GatherGrounds Resorts has acquired The Oaks Campground, a 155-acre outdoor destination in southern Michigan, with plans to implement substantial improvements ahead of the 2026 season. The acquisition positions the campground for enhanced visitor experiences through trail revitalization, waterpark installation, and expanded family-oriented programming. Located adjacent to the Waterloo State Recreation Area, Michigan's largest state park in the Lower Peninsula, the property offers guests direct access to extensive natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
The campground's strategic location includes proximity to Portage Lake, an all-sports lake with a public boat ramp just eight minutes away, and borders the Haehnle Bird Sanctuary, where diverse bird species provide unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Under new management, approximately 120 acres of wooded riding and recreation trails will be revitalized to accommodate mountain biking, golf cart rides, horseback riding, and hiking, offering multiple ways to explore the picturesque landscape.
Water-based enhancements include renovations to the beach area of the on-site swimming lake, featuring new lounge chairs and a sand volleyball court, plus the planned installation of a Wibit inflatable waterpark to create a family-friendly attraction. A second lake dedicated solely to fishing, equipped with multiple docks, complements existing amenities like the camp store offering firewood, ice, and scooped ice cream, and two spacious bathhouses with showers and laundry facilities.
GatherGrounds Resorts aims to introduce more modern amenities and expand weekend activities with a comprehensive schedule of family-friendly events to build community connections. The company will provide regular updates during planning and development, welcoming both returning campers and new visitors for the 2026 season. Additional information about the acquisition and planned improvements is available at https://gathergroundsresorts.com/the-oaks-campground/.
This acquisition reflects broader trends in outdoor hospitality where strategic investments enhance destination appeal through upgraded infrastructure and diversified recreational offerings. For the outdoor recreation industry, such developments may increase regional tourism by creating more attractive, multi-activity destinations that cater to diverse visitor interests. The planned improvements could also benefit local economies through increased visitation and extended stays, while setting a precedent for campground modernization that balances recreational development with natural preservation.
For potential visitors, the enhancements promise a more engaging outdoor experience with expanded activity options, improved facilities, and structured community events. The focus on family-friendly amenities and accessibility to natural attractions like the adjacent state park and bird sanctuary positions The Oaks Campground as a comprehensive outdoor destination, potentially influencing camping standards and visitor expectations in the region.
