Frankenmuth is a city in Michigan located approximately halfway between Flint and Saginaw. Pine Ridge RV campground is located just outside of Frankenmuth, in Birch Run.
Frankenmuth bills itself as “Little Bavaria” and for decades has been a popular tourist destination attracting over 3 million people a year.
It is most famously known for chicken dinners and Christmas. Bronners- the world’s largest Christmas store, as well as The Bavarian Inn and Zehnders (2 of the largest independently owned restaurants in the country), are big tourist draws.
Frankenmuth is a great weekend destination and Pine Ridge RV Campground allows you to stay in the comfort of your own trailer or RV and enjoy the area.
Pine Ridge RV Campground
Pine Ridge RV Campground is conveniently located less than 4 miles from the historic area of Frankenmuth. The road is flat and I easily rode my bike from the campground along the country road into town.
Many sites at Pine Ridge are large and are pull-thru. This was great for us as we didn’t have to unhitch our tow dolly. Loading and unloading the car was easily done right on the site.
All sites have full hook-ups including water, sewer and electric (20/30/50 AMP).
The sites are set amidst mature trees and all have a campfire ring and a picnic table.
The rates are reasonable at $39USD per night. Leashed pets are welcome.
Pine Ridge RV Campground is what I like to refer to as a “lodging-only” campground. This is because the campground itself has very little in the way of things to do. The primary attractions and activities to enjoy are outside of the campground.
Activities:
Zehnders Splash Village (indoor water park):
Zehnder’s Splash Village is located about 2 miles from the campground. It is Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark.
It includes a six-story family raft ride, lazy river, various slides and plunges as well as the Whimsical Whirl Hot Tub.
The Splash Village is part of a hotel complex but the waterpark can be enjoyed even if you are not a guest of the hotel. Day passes can be booked online. There are various options but the average rate for a day (10 am-9 pm) is approximately $42USD per person.
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland claims to be the world’s largest Christmas store. It is equivalent in size to 1.5 football fields and every manner and type of Christmas ornament, trim and accessory can be found there.
Famous Chicken Dinners
Frankenmuth is known for its world-famous chicken dinners.
Zehnders:
The Bavarian Inn:
have both been fixtures in Frankenmuth for over 100 years. Each offers up chicken dinners along with other authentic German meal choices perfected from family recipes.
Shopping
River Place Shops:
Beyond Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth has its own “German-themed” outdoor shopping mall with over 40 shops and attractions.
Birch Run Premium Outlets:
Birch Run Premium Outlets is the largest outlet mall in the midwestern United States. It has over 140 stores and is located conveniently off of I-75 less than 10 miles from Frankenmuth.
Various other Activities:
Check out Frankenmuth.org for a full list of all the activities to do in the area. Other things to do include everything from the Bavarian Belle Riverboat cruise to historical museums. There are lots of family-friendly activities and tours to enjoy.
Things to Know:
- Pine Ridge RV Campground does not allow tents.
- There is no swimming pool.
- The comfort station is clean. There is a charge for showers. The cost is $0.25 for approximately 4 minutes.
- Frankenmuth Jellystone Park is an RV-friendly campground also in Frankenmuth that does have amenities like a pool and mini-putt (which Pine Ridge Campground does not).
- For comparison purposes: The nightly rate for a full-service site on the weekend in the summer at Frankenmuth Jellystone Park is approximately $73-$88USD. A comparable full-service site at Pine Ridge RV Park is $39USD.
- The location of Pine Ridge RV Campground affords easy accessibility to Frankenmuth attractions.
IMO:
Christmas, chicken dinners and outlet mall shopping- Pine Ridge RV Campground is a good RV Place to Go to enjoy all there is to do in Frankenmuth, Michigan.