Fretwell Campsite - Camp Rotary

For Michiganders seeking a truly immersive outdoor experience—whether for youth development, a corporate retreat, or a simple weekend away in nature—finding a destination that perfectly balances natural beauty with comprehensive amenities can be a challenge. Located in the heart of mid-Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Fretwell Campsite - Camp Rotary stands out as a prime, multi-faceted destination. While renowned for its deep roots and expansive program offerings within the Scouting community, this impressive 1,100+ acre property is also open year-round to schools, churches, civic, fraternal, and corporate groups, offering far more than just a place to pitch a tent.

The Fretwell Campsite specifically falls under the umbrella of the much larger, historic Camp Rotary, which is widely celebrated for its “Excellence of Program” and its exceptionally beautiful natural setting. It’s an ideal location for local groups from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and surrounding areas looking for a well-equipped, safe, and inspiring natural escape without venturing to the Upper Peninsula.

This destination is more than just a place to stay; it is an institution dedicated to fostering personal growth, environmental appreciation, and teamwork through adventure. The sheer scale and variety of facilities and activities offered make it a cornerstone of Michigan’s outdoor recreational landscape.

Fretwell Campsite, like all campsites within Camp Rotary, is intentionally designed to promote a traditional and unit-focused camping experience. Guests should note that the current program encourages a "Bring Your Own Tent to Camp" approach, ensuring a customizable and comfortable stay within designated areas. Camp Rotary's expansive property, which features the pristine, spring-fed Beebe Lake, has been a regional treasure since 1925, continually evolving to meet the needs of modern campers while preserving the natural, fragrant pine forests and scenic rolling hills that define its landscape.

The dedication to providing a high-quality outdoor experience is evident in every detail, from the well-maintained hiking trails to the modern facilities, ensuring that the focus remains on adventure, learning, and making lasting memories in one of the state's most picturesque outdoor settings. As a local Michigan group, choosing Camp Rotary means selecting a venue with a proven track record of excellence in outdoor education and hospitality.

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Fretwell Campsite is situated within Camp Rotary, centrally located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Its address places it near the community of Harrison, making it readily accessible from major cities across the state. This central positioning is a significant advantage for groups and organizations spread throughout Michigan, reducing travel time and making a weekend or week-long retreat a viable option for a large number of participants.

The specific location details are as follows:

W6RW+QF, Harrison, MI 48617, USA

While the physical address points to Harrison, the camp is also closely associated with Clare, Michigan. This area is easily reachable via Michigan's state and county highway systems. Travelers coming from southern or eastern Michigan can typically reach the area within a reasonable drive, allowing for seamless group transportation and logistics planning. The accessibility ensures that groups can maximize their time enjoying the camp's vast offerings rather than spending excessive hours on the road.

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The breadth of services at Camp Rotary, of which Fretwell Campsite is a part, caters to a wide variety of groups, making it a flexible venue for everything from educational programs to team-building workshops. Services extend beyond basic camping to include comprehensive facilities and staff support. The camp is open year-round, accommodating diverse seasonal needs.

• Year-Round Overnight Lodging: In addition to campsites like Fretwell, the facility offers heated lodges (e.g., Deer Lodge, Pike Lodge, Chipmunk Lodge) that include bathrooms, showers, stoves, refrigerators, and ovens, allowing for comfortable four-season use for groups ranging from 25 to 68 people.
• Dining Hall and Food Service: The main Dining Hall can serve up to 300 people, offering tasty, well-balanced meals served family-style during major camp seasons. Customized food service options may be available for retreat and conference groups.
• Educational & Program Support: The property is designed for outdoor education, with educational programs meeting State of Michigan Curriculum Standards for Grades K–12. Staff are often highly trained in program delivery.
• Equipment & Facility Rentals: Includes canoe rentals, dedicated classroom and meeting spaces, and various activity equipment for organized programs.
• Health and Safety: Modern shower houses and dedicated facilities are maintained for guest comfort.
• Connectivity: Free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is provided in various locations in the camp (look for signal “CR_Guest”) for convenience, though an unplugged experience is also encouraged.

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The natural features and specialized infrastructure at Camp Rotary create a truly memorable outdoor experience for any group utilizing Fretwell Campsite. The focus on adventure, nature, and skill development distinguishes it from a standard public park or campground.

• Beebe Lake: The centerpiece of the camp is the beautiful, clear, spring-fed Beebe Lake, approximately 30 acres in size, providing an exceptional waterfront for swimming, canoeing, and environmental studies.
• Extensive Acreage: The camp spans over 1,100 acres of scenic rolling hills and fragrant pine forests, offering a true immersion into Michigan’s natural beauty.
• Diverse Activities Infrastructure: State-of-the-art facilities include Premiere Shooting Sports Ranges (rifle, shotgun, archery), a COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) course, a Climbing and Rappelling Tower, and a Nature Center.
• Hiking Trails: Miles of marked hiking trails are available for recreational use, orienteering, and enjoying the abundance of natural resources. The property is also suited for winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
• Unique Gathering Spaces: Features include a Non-denominational Chapel overlooking the lake, a large outdoor amphitheater (Fire Bowl) with capacity for over 400 people, and several pavilions for group meetings and activities.
• Dedicated Campsites: Fretwell, like other sites, is designed to accommodate units, providing a fire ring and a picnic table at each location.

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For more specific information on reserving Fretwell Campsite or any of the lodges and facilities at Camp Rotary, it is recommended that interested Michigan groups and individuals contact the Michigan Crossroads Council for the most current booking procedures, availability, and detailed rates.

The general location details are:

Address: W6RW+QF, Harrison, MI 48617, USA

Please note that official phone numbers and reservation portals are managed by the operating council and are best found via a direct search for "Michigan Crossroads Council Camp Rotary Reservations" for the most up-to-date contact information.

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For Michigan residents and organizations looking to secure a truly superior venue for their next outdoor gathering, Fretwell Campsite at Camp Rotary offers compelling value. It is far more than a simple campground—it is a full-service retreat destination with nearly a century of history in providing exceptional experiences. The sheer volume and quality of available activities, from water sports on Beebe Lake to the challenge of the climbing tower and the educational opportunities at the Nature Center, mean that every participant, regardless of age or interest, will find a way to engage with the environment and with their group.

Choosing Camp Rotary is choosing a venue that has been repeatedly recognized for the "Excellence of Program." Whether your goal is to host a troop outing, facilitate a corporate team-building session, or provide a rich educational experience for a school group, the combination of expansive, well-maintained wilderness and modern, versatile facilities—including the option for comfortable, heated, year-round lodge stays—makes it an unparalleled choice in mid-Michigan. The accessibility from all points in the Lower Peninsula further cements its status as a convenient and high-value option for your next major group adventure.

Fretwell Campsite - Camp Rotary

W6RW+QF, Harrison, MI 48617, USA