Mecosta Pines Campground — Hotel in Aetna Township

We were there two years ago and it was a fantastic time. This time, not so much. We stayed for a weekend, two nights for three sites with friends, 6 people total.

Our friends checked in at 1pm, and the owners gave our friends all the window tags and the gate codes. So when we arrived at 5, we just used the gate code to go to our site. The owner followed behind me in a golf cart, while my girlfriend was stopped at the gate. I was yelled at for going through with the code without a tag. The tag was already at our campsite. My girlfriend was told I "blew through" the gate, and I should have stopped to register and pay, even though we were already paid up. She said let me go to the site and get my tag. The owner just gave them one anyway, but almost didn't let her in as we had "too many vehicles already". How many? 4 for 3 sites, including our van.

Two years ago we camped in our camper van. This time we were told it wasn't allowed unless we had a tent off of it. No big deal, we can do that.

List of rules that we were given was very long, but the one that jumped out the most was "no golf carts". You can't spin your head without seeing a golf cart. They're everywhere.

The aggression coming from the new owners was uncalled for. You have rules to enforce, fine. But find a way that doesn't make it so the weekend is tainted. It didn't feel like people accepting us to a fun getaway. It felt like we had parents trying to police our weekend.

Tips for the new owners: 1: If you want everyone to check in and get registered at the front office, especially in staggered groups, don't give all the tags to one person. Tell them to have the group all check in. It avoids people not stopping. 2: The obsession with keeping people at 5mph is laughable, and the speed bumps every 10 feet, while admirable, are not great when walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night. You want people to slow down? They already are. The kids on bikes and the golf carts go faster than the vehicles we saw driving through. 3: If you want returning campers, change your tone. You have a good setup. You can be successful without acting like drill seargants to the people who paid to stay there for a relaxing fun weekend. 4: If you want to limit who is going to the sites by using that gate, fine. But you're also limiting visitors who might consider camping there at a later date. 5: Consider a second exit, gated if you must. You bottleneck everyone at the front office and it creates issues.

We most likely won't be back, as our setup isn't what is acceptable at Mecosta Pines....

A Haven at Mecosta Pines

In a tranquil glade where whispers dance with the breeze, Lies Mecosta Pines, a sanctuary of ease. Amidst towering pines and emerald delight, Where dawn’s first kiss turns the world golden bright.

Here, the heavens seem to pause and take a breath, As nature unfolds her serene, endless breadth. The campgrounds embrace with a warm, gentle grace, Inviting weary souls to find their own space.

Children's laughter, a melody so pure, Echoes through pines where their spirits can soar. Their playful antics paint the morning with cheer, While the smell of breakfast drifts gently near.

Yet heed this small whisper as you wander and roam, Respect the serenity that makes this place home. When Debbie’s around, let the speed softly wane, For her watchful eye ensures peace will remain.

The gentle river, with its murmuring song, Flows through the woods where dreams softly belong. Its clear, flowing waters reflect skies above, Adding to the beauty this haven is made of.

The crackle of campfires under star-strewn skies, Offers a haven where the spirit can rise. With paths that meander and trails that invite, Mecosta Pines is a realm of pure delight.

As the scent of pancakes and bacon does sway, It mingles with memories that linger and stay. So come to Mecosta, where nature’s heart beats, And find your own rhythm in these serene, wooded streets.

A place where the soul finds its gentle release, And every moment brings a...

Older lady with glasses and grey hair can take a hike. Extremely rude. Was interrogated in the office because I was visiting for 1 night. Would rate 0 stars if possible. Missed a sign because I was watching for kids crossing and get cut off by a golf cart and screamed at because I was going the wrong way (going 2mph). No reason to act like a 10 year old throwing a fit l, as if I was actually endangering someone .I’ve watched multiple people come and go from that direction. Let’s see the footage!! Was stopped the first time and told the lady that have passes in my sister car and everything was taken care of still went back to the office and paid and didn’t make a big deal about it . Never was mentioned once that I was going the wrong way. I was barely rolling in my car! I let an entire family cross in-front me in the pouring rain! Yet you still had to catch up to me in your golf cart and cut me off as if I was the one endangering someone lmao. And speed bumps I “went around” was the first ONE by the office that covers half the road. Surely it’s impossible to go around a speed bump that covers the entire road? Quit saying I was endangering adults and children when I could have put my car in neutral and pushed it faster then I was going. I was civil and you acted like a 10 year old and kicked me out over a review. I know you have cameras, so I’d love to see me putting people in harms way! Money hungry owners! Let’s see the...