Though some Thousand Trails parks are open to the public, preferential treatment is given to campers who have purchased zone passes or discount card memberships. Thousand Trails has the United States organized into four zones, and customers must pay enrollment fees for each zone in which they want to camp. In 2010, a pass for one zone was free, and each additional zone $795, although you can purchase a four-zone pass for $1,995. Pass club members must also keep up with the annual membership charge. The Thousand Trails pass club has some length-of-stay rules. Members can camp at one resort for up to 14 days at a time, but must then wait seven days before camping again. Stays of fewer than four nights, however, do not require a waiting period. The annual fees and pass charges get members unlimited camping, on a first-come, first-served basis, at all parks in their zone (or zones). Thousand Trails also has a discount card program called "Ready, Camp, Go," that offers different discount packages with different levels of benefits. The least expensive level is silver, where members pay $49 per month for a membership and get 30 nights of stays in standard sites, at $20 per night.
Bear Cave Campground is located in Buchanan, Michigan, about 12 miles from South Bend. Bear Cave itself is filled with petrified leaves, flowstone and stalactites. The campground is set on acres of shady hills and wooded ravines, and is close to the St. Joseph River. Bear Cave Campground has 70 RV sites and five tent camping sites, as well as 10 park models for rent. The resort offers a clubhouse, general store, laundry facilities and hot tub, as well as a game room, playground and pavilion. Guests can fish, swim, boat or play horseshoes, basketball and shuffleboard. The Red Bud Track and Trail is less than half a mile away, and the Lemon Creek and Tabor Hill wineries are less than 10 miles away.
Bear Cave Campground
4085 N. Red Bud Trail
Buchanan, MI 49107
269-695-3050
1000trails.com
St. Clair Campground is located on 220 acres and is five miles east of the St. Clair River. The campground has 97 sites with full water, sewer and electrical hookups and an additional 24 sites with electricity and water only. There are also cabins for rent. St. Clair has a family center, wireless Internet access and a fenced exercise run for dogs. Guests can hike, swim or play miniature golf. The resort also has pickle ball, volleyball and shuffleboard courts, as well as horseshoe pits. Guests are within 15 miles of Lake Huron and the Blue Water Bridge.
St. Clair Campground
1299 Wadhams Road
St. Clair, MI 49079
810-329-7129
1000trails.com
