Fort Custer Recreation Area accommodates equestrians with miles of dedicated horse trails and specified camping areas. The recreation area features multiple trail systems designed for horseback riding with separate trails for mountain bikers and hikers. Sites offer electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits within a wooded setting that provides natural separation between campsites. Large sites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking. The trails provide varied terrain through woodland areas and around multiple lakes. Most sites have substantial shade from old growth trees.
Trail riders can access extensive equestrian paths directly from the camping area. Fort Custer's bridle trails circle the outer perimeter of the recreation area, creating a continuous riding loop with multiple access points. The park maintains several lakes for fishing and kayaking when not riding. Horse-friendly camping is available year-round, allowing equestrians to enjoy seasonal trail variations. The campground can be accessed via drive-in routes suitable for trucks with horse trailers. Water access points for horses are available at designated locations throughout the trail system. Campers should note that while the recreation area accommodates horses, the trails can become buggy during summer months, particularly in low-lying areas.
"Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!"
"We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails which are very easily accessed from the campground. "
$20 - $480 / night
"Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric)."
"This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it."
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
$17 / night
"No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails."
"All rustic sites, horses welcomed, vault toilets, and water pumps. Pay for site by money drop in tube so bring your check book. The lake is great for kayaking. Miles of trails to wander and discover."
GuideFort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!
Never over-crowded, tons of trails, and very nice paddle board, kayak, and canoe rentals! The lake at the state park is outlined by trails and features a small island to paddle around!
GuideThis was our second trip to this property (1st was Sept 2021), and it was really nice. We went Aug 25 - 27th (Friday - Sunday). The property has something like 219 campsites, and that weekend every single one of them was full. Noisy during the day with a few large groups and a LOT of kids, but they were quiet at night and it was not a problem. Some of the campsites are very close together and it's hard to determine that from the map or choosing ahead of time. The showers and bathrooms are fine, and I think they're being upgraded this season so I expect them to be quite nice for 2024 and beyond. We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails which are very easily accessed from the campground. We also took a trip into Battle Creek for a quick stop by CVS, so it's close and convenient for lost or forgotten items. No problems with bugs or mosquitos, other than the normal for being a forested property.
On Saturday morning the camp host had coffee and donuts for a $1 donation. And firewood was easily accessible on site.
Would not hesitate to stay here again.
GuideEquestrian trails and campgrounds are popular here. Horse rides sold on site. There is a nice hotel that sometimes hosts events actually located in the park. Come tobagginging and ice fishing in the winter and then pamper yourself in the hotel, or visit in the summer and have a beach day or easy hike with the family. Great spot for Pokémon Go because of the available cell service.
TravelerEly Lake Campground is a County campground in Allegan Michigan. All of the sites are rustic. Here are the bullet points:
First the positives: It is a beautiful rustic campground. We stayed on the side with sites 49-73 (specifically site 50) which has larger more secluded sites than the other side of the Lake. The Lake is for non-motorized recreational use so it is mostly used for kayaking and canoeing and fishing. There is about a 1 mile trail that you can walk around the exterior of the Lake, however it is ill defined in some places so just keep your eyes peeled for yellow markers on the trees (which are everywhere so you wont get lost).
This place also attracts a lot of equestrian campers and they have trails specifically for horseback riding. So if you have kids that love horses, you may see some on the weekends.
The negatives: It is a wonderful experience until about 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday night. This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings (apparently there is no where else for the locals to have a rager). There is loud music , people yelling, fireworks going off and… not very much sleep. And I am not just talking about a few people with their music on -- it was someone blasting their sub-woofer with electronic dance music until 4:45 AM. It was really disappointing because otherwise the experience was positive. Luckily my kids are all deep sleepers so I was the only one who had to sit up all night.
They clean the bathrooms daily from what I can tell, but otherwise the campground is not maintained. There was trash around our site, and when you walk the trail about the lake you will see cigarette packets and beer bottles occasionally. Also along the trail were two massive hornet nests that really should have been removed by park management - but it's clear they don't ever maintain the trail.
If you're willing to overlook some garbage, and if the party people stay away you could have a wonderful camping trip. Allegan County has a beautiful natural resource here, but sadly it seems like it is being squandered, and wont last.
TravelerPokagon State Park has an excellent state park campground. Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric). Many sites are flat (good for tent camping) while others are slightly rolling hills (helps breakup the sites a bit). There is a lot to do in the park including many trails, horse riding (horse stable on site), and lake swimming on a nicely improved beach. Only cons are no full hook up and the fire rings/grills could be improved.
ScoutThis is always my go to campground! All natural camping with plenty of nice people! One word of advise is to bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings lol but are back up and running by mid afternoon. No showers and just outhouses but that's REAL camping right!!!? No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at it's purest! I have been coming to this lake to camp for over 40 years and I hope I have 40 more years left!!!
TravelerThe trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶
TravelerThis is an extremely large campground. About seventy-five percent of the sites are electric. We stayed in Site 255, which was not electric (booked last minute). This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it. However, Site 269 (next to Site 277) afforded great privacy and was large; among the non-electric sites this was the best I saw. I did not survey the electric sites, but I’m sure the site matters a lot. Non-electric sites are $20.00, plus a $9.00 park entrance fee.
There are numerous walking trails, along with horse and bike trails. Additionally, there are boat rentals, horseback rides, pony rentals, swimming, nature center, and a restaurant at the inn.
This is a family oriented park. Extended family groupings are very common. Nevertheless, people and their children are well behaved.
I would recommend this campground for two days or more. A one day stay will mean you probably won’t see much of this wonderful park. The only reason I gave it a four was that even in mid-September it was packed.
ScoutMMichigan State park with large sites and lots of privacy. $25per night with electric. Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes. Roads quiet and could easily ride your road bike to nearby bike paths. I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky.
Fort Custer Recreation Area offers dedicated equestrian camping facilities near Battle Creek, Michigan. Located in Augusta, the park spans over 3,000 acres with varied terrain including forests, lakes, and meadows. Trail riders can access multiple trail systems within a year-round facility that accommodates both overnight camping with horses and day-use riding options.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes at Fort Custer provide excellent fishing spots. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat," notes Bob B. about Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Mountain biking trails: Fort Custer has become popular with mountain bikers seeking varied terrain. Joel K. shares, "We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer. We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite."
Kayaking on no-wake lakes: Quiet waters make for peaceful paddling experiences. "MMichigan State park with large sites and lots of privacy. Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing," mentions Janet N. about Pokagon State Park.
Trail exploration: Beyond horse trails, hikers can enjoy miles of dedicated pathways. "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," shares Art S.
Secluded sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate private spaces. Hannah shares, "We just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!" at Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Night sky views: The lack of light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. "I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky," remarks Janet N.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience near Battle Creek, Ely Lake offers opportunities. "Perfect unplugged campground with no electric, vault toilets. Beach front and small boat launch - no motors. We love it in the spring and fall," says Brad B. about Ely Lake Campground.
Natural separation: Vegetation between sites creates privacy. Art S. notes, "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors."
Bug preparation: Be prepared for insects, especially in summer months. "Lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent," advises Cathy Y.
Hookup limitations: Most equestrian camping areas have limited services. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," explains VB S.
Weather monitoring: Check forecasts before your trip. Art S. shares his experience at Fort Custer Recreation Area: "Another feature I wanted to try was the weather radio. It scans channels automatically to find a weather channel in range. You just need to listen to the report as it cycles through the days."
Fairground alternative: For those seeking equestrian-accessible camping with more amenities, Northstorm T. recommends the fairgrounds: "This is a fairgrounds RV and tent park. Very peaceful when there are no ongoing events. Large bath house with Showers."
Lake activities: Multiple lakes provide recreation options for kids. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat. If you're in the area, this is highly recommended," says Bob B.
Child-friendly sites: Look for sites with adequate space for play. Suzi K. describes Ely Lake Campground: "Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at its purest!"
Sun exposure considerations: Some sites receive full sun during peak hours. Art S. advises, "It was overcast upon arrival only to have the sun shine down the next day. We soon found out that there was enough clearing in the treetops to give our camp full sun for most of the day."
Tournament considerations: Plan ahead if visiting during sports seasons. Sue M. notes, "We are in town for a softball tournament and decided to camp for the week. The mosquitos are awful. The site was a decent size and had a lot of shade, which was nice."
Dump station planning: During peak times, expect lines for services. Bob B. warns about Fort Custer Recreation Area: "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long."
Site accessibility: Most equestrian sites accommodate rigs with horse trailers. "Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT," confirms Bob B.
Lower-cost alternatives: For budget-conscious RVers with horses, consider fairground camping. "Only $20 nightly, full hookup, nice wooded sites," shares Northstorm T. about Eaton County Fairgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds offer year-round access for equestrian camping. James K. notes about rustic options: "You can make reservations online ahead of time, or show up and find an empty site (but bring cash or check to pay because its a drop box)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Battle Creek, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Battle Creek, MI is Fort Custer Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Battle Creek, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Battle Creek, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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