Raymonds Landing Campground

Michigan’s reputation as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts is well-earned, with its vast network of lakes, forests, and picturesque landscapes offering countless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. For those considering a camping experience in the heart of Michigan's beautiful Branch County, especially around the Coldwater chain of lakes, various campgrounds present themselves as potential options. Raymonds Landing Campground, located in Coldwater, is one such establishment, operating as a seasonal campground with direct access to these popular waters.

Choosing a campground, particularly for a potentially long-term or seasonal stay, involves careful consideration of many factors, from amenities and location to the overall management and community atmosphere. For Michigan residents, understanding the nuances of a campground from a local perspective is crucial to ensure it aligns with their expectations and needs for a successful outdoor experience. Raymonds Landing Campground markets itself as a family-owned establishment on the North Chain of Lakes, offering various sites primarily for traditional seasonal campers, though daily, weekly, and monthly rentals are also available. They highlight clean facilities, bathhouses with hot showers, and a playground, suggesting a focus on basic comforts and family appeal.

However, it is important to acknowledge that public reviews for Raymonds Landing Campground present a mixed picture. While the provided information from its own website emphasizes positive aspects, direct customer feedback offers a more critical view regarding management practices, potential issues with refunds, and concerns over personal experiences. This article aims to provide a factual and balanced overview, drawing directly from all available public data to help Michigan users make an informed decision. We will detail its location and accessibility, outline the services and features as described by the campground, and crucially, incorporate the sentiments expressed in customer reviews to provide a comprehensive perspective.

For those in Michigan looking to establish a seasonal "home base" for their lakeside activities or even a shorter stay, understanding the full scope of what Raymonds Landing Campground offers, including both its advertised features and the experiences of past visitors, is essential. The goal is to equip local residents with the necessary information to determine if this campground is suitable for their particular camping and recreational pursuits.

Raymonds Landing Campground is situated at 259 Cathys Camp, Coldwater, MI 49036, USA. Coldwater, the county seat of Branch County, is nestled in the south-central part of Michigan, a region well-regarded for its numerous lakes and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The campground's location is specifically advantageous for water enthusiasts, as it is "located on the North Chain of Lakes in Coldwater, MI," offering access to a "7 lakes total on our chain with great fishing and all sports." This means that residents and visitors have immediate access to expansive waterways for activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming, which is a major draw for Michigan locals seeking lakeside experiences. The campground also notes a "boat ramp on premises to channel," further facilitating direct water access.

For Michigan residents traveling from various parts of the state, Coldwater is conveniently accessible via major roadways. It is approximately an hour's drive southeast of Kalamazoo and an hour southwest of Lansing, with connectivity through primary state routes and interstates like I-69. This ensures that the campground is within reasonable driving distance for many across the Lower Peninsula. The address on "Cathys Camp" suggests the campground is set within a defined area, likely offering a more secluded feel while still being close enough to the amenities of Coldwater. The town provides access to essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail options, ensuring campers can easily resupply or enjoy local dining without venturing far. This combination of prime lake access and reasonable proximity to urban conveniences makes Raymonds Landing Campground a geographically practical option for Michigan campers.

Raymonds Landing Campground describes a range of services aimed at providing a comfortable and functional camping experience, particularly for its seasonal residents.

• Camping Sites: The campground offers "70 lots with full hook up," catering primarily to "traditional seasonal campers," but also providing "daily, weekly and monthly rentals." This indicates sites are equipped for RVs and trailers.

• Utility Hookups: All sites are described as having "full hook up," which typically includes on-site water and electricity (including 30 and 50 amp service) and a sanitary/dump station.

• Bath Houses: The campground emphasizes "extremely clean and well maintained" men's and women's bath houses, featuring "hot showers, flush toilets and electrical outlets."

• Lake Access & Boating Facilities: Direct access to the North Chain of Lakes is a key service, complemented by "boat slips available" (on a "first come first served basis" with a potential fee) and a "boat ramp on premises to channel."

• Fish Cleaning Station: A "fish cleaning station" is provided, catering to the "great fishing" opportunities in the surrounding lakes.

• Playground: A "playground with swings, slide, sand box and playing field" is available, indicating facilities for children and families.

• Trash, Well, and Septic System Maintenance: Public data indicates that "park management maintains the garbage, well and septic system" for seasonal plots where cabins or trailers are on leased land.

• Management and Host Presence: The campground names Steve & Kelli Roberts as "Your Host," suggesting a direct management presence, though customer reviews present conflicting experiences regarding responsiveness and rule enforcement.

Based on the campground's own description and available public data, Raymonds Landing Campground highlights several features, though customer reviews introduce significant caveats.

• Access to Coldwater North Chain of Lakes: A primary feature is its location on the "North Chain of Lakes," offering "7 lakes total" with opportunities for "great fishing and all sports." This includes "boating to swimming and bonfires."

• Seasonal Camping Focus: The campground primarily caters to "traditional seasonal campers," which for some, could imply a stable community where residents return year after year, fostering familiarity.

• Full Hookup Sites: The availability of "70 lots with full hook up" (including electricity, water, and sewer) is a key convenience for RV and trailer owners.

• On-Site Marina & Boat Ramp: The "marina for the campers" and "boat ramp on premises to channel" are significant features for those looking to bring their boats and enjoy the lakes directly from the campground.

• Family Amenities: A "playground with swings, slide, sand box and playing field" highlights its intention to be a family-friendly environment.

• Clean Facilities (as advertised): The campground's website explicitly states, "You'll find our facilities to be extremely clean and well maintained, featuring men's and women's bath houses with hot showers, flush toilets and electrical outlets."

• Potential for Permanent Structures: Some listings indicate that residential cabins or trailers on leased land are present and can be purchased, suggesting a more permanent "summer cottage" feel for seasonal residents.

It is crucial for prospective visitors to be aware that customer reviews contain severe criticisms, including allegations of "discrimination against Christians," eviction without rule-breaking, lack of refunds for prepaid bookings, and issues with management responsiveness ("haven't heard from her at all. Nothing."). These negative experiences, along with advice to "DON'T Prepay" and "STAY AWAY," are significant highlights of public feedback and should be carefully considered by anyone looking to book a stay.

Publicly available information, including the provided customer reviews and general search results, does not detail any specific promotions or special offers for Raymonds Landing Campground. As a campground that primarily caters to seasonal campers while also offering daily, weekly, and monthly rentals, any special rates or incentives would typically be communicated directly upon inquiry.

Given the strong cautions in customer reviews regarding pre-payment and lack of refunds, it is especially critical for any interested individuals to:

• Contact Directly: Always call Raymonds Landing Campground directly using the provided phone numbers ((517) 797-7344 or +1 517-797-7344) to inquire about current rates for daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonal stays.

• Inquire About Payment Policies: Explicitly ask about their payment policies, cancellation policies, and refund procedures before making any financial commitment, especially in advance.

• Confirm Availability: Verify site availability for your desired dates or for a seasonal lease.

• Ask About Included Amenities/Fees: Clarify what is included in the quoted price (e.g., utilities, boat slip access, Wi-Fi if available, trash removal) and if there are any additional fees.

Due to the serious concerns raised in customer feedback about financial transactions and management responsiveness, exercising extreme caution and obtaining all terms in writing is highly advisable before committing to any payment or booking.

• Address: 259 Cathys Camp, Coldwater, MI 49036, USA

• Phone: (517) 797-7344

• Mobile Phone: +1 517-797-7344 (This appears to be the same as the main phone number, likely for direct mobile communication.)

When considering a campground in Michigan, particularly for local residents, a thorough evaluation is essential to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience. Raymonds Landing Campground in Coldwater, Michigan, presents itself with certain attractive features, primarily its location and recreational access. However, prospective local users must weigh these against significant concerns raised in public reviews.

On the positive side, for Michiganders who are avid boaters and anglers, the campground's direct access to the "North Chain of Lakes" is a undeniable draw. With "7 lakes total" offering "great fishing and all sports," coupled with a "boat ramp on premises to channel" and available "boat slips," it provides an excellent base for water-centric activities. This immediate proximity to prime Michigan waterways minimizes travel time and maximizes recreational opportunities, which is a significant convenience for local enthusiasts. The emphasis on "seasonal campers" also suggests a potential for a community of returning residents who appreciate a consistent summer spot.

However, the suitability of Raymonds Landing Campground for local Michiganders is heavily impacted by the critical customer feedback provided. Reviews explicitly advise potential visitors to "STOP Don't book this place, certainly don't pay in advance," citing issues with "condition and overall experience" and a lack of refunds. Even more seriously, there are allegations of discrimination and an owner who "cannot be trusted." These are severe claims that demand careful consideration from any prospective resident.

For a local Michigan resident, the ability to visit a campground in person before committing to a stay, especially a seasonal one, would be crucial here. Inspecting the "condition" of the facilities and the overall atmosphere firsthand could provide clarity beyond the conflicting online information. Directly engaging with current seasonal campers, if possible, might also offer unfiltered insights into the management practices and community dynamic.

In conclusion, while Raymonds Landing Campground's location and aquatic access offer clear recreational advantages for Michigan locals, the strong and specific negative reviews regarding management, refunds, and alleged discrimination cannot be overlooked. For Michiganders seeking a reliable and welcoming camping experience, especially a seasonal one, these concerns indicate that extreme caution, thorough due diligence, and a clear understanding of all terms and conditions (without prepayment) are absolutely essential before considering Raymonds Landing Campground as a suitable option. There are many other reputable campgrounds across Michigan, and it's vital for locals to find a place that aligns with their expectations for a peaceful and respectful outdoor retreat.