charge us a fee of just over 3% to process your credit card. If you choose to use a card rather than cash or checks we will charge you a non-cash adjustment fee (3.25%) to process your credit card payment.
Your vacation begins at 2 PM or after. Please NO early arrivals. We have very little time to get the resort ready for our new guests. Arrival prior to 2 PM will result in a $50 early-arrival fee per cabin. Check out is 9 AM except for Saturdays during peak season. On those Saturdays we ask that you depart the cabin by 8 am. Late departures may occasionally be permitted for a $50 fee.
If you will be arriving to the resort after 8 PM, we ask that you call us and let us know. This is particularly important if you have never been to Birch Forest Lodge before.
We reserve the right to charge your credit card for any damage or extensive cleaning caused during your stay. Any damage to boats, including props, lower units and skegs are the responsibility of the renter and must be paid in full.
Renter is responsible for the entire reserved length of stay. Refunds are not given for bad weather.
No day guests allowed unless first approved by Birch Forest Lodge. A charge will be applied for all approved day guests.
Large groups will be required to pay in full one month prior to arrival. This will be refunded only as described above.
