Fort Custer Recreation Area in Augusta, Michigan sits on nearly 3,000 acres of diverse terrain featuring three lakes and extensive trail systems. The campground offers 219 modern campsites with electrical service and vault toilets spread across wooded areas. Winter camping is available year-round, though water service is shut off during colder months.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Fort Custer Recreation Area provides extensive trail networks for outdoor activities. "We hiked on a multi-use trail that the ranger suggested. The blue trail goes around a couple lakes and was wonderful. We did miss a sign or two and ended up turning our 4 mile trip into a 6.5 mile one but there are plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the time," reports one visitor to Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Lake activities: The recreation area features multiple lakes for water recreation. "There are a couple hundred sites and most of them were full. Our site was on the far end of a loop. This meant a longer walk to the restrooms and showers. On the other hand, we were right across from an access trail to the blue hiking trail," notes another camper about Fort Custer.
Family water fun: Hidden Ridge RV Resort offers numerous water activities for visitors. "There is a pool, hot tub, bounce pillow, splash pad. Children's activities are planned throughout the week and adult activities, as well," states one reviewer. Another mentions, "We had a great time camping at Hidden Ridge. Amenities were great, everything well kept and clean."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate secluded spots at Michawana Campground. "We got site 36. We put our tent up on the hill tucked back up in the woods. Shade from the start!" One camper explains. Others appreciate the "beautiful large sites on a lake."
Kid-friendly amenities: Families enjoy the activities available at Woodchip Campground. "This is a nice private campground with a lot of activities for kids and families. There is a pool, bounce pillow and basketball court. There are seasonal sites and other full hook-up sites," reports a visitor. Another notes, "There are lots of kids activities, and all activities are included with stay. But the lots are small."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness rates highly among visitors to rv parks in Augusta, Michigan and surrounding areas. "Campground is clean, and staff friendly. Great trees surrounding the property," says one Woodchip Campground visitor. At Michawana, a reviewer notes that "the bath houses are huge and well taken care of."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most rv campgrounds near Augusta, Michigan require advance bookings, especially during peak seasons. At Camp Turkeyville RV Resort, one camper notes, "Very laid back. Family oriented. Plenty of things for the kids to do."
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds close during winter months. "Hidden Ridge is a modern RV resort within 8 minutes of Gun Lake and sandwiched between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids," explains a visitor to Camp Turkeyville RV Resort.
Site variations: Sites differ significantly in terms of privacy, shade, and size. At Fort Custer, "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors. I didn't expect to find something this interesting as an alternate to original plans but it worked out nicely."
Weather considerations: Michigan weather can change rapidly. "We had some rain and storms moving in so this proved useful in helping us sneak out of camp really early to avoid the downpour that was looming," explains a Fort Custer visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Water activities provide entertainment for children at multiple campgrounds. At Crooked Lake Campground and RV Park, "This area is great for paddling. You can start at Crooked Lake and follow a little water trail to Pickerel to swim at a small beach."
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for easier supervision. "We love this as an easy getaway close to home. I wouldn't call it a beautiful campground... but it is clean, and has a ton to do for kids! There are campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play," explains a Woodchip camper.
Activity planning: Check campground schedules for planned family activities. "We came here for a fall camping weekend. Kids loved going on wagon ride to find the pumpkins and then decorating them. They really enjoyed the glow wagon ride. Root beer floats Saturday night were great!" shares a Woodchip Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check site specifications before booking. "Spacing was generous between locations. We had a drive-in(forward) location(#10) overlooking the small lake," notes a visitor to Twin Mills Camping Resort.
Dump station planning: Plan for potential wait times at dump stations, especially at busy campgrounds. At Fort Custer, "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long."
Cellular connectivity: Cell service varies by carrier throughout the Augusta area. At Twin Mills, "Cellular: T-Mobile had good signal strength and bandwidth, AT&T was not as good but still doable."
Seasonal site availability: Many rv parks near Augusta, Michigan and the surrounding region offer seasonal options. At Moscow Maples RV Park, "This is a smaller campground with some full timers or seasonal campers. We stayed a week and enjoyed our time there. We had lots of rain so we didn't get outside as much as we wanted."
