GoHotelly
2-star hotel

Tamarac Bay Resort

Enjoy simple cabins, free boats, and a swimming beach at Tamarac Bay Resort in Rochert, MN. Near Island Lake and top wildlife stops like Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.

40728 Co Rd 126, Rochert, MN 56578, United States View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 44 recent guest reviews
Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Relaxed fishing resort with a nostalgic charm

Guests appreciate the simple yet well-maintained cabins, friendly service, and lakeside setting ideal for fishing and outdoor activities. This no-frills retreat offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with convenient amenities to support a memorable stay.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly and helpful staff who create a welcoming environment
  • Clean, rustic cabins with modern conveniences and recent renovations
  • Beautiful, accessible lake views and a clean sandy beach
  • Availability of fishing boats, pontoons, and up-to-date beach equipment
  • Convenient general store with food items, camp supplies, and casual dining options

Worth knowing

  • The resort has a rustic, no-frills vibe—expect a comfortable, casual stay rather than luxury
  • Seasonal operation with focus on fishing and outdoor activities
  • Some fishing boats are older but well-maintained and enjoyable to use
  • Wheelchair accessible cabins and mostly level grounds provide easier mobility
  • Office open 24 hours with an honor system for signing out equipment and supplies

Best for

  • Fishing enthusiasts seeking a lakeside getaway with boat access
  • Families looking for a kid-friendly, safe, and relaxed outdoor environment
  • Visitors who appreciate nostalgic, old-school Minnesota lake resorts
  • Guests wanting simple cabins with easy access to natural attractions nearby
  • Travelers searching for affordable, no-fuss accommodations near Detroit Lakes
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Tamarac Bay Resort

Located along County Road 126 with views over Island Lake, Tamarac Bay Resort offers a rustic, fishing-focused setting ideal for visitors seeking a simple, outdoors experience. This seasonal resort features basic cabins that lean on nostalgia, some updated with modern conveniences and accessibility features, as noted by guests who appreciate both the charm and recent renovations. The property includes a sandy swimming beach, free use of boats including pontoons, and a general store that provides essentials and casual dining options like pizza and ice cream.

The resort’s atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, catering especially to families and fishing enthusiasts who value a quiet lakeside retreat without the trappings of luxury accommodations. Reviewers highlight the friendly, attentive staff and a well-maintained environment with clean shared spaces and sturdy docks. The availability of a 24-hour office with an honor system for checking out equipment adds a practical convenience for guests.

Nearby attractions such as the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Toad Lake, and Height of Land Lake offer additional outdoor activities within reasonable driving distance. Guests can reach the resort from Hector International Airport or Bemidji Regional Airport in just over an hour by car. Although simple in style, Tamarac Bay Resort suits those looking for an accessible, nature-oriented getaway with an emphasis on fishing and lakeside recreation.

While the resort’s rustic charm and practical amenities appeal to many returning visitors, some may find the accommodations basic compared to more upscale options nearby. The emphasis remains on an easy-going, outdoors lifestyle rather than upscale hospitality, making it a good fit for travelers prioritizing affordability and a genuine Minnesota lake experience.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Kid-friendly
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

MC
Mary Crandall Mar 24, 2026
10

Absolutely wonderful experience at this resort! I was blown away with the way the owners son/wife treated us. Fantastic customer experience! They made our stay so memorable. Cabins are super cute, beach and shared areas are clean, lots of fun things to do!

TT
tgrigg11 TonyG Mar 17, 2026
10

Rustic, relaxed fishing camp/resort. Nothing is fancy or classy here. Just cabins in the woods along the lake. Good fishing and boating. I've been coming here for over 20 years.

DL
Denise Litchfield Mar 17, 2026
10

I love this place! It has a great deal of nostalgia that people absolutely love. There’s a wide array of items available from sundries, condiments, general cooking items. They try and keep pizza available for that lazy evening. Who doesn’t want ice cream! They have that too. The fishing boats are again nostalgic but fun to use. They are oldies but goodies! The cabins are rustic with modern conveniences. They try to keep beach equipment up to date. Two pontoons available (fishing and leisure). Overall very relaxing environment.

CB
Connie Barbeau Mar 07, 2026
10

Every cabin is close to and has a beautiful view of the lake. Small, well run resort. Very clean with an awesome Sandy beach!

TR
Taylor Reine Feb 15, 2026
8.0

Amazing price for a hidden gem like this. The owner is just as amazing as the resort itself. All kitchen supplies included. There is also an office nearby that has food, charcoal, and many other items you need for camping. Will return for another summer vacation.

PO
Paula Osvold Jan 24, 2026
10

Our family and friends have stayed at several resorts annually over the past 20 years, always searching for the perfect place to return to. This year, we stayed at Tamarac for the first time and believe we've found our ideal spot! The resort features friendly, easy-going staff, a smaller and safe environment, sturdy docks, a beautiful clear lake, and multiple cabin layouts. Additionally, the office is open 24 hours, allowing guests to sign out items on an honor system, which we love for its convenience and trust. We've already booked our stay for 2026!

PL(
P. Lane (PRIME3170) Jan 23, 2026
10

Amazing refurbished cabins! One of them is wheelchair accessible with ramps, 40” wide doors, and roll-in shower. The property is mostly level so easy to get around. If you bring a 8’ ramp you can make one of the docks accessible too. We spend a week here every year and they’ve invested a lot into recent renovations.

SB
Stacy Bare Dec 31, 2025
10

Old school Minnesota Lake resort. My wife's family has been coming here since the 60s. I've been coming every few years since 2011. The new ownership is investing heavily into updating all the cabins. The addition of the covered outdoor eating area, and the updated common room are awesome. The focus is on being outside, on the lake or go for a short drive to tube the Otter Tail, hike the North Country Trail, or go mountain biking / hiking at Maplelags Resort or Detroit Lakes Mountain. Its a no fuss, outstanding resort and you can't beat the price.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Tamarac Bay Resort

Rochert, Minnesota, USA

Set along County Road 126 and overlooking Island Lake, this seasonal fishing resort lies 20.4 miles from downtown Detroit Lakes and 22.6 miles from the Smoky Hills State Forest.

  • Hector International Airport 1 hr 19 Car
  • Bemidji Regional Airport 1 hr 15 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Minnesota. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center 179 reviews

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

35704 270 St, Rochert, MN 56578, United States

4.8 · Visitor Center
Toad Lake 16 reviews

Toad Lake

Toad Lake Township, MN 56570, USA

4.7 · Lake
Height of Land Lake 15 reviews

Height of Land Lake

Height of Land Township, MN, USA

4.7 · Lake
People also viewed

Similar Resort Hotels in Minnesota

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

105 N Killarney Ln, Richmond, KY 40475, United States

Quality Quarters Inn

Quality Quarters Inn offers free WiFi, pool, and petfriendly rooms in Richmond, KY. Close to Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and Fort...

2.7 (265) View
24455 Hemlock Ave, Moreno Valley, CA 92557, United States

WoodSpring Suites Moreno Valley

Stay at WoodSpring Suites Moreno Valley, a 3star extended stay hotel near March Field Air Museum and Riverside Art Museum with LG...

3 (107) View
390 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

Courtyard by Marriott Rochester Downtown

Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Rochester Downtown with free WiFi, parking, and fitness center. Close to museums, historic sites, a...

4.5 (253) View
11000 Cloud Cap Rd, Mt Hood, OR 97041, United States

Cooper Spur Family Ski Area

Stay at Cooper Spur Family Ski Area, a familyfriendly ski resort in Mt Hood, OR offering accommodations, tavern, hot tubs, and pr...

4.4 (70) View
909 Main St, Elk Point, SD 57025, United States

Hometowne Inn

Stay at Hometowne Inn Motel, Elk Point, SD. Rated 4.4 from 119 reviews, offers kidfriendly amenities by Ponca State Park and near...

4.4 (119) View
5837 Monticello Dr, Montgomery, AL 36117, United States

Travelodge by Wyndham Montgomery East

Stay at Travelodge by Wyndham Montgomery East with free WiFi, parking, and petfriendly rooms. Conveniently near Montgomery Museu...

3.4 (58) View
2501 Sunnyside Dr, Cadillac, MI 49601, United States

Econo Lodge Cadillac

Straightforward hotel with free parking, WiFi & breakfast near Lake Cadillac. Rated 4.2 from 457 reviews, ideal for visitors seek...

4.2 (457) View
41421 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, United States

Sessions Retreat & Hotel

Stay at Sessions Retreat & Hotel, a highly rated LGBTQ+ friendly hotel in Big Bear Lake, CA. Close to Snow Summit, Bear Mountain S...

4.8 (210) View
142 Library Dr, Houma, LA 70360, United States

Courtyard by Marriott Houma

Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Houma featuring indoor/outdoor pools, free WiFi, a restaurant, and LGBTQ+ friendly amenities. Close ...

4.4 (668) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Tamarac Bay Resort? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.