Windy Hill Campground

🤝 Windy Hill Campground: A Welcoming Community and Private Retreat in the Thumb

For many Michiganders, finding a camping spot that feels less like a temporary stop and more like a **true extended family community** is the ultimate goal. **Windy Hill Campground**, situated in the beautiful coastal area of Port Austin in Michigan’s scenic Thumb, offers exactly that. This destination is less of a public campground and more of a **private association or social club (a 501(c)(7) non-profit)**, dedicated to providing camping and outdoor facilities for the enjoyment of its members.

The core appeal of Windy Hill lies in its **welcoming and close-knit community atmosphere**. Visitors consistently praise the sense of belonging and the family-friendly environment fostered here. While the campground is beautifully maintained and offers a peaceful setting with a mix of forested and open spaces, its defining characteristic is the focus on **organized, collective leisure activities**. This makes it particularly attractive to families with children who appreciate structured fun, safety, and opportunities for social bonding, creating a vacation environment where lifelong friendships are easily forged across generations. It’s a dedicated space where members can relax, unwind, and participate in a vibrant outdoor community right near the shores of Lake Huron.

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE: Local user reviews explicitly state that Windy Hill Campground is **"Not open to the public"** and functions as a private community or member association. Prospective travelers should be aware that daily or transient camping may not be an option, and membership or lot ownership may be required for extended stays. Always confirm current access policies before planning your trip.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility in Port Austin, The Tip of the Thumb

Windy Hill Campground is excellently located at **345 S Channel Dr, Port Austin, MI 48467**. This address places it perfectly at the tip of the Michigan Thumb, a region renowned for its scenic shorelines, recreational boating, and unique attractions like Turnip Rock.

The site is situated near the shores of Lake Huron, providing easy access to the area’s beautiful beaches, marinas, and various outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and exploring nearby state parks like **Port Crescent State Park** (known for its Dark Sky Preserve). Its location makes it a convenient drive—approximately 1.5 to 2 hours—from major Michigan population centers like Flint, Saginaw, and Bay City. The central positioning in Port Austin allows members to spend time on the campground enjoying amenities or easily explore the vibrant local community, restaurants, and shops that make the Thumb a favorite Michigan vacation spot. The terrain is flat, featuring a pleasant mix of open and wooded areas, characteristic of the Channel Drive area near the coast.

🗂️ Services Offered for a Modern Community Experience

Unlike rustic campgrounds, Windy Hill is geared towards comfortable, long-term enjoyment by its members, offering a solid blend of essential utilities and family-focused recreational services.

• **RV Hookups:** The campground is popular among RV campers and features dozens of **RV hookup spots**, though the specific mix of water, electric, and sewer is best confirmed directly.
• **Water and Sanitation:** The facility maintains a commitment to **cleanliness**, with reports of **spotless bathhouses and well-kept grounds**, even during busy weekends.
• **Recreation:** A major draw is the **built-in pool** (a refreshing escape on warm summer days) and a **basketball court**.
• **Organized Activities:** The campground is distinguished by its **programmed entertainment**, which may include:
  • Movie Nights
  • Game Nights
  • S'mores Nights
  • Potluck Dinners and BBQs
  • Holiday Celebrations
• **Accessibility:** The site provides amenities for a comfortable stay, including **wheelchair-accessible parking**.
• **Pet Policy:** **Dogs are allowed**, ensuring the entire family can enjoy the retreat (standard leash and waste rules likely apply).

🌟 Features and Highlights That Create Community Appeal

Windy Hill’s highlights center on its social focus and the opportunities it provides for active family fun and neighborly connection.

• **Community Vibe:** The number one feature is the **welcoming, close-knit community atmosphere**, which visitors often compare to being part of an "extended family."
• **Family-Friendly Focus:** The structured, **organized activities** are a massive benefit for families, ensuring children have entertainment options (like movie night and the pool) beyond just the natural surroundings.
• **Central Location for Exploration:** It serves as a great, secure home base for members to explore all that Port Austin has to offer, including **kayaking to Turnip Rock**, visiting nearby **state parks**, and enjoying **Lake Huron beaches**.
• **High Cleanliness Standards:** Campers consistently praise the high standards of cleanliness maintained across the facilities and grounds, enhancing the overall quality of the stay.
• **Dedicated Membership Structure (Association):** Operating as a non-profit association (501(c)(7)) ensures that the facilities and mission are strictly focused on **member enjoyment and recreation**, fostering a dedicated and secure environment.
• **RV-Centric Comfort:** The availability of numerous RV hookup spots makes it a preferred destination for those seeking a comfortable, multi-day stay in the Michigan Thumb.

📞 Contact Information

Due to its private nature, specific operating hours and general public contact information may be limited. For inquiries related to membership or current access policies, please use the following available details:

**Address:** 345 S Channel Dr, Port Austin, MI 48467, USA

**Main Address / Association Contact (Non-Profit Filing):** 345 S CHANNEL DR, PORT AUSTIN, MI, 48467

**Alternative Phone (Non-Profit Filing):** (586) 212-7914 (Listed for the Association)

**Reservations/Access:** Highly limited, generally requiring membership or association approval. Please call the Association phone number to inquire about any potential access for non-members.

👍 What is Worth Choosing Windy Hill Campground

For the Michigan resident seeking a **long-term, private, and deeply social camping experience** in the highly desirable Port Austin area, Windy Hill Campground is an exceptional choice. It is worth choosing not just for its physical amenities—like the clean grounds and the built-in pool—but primarily for the **strength of its established, family-oriented community**. This is an environment where you are more than just a passing guest; you become part of a large, welcoming vacation family. If you are looking for a **safe, highly organized, and private RV camping experience** focused on social bonding and structured entertainment for children, and you meet the necessary membership or association requirements, Windy Hill offers a superior alternative to transient public campgrounds in the Michigan Thumb.