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.
How to Plan the Perfect Family Vacation at O’Connell Cabin Co.
By Brad O'Connell · May 28, 2025
travel tips and guides
Planning a family vacation that keeps everyone happy—from toddlers to teens to grandparents—can feel like a tall order. But at O’Connell Cabin Co., our four lakefront cabins in Stone Lake, Wisconsin, make it easy to create memories that last a lifetime. Nestled on Lower Holly Lake (Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, and Cattail Cottage) and Little Sand Lake (Little Sand Lodge), our cabins offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly amenities. With summer in full swing, here’s your guide to planning the ultimate family getaway at O’Connell Cabin Co., packed with tips to ensure a seamless and fun-filled trip.
1. Choose the Right Cabin for Your Crew
Our four cabins are similar in size and packed with family-friendly features, making it easy to pick the perfect fit. Cattail Cabin on Lower Holly Lake sleeps up to 8, ideal for medium-sized families, while Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage (also on Lower Holly Lake), and Little Sand Lodge (on Little Sand Lake) each sleep up to 10, great for larger groups or multi-family trips. All cabins boast full kitchens for kid-friendly meals, cozy living areas for movie nights, and private docks for lake fun. They’re also pet-friendly, so your furry family members can join the adventure. With June dates still available, now’s the time to secure your summer escape—check availability at www.oconnellcabinco.com and book early to snag your spot.
2. Pack Smart for Lakefront Adventures
Stone Lake’s summer vibe calls for a strategic packing list. For lake days on Lower Holly Lake or Little Sand Lake, bring swimsuits, water shoes, and floaties for the kids. Pack fishing rods for casting off your cabin’s dock or rent gear from local outfitters. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and reusable water bottles for outings to nearby attractions. For cozy evenings, include s’mores supplies for the fire pit and extra blankets for stargazing on the deck—our cabins already come stocked with plenty of board games for family fun. The full kitchens mean you can pack snacks or ingredients for family dinners, saving time and money.
3. Plan Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby
Stone Lake and its surroundings are packed with activities to keep kids entertained. Start with a visit to the Wilderness Walk Zoo & Western Town, just 3 miles south of Hayward on Highway 27, where kids and adults can feed goats, meet tigers, and pan for gold. For nature lovers, the Stone Lake Wetland Park, minutes from our cabins, offers easy boardwalk trails perfect for spotting loons or herons. Active families can explore the CAMBA trails in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest for biking or gentle hikes on the Namekagon Trail. A short drive to Hayward brings you to the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame or Lumberjack Shows, delighting kids with Northwoods flair.
4. Create a Flexible Itinerary
Balance adventure and downtime to keep everyone happy. Kick off your day with a morning paddle on Lower Holly Lake or Little Sand Lake, followed by a picnic lunch at your cabin. Spend afternoons exploring local attractions like the Wilderness Walk Zoo or swimming at nearby Stone Lake. Evenings are perfect for family bonding—roast marshmallows at the fire pit, enjoy the cabin’s board games, or take a sunset drive along Highway 70. Build in rest days to lounge on your cabin’s deck or let kids play in the yard. Our cabins’ Wi-Fi keeps teens connected, while the serene lakefront setting helps everyone unplug.
5. Make Memories with Family Traditions
A cabin vacation is a chance to start traditions that bring your family back year after year. Host a nightly campfire storytelling session or organize a family fishing contest off your cabin’s dock. Set up a scavenger hunt in the Stone Lake Wetland Park or a photo challenge to capture summer sunsets. Our cabins’ spacious layouts and outdoor areas—like decks and grills—make it easy to host barbecues or stargazing parties. These moments turn a vacation into a cherished tradition, and our pet-friendly cabins ensure every family member is included.
Book Your Family Getaway Today
With June dates still open, now’s the perfect time to plan your family vacation at O’Connell Cabin Co. Visit www.oconnellcabinco.com to reserve Cattail Cabin, Cattail Chalet, Cattail Cottage, or Little Sand Lodge. Whether you’re splashing in Lower Holly Lake or exploring Stone Lake’s adventures, our cabins are your home base for family fun.
Pro Tip**:** Bring a journal to jot down your family’s favorite moments, from zoo visits to campfire laughs, to relive the magic of your Stone Lake getaway!
