Indian River, Michigan, is home to the Indian River Resort. In total, there are 159 accommodations available for reservations, 140 of which are dedicated to RV sites, 9 are rustic cabins, and the remaining 10 are for tent camping. Each type of unit has specific amenities, varying from picnic tables, fire pits, and a grass yard to hookups such as water and electricity. WiFi and several communal areas are available throughout the 30-acre property as well. Those who brought pets with them can utilize the on-site dog run; other common areas include a volleyball pit, horseshoe pit, laundry room, and a convenience store. The store is located next to the main office where people can purchase branded merchandise and camping essentials, among other items. Indian River RV Resort is open seasonally from May 1st to September 30th.
Indian River RV Resort is a relatively popular destination for camping enthusiasts, offering a variety of units and amenities. With 150 sites in total, the resort provides a mix of 140 RV sites and 10 sites designated explicitly for tents. All RV sites include full hookup, ensuring access to water and electricity. Specifically, the sites offer the option of either 30- or 50-amp services. The RV sites are situated on a combination of grass and gravel, with the majority of the park featuring a mixture of grass and sand. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit.
Certain sites at Indian River RV Resort have gained popularity among guests due to their different features. Site 17, for example, is situated at the end of the park, providing a relatively quieter and more private setting. According to the owner, another popular choice is site 56, known as the deluxe site or super site, which contains sod, an outdoor kitchen, an asphalt landing strip, and full hookup facilities.
For those seeking alternative accommodation options, the resort has nine rustic cabins. These cabins can accommodate up to six people and are equipped with heating and air conditioning, a microwave oven, and a mini fridge. While the cabins do not have running water or bathrooms inside, they do come with a picnic table and a fire pit outside.
Indian River RV Resort aims to provide a pleasant and well-rounded experience for its guests, remarks the owner of the property. The campground is surrounded by trees, which can offer patrons shade during the day. The park spans approximately 30 acres and has a range of features, including a playground for children, a heated swimming pool, and flowers adorning the bathhouses. The showers and bathrooms are accessible 24/7 for campers to utilize throughout their stay.
In addition to the individual sites, Indian River RV Resort has various communal areas for those staying at the property to explore and enjoy. A designated dog run allows pet owners to exercise their dogs in a separate environment. For visitors with friends or family members joining them, there is an additional parking area available. The resort also features a volleyball pit, horseshoe pit, and laundry room. A convenience store can be found next to the main office. There, patrons can find a range of camping essentials, snacks, and beverages, as well as branded merchandise.
Within the vicinity of the resort, guests can explore the rural, residential area, passing through small towns. There are also several nearby tourist attractions, including the Cross in the Woods, which houses a relatively large crucifix. Additionally, tourists can also visit the fossilized Petoskey stones in Petoskey, Michigan. For those looking to venture further, Mackinaw City and its Mackinac Island can be visited via ferry ride. Additionally, the surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as ATV trails, hiking trails, and biking trails.
While there are currently no immediate plans for expansion, the owners of Indian River RV Resort remain open to future developments. The resort aims to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for visitors, complemented by the nearby attractions and the natural sites of the surrounding area.
Indian River RV Resort has the goal of creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for all those who stay at the property. The primary aim is to make visitors feel at home during their stay, remarks the owner. From the moment guests arrive, the staff at the front desk strive to exhibit a warm and friendly greeting. Ways they try to accomplish this is by looking to provide a smooth check-in process and even escort the new arrivals to their respective sites. The owner says that they intend to emphasize exceptional customer service, making an effort to assist patrons with their needs and requests.
One of the key aspects of the resort’s goal is convenience, as reported by the owner. For example, the store offers a charging system for amenities and supplies, enabling those staying at the resort to make purchases without leaving their sites. Firewood and propane can be delivered directly to their location, eliminating the need for patrons to handle logistics themselves.
The owner and staff have a fairly considerable amount of engagement with those staying on the property by making time for interactions. Whether it’s a quick chat while driving through the park or stopping to check on guests’ well-being, the owner says that they prioritize building relationships and making new friends.
While the resort does not currently host on-site events or activities, it collaborates with local establishments to provide visitors with opportunities to explore the surrounding area. The owner suggests that guests venture out to nearby attractions such as the Club Horseshoe Pit or visit the Petoskey Stones in Mackinaw.
In terms of policies, Indian River RV Resort places an emphasis on creating a courteous and respectful environment. The simple rule encapsulates the main policy, “Don’t be a jerk,” remarks the owner. Visitors are expected to be mindful of others. The quiet time policy from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. further reinforces the importance of considerate behavior. Other policies focus on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. The resort strictly prohibits smoking or vaping in any of the buildings. Generally speaking, pets are not allowed inside the buildings to accommodate visitors with allergies, but exceptions can be made for service animals. The resort strives to focus on cleanliness, and guests often comment on the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One review left by a previous patron says, “One of the nicest and cleanest campgrounds, very clean bath house, even the walking trails are clean.”
Indian River RV Resort has a history that spans approximately 25 years. The property was originally acquired and transformed into a campground resort by previous owners, who owned it for around 20 years. After the change in ownership, the new owners started implementing improvements, particularly focusing on enhancing the online experience for guests. They laid the foundation for the majority of the park’s development, shaping it into what visitors see today, according to the current owner who acquired the property four years ago.
One notable update was the introduction of online reservations, allowing visitors to book their stays at any time, even outside of regular business hours. The owner also addressed traffic flow concerns by adding an exit that can facilitate what the owner hopes to be a relatively smooth and efficient movement of vehicles within the park. Additionally, WiFi coverage was introduced throughout the park, with efforts made to boost its strength to accommodate multiple devices. Parking areas were created as well by repurposing previously unused storage spaces. Furthermore, the owner incorporated amenities such as a dog run and various features in the recreational areas. As for future plans, the owner remarks that their focus is on ongoing improvements that could benefit those staying at the resort.
The owner’s personal connection to the lodging industry stems from a childhood immersed in the RV business. Having traveled extensively in an RV with their family for six years, they gained firsthand experience and insights into different RV resorts, parks, and campgrounds across the United States. This accumulated knowledge and desire to create a better experience led them to explore the possibility of owning and operating their own campground, the owner notes. Since taking over the resort four years ago, they have tried to be dedicated to implementing their ideas and vision. In terms of job satisfaction, the owner finds contentment in interacting with customers and trying to make their experience at the resort enjoyable.
561 N Straits Hwy
Indian River, Michigan 49749
United States
Campground
