Camping near Concord, Michigan offers options across three main counties within a 30-mile radius. The region features a mix of smaller inland lakes and river access points with camping elevations typically around 1,000 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operation schedules with peak availability running from May through mid-October when daytime temperatures average 70-85°F.
What to do
Lake swimming and fishing access: At Waterloo Portage Lake, campers can enjoy a maintained beach area with swimming access. "The lake has a little beach with sands. Nice place," notes Raul O. The fishing pier is wheelchair accessible though "it is a bit of a walk to get to," according to Shelly.
Kayaking and canoeing: Twin Pines Campground & Canoe Livery offers direct river access with rental options. "They rent out kayaks and canoes. I personally would recommend the kayaks," shares Helen C. Water levels can vary seasonally, as one camper noted, "the river was a joy to kayak, although the water level was extremely low, making it hard to maneuver through certain parts."
Mountain biking and hiking: Fort Custer Recreation Area features extensive trail networks for multiple activities. "There are plenty of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes. Roads quiet and could easily ride your road bike to nearby bike paths," explains Janet N. The blue trail circles several lakes and offers scenic views with rest spots along the route.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy available at certain campgrounds. At Fort Custer, "we just stayed at site 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!" shares Hannah. Site selection can significantly impact privacy levels.
Clean facilities: Waterloo Portage Lake Modern receives praise for maintenance. "Like all the state park this is very clean and well maintained. A few bathrooms are located around the campground," notes Raul O. Gateway Park also earns recognition as "a very clean campground with friendly staff."
Family activities: Gateway Park Campground offers numerous structured recreation options. "They have a lot for the kids here: Pool 3ft-5ft, Air pillow, Large playground (very clean), Half basketball court, Sand Volleyball net, Rec room, Crafts on weekends," lists Melissa M. Many campgrounds provide organized weekend activities during summer months.
What you should know
Campsite variations: Site quality and privacy vary significantly between and within campgrounds. At Swain's Lake, "the campground sites are pretty close together. It's a nice place to camp during the week, but it did get really crowded on summer weekends," reports Suzy E.
Lake conditions: Water quality differs across recreational lakes in the region. At Pokagon State Park, facilities include "an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach," according to Amy K., while other lakes may have less appealing conditions, as one camper noted about Portage Lake: "the beach area is very mucky and dirty. Seaweed just flats around and gets tangled around your legs."
Pet policies: While most campgrounds allow pets, rules vary by location. At Portage Lake, "the 6-foot leash rules are very clearly stated. There are many campers whose dogs remain the exception," warns Gary G. Always check specific campground policies before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Look for campgrounds with updated facilities for family comfort. At Swain's Lake, "the shower house is GREAT! Individual showers with locking doors for complete privacy," according to Suzy E.
Structured activities: Rockeys Campground provides organized programming for younger campers. "Rob and Vicki do so much for the kid campers too! We go every year for Memorial Day and they remember us every time," shares Keely B. Many campgrounds offer weekend activities during peak season.
Swimming options: Pool access provides alternatives to lake swimming. Gateway Park features a "Pool 3ft-5ft" while other campgrounds have beach areas with varying water clarity. Consider campgrounds with multiple water recreation options for families.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most state park campgrounds offer electric hookups only. At Fort Custer, "sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," notes VB S. Plan water usage accordingly for stays longer than a weekend.
Site sizing: At Moscow Maples RV Park, "the sites were grassy and mostly level. Trees added shade throughout," according to Brenda L. Site dimensions vary significantly between private and state park campgrounds, with some unable to accommodate larger rigs.
Dump station timing: During peak checkout periods, waiting times can extend significantly. "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long," warns Bob B. about Fort Custer. Consider midweek or off-hour dumping to avoid delays.
