In a tranquil corner of Fennville, Mich., lies an enchanting wooded property that invites its guests to partake in something increasingly rare in 2025: a little peace and quiet.
At The Woods Luxury Camping, mornings begin with fresh air, birdsong, and the smell of coffee and pine. By night, gentle fires crackle under starlit skies as s’mores toast and conversation lingers. It’s a cozy, timeless place—and now in its third season, The Woods is as dedicated as ever to its peaceful mission: helping guests escape from the stressors of everyday life.
The Woods began with one family’s longing for “the stillness of the forest,” according to the property’s executive assistant and self-proclaimed “Camp Whisperer,” Abbi Petro. After years of running a coffee shop in Holland, Mich., Petro’s mother-in-law, Jacqueline Petro, set out with her family to create this quiet, spacious haven rooted in nature. “Our dream was simple—to create a place where people could unplug, unwind, and savor life’s little joys,” the younger Petro says.
This simple vision grew into one of the most unique and remarkable glamping retreats across the entire state. Just a five-minute drive from Lake Michigan, The Woods features 18 custom-built cabins designed to combine modern luxuries with a homey, rustic aesthetic. There’s the wonderful sun-lit Glass House cabins, the cozy Hideaway Huts, and the delightful A-frames, with each separate structure offering a wholly distinct camping experience. “We designed everything by feel,” Petro says. “We wanted each space to feel like a gentle hug from the woods.”
Every trip to The Woods begins with a peaceful stroll through the forest, where cars are left at the edge of the woodlands as guests walk down the lantern-lit trails and check-in to their unique private cabins. Inside, you will find plush white bedding, cozy furnishings, and an assortment of thoughtful amenities, including s’mores kits, bug spray, linens, extra toothbrushes, and even ice-filled coolers.
“We try to anticipate what guests might need before they even think to ask,” Petro says. This extends beyond the cabins to The Woods’ communal areas as well, including its sleek modern bathhouse and the campground’s central hub, where you can cozy up to the fire, play yard games, and grab snacks from a vintage camper that’s been lovingly transformed into the site’s canteen. Also, keep an eye out for passing chickens and rabbits just south of basecamp—you might even get the chance to feed a lucky bunny or two.
Every dwelling, structure, and walkway at The Woods is fit with one collective purpose: to immerse its guests in nature. Each luxury cabin is equipped with large skylights that allow for undisturbed stargazing from bed, while those who prefer a daytime snooze can doze off in one of the many hang-strung hammocks scattered across the wooded campgrounds. Forget distracting alerts and push notifications—according to Petro, many guests enter another rhythm upon entering the camp. “People arrive, and you can see it in their body language—everything softens. It’s like the forest tells them it’s okay to breathe,” she says.
Though some visitors of The Woods invariably feel that exploring Lake Michigan and the local wineries in Saugatuck and Holland is the real adventure, many others embrace the care-free pace of the campground, which Petro calls “a reset button wrapped in luxury linens and forest air.” Furthermore, sustainability is also an important part of The Woods’ mission, having adapted many of its trails from old ATV paths to preserve the surrounding wildlife.
Since opening the campsite in 2023, The Woods has seen an overwhelmingly positive response from its guests and the greater community. Of its many success stories, one stands out in particular: “We had a guest come to celebrate her remission after breast cancer,” Petro says. “We hosted her stay as a gift. Her gratitude reminded us exactly why we built this place.”
From its humble origins as a heartfelt family dream to the expansive retreat it is today, The Woods offers far more than simply luxurious camping—it’s a refuge from modern life. When asked to sum up The Woods in a few words, Petro says: “Calm. Serenity. Sweet simplicity.” For those who heed the call and embrace nature’s quiet stillness, you’ll find peace and sanctuary in this tranquil wooded expanse.
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