It all began way back in 1968, when Junior and Shirley Carlton, with the help of their children, started a small Michigan RV dealership from their home—operating out of a pole barn in their side yard.

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Originally the Dealership was going to be called Carlton Campers, but When they discovered another out-of-state dealership already using the "Carlton" name, they were forced to think creatively. Drawing inspiration from a local landmark, they named the business Parshallburg Campers, after the nearby Parshallburg Bridge—often telling customers, “We’re right down the road from the Parshallburg Bridge.”

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When they started the business, Junior was working multiple jobs—during the day at a dairy company, as well at a local RV manufacturer (RoyCraft), and then late nights at the dealership—while Shirley managed the day-to-day operations. The business was open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, a true testament to their dedication and work ethic.

 

Over the years, the location became home to more than just the RV dealership. The Carlton family also owned and operated Bruno’s Glass, providing glass repair, replacement, and custom cutting services, as well as Carlton Homes, which sold modular homes to customers throughout Mid-Michigan—most of which still stand today.

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In January 2015, Junior Carlton passed away. The following year, in honor of his legacy and long-standing vision, the company adopted a name similar to what he had always wanted. Carlton Camping Center became a DBA of Parshallburg Campers, Inc., and is now the name used for the dealership’s sales, finance, and rental divisions.

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In 2020, Shirley retired at the age of 85 after more than 50 years of working six-seven days a week at the dealership—an incredible legacy of commitment and perseverance.

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Today, the business remains proudly family-owned and operated. Leading the day-to-day operations are Junior and Shirley’s sons, Kevin and Phil Carlton, along with their grandson and third-generation family member, Justin Carlton. 

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Carlton Camping Center stands as one of the few truly family-owned RV dealerships left in Michigan. We invite you to stop by and experience the difference—where every customer is treated like part of the family!