Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat

Michigan’s beautiful landscapes offer an incredible backdrop for outdoor adventures and cherished family moments. For those in the Great Lakes State seeking a camping destination that combines natural tranquility with a wealth of engaging activities, Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat in Otisville presents an exceptional choice. More than just a campground, it’s a vibrant retreat center that caters to families, youth groups, and individuals looking for a wholesome and memorable experience in the heart of Michigan.

Imagine a place where every member of your family, from the youngest to the oldest, finds something exciting to do, where the staff and fellow campers are genuinely friendly, and where the natural surroundings provide a peaceful escape. Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat embodies this vision. With a long-standing history of over 50 years, this facility has evolved from humble camping roots to a comprehensive retreat center, continuously adding new features and activities to maximize value for its guests. While it operates with a faith-based mission, its extensive amenities and welcoming atmosphere make it suitable for anyone seeking an active and clean outdoor environment. For Michiganders, it offers a convenient and enriching opportunity to create lasting memories right in their home state.

Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat is conveniently located at 10359 Farrand Rd, Otisville, MI 48463, USA. Nestled in a naturally wooded area, the campground provides ample shade and a rustic feel while remaining highly accessible. Otisville itself is a small, quiet community in Genesee County, offering a peaceful backdrop for your retreat.

From a broader Michigan perspective, the campground’s location is quite favorable for residents across the Lower Peninsula. It's less than 30 minutes away from Flint, a major urban hub, making it an easy drive for quick weekend getaways or longer stays for those in the metropolitan area. Additionally, it offers convenient access to popular Michigan destinations like Frankenmuth, Cross Roads Village, and Birch Run, all within a 30-minute drive, allowing campers to easily explore nearby attractions. Major roadways provide straightforward routes to the campground, minimizing travel time. Saginaw and Bay City are also within a reasonable driving distance, typically around an hour to an hour and a half away. This strategic location provides the perfect balance of serene natural surroundings for a true camping experience and practical accessibility to essential services and exciting tourist spots, making Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat an excellent choice for Michiganders seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.

• Extensive RV Sites: Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat boasts 321 full hook-up RV sites (electric, water & sewer with 20, 30 & 50 amp service) across three distinct camping areas: Hemlock, Oakridge & Valley. There are also 55 pull-through sites. Each site typically includes a picnic table and firepit.

• Rustic Sites: While the primary focus is on RV camping, rustic sites are also available for those preferring a more traditional tent camping experience, though details on the specific number are less prominent.

• Cabins and Retreat Lodging: Beyond campsites, Covenant Hills offers various types of cabins (including A-Frame, Alpine, Olympic, and River Village cabins) and bunk rooms for rental, catering to groups and those without RVs or tents. They also have facilities for year-round retreats, including a staffed dining facility for group meals.

• Clean Restrooms and Private Showers: The campground provides well-maintained bathhouses with private toilets and private showers, contributing to a comfortable stay, although a review noted the absence of a campground sink in one area.

• Camp Store / Treats & Treasures Ice Cream Shop: A dedicated "Treats & Treasures Ice Cream Shop" offers ice cream, popcorn, pretzels, and more, as well as merchandise like sweatshirts and T-shirts, adding convenience and a sweet treat to your stay.

• Paid Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available through a third-party vendor, with additional costs for daily, weekly, or monthly rates, allowing campers to stay connected if needed.

• RV Services: They offer annual storage for RVs and a service to move RVs to and from storage, as well as winterization services.

• Annual Storage: Available for RVs, offering a convenient solution for long-term placement.

• Abundance of Activities for All Ages: This is a major highlight, with dozens of included activities, particularly emphasized on Saturdays and during peak summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). These include lake swimming with beach access (new fresh sand coming in 2025), a water trampoline, sand volleyball, softball, soccer, basketball, 7 miles of hiking & biking trails, scavenger hunts, gaga-ball, a game room, open gym time, and pickleball. Additionally, free staffed and scheduled activities such as the Blob, paddleboats (1-hour free blocks), boats & kayaks (1-hour free blocks), archery, and hayrides are offered several times a week, especially on Saturdays.

• Faith-Based Environment: The camp has a Christian-focused mission, offering Bible studies and weekly church services, which may appeal to those seeking a spiritually enriching experience. It also maintains a strict no marijuana, drugs, and alcohol policy, promoting a wholesome family environment.

• Friendly People & Staff: Consistently praised in reviews for friendly people and staff, contributing to a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all guests.

• Variety of Site Types & Accommodations: With over 300 full hook-up RV sites, including pull-through options, and various cabin styles, the camp caters to a wide range of preferences and group sizes.

• Amenities for a Fee: Beyond the free activities, additional paid activities like a Zip Line ($13 per person for a two-way experience, scheduled during the week and every Saturday) and a Climbing Tower ($6 per person for 4th Grade & Up) offer more adventurous options.

• Proximity to Local Attractions: The campground’s location is less than 30 minutes from popular Michigan destinations such as Frankenmuth, Cross Roads Village, and Birch Run, allowing for easy day trips.

• Seasonal Camping Options: Ideal for retirees and others, seasonal camping from April 1st to November 1st allows guests to truly make it a "home away from home."

Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat offers several structured discounts and special rates, particularly for its various programs and specific camping periods. For RV camping, they have seasonal pricing:

• Off-Peak Season Rates: Reduced nightly rates are available during the pre-season (April 1-May 31) and post-season (Sept 1-Oct 31), offering a more affordable way to experience the campground.

• Holiday Weekend Rates: Specific holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Fall Family Fun Weekends in October) have a slightly higher nightly rate, reflecting increased demand and often special programming.

• Weekly and Monthly Rates: Discounted rates are available for week-long and monthly stays, with even lower monthly rates during the April 1-30 pre-season period, encouraging longer visits.

• Seasonal Paid in Full Option: Campers can opt to pay for the entire season (April 1-October 31) upfront for a discounted rate, which also includes annual storage, providing significant savings for long-term residents.

• Family Camp Discounts: For their specific "Family Camp" week (e.g., July 6-12), they offer discounts for first-time attendees, pastors, missionaries, seniors (65+ years old), and board members. Retired Free Methodist Church pastors and missionaries may even camp free during this event.

• Summer Camp Discounts: For their youth summer camps, they offer early bird discounts, family discounts for multiple children from the same home, ministry discounts for children of full-time pastors/missionaries, and "Can't-Get-Enough" discounts for campers attending more than once in a summer.

A 50% deposit is typically required at the time of reservation, with the remainder charged 7 days prior to arrival. Deposits are non-refundable but can be credited or reservations moved with at least 14 days' notice. It is highly recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing, specific event schedules, and details on how to apply any eligible discounts.

For reservations, inquiries about available sites, or more information about Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat, please use the following contact details:

Address: 10359 Farrand Rd, Otisville, MI 48463, USA

Phone: (810) 631-4531

Mobile Phone: +1 810-631-4531

Their official website (covenanthills.org) is an excellent resource for detailed information on RV camping rates, activity schedules, and cabin rentals, and allows for online booking of daily, weekend, and week-long stays. For monthly or seasonal reservations, contacting the office directly is recommended.

For Michigan locals, Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat offers a compelling and multifaceted option for an outdoor escape, making it highly suitable for a wide range of preferences and needs. Its geographic location in Otisville provides a crucial advantage: proximity. Being less than 30 minutes from Flint and within easy reach of Metro Detroit, Saginaw, and Bay City means Michiganders can enjoy a serene getaway without the burden of extensive travel. This accessibility makes it ideal for quick weekend trips, family vacations, or even seasonal living.

The camp's most significant draw for local families is the sheer volume and variety of activities. From lake access with a water trampoline to extensive hiking trails, organized games, and unique offerings like a climbing tower and zip line, there is truly "lots to do for the entire family - from the youngest to oldest." This ensures that boredom is never an option, providing endless entertainment and opportunities for bonding. The consistently friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, as highlighted by multiple reviews, further enhance the experience, making guests feel like part of a larger community.

While it operates with a faith-based mission and a no-alcohol policy, which for many Michigan families aligns with their values for a wholesome environment, its universal appeal lies in its commitment to providing clean facilities, diverse site options (including full hook-up RV sites and cabins), and a focus on creating lasting memories. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat under abundant trees, an active vacation with a packed schedule of events, or a community-focused experience, Covenant Hills Camp & Retreat provides an exceptional "home away from home" right here in Michigan. It's a robust choice for any local looking for quality outdoor recreation and a welcoming environment.