Outdoor Adventures

For Michigan residents passionate about camping and outdoor recreation, Outdoor Adventures presents a unique approach to experiencing the state's natural beauty. Located at 800 Washington Ave STE 200 in Bay City, Outdoor Adventures operates as a membership-based organization, providing access to a network of private campground resorts across Michigan and beyond. This model aims to offer a more consistent and potentially more affordable camping experience for avid enthusiasts compared to traditional nightly rate campgrounds.

The concept behind Outdoor Adventures is to provide members with exclusive access to a variety of resorts, each with its own set of amenities and activities. This can be particularly appealing to Michigan families and individuals who frequently camp and appreciate the benefits of a private, managed camping environment. Imagine having a home base for your adventures, with multiple destinations throughout the state to explore, without the constant worry of booking individual sites or paying nightly fees.

However, prospective members should be aware that, like any membership program, there are nuances and considerations. While some members praise the value and experiences, others have voiced concerns, particularly regarding the availability and continued inclusion of specific Michigan properties within the network. This article aims to provide a balanced overview for Michigan locals, detailing the membership structure, the types of experiences offered, and important points to consider when exploring Outdoor Adventures as your gateway to Michigan's great outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

The primary administrative office for Outdoor Adventures is located at 800 Washington Ave STE 200, Bay City, MI 48708, USA. This central Bay City location serves as a hub for managing memberships and coordinating access to their various resort properties. Bay City itself is a well-known Michigan city, situated on the Saginaw River near its mouth at Saginaw Bay, offering a blend of urban amenities and convenient access to regional attractions.

From this Bay City headquarters, Outdoor Adventures facilitates access to a network of private campground resorts throughout Michigan. While the exact list of currently available and consistently accessible resorts may fluctuate based on member feedback, historically, their Michigan portfolio has included locations such as Saginaw Bay Resort (Standish), Grand Haven Resort, Kalamazoo Resort, Mount Pleasant Resort, Rifle River Resort (Sterling), Wilderness Resort (Omer), Lake of the North Resort (West Branch), and Benjamin Beaver Creek Resort (Gaylord). This geographical spread means that Michigan members have potential camping options across different parts of the Lower Peninsula, from the "Sunrise Side" near Saginaw Bay to the western shores near Lake Michigan, and inland toward central and northern Michigan.

The accessibility of these resorts varies depending on their specific location, but generally, they are designed to be reachable via Michigan's state highway network, making them convenient for RVs and campers traveling from various parts of the state. The Bay City office's central location helps in managing this statewide network, providing a touchpoint for members. However, it is crucial for interested Michigan residents to verify the current status and availability of specific resorts as part of their due diligence, given recent member feedback regarding changes in resort offerings.

Services Offered

Outdoor Adventures operates on a membership model, providing access to a range of services and amenities across its network of private campground resorts. The core services offered to members typically include:

• Access to Multiple Campground Resorts: The primary service is providing members with access to a network of private RV resorts and campgrounds located throughout Michigan (and sometimes in other states like Ohio and New York, depending on the membership level). This allows for diverse camping experiences across different regions.

• Campsite Access: Members typically have the ability to reserve campsites for a specified duration (e.g., 14 or 21 consecutive days, with a required time out between stays) without paying nightly fees, as these are covered by the membership dues.

• Full Hookups: Many sites across their resorts offer full hookups (water, electricity, sewer) and often include 30-amp and 50-amp options, providing convenience for RV campers.

• Variety of Accommodations: Beyond RV sites, resorts often offer rental units such as cabins and park models for those without an RV, providing alternative lodging options for a small rental fee.

• On-Site Amenities and Activities: Members gain unlimited day use of a wide range of facilities and participate in planned activities. These can vary by resort but commonly include:

  • Swimming pools (indoor and outdoor, sometimes with waterslides or splash parks) and hot tubs.
  • Putt-putt golf courses, game rooms, and playgrounds.
  • Sports facilities like horseshoe pits and basketball courts.
  • Access to lakes for swimming, fishing, paddle boating, kayaking, and canoeing (often with free use of non-motorized equipment).
  • Walking trails, hiking, and sometimes biking trails.
  • Planned recreational activities, especially on weekends and holidays (e.g., Carnival Weekends, hay rides, fireworks, bounce houses, barbeques, themed parties).

• Customer Service/Membership Support: Outdoor Adventures maintains a customer service department to assist members with reservations, inquiries, and managing their memberships. However, recent reviews indicate varying levels of satisfaction with communication and responsiveness from management.

• Camper Storage Options: Some resorts may offer options for long-term camper storage.

• Guest Access: Members may have the ability to bring guests or obtain guest park passes and family courtesy cards, allowing family and friends to enjoy the resort facilities.

It is important for prospective members to inquire directly about the current amenities available at specific resorts and the exact terms of any membership, as offerings and availability can change.

Features / Highlights

Outdoor Adventures highlights a range of features designed to enhance the camping experience for its members in Michigan:

• Extensive Network of Private Resorts: Outdoor Adventures operates Michigan's premier network of private campground resorts. This means members have exclusive access to multiple locations across the state, from Saginaw Bay to Lake Michigan shores, offering diverse natural settings and recreational opportunities.

• Cost Savings for Frequent Campers: By paying a membership fee, members can avoid nightly camping rates, potentially saving significant money over time for avid campers. This also provides a hedge against inflation for camping costs.

• Abundance of Amenities at Each Resort: Each Outdoor Adventures resort is designed to be a destination in itself, featuring a wide array of amenities. These commonly include indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, splash parks, mini-golf, game rooms, playgrounds, sports courts, and access to lakes for various water activities. Some even offer go-karts and other unique attractions.

• Planned Activities and Family Focus: Resorts frequently host a robust calendar of planned activities, especially on weekends and holidays. These can range from themed events like Carnival Weekends and Halloween parties to hay rides, barbecues, and fireworks displays, fostering a lively and family-friendly atmosphere.

• Variety of Camping Styles: Members can enjoy traditional RV camping with full hookups at their sites, but also have options to rent cabins or park models, catering to those who prefer a more "glamping" experience or do not own an RV.

• Sense of Community and Privacy: The membership model fosters a sense of community among campers who frequently visit the same resorts. Additionally, being private, the resorts offer a level of privacy and security that might differ from public campgrounds.

• Long-Term Membership Benefits: Some memberships offer long-term benefits, including generational transfers, allowing families to pass down the camping legacy. Access to affiliate resorts outside Michigan (e.g., in Ohio and New York) and discounts through partners like Good Sam and Coast to Coast Resorts can also be included in higher-tier memberships.

It is important to note that while these features are advertised, recent member reviews express concerns about the consistent availability of certain features (e.g., specific resorts being removed from the network) and the overall value proposition of the membership over time. Prospective members should verify the current status of all features and the terms of their specific membership level.

Promotions or Special Offers

Outdoor Adventures, as a membership-based organization, structures its "promotions" differently than a typical nightly-rate campground. Their offers are generally centered around enticing new members to join their exclusive network. Based on available information, these promotions and special offers can include:

• Trial Stays / First-Time Visitor Specials: Outdoor Adventures often offers incentives for prospective members to experience their resorts before committing to a full membership. For example, they have advertised a "7-nights free with our first-time visitor special" at one of their resorts. This allows individuals to see the facilities and atmosphere firsthand.

• Membership Tiers and Pricing: While not a traditional "promotion," Outdoor Adventures offers various membership tiers (e.g., Annual, Monthly, Ultimate, Presidential Premier) with different upfront costs and benefits. New memberships can range significantly in price (e.g., reportedly from $2,500 to $14,000 for full memberships, with annual renewals). Promotions might involve specific pricing for initial sign-ups or discounted renewal rates.

• Financing Options for Memberships: To make memberships more accessible, Outdoor Adventures may offer financing options for the upfront membership fee, spreading the cost over time.

• Access to Affiliate Networks: Higher-tier memberships or specific promotions might include access to a broader network of affiliate resorts beyond Michigan, such as Coast to Coast Resorts or Good Sam, expanding camping opportunities nationwide.

• Inclusion of Resort Amenities: The comprehensive access to amenities (pools, activities, etc.) without additional per-use fees is an inherent "offer" of the membership model, designed to represent significant savings compared to paying for these facilities individually at other parks.

It is critical for Michigan residents considering an Outdoor Adventures membership to thoroughly understand all terms and conditions of any promotional offer. Recent reviews from current members indicate significant concerns regarding the long-term value of their memberships due to changes in resort availability (selling off Michigan parks) and perceived reduced benefits over time. Prospective members should engage directly with Outdoor Adventures to get precise details on current promotions, resort access guarantees, and cancellation policies, and carefully compare the value proposition against their personal camping needs and budget.

Contact Information

For Michigan residents interested in learning more about Outdoor Adventures' membership program and their network of campgrounds, or for current members needing assistance, here is the contact information for their main office:

Outdoor Adventures

Address: 800 Washington Ave STE 200, Bay City, MI 48708, USA

Phone: (989) 671-1125

Mobile Phone: +1 989-671-1125

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding membership options, resort availability, and current offerings, calling Outdoor Adventures directly is recommended. This allows prospective members to ask specific questions about the resorts they are interested in, understand the full scope of benefits for different membership tiers, and clarify any concerns they may have based on online reviews. Existing members can use these numbers for reservations, customer service inquiries, or to discuss membership details. It is always advisable to take notes during calls and confirm any key information in writing if possible.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michigan locals who are passionate and frequent campers, an Outdoor Adventures membership could be suitable, but with significant caveats that demand thorough investigation. The appeal lies in the potential for consistent, private campground access across a network of resorts in Michigan, theoretically offering diverse camping experiences and a wide range of amenities. For families and individuals who frequently use RVs or enjoy cabin stays, the membership model aims to provide a more cost-effective solution than paying nightly rates at various campgrounds.

The inherent benefits, when fully realized, include access to a variety of recreational facilities like pools, game rooms, and water activities, along with planned events that can foster a vibrant community atmosphere. This could be ideal for Michigan residents seeking predictable and amenity-rich camping experiences without the hassle of continuous booking or dealing with crowded public campgrounds. The concept of having a "home base" for adventures, with multiple destinations throughout the state, aligns well with Michigan's strong outdoor culture.

However, it is critically important for Michigan locals to acknowledge and thoroughly investigate the recurring concerns raised by current members. Issues such as the removal of beloved Michigan resorts from the network, perceived diminishing value of memberships, and difficulties with management communication are serious. While a new member might experience an excellent "preview" and initial presentation, the long-term satisfaction appears to be a significant challenge for many. Therefore, suitability hinges entirely on a prospective member's ability to clearly understand and accept the current terms of the membership, verify the guaranteed long-term access to specific Michigan properties they desire, and critically assess the overall value proposition against their personal camping habits and financial investment. For Michigan locals, this means meticulous due diligence, including potentially speaking with current members and getting all terms in writing, before committing to a significant membership investment in Outdoor Adventures.