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Willow Shores

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Willow Shores Overview

Willow Shores Location & Map

MichiganCass CountyUnionU.S. 12

Willow Shores About

For Michiganders seeking a camping destination that balances the joy of the outdoors with convenient amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, Willow Shores Campground in Union, MI, stands out as a promising choice. This campground caters to a variety of camping styles, from weekend adventurers to long-term seasonal residents, creating a diverse and friendly community by the water. While it offers all the essential hookups and facilities, its appeal lies in its community feel and access to Michigan's natural beauty.

Located in the charming town of Union, in the scenic landscape of Southwestern Michigan, Willow Shores is a place where many find their ideal summer retreat or even a seasonal home. Reviews highlight its operational efficiency and the helpfulness of its staff, creating an environment where campers can relax and enjoy their stay. Whether you're looking to unwind by a lake, enjoy some family fun, or simply find a well-maintained spot for your RV, Willow Shores Campground aims to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience right here in our beautiful state.

Location and Accessibility

Willow Shores Campground is strategically located at 14025 US-12, Union, MI 49130, USA. This address places the campground directly on US-12, a major thoroughfare in Southern Michigan, ensuring excellent accessibility for travelers from various parts of the state and even neighboring Indiana. Union itself is a small, unincorporated community in Cass County, known for its tranquil setting and proximity to numerous lakes.

The campground's location offers a blend of easy access and natural beauty. Being on US-12 means it's straightforward to navigate to, whether you're driving an RV, pulling a trailer, or coming in a passenger vehicle. Despite its direct road access, the campground provides a sense of escape, with reviews mentioning "grassy, and spacious with forest area behind" for sites. Its proximity to the Indiana border, particularly just minutes from the RV Museum in Elkhart, Indiana, makes it a convenient stop for cross-state travelers or those looking to explore attractions in both Michigan and Northern Indiana. This combination of prime accessibility and a pleasant natural environment makes Willow Shores a practical and appealing choice for Michigan campers.

Services Offered

Willow Shores Campground provides a comprehensive range of services and site amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all types of campers, from those seeking a rustic experience to full RV hookups. Their commitment to guest satisfaction is evident in their offerings:

  • Diverse Site Options: Willow Shores offers a variety of site types to suit different preferences:
    • 30 Amp RV Sites: Nine nightly rental lots provide full hookups (electricity, water, sewer) with 30-amp service, grassy and spacious yards, picnic tables, and fire rings.
    • Primitive Tent Sites: Located at the end of the nightly rental row, these private, treed sites offer a clear view of the sky and include a fire ring and picnic table. Baldwin Lake can be seen through the trees.
    • Overflow Primitive Tent Sites: Used during busy weekends, these are located between the 100's lots, in a shaded, grassy area with a park nearby. Porta-potties are available during holiday weekends.
  • Full Hookups: Many sites feature essential hookups for water, electricity (30-amp), and sewer, providing modern conveniences for RV campers.
  • 24-Hour Restrooms and Shower-houses: Clean and accessible restrooms and shower-houses are located behind the store and are available 24 hours, ensuring comfort for all guests.
  • Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV waste disposal.
  • General Store: An on-site general store provides essential camping supplies, snacks, and ice cream.
  • Laundry Facilities: While not explicitly listed in the provided snippets, campgrounds of this size and with seasonal residents often include laundry facilities for guest convenience.
  • After-Hours Check-in: The campground offers an "after hours check in" system, where paperwork is left ready for late arrivals, indicating flexibility and guest-focused service.
  • Responsive Communication: The host responds to "Facebook Messages," indicating active communication channels for inquiries and support.
Features / Highlights

Willow Shores Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that enhance the camping experience for its diverse range of visitors, from weekend warriors to seasonal residents. Customer reviews offer direct insights into what makes this campground special:

  • Friendly and Accommodating Host: A significant highlight is the positive interaction with the staff. "The female host greeted us and seemed nice," and the host "responds to Facebook Messages," indicating excellent customer service and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Mix of Seasonal and Short-Term Sites: The campground "appears to be 5-8 sites for weekend warriors. All other sites are maybe seasonal or full time." This blend creates a stable community while still offering flexibility for transient campers, fostering a diverse yet cohesive environment.
  • Reliable Utilities: For RV campers, the functionality of hookups is crucial: "Water pressure was sufficient, power was 119 volts and the sewer flowed as expected." This reliability ensures a comfortable stay for those with recreational vehicles.
  • Spacious Sites: Sites "appear to be 40-50 feet deep," and RV lots are described as "grassy, and spacious," providing ample room for vehicles and outdoor living.
  • Recreational Amenities: As noted by a satisfied long-term camper, Willow Shores offers:
    • Pool Tables, Dances, Movies: Suggesting a recreation hall or communal space for indoor activities and entertainment.
    • Dances and Movies: Pointing to organized social events that foster community and fun.
    • Beach Access: "a beach" provides direct access to water for swimming, sunbathing, or relaxation.
    • Several Small Parks: Indicates multiple playground areas for children, enhancing its family-friendliness.
  • Abundant Wildlife & Star Gazing: The presence of a "refreshin' amount of wildlife" and a "fantastic night time view of the stars" highlights the natural beauty and tranquil ambiance, especially in the evenings, offering a true escape.
  • Proximity to RV Museum: A practical highlight for RV enthusiasts is its location "only a few minutes from the RV Museum in Elkhart Indiana," making it an ideal base for exploring this industry landmark.
  • Pet-Friendly: Many sites are noted as "Pet-Friendly," which is a great feature for campers traveling with their furry companions.
Promotions or Special Offers

Willow Shores Campground offers clear pricing structures for its various site types, which in itself provides transparency for potential campers. While specific, temporary "promotions or special offers" like seasonal discounts aren't explicitly detailed in the provided information, the established rates reflect the value and amenities offered. It's always best to contact the campground directly for the most current information, as offers can change.

Based on available data, the following rate information is provided:

  • 30 Amp RV Site (Nightly Rental):
    • Cost: $35 per night.
    • Includes: 30-Amp electricity, back-in access, fire ring, pet-friendly, picnic table, sewer hook-up, water hook-up.
    • Sites: 9 available locations, fitting vehicles up to 45 feet long.
  • Primitive Tent Site (Nightly Rental):
    • Cost: $25 per night.
    • Includes: Fire ring, pet-friendly, picnic table.
    • Sites: 2 available locations.
  • Overflow Primitive Tent Site (Nightly Rental):
    • Cost: $25 per night.
    • Includes: Fire ring, pet-friendly, picnic table.
    • Sites: 5 available locations (primarily for busy weekends).

For information on potential seasonal rates, extended stay discounts, or any group booking incentives, contacting Willow Shores Campground directly via phone or Facebook message would be the most effective way to inquire. Many campgrounds, especially those with seasonal residents, offer more attractive pricing for longer commitments.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, seasonal camping options, or any other questions about Willow Shores Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 14025 US-12, Union, MI 49130, USA

Phone: (269) 641-5429

Mobile Phone: +1 269-641-5429

As noted in a review, the host is responsive to Facebook Messages, which can be an efficient way to get in touch. You can likely find their Facebook page or a more comprehensive website by searching for "Willow Shores Campground Union MI" online. Direct communication is always recommended for the most current and personalized information.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michiganders, Willow Shores Campground in Union stands out as a highly suitable and appealing choice for their camping needs, offering a blend of practical amenities and a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with local preferences. Its blend of features makes it an excellent option for diverse campers across the state.

Firstly, its accessible location right on US-12 makes it incredibly convenient for residents from various parts of Michigan to reach, minimizing travel time and maximizing relaxation. Being minutes from the Indiana border also broadens its appeal for those looking to explore attractions in both states, offering a centralized base for regional adventures without venturing too far from home. This ease of access is crucial for weekend warriors and those planning shorter, more frequent getaways.

Secondly, Willow Shores caters to a wide spectrum of campers, from those seeking full RV hookups to traditional tent campers. The presence of seasonal and full-time residents alongside short-term visitors creates a stable and friendly community atmosphere. For locals, this means a consistent environment where familiar faces and a supportive camping neighborhood can be found, fostering a sense of belonging that is highly valued. The positive feedback about the friendly and responsive host further solidifies this appeal, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.

Finally, the array of recreational features, including a beach, pool tables, dances, and movies, ensures there's always something to do, particularly during the warmer months, making it "a fantastic night time view of the stars" and a "refreshin' amount of wildlife" for those who appreciate nature's simple pleasures. This combination of comfort, community, and diverse activities makes Willow Shores Campground an excellent choice for Michigan locals seeking an enjoyable, well-equipped, and welcoming camping destination right in their own backyard.

Customer Reviews

4.0
72 reviews
J
Jason Cr
Jul 25, 2019

Appears to be 5-8 sites for weekend warriors. The female host greeted us and seemed nice. All other sites are maybe seasonal or full time. Water pressure was sufficient, power was 119 volts and the sewer flowed as expected. Sites appear to be 40-50 feet deep. My 30' Class C Required 2-4" to level front to back. My kids collected 2-20 gallon bags of trash from the tree line. Other than the excessive amount of trash, this was a nice campground. We stayed on a Wednesday night and called at 2:40 PM to check for vacancy...I was able to make a reservation and the paper work was waiting in the after hours check in. Note: I had a fire going after 9pm...I'm not sure why the other person had a negative experience. Host responds to Facebook Messages. I would easily rate this 5 stars if some effort was put into trash pickup. I picked this place because it was only a few minutes from the RV Museum in Elkhart Indiana.

m
memento IL
Sep 08, 2022

Here you will find pool tables, dances, movies, a beach, several small parks, a refreshin'amount of wildlife & a fantastic night time view of the stars. My favourite spot to spend a hot summer weekend unwindin'

J
John Noyes Jr
May 15, 2025

Very friendly staff nice clean Park

S
Shari Pulaski
Jul 27, 2024

Very quiet. Nice big RV spot. Had open mowed grassy area to walk and play games . Also rented a slip for boat , which was very convenient.

K
Kristen Sobolewski
Jul 06, 2023

You want to go to a place that treats you like family then this is the spot! We arrived after hours and someone was there to greet us within 5 minutes! We had a medical emergency while checking in and this family sprung into action and treated us like they had known us our entire lives! We had stayed here before and loved the area and the treatment from the first experience we decided to come back. I can guarantee this will be one of our regular spots!