Chinook Camping

We have enjoyed tubing and camping here for many years, which makes this experience even more disappointing. Our group of approximately 75 people arrived for a scheduled tubing trip, checked in, and paid in full. While we were waiting for the shuttle, one member of our group picked up a life jacket from the same area where we as guests have always been able to get them during our previous visits. There were no signs indicating that only staff were permitted to hand out life jackets. Without asking what happened or giving anyone an opportunity to explain, the male owner, Nick, began yelling at members of our group, including me, accusing us of theft. He ordered us off the property and announced that he had called the police. The police never arrived. The female owner, Melissa, appeared slightly embarrassed but perhaps just inconvenienced by the situation and attempted to calm him down, but was unsuccessful. She then processed refunds for our entire group on one of the busiest days of the year, which ultimately hurt their own business as much as it disrupted our plans. What was most upsetting was not the misunderstanding—it was how it was handled. A simple conversation could have resolved everything in seconds. Instead, we were publicly yelled at, falsely accused, and humiliated in front of our families, friends, other customers, and staff. A camper who was not affiliated with our group approached us afterward to say he was shocked and disgusted by what he and his small children had to witness. He felt the treatment was so inappropriate. We are not posting this out of spite. We are posting it because no paying customer deserves to be treated this way, especially loyal customers who have supported this business for years, with receipts to prove it. We sincerely hope the owners, Melissa and Nick, acknowledge what happened, accept responsibility, and issue a genuine apology. Everyone can have a bad day, but business owners should treat customers with respect and professionalism. I am open and ready to have a respectful conversation. Until that happens, I cannot recommend this business. UPDATE: Shout out to Wisner Canoes for not only saving the day but delivering top notch customer service! I paid$57 for my family’s tubes at Wisner compared to$75 at Chinook so we actually ended up saving money. BONUS: You get to actually, physically grab and try on life jackets yourself at Wisner with NO false accusations of theft! Wisner Canoes 25 E Water St, Newaygo, MI 49337 231-652-6743