Rocking Chair Ranch

Pros

• The property offers gorgeous views of Bear Lake and wildlife from the large patio.
• The property is dog-friendly with ample parking and nearby ATV trails.
• The home is great and everyone enjoyed it.
• The house is perfect for large families, with ample room to sleep and for kids to play.
• Guest services promptly replaced pool table balls and repaired the foosball table after being asked.
• The lake view is amazing and the surroundings are perfect.
• The property is very family-friendly, with two under-staircase playrooms and multiple family spaces.
• Cubbyz Cabin is beloved, with a yard described as the best, featuring hammocks, a hot tub, yard games and a fire pit.
• The property is within walking distance to the marina, clean and as described in the listing.
• Harbor Village condo #104 is very nice, clean, close to Bear Lake, with comfortable bedding and furnishings, reasonably priced, and likely to be booked again.
• Flamingo Hideaway is clean and well-maintained; the ping-pong table was a hit; the kitchen is well-equipped.
• The Lakehouse is amazing and provides a wonderful time.

Cons

• The reviewer felt the service was not customer oriented at all and advised avoiding.
• The reviewer complained about automated AI replies and not being able to speak with a real person.
• The reviewer claimed false advertising, overpriced, and a bad location, not worth the cost.
• The Harbor Heights review criticized the WiFi as unreliable and essentially unusable, despite being described as free.
• The reviewer noted that the office is not nearby and stairs make a main-floor master bedroom desirable.
• A reviewer said, "If only it was still a real place," implying the property didn't feel authentic.

Review

Nestled around Bear Lake, these rental experiences paint a vivid picture of a destination that blends stunning natural beauty with a strong sense of family-friendly hospitality. Guests consistently highlight the lakefront setting, the sweeping views, and the opportunity to bring along four-legged friends. Large decks and patios invite lingering mornings and evenings, often with deer sightings nearby, and the lake itself becomes a playground for kayaking, paddleboarding, and even RC boating. For many visitors, the combination of water, wildlife, and a peaceful, scenic backdrop makes Bear Lake feel like a special retreat where you can truly unwind and reconnect with loved ones.

A recurring theme across reviews is the suitability of these homes for big gatherings and multi-generational trips. Several comments mention hosting between two dozen and twenty-five guests, with ample space to sleep, socialize, and let kids spread out to play. Some properties feature multiple sleeping areas, including rooms above a detached garage and "under staircase" playrooms, which help accommodate large groups without feeling crowded. Families especially appreciate the way the layouts and common areas - large living rooms, decks, and dedicated game spaces - facilitate togetherness while still offering quieter corners for relaxing or reading. In one standout note, guests even described arranging pool tournaments and enjoying well-maintained recreation equipment like pool and foosball tables, with guest services promptly replenishing or repairing items as needed.

The properties vary in style but share an emphasis on practical, well-stocked kitchens and thoughtful extras that make a family stay easier. Reviewers frequently mention well-equipped kitchens, generous towel supplies, and handy touches like extra plastic bags and a range of games for the whole family. Some guests point out minor gaps, such as a missing hand mixer or a need to update furniture photos in listings, but these do not seem to significantly detract from the overall experience. The presence of outdoor amenities - hot tubs, hammocks, yard games, and fire pits - appears to be a major plus, especially for evenings spent on the deck or around a warm fire after a day on the lake.

Several properties stand out for their specific strengths. One family's three-year streak at Cubbyz Cabin underscores a reliable appeal: a well-kept, beautiful space that remains family-friendly year after year, with a yard that invites outdoor lounging and play. The Flamingo Hideaway earns praise for its cleanliness, a hit ping-pong table, and a well-stocked kitchen, with guests noting comfortable beds and reliable streaming options (even when Netflix didn't cooperate, other services did). The Lakehouse teams an amazing view with abundant room for a family, highlighting the all-important combination of scenery and space. And for those seeking proximity to Bear Lake's core attractions, properties like Harbor Village condo #104 and others near Garden City emphasize easy access to marina activities, local restaurants, and other popular spots - perfect for guests who want a balance of resort-like amenities and small-town convenience.

Dogs and outdoor recreation are a common throughline, with several reviews explicitly appreciating that canine companions are welcome. Many guests remark on the pet-friendly nature of the rentals and the joy of sharing Bear Lake's outdoor spaces with their dogs. The decks, water access, and near-world-class views create an inviting backdrop for family experiments with paddleboards and kayaks, as well as casual afternoons spent watching wildlife. For visitors who value privacy and a sense of being "away from it all," the combination of secluded lakefront scenery and well-tended yards is repeatedly cited as a major draw.

Not all feedback is glowing, and a few reviews offer a candid counterpoint that potential renters should heed. Some guests describe experiences that feel less customer-centric, including frustrations with automated responses or difficulty speaking with a live person, which can be particularly annoying for those who prefer direct, human contact when planning a stay. A handful of comments raise concerns about advertising accuracy, perceived value, and location relative to expectations. Comfort and connectivity issues also crop up in a couple of reviews: one property's WiFi is described as essentially unusable despite claims of free service, and there are mentions of a garage refrigerator needing to be plugged in upon arrival, as well as occasional glitches with streaming services. A note about "the office not nearby" and other logistical hiccups suggests that some guests value smoother on-site management or clearer information ahead of arrival.

Despite these caveats, the prevailing mood is one of enthusiasm for Bear Lake getaways that emphasize expansive space, scenic decks, comfortable interiors, and family-oriented recreation. Guests repeatedly celebrate the combination of abundant bedrooms, practical amenities, and the sense of freedom that comes from lounging on a deck with coffee in the morning or gathering for a lakeside meal after a day on the water. The memory of a serene, picturesque landscape - often described as unobstructed lake views and turquoise waters - along with the opportunity to host large groups and keep everyone entertained, tends to linger long after departure. For families, friends, and multi-generational reunions alike, these Bear Lake homes offer a compelling blend of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty that many guests say brings them back year after year.

Located in Garden City, Utah, this area offers a variety of amenities and services that would cater to seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient place to live. In terms of dining options, there are several restaurants within a reasonable driving distance, including Deer Cliff Inn Restaurant and Big J Burgers. Places of worship such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are also nearby for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Pharmacies like Key-Lix and Larry's Smithfield Pharmacy provide easy access to medication and health supplies. Additionally, parks like Lewiston Rodeo Grounds offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For medical needs, there are clinics such as Smithfield Clinic and North Cache Valley Clinic within close proximity. Overall, this area provides a comfortable environment with essential services readily available for seniors looking to settle down in Garden City, Utah.

Restaurants

• Deer Cliff Inn Restaurant (20.3 miles)
• Big J Burgers (21.3 miles)
• A&W Restaurant (24.1 miles)
• Wing Street (24.4 miles)
• Pizza Hut (24.4 miles)
• Subway (24.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the, Wards & Branches, Preston South, 2nd (21.6 miles)
• Valley Church (23.4 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (23.5 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (23.8 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (23.9 miles)
• Hyde Park Second Ward (23.9 miles)
• Smithfield Lds Seminary (23.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Key-Lix (23.4 miles)
• Larry's Smithfield Pharmacy (24.2 miles)
• Lee's Marketplace (24.4 miles)

Parks

• Lewiston Rodeo Grounds (23.9 miles)
• King Nature Park North Logan (23.9 miles)
• North Logan Parks Department (24.6 miles)
• First Dam (25 miles)

Physicians

• Smithfield Clinic (24.2 miles)
• North Cache Valley Clinic (24.8 miles)
• Avanced Spinal Authority Of Northern Utah (25 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (24.8 miles)