Big Bend Family Campground

For Michigan families and outdoor enthusiasts, discovering a campground that offers more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent is a true gem. Big Bend Family Campground in Standish fits this description perfectly, standing out as a vibrant and engaging destination nestled right on the beautiful Rifle River. Owned and operated by a hardworking, honest family, this property is designed to create lasting memories, offering a beautiful, large layout that is exceptionally well-maintained. It's renowned for its packed calendar of activities throughout the season, transforming a simple camping trip into an unforgettable experience. For Michiganders seeking a getaway that combines the tranquility of nature with endless opportunities for fun and connection, Big Bend Family Campground is a standout choice in the heart of our state.

The essence of a truly great Michigan camping experience lies in its ability to cater to diverse interests and provide a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Big Bend Family Campground excels in this regard, consistently delivering "tons of activities all summer long." From exciting events like car shows and mud bogs to themed weekends that encourage participation and laughter, there's always something happening to keep everyone entertained. Beyond the structured fun, the natural beauty of the Rifle River, with convenient river trips ending right back at the campground, offers a peaceful retreat. The presence of multiple playgrounds, a pool, a pond with a nice beach, and a game room ensures that every member of the family finds their joy. This commitment to a well-rounded and engaging experience, making it a "perfect place to make memories," is what truly sets Big Bend Family Campground apart for Michigan locals looking for their ideal outdoor escape.

Big Bend Family Campground is conveniently situated at 513 Conrad Rd, Standish, MI 48658, USA. This prime location places it directly on the scenic Rifle River, offering immediate access to a vital natural resource for recreation. Standish, a community in Arenac County, is part of Michigan's "Sunrise Side" region, known for its natural beauty and proximity to Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. For Michigan residents, this address offers excellent accessibility from various parts of the Lower Peninsula. It’s a straightforward drive via major state routes and highways, making it a manageable journey for families from urban centers or other parts of the state.

The accessibility of Big Bend Family Campground is a significant advantage for Michigan locals. Its location provides that desirable balance of feeling like a true escape into nature, while still being relatively easy to reach. Once you arrive, the campground's setup along the Rifle River is particularly beneficial for those interested in water activities, with the convenient feature that "your river trips ends right back at campground." This eliminates logistical hassles and maximizes enjoyment of tubing, canoeing, or kayaking. The overall peaceful yet activity-rich environment, combined with its reasonable driving distance from many Michigan communities, makes Big Bend Family Campground a highly accessible and appealing destination for a wide range of recreational pursuits.

Big Bend Family Campground is committed to providing a comprehensive range of services and amenities that cater to a full family camping experience. Their dedication to a well-maintained property and a diverse activity schedule is evident in the offerings. Here are some of the key services and facilities provided:

• Varied Campsite Options: The campground offers a mix of "Elec/Water" (electric/water) sites and "Primitive Camping" sites, available both "on river" and "off river." All sites typically include a fire ring and a picnic table. Some sites can accommodate larger RVs, with reported site maximum lengths of 60 feet and 30/50 amp electric service available.

• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The park provides "Modern Restrooms and Showers" in a centrally located bathhouse. While some primitive areas might have port-a-potties, the main facilities are kept clean. It's noted that showers may require quarters and can be cold, which is a point for guests to consider.

• Heated Swimming Pool: A "heated pool" is a popular amenity, providing a comfortable swimming option for all ages regardless of outside temperatures.

• Pond with Sandy Beach: In addition to the river, there's a "pond with nice beach" available for swimming and enjoyment, offering an alternative water play area.

• River Trip Services: The campground facilitates river trips on the Rifle River, offering rentals for tubes, canoes, and kayaks. Crucially, "your river trips ends right back at campground," simplifying logistics. They also offer a shuttle service for customer-owned equipment.

• Fully Stocked Camp Store: A "Fully Stocked 'Camp Store'" is available, providing convenience for campers who may need supplies, snacks, or other camping essentials.

• Laundry Room: A laundry room is provided for guests, allowing for convenient clothes washing during longer stays.

• Community Center / Recreation Hall with Kitchen: A "Large Community center" or "Recreation Hall– With Kitchen" is available, suggesting a space for gatherings, scheduled activities, and potentially group meals.

• Firewood Sales: For convenience, firewood is sold on-site. The park has a strict "ABSOLUTELY NO OUTSIDE FIREWOOD ALLOWED!!!" policy to protect against invasive species, requiring guests to purchase wood from the campground or leave outside wood at the front in a designated area.

• Wi-Fi Access: Wi-Fi is available at "Overnite Sites" and generally throughout the park, supporting mobile devices (1 device supported per overnite site).

Big Bend Family Campground truly stands out due to its impressive array of features and highlights that are designed to maximize fun and engagement for all ages, making it a premier destination for Michigan families. These attributes contribute significantly to its "Great Campground" reputation:

• Extensive Themed Weekends and Activities: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The campground offers "tons activities all summer long" and encourages guests to "Check their yearly Summer calendar pick your favorite themed weekend." These include popular events like "Mud Bogs twice year," "Christmas in July" (with site decorating contests), and "Halloween all October" (with haunted houses and trick-or-treating). There are also "car shows," "Sucker Fest fishing contests," "Chili Cook-Offs," "Carnival Weekends" with bounce houses, and even "80s Weekends" with DJs and best-dressed contests.

• Direct River Access with Convenient River Trips: Being "right on the river" and facilitating easy "river trips" that end directly back at the campground is a major draw for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking enthusiasts. This seamless experience adds immense value.

• Family-Owned and Maintained: The fact that it's "owned by hard working honest family" and the "Property is beautiful with large layout and maintained very well" speaks to a level of care and personal investment that enhances the guest experience.

• Multiple Playgrounds: With "Multiple play grounds" and "great play areas for little ones," the campground is exceptionally kid-friendly, providing ample space and equipment for children to burn off energy.

• Heated Pool and Sandy Beach Pond: The presence of a "heated pool" and a "pond with nice beach" offers diverse options for swimming and water play, catering to different preferences and ensuring enjoyment even on cooler days.

• Game Room & Community Center: A "game room" and "Large Community center" provide indoor entertainment options and gathering spaces, especially useful during inclement weather or for organized activities.

• Spectacular Fireworks Show: The "best 4th July fire works show I ever seen!" indicates a significant commitment to providing top-tier holiday celebrations.

• Sports Facilities: Amenities like a "basketball court," "beach volleyball," "horse shoes," and "shuffleboard" provide opportunities for active recreation and friendly competition.

Big Bend Family Campground frequently offers promotions and special events that add value and excitement to a camping trip. Their emphasis on themed weekends and a packed activity calendar often incorporates various incentives for guests. While specific, ongoing "special offers" in terms of direct discounts may vary, their promotional approach centers around providing exceptional value through experiences and unique events:

• Themed Weekend Events: As a core feature, the campground's themed weekends often include contests (like best decorated site for Christmas in July/Halloween, or best dressed for 80s weekend) where campers can win prizes, including free future camping weekends.

• Holiday Weekend Specials: Major holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day are "action pack weekends" with special entertainment like DJs, tournaments (cornhole, horseshoe with cash payouts), and massive fireworks displays.

• Fishing Tournaments: Events like "Sucker Fest Fishing Contest w/ Cash Payout and Prizes" and the "Big Bend Walleye Tournament" offer competitive fun for anglers with tangible rewards.

• Mud Bogs and Car Shows: These unique events, happening "twice a year," are significant draws and provide entertainment that might be hard to find at other campgrounds.

• Camper Appreciation Events: Events like the "7th Annual Camper Appreciation Chicken BBQ Pot Luck Dinner" foster community and show gratitude to loyal campers.

• Pancake Breakfasts: Regularly scheduled pancake breakfasts on Sunday mornings during themed weekends are a pleasant added benefit for campers.

• Online Updates and Openings: The campground advises guests to "Follow them on Facebook for last minutes Openings and fun upcoming events!" This suggests that last-minute deals or announcements for specific promotions might be posted there.

• Group Camping Rates: The campground offers group camping at $10.00 per person per night for groups with a minimum of 20 people, providing a cost-effective option for large gatherings.

Michigan residents are encouraged to check the campground's official website or Facebook page, or call directly, to get the most up-to-date calendar of events, specific pricing for special weekends, and any current promotions that might be available.

To plan your activity-filled getaway or make a reservation at Big Bend Family Campground, here is the direct contact information:

• Address: 513 Conrad Rd, Standish, MI 48658, USA

• Phone: (989) 653-2267

• Mobile Phone: +1 989-653-2267

Calling the campground directly is the most efficient way to inquire about campsite or cabin availability, specific dates for themed weekends and events, river trip options, and current rates. The reviews consistently praise the "hard working honest family" owners, suggesting you'll receive friendly and helpful assistance when you reach out to plan your memorable Michigan camping experience.

In conclusion, Big Bend Family Campground stands as an exceptional and vibrant destination for Michigan locals seeking a dynamic and memorable camping experience. Its prime location on the picturesque Rifle River in Standish offers not only beautiful scenery but also the unique convenience of river trips that end right back at your campsite. What truly sets this campground apart and makes it ideal for Michiganders is its unwavering commitment to providing "tons of activities all summer long." From exciting themed weekends like "Christmas in July" and "Halloween all October," complete with mud bogs, car shows, and spectacular fireworks, there is genuinely "something for everyone," ensuring that boredom is never an option. The meticulously "maintained very well" property, featuring a heated pool, a pond with a sandy beach, multiple playgrounds, and a game room, caters to all ages and interests. This family-owned and operated establishment fosters a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, making it the "perfect place to make memories with your friends and family." For Michigan residents looking for a blend of natural beauty, endless entertainment, and a truly community-focused camping experience, Big Bend Family Campground is an unparalleled choice for your next outdoor adventure in the Great Lakes State.