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.
Spring Preview: What March–May Looks Like at Our Stone Lake Cabins
By Brad O'Connell · March 8, 2026
cabin life
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like when the Northwoods start to wake up after a long winter, March through May is the sweet spot. The ice begins to thaw on Lower Holly and Little Sand Lake, the loons return with their haunting calls, the pines smell fresher, and those first warm days make you want to throw open every window and let the breeze chase out the last bit of cabin coziness.
At O’Connell Cabin Co., this shoulder season is one of our favorite times to be here—fewer crowds, softer light for those epic dock sunsets, and the feeling that you’ve got the lakes almost to yourself. Whether you’re planning an early-season escape or already eyeing summer dates, here’s what March–May really looks like at our four lakefront cabins.
The Slow, Beautiful Thaw
March can still feel like winter’s last stand—snow lingers in the shade, trails are a mix of mud and ice, and the sauna at Cattail Chalet gets extra love. But by mid-to-late March, the days stretch longer, the sun feels warmer, and you’ll start seeing open water patches on the lakes.
April brings the real shift: Lakes are mostly unthawed by this time (earlier on smaller bays, later on bigger lakes), the first green shoots poke through, and the trumpeter swans and sandhill cranes start showing up. May is pure magic—everything’s alive, wildflowers dot the woods, and the water’s finally warm enough for a quick dip off the dock (or at least a brave paddle in the kayak).
The best part? The pace is relaxed. No summer boat traffic yet, no packed trails, just you, your crew (and maybe the pup), and that quiet “it’s just starting” energy.
What’s Open & What’s Happening Nearby
Trails & Biking: CAMBA’s Hayward Cluster starts to dry out in April/May—perfect for early fat-tire rides or spring hikes. Hunt Hill Nature Center and Nordic Woods are usually accessible sooner than the bigger systems.
Fishing: Early catch-and-release season opens in March; Northern pike, bass, and panfish start biting as the water warms. Our private docks make shore casting or kayak fishing effortless.
Local Eats: Pine Ridge, Coop’s Pizza, Angler’s, Summers on Long, and Red Schoolhouse Wines are all open and less busy than peak summer—great for a quick dinner or takeout back to the cabin.
Events: Hayward’s spring calendar is light but charming—check for early-season fish derbies, farmers markets, or the occasional trail event through CAMBA.
Cabin Life in Shoulder Season
This is when the cabins really shine as a cozy retreat:
Cattail Chalet → That wood-burning sauna becomes a daily ritual—nothing beats sweating it out while watching the lake thaw.
Cattail Cabin → Arcade nights and big yard romps for kids/pups when the weather’s still iffy.
Cattail Cottage → Stone fireplace glow and quiet deck time for couples or small families wanting intimacy.
Little Sand Lodge → Double fireplaces and expansive bay views for the ultimate unwind.
All four have private docks (great for early fishing or just sitting), fire pits (bring the marshmallows), full kitchens, and fast Wi-Fi. Pet-friendly as always (up to 2 dogs, $150 fee), and trailer parking is easy for bikes or boats.
Availability & Booking Tips
March–May is our shoulder season sweet spot—rates are lower, weekends are quieter, and you can often snag mid-week stays with flexibility. Summer 2026 is already filling in popular weeks, so if you’re thinking ahead, now’s the time to lock in your favorite cabin before the calendar tightens up.
Ready to catch spring as it unfolds? Check real-time dates at oconnellcabinco.com and let’s get your lakeside reset on the books.
Pro Tip: Book a mid-week arrival (Monday–Thursday) in April or May—you’ll have the trails and lakes practically to yourself, plus more breathing room on the calendar. Those flexible dates are still wide open—grab one at oconnellcabinco.com today!
