While the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort may be the most popular draw for visitors to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, nature lovers know that the countryside surrounding this small city, with its towering oaks and meandering rivers, also makes the trip worthwhile. As a bonus, nearby campgrounds provide the ideal vantage points from which to explore Central Michigan's rural landscapes.
Known by locals as The Hill, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Campground primarily accommodates patrons from the nearby tribe-operated casino. That said, it's also a calling card for anyone who enjoys fresh air and shady oak trees. The campground, located just 5 miles from Mt. Pleasant's city center, operates seasonally during Michigan's warmer months. The park contains camping sites equipped with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups for RVs. These sites are available on a nightly, weekly, monthly and seasonal basis. A dumping station is also on site. Tent campers are welcome too; The Hill provides both primitive and water- and electrical-equipped sites for tents.
Situated roughly 16 miles northwest of Mt. Pleasant, Gammy Woods Campground provides a family-friendly atmosphere. Its 83 campsites accommodate both tents and RVs. Tent sites, set against a wooded backdrop, are primitive and rustic. In contrast, RV sites come equipped with 30- and 50-amp electrical and water hookups.Two cabins are also available for rent. While pets are allowed, dogs must be kept on leashes. While here, you can spend your days swimming and playing volleyball at the park's private beach. The campground also has a game room where it's possible to shoot some pool.
River Ridge Campground lies on the banks of the winding Pine River, with more than 30 campsites overlooking the waterway. The campground, situated approximately 20 miles southeast of Mt. Pleasant, hosts 150 campsites and two cabins. Given its proximity to the Pine River, not to mention the swimming beach at the on-site Milford Pond and a heated in-ground swimming pool, this campground is the go-to spot for those who want to spend some quality time by the water. River Ridge Campground hosts a combination of rustic tent sites and RV sites with 30- and 50-amp electrical and water hookups.
From the first of May through the end of September, Family Campground welcomes all campers, although it is especially accommodating to large groups and families. This quiet and peaceful campground, located approximately 27 miles southwest of Mt. Pleasant, hosts large, shaded campsites complete with picnic tables and fire rings. Some sites are equipped with water and electrical hookups and pull-through capabilities for large RVs. Campers can enjoy fishing at the nearby pond or playing horseshoes, shuffleboard and basketball at the park's facilities.
