There’s a certain magic to RVing along the Great Lakes. The vast expanses of blue water, the charming coastal towns, the cool breezes that cut through the summer heat, it’s a region that calls to road warriors. We were making our way along Michigan’s “Blue Water” coast, cruising up near the Thumb region, when the familiar need arose. It was time to find a reliable dump station, and when you’re in an area that’s more about scenery than services, that can sometimes be a challenge. That’s when a spot like the Thousand Trails St. Clair RV Resort becomes a welcome sight on the map.
Located just a short hop off I-94, this campground isn’t your typical highway-side RV park. It’s nestled in a grove of mature trees, giving it a secluded, state park kind of feel. But its real claim to fame is its proximity to the St. Clair River. We’re talking about a prime location where you can literally watch the massive, thousand foot freighters glide silently by on their way to and from Lake Huron. It turns a routine stop for tank maintenance into a memorable part of the journey.
As a Thousand Trails property, it operates with a certain level of professionalism and polish. If you’re not a member, don’t let the name scare you off. Many of their locations, including this one, are open to the public for day use services like the dump station. The process is smooth. You pull up to the gatehouse, check in with the ranger on duty, and pay the fee. They’ll give you a map and point you toward the dump station, which is conveniently located in a loop near the entrance, so you don’t have to navigate through the entire campground.
The station itself is clearly designed with RVers in mind. It features a double wide concrete apron, which means two rigs can potentially handle their business at once, keeping any lines moving. The layout is spacious enough for the biggest Class A motorhomes, even if you’re towing a car behind you. There’s no stress about tight turns or low hanging branches. You’ll find both potable water spigots for filling your fresh tank and a separate, non potable rinse hose for cleaning your sewer equipment. It’s all well lit, so even if you arrive after dusk, you’ll feel safe and be able to see what you’re doing.
For us, the experience was about more than just the dump. After we took care of the black and grey tanks, we decided to explore a bit. The real jewel of St. Clair is the Palmer Park boardwalk, which is touted as the longest freshwater boardwalk in the world. We took a stroll along the river, watching the massive ore boats pass so close you could almost read the names on their hulls. It was a serene, uniquely Michigan experience that we never would have had if we’d just pulled into a gas station.
The campground itself is packed with amenities that make it a tempting spot for an overnight or even a multi day stay. If you’ve been on the road for a while, the coin laundry and modern, clean bathhouses are a major perk. There’s nothing like the feeling of having all your clothes and linens fresh while on a long trip. The park is also very pet friendly, with plenty of shaded trails for walking your dog and waste stations conveniently placed throughout.
It’s important to plan ahead for a couple of things. The resort doesn’t have on site propane or gasoline, so you’ll want to make sure you’re topped off on those essentials before you arrive. The nearby towns of Port Huron or Marysville have plenty of options, so it’s just a matter of building it into your travel plan. Also, while they have great hookups for overnight guests, including 30 and 50 amp service, these aren’t available for day use dumpers.
When it comes to cost, it’s always best to call ahead. Non member dump fees at Thousand Trails properties typically fall in the ten to twenty dollar range, which is fair for a clean, well maintained, and secure facility. If you happen to be a Thousand Trails member, the use of the dump station is usually included with your membership, which is a fantastic perk for full timers.
Here are a few insider tips for a smooth visit. Before you go, it might be worth checking their online reservation system or giving the ranger station a call, especially during holiday weekends or peak summer season. They sometimes have to limit day use access when the campground is sold out to ensure a good experience for their overnight guests. Also, be aware of local events. St. Clair hosts a popular art fair in July that can fill the campground to capacity. And if you plan on using the laundry, bring a roll of quarters. While some parks are moving to card readers, many still rely on good old fashioned coins.
In conclusion, the Thousand Trails St. Clair resort is a fantastic stop. It successfully balances the practical needs of an RVer with the charm and beauty of Michigan’s coastline. It’s a place where you can efficiently take care of your tank chores and then immediately reward yourself with a peaceful walk along the river, watching the gentle giants of the Great Lakes float by. For anyone exploring the Blue Water region, it’s a reliable, scenic, and valuable waypoint. Just confirm that day use fee, and get ready to enjoy a little slice of riverside paradise.
1299 Wadhams Rd, St Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-7129
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
thousandtrails.com/michigan/st-clair-rv-resort/?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=directory&utm_campaign=Yext%20Directory%20Listing