Lakefront Cabins on Lower Holly & Little Sand Lakes
Two private wood-fired saunas, fishing boats at Cattail Cabin and Little Sand Lodge, and up to 2 dogs welcome ($150 flat)
At O'Connell Cabin Co., the lake's tranquil presence sets a peaceful tone. Our pet-friendly cabins offer a harmonious blend of rustic allure and modern amenities, inviting you to linger by the fire pit or unwind in our wood-burning saunas. Embrace the simplicity and beauty of lakeside living, where every moment is a gentle escape.
Our Cabins
Located in Sawyer County just 20 minutes south of Hayward.
Hear first when this host opens direct rates or adds a new place.
Hi. In 2014 my wife and I rented a cabin in northern Wisconsin. We loved it so much that we rented the same cabin again a couple months later. It was then that we started thinking about doing this ourselves so that we could share this experience with others. After a lot of thought, some careful planning, and convincing family members to join us, we finished construction on our first cabin in the fall of 2018. My family and I now own 4 lakeside vacation rental cabins in the Stone Lake, Wisconsin area. We work with a local builder to build them brand new and then rent them out when they're finished. We self-manage our properties too, and always will. We felt this is the only way to provide a truly unique, peaceful, and complete experience for our guests. Perfect for any season, our cabins are for those who feel the need to get away every once in a while, because we can totally relate. Whether you're looking for a summer get-away or planning a winter snowmobiling weekend, you can book your stay with us directly on this website. We would look forward to having you.
Brad
FAQ
Our most frequently asked questions, all in one spot.
One hundred percent (100%) of the total booking charges will be refunded if cancellation is made more than 14 days prior to arrival. Fifty percent (50%) will be refunded if cancellation is made more than 7 days prior. For cancellations within 7 days of arrival, no refund will be issued. We understand plans change — just let us know as soon as possible so we can work with you.
We're pet-friendly and love welcoming dogs! A maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs are allowed with a flat $150 fee (whether 1 or 2 dogs). No cats, please. Kindly declare pets on your reservation so we can prepare for their arrival — we want them to feel at home too.
Check-in is 4pm or later. Check-out is 10am.
Yes! We offer early check-in (before 4pm) and late check-out (after 10am) when available, each at a $50 fee. Guests must request and confirm availability at least 24 hours prior to arrival or departure. The fee is due upon confirmation. We love helping extend your stay — just ask!
Lower Holly Lake and Little Sand Lake are both swimmable, as long as you're okay with a natural lake bottom (a mix of sand, muck, and aquatic vegetation along the shoreline). The water is clean and clear, and the lakes are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing — including Northern Pike and pan fish. Bring water shoes if you like!
There are several great restaurants in the area! Check out our Local Guide for our favorite local spots — from casual pubs and micro-brews in Stone Lake to more options in Hayward (just 20 minutes north).
Lots of great attractions! Check out our Local Guide for our curated recommendations — snowmobiling/ATV trails, CAMBA mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, local events, and more.
We're about 20 minutes south of Hayward, making us a quieter, more peaceful base for Hayward events, shopping, and attractions while still offering lakefront relaxation.
All cabins include high-speed internet, central air, Smart HDTVs, laundry facilities, firewood for the fire pit, and lake gear (kayaks, canoe, pedal boat). We also have a fishing boat + trolling motor at Cattail Cabin and Little Sand Lodge. Cattail Chalet and Little Sand Lodge each have a private sauna — perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails.
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Discover the stories behind O'Connell Cabin Co.'s lakeside retreats in our curated blog. Dive into tales of serene mornings on the deck, the timeless charm of wood-burning saunas, and evenings spent by the fire pit. Explore the harmony of rustic allure and modern comfort that defines each stay, offering a gentle escape into nature's embrace.
Hayward Cabins: Your Cozy Basecamp for Trails, Lakes & Northwoods Adventure – O’Connell Cabin Co.
By Brad O'Connell · February 13, 2026
cabin life
Hey, Hayward-bound adventurers! If you're planning a trip to Hayward—whether it's for the world-class CAMBA mountain bike trails, the American Birkebeiner ski race, a weekend of lake time, or just soaking up that classic Northwoods vibe—finding the right cabin makes all the difference. And here's the good news: our four lakefront cabins at O’Connell Cabin Co. are just a quick 15–20 minute drive from downtown Hayward, putting you close enough to grab dinner on Main Street or hit the trails, but far enough to feel like you're truly escaping into peaceful woods and water.
We're talking Lower Holly Lake and Little Sand Lake—quiet gems where the biggest "traffic" is a loon calling or your pup splashing off the dock. All four cabins are pet-friendly (up to 2 dogs, $150 fee), sleep exactly 8 with a king master, and come with private docks, kayaks/canoes, fire pits, and full kitchens. Let's break down why these spots make the perfect Hayward getaway.
Why Stay Just Outside Hayward?
Hayward is buzzing with restaurants (Coop’s Pizza, Angler’s, Tamarack Farms), shops, the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, and year-round events. But after a day of biking, skiing, or exploring, you want quiet. That's where we shine:
15–20 minute drive to Hayward's Main Street action
Right on serene lakes with private docks—no sharing beaches or boat traffic
Perfect recovery after trails: sauna at Cattail Chalet, double fireplaces at Cattail Cottage and Little Sand Lodge, arcade downtime at Cattail Cabin
Trailer parking for sleds, bikes, or kayaks—no hassle
Whether you're hitting the Hayward Cluster of CAMBA trails (20 minutes to Hatchery Creek Northbound trailhead) or just want a lakeside unwind, you're close to everything without being in the middle of it.
Our Four Cabins – All Within Easy Reach of Hayward
Cattail Chalet — The sauna star: authentic 4-person wood-burning sauna with lake-view window. Ideal for post-trail recovery or romantic resets. Gas fireplace on main floor, spacious deck, private dock. Sleeps 8.
Cattail Cabin — Fun central: full arcade room (Pac-Man, Golden Tee, Fast and Furious) for rainy days or kids, plus the biggest yard for pup zoomies. Lake-facing deck, private dock. Sleeps 8.
Cattail Cottage — Intimate charm: stone-faced gas fireplace on main floor (plus another downstairs), knotty-pine warmth, fire pit steps from the house. Sleeps 8.
Little Sand Lodge — Double-fireplace comfort: gas fireplaces on both levels, huge deck over calm bay, expansive yard. Sleeps 8.
What Guests Love About Staying Near Hayward
From recent stays: “The sauna is amazing... perfect for relaxing” (Katie L., Jan 2026 at Cattail Chalet). Or families raving about the arcade and dock time. You're close to Hayward's eats (Coop’s Pizza takeout anyone?) and events, but come back to your own quiet lake—no sharing docks or noise.
All cabins include:
Private dock & water toys
Fire pit + firewood
Full kitchen, Blackstone griddle, fast Wi-Fi
Pet-friendly (bring the adventure dog!)
Spring/summer 2026 is booking up—CAMBA trails, fishing, kayaking, and Hayward festivals await. Check real-time dates at oconnellcabinco.com and secure your spot.
Pro Tip: Book mid-week for quieter trails and lake time—plus easier availability. Those flexible dates are still open—grab one at oconnellcabinco.com before the calendar fills!
