Located in the heart of Southern Michigan’s lush countryside, Bear Cave RV Resort is more than just a Thousand Trails campground—it’s a place steeped in history and natural beauty. In fact, it’s the only RV park in Michigan with a naturally formed cave right on-site! Combine that with access to the St. Joseph River, proximity to Indiana Dunes National Park, and a whole lineup of activities and amenities, and you’ve got yourself a memorable stay.
This was the first Thousand Trails campground we stayed at after purchasing a second-hand membership through Campground Membership Outlet.
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Our Visit
Dates Stayed: July 15–22, 2019
Campsite Type: Water and electric only (no sewer)
Travel Rig: 2019 Thor Challenger 37YT
Towed Vehicle: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Bear Cave Resort – Quick Facts
- Address: 4085 Bear Cave Rd, Buchanan, MI 49107
- Open Dates: April 17 – October 31
- Total Sites: 135
- Reservations (Members): 1-800-388-7788
- Reservations (Non-Members): 1-888-481-6348
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Campground Review
Campsites
Bear Cave offers a mix of full-hookup and partial-hookup sites. Unfortunately, many of the sewer sites have been sold to seasonal and annual members, so we ended up in a water/electric site. While not ideal, the site was level and had everything we needed.
That said, some guests weren’t exactly playing by the rules—we noticed one RV taking power from the neighboring site’s 50-amp hookup, making it unavailable for others. It was a bit frustrating, but we found a suitable spot and made the best of it.
Important Tip: If you need sewer, arrive early or call ahead. And if you’re towing a large rig, make sure to check clearance (more on that below).
Facilities & Amenities
Restrooms & Laundry: Spotless. Easily one of the cleanest laundry rooms we’ve come across. At $1.75 for a wash and $1.50 to dry, the prices were budget-friendly too.
Playground & Game Room: Great for families. There’s a spacious indoor game room with arcade games, air hockey, a large TV room with comfy seating, and even a community kitchen.
Pool Area: Unfortunately, the pool was under renovation during our visit and the hot tub had been filled in. Something to double-check if that’s important to you.
River Access & Trails: The staircases and bridges down to the St. Joseph River are beautifully built and maintained—perfect launch points for kayaking and riverside exploration.
Looking to test out Thousand Trails without committing to a full membership?
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Local Adventures & Day Trips
Kayaking the St. Joseph River
We spent hours paddling this gentle, scenic waterway. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a peaceful day on the water.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Less than an hour away, Indiana Dunes offers beaches, dunes, and miles of hiking. Highly recommend if you’re looking to stretch your legs and explore the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Thor Motor Coach Factory Tour
Being the proud owners of a Thor Challenger, we couldn’t pass up the chance to see where it was built! This factory tour is fascinating for RVers who want to see the behind-the-scenes magic.
Things to Know Before You Go
- ⚠️ Low Clearance Warning: A tree on one side of the park only allows 11 feet of clearance—not ideal for taller rigs.
- 📅 Event Calendar: Be sure to check out the scheduled activities—ice cream socials and other fun events are common.
- 🚐 Size Restrictions: RVs over 40′ may not be allowed. Call ahead if you’re 36′-40′ to confirm site availability.
- 🛣 Narrow Entrance Road: The road leading in is tight. If you meet another RV, be prepared to make room.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few hiccups, Bear Cave RV Resort was a solid campground experience. Between the clean facilities, the kayaking, and its unique history, it’s a stop we’d gladly make again.
Whether you’re a seasoned Thousand Trails member or just thinking about getting started, Bear Cave is a great introduction to what the system has to offer.
Thousand Trails Tip
We’ve been traveling full-time for years and save thousands annually with our used Thousand Trails Elite membership.
💬 Curious about how it works or where to buy one? Contact us or leave a comment below.
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