Summary:
Brought to you by Forest Lakes Lodging! Escape the desert heat in this charming, dog-friendly A-frame cabin nestled deep in the tall pines of Forest Lakes. Designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts, our lodge offers a nostalgic retreat complete with a retro arcade game, outdoor fire pit, and modern Wi-Fi. Whether you are fishing at the nearby lakes or cozying up by the fireplace, this is your perfect basecamp for adventure in the Rim Country.
The Space:
✨ Top Amenities
• Family Fun Zone: loaded with a retro Arcade Machine and outdoor horseshoe pit.
• Outdoor Living: Large covered porch, gas BBQ grill, and a wood-burning fire pit for s'mores.
• Modern Comforts: High-speed Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, and a cozy indoor gas fireplace.
🏠 Inside the Home
• Living Area: A classic knotty-pine interior featuring high vaulted ceilings, comfortable seating, a gas fireplace for chilly nights, and a flat-screen Smart TV.
• Kitchen & Dining: Fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, microwave, and full-size fridge. We provide cookware, dishes, and utensils so you can easily whip up family meals.
• Sleeping Arrangements (Strict Bed Count):
Bedroom 1 (Main Floor): King Bed with premium linens.
Bedroom 2 (Upstairs): King Bed located in the front loft room.
Bedroom 3 (Upstairs): Two Twin Beds located in the rear room (ideal for kids).
Bathroom: One full bathroom located on the main floor, featuring a bathtub/shower combo and fresh towels.
⚠️ Honest Expectations (Please Read Before Booking) To ensure this is the right fit for your group, here are a few things to know:
• The Stairs: As with many classic A-frame cabins, the staircase to the upper bedrooms is steeper than a standard home. This may be difficult for guests with limited mobility or unsupervised toddlers.
• One Bathroom: There is only one bathroom, and it is located downstairs. Guests sleeping upstairs will need to navigate the stairs at night to use the facilities.
• Nature is Neighbors: We are in the middle of the National Forest. You may encounter local wildlife and insects. Please keep food secured to avoid attracting critters.
• Stocking Up: We recommend doing your shopping for any specific items you’d need before heading up! We are happy to provide a starter kit of essentials to get you settled, but for longer stays, we suggest bringing your preferred toiletries and cooking ingredients to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
• Climate: It gets cold here! While we have heaters and a fireplace, we recommend bringing slippers for the floors and layering up in the winter months.
Guest Access:
You will have private access to the entire cabin via a secure keyless entry system. A unique door code will be sent to you prior to arrival, allowing for a seamless self-check-in experience at your convenience after 4:00 PM. Parking is available directly on the property (right in front of your cabin).
The Neighborhood:
We are situated in the quiet, residential community of Forest Lakes Estates. This area is renowned for being 30–40° cooler than Phoenix, sitting at roughly 7,600 feet elevation on the Mogollon Rim. You are surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, offering a peaceful, wooded atmosphere where neighbors respect quiet hours and the natural surroundings. It is a dark-sky community, perfect for stargazing from the front porch.
Getting Around:
We are the ideal launchpad for outdoor recreation:
• Lakes: Just 5 minutes to Willow Springs Lake and close to Woods Canyon Lake for trout fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Hiking: Direct access to forest service roads and off-road trails right from the neighborhood.
• Winter Sports: A short drive to snow play areas and cross-country skiing trails. Sunrise Ski Resort is a day-trip distance away.
• Essentials: The Forest Lakes General Store is nearby for basic grab-and-go items, but we recommend grocery shopping in Payson (30 mins away) or Heber-Overgaard (20 mins away) before arriving.
Other Things to Note:
• Winter Travel: From November to March, winter storms can occur suddenly. A 4WD or AWD vehicle is highly recommended, and carrying tire chains may be required by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) during active snow events.
• Pet Policy: We love dogs! Non-service dogs are welcome for an additional fee; please contact us for details prior to booking. We kindly ask that you bring your own pet blankets or beds to cover any furniture where your dog may lay.
• Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit is required to cover potential damages. Please contact us to confirm the specific amount; it is fully refundable provided the property is left in good condition.
Interaction with Guests:
I respect your privacy and offer self-check-in, so you can arrive and relax without interruption. However, I am fully available via the app or the provided phone number to answer questions, recommend local trails, or assist with any issues that arise during your stay.