A stay at Wambolts is about slowing down, unplugging, and settling into lake life on Upper Bottle Lake. Most guests come here to swim, fish, read in hammocks, wander the trails, and listen to the loons. To keep the experience great for everyone, we have a few simple guidelines. Nothing too complicated — just the things that help the cabins, the lake, and the people around you stay happy.

By booking at Wambolts Cabins, I agree to the following:

Reservation Holder Responsibility
The person making the reservation must be 21 or older and is responsible for all guests staying in their cabin and visiting the property. The reservation holder accepts responsibility for any damages, missing items, or violations of resort policies caused by anyone in their group.

Payments & Cancellations

Deposit
50% of the reservation total is due at the time of booking.

Final Payment
The remaining balance will automatically be charged to the card on file 7 days before arrival. If you would like to set up a payment plan, please contact us and we’ll gladly help arrange one.

Cancellations

  • Cancellations 90 days or more before arrival receive an 80% refund.

  • Cancellations within 90 days are refundable only if the reservation can be rebooked, minus a $200 rebooking fee.

  • Early departures are not refundable.

Arrival & Departure

Check-in: After 4:00 PM
Checkout:10:00 AM

Your cabin key and Wi-Fi details will be waiting on the porch when you arrive. Please depart on time so we can prepare the cabin for the next guests.

Guests, Visitors, Parties & Events

Wambolts Cabins is reserved exclusively for registered guests. Only the guests listed on your reservation are permitted on the property unless prior approval has been given. Visitors, day guests, parties, or events are not allowed without advance permission. If unauthorized gatherings occur, Wambolts Cabins reserves the right to end the stay early without refund.

Parking

Vehicles may be near cabins for loading and unloading only (30 minutes). Please park in designated parking areas afterward so vehicles are not visible from the lake.

Towels & Cabin Supplies

Cabins include bedding, hand towels, and kitchen towels. Guests should bring their own bath and beach towels. Kitchen equipment varies by cabin. Please refer to your individual cabin page for specific kitchen items.

Pets

Pets are not allowed unless the entire property has been rented privately. There are several excellent boarding options available in Park Rapids.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are 11:00 PM – 8:00 AM. Please keep voices and music low and avoid late-night boisterous campfires so everyone can enjoy a peaceful stay.

Trash & Recycling (Bear Country)

Because this is bear country, garbage must be handled properly. All trash must be placed in the dumpster located at the end of the driveway. Do not leave garbage outside cabins, on porches, or anywhere on the property, as it attracts animals. Recycling bins are located near the shed. If you need help disposing of garbage during your stay, please call or text us and we’ll help.

Firewood & Campfires

To prevent the spread of pests such as emerald ash borer, outside firewood is not permitted. Firewood is available from the resort.
Please:

  • Use enclosed fire rings only

  • Never leave fires unattended

  • Fully extinguish fires with water before leaving

  • Follow all MN DNR fire restrictions

Swimming & Dock Safety

Swimming is at your own risk. There is no lifeguard on duty.
For safety:

  • No diving from docks

  • No running on docks

  • Children should be supervised near the water at all times
    Please keep docks clear of fishing gear, coolers, and chairs when not in use.

Sauna Use

Use of the sauna is at your own risk. Guests with medical conditions, pregnancy, or prescription medications should consult a physician before use.
Sauna safety guidelines include:

  • No alcohol, smoking, or nudity

  • Remove metal jewelry before entering

  • Limit sessions to 30 minutes or less

  • Stay hydrated

  • Use clean fresh water only on sauna rocks (no lake water)

  • Exit immediately if you feel dizzy or unwell

  • Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
    If booking for a group, the booking guest is responsible for informing all participants of these guidelines.

Boating & Watercraft

One motorized watercraft is permitted per cabin unless approved otherwise. Minnesota law requires:

  • A lifejacket for every person on board

  • Children under 16 must wear lifejackets

Boat renters are financially responsible for damage to boats during rental. Wambolts boats must use resort-provided fuel only. Pull-behind recreational devices (tubes, skis, wakeboards, etc.) are not permitted with Wambolts rental boats. Private boats must provide proof of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection before launching on Upper Bottle Lake. The public boat launch is located approximately one mile away off County 24.

Lake Courtesy

The Bottle Lakes are shared by everyone on the water. Please be respectful of other boaters, anglers, swimmers, and neighboring cabins. Avoid excessive wake near docks and swimming areas. Quiet early mornings and peaceful evenings are part of what makes lake life special.

Weather & Boat Responsibility

Lake weather can change quickly. Boat operators are responsible for monitoring weather conditions and returning to shore before storms arrive. Do not operate boats during lightning, severe winds, or storms. Please secure boats and equipment if severe weather is expected.

Septic System

Cabins operate on septic systems. Please flush toilet paper only. Do not flush wipes, hygiene products, paper towels, or “flushable” items.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted:

  • Inside cabins

  • Within 200 feet of buildings or the beach

  • In or near the sauna

Not Permitted

To maintain a peaceful environment, the following are not allowed:

  • Drones

  • Fireworks

  • Generators

Severe Weather

Weather in northern Minnesota can change quickly. Guests are responsible for monitoring weather conditions and taking appropriate precautions.

For container cabin guests, reinforced buildings available for shelter include:

  • The Bath House

  • The Wam

  • The Bolt

Log cabins are structurally safe for shelter during storms. For additional safety, move to an interior room away from windows if needed. Please avoid entering the lake during lightning or severe weather.

Personal Property

Wambolts Cabins is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings. Please keep valuables secure.

Be Cool

Wambolts is a place to unplug, slow down, and enjoy lake life. If a guest is unsafe, disruptive, or interfering with the experience of others, Wambolts Cabins reserves the right to end the stay early without refund.

Agreement to Policies

By completing a reservation at Wambolts Cabins, guests confirm they have read, understood, and agree to these policies.