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Camping near Custer, MI

234 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    The landscape around Custer, Michigan features a range of camping experiences from established campgrounds to wilderness areas along Lake Michigan and inland waterways. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness provides dispersed camping opportunities with primitive facilities, while developed options like Poncho's Pond RV Park and Ludington State Park offer more amenities. Several locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some properties like Kibby Creek Campground also featuring cabin rentals. The area's mix of public and private campgrounds creates varied price points, from free dispersed sites along Green Road to full-service resort-style camping with modern facilities.

    Most campgrounds in the Custer region operate seasonally, typically from April or May through October, with limited winter accessibility. Campers should anticipate varying levels of amenities, from the basic facilities at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness to full hookups at locations like Vacation Station RV Resort with concrete pads and full-service sites. The region's proximity to Lake Michigan creates a distinct camping season influenced by moderate summer temperatures and potential for spring and fall precipitation. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months, especially for waterfront sites. A visitor noted, "Most were in pretty good shape and not too muddy even though we were there at the end of the camping season."

    Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with sites along Lake Michigan, Pere Marquette River, and various inland lakes receiving consistent praise. Many campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing, paddling, and swimming opportunities. The Pere Marquette River, known for salmon and trout fishing, attracts anglers throughout the season. Developed campgrounds generally maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance. According to one camper, "The park is SUPER clean and well-maintained. Lots of things to do in the park and being in Ludington, lots to do in the area." Mixed-use campgrounds supporting both tent and RV camping are common throughout the region, with varying levels of privacy between sites depending on the property's layout and vegetation.

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    Best Campgrounds near Custer (234)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park

      4.5(42)16mi from Custer115 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of beautiful shoreline along both lakes."

      "You have easy access to Lake Hamlin and Lake Michigan for great swimming. Float down the creek to Lake Michigan or go hiking to the light house."

      from $43 - $80 / night

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      2. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

      4.7(32)16mi from CusterRVs, Tents

      "Lake Michigan rec area is adjacent with beach access and trails to walk. Hamlin Lake at Ludington State Park is not far and has an interpretive canoe trail."

      "Beautiful campground within walking distance from Lake Michigan and a beautiful beach. Flushable toilets and potable water. No hookups."

      from $14 - $27 / night

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      3. Lake Michigan Recreation Area

      4.7(24)16mi from Custer53 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "It was clean and spacious, with great access to Lake Michigan. The dunes were great for relaxing and offered speculator sunset and star gazing views."

      "Very short walk to the beach and very nice bathrooms. Also very close to Nordhouse Dunes (but the beach accessed by the trail in this campground is very beautiful with dunes)."

      from $40 - $115 / night

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      4. Sulak Campground

      4.8(12)10mi from CusterRVs, Tents

      "Great campsite with trails nearby and amazing fishing opportunities! Close to Baldwin!"

      "Short 5-10 min walk from the river where we were able to see a ton of spawning salmon. Just be careful walking on the road, locals fly down it."

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      5. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

      4.8(17)14mi from Custer

      "Spent a few nights here enjoying Manistee National Forest and Lake Michigan. During our stay we relocated from our original site to a bigger site further down the road heading south."

      "This was our first time trying out dispersed camping and this location was perfect! We loved being a short drive away from Lake Michigan and plenty of hiking trails."

      6. Kibby Creek Campground

      4.8(12)11mi from CusterRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Close to Lake Michigan and very clean! Will definitely come back"

      "Locally there is a few lighthouses, parks, views of Lake Michigan. Ludington Bay Brewing was an excellent place for dinner and a drink."

      from $40 - $160 / night

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      7. Poncho's Pond RV Park

      4.9(9)10mi from CusterRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There are a few trees among the tent sites but they are not very private and located near the garbage dumpsters/recycle bins and on a main exit thoroughfare. "

      "Conveniently located close to downtown Ludington Michigan."

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      8. Pines Campground — Ludington State Park

      4.3(15)15mi from Custer100 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We could walk right from our campsite up the sandy hills to see Lake Michigan in the distance. We went paddle boarding and biking, hiking and swimming. There is just so much to do there."

      "It also has a nice general store close by as well as a nice Bathroom area with large clean restrooms and showers."

      from $48 - $80 / night

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      9. Cartier Park Campground

      3.7(10)12mi from CusterRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nice campground, very close to Ludington and Lake Michigan Beaches. Well maintained and friendly staff too."

      "Site is right next to the road and loud at times from traffic. (Annoying) Our friends used site 32 with no issues, site 33 is right next to a fence with the cemetery on the other side."

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      10. Mears State Park Campground

      4.0(13)16mi from Custer177 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Clean facilities and closely located to Lake Michigan. Only drawback was how close the sites were to each other."

      "Awesome location for camping, and is right on Lake Michigan. However, there is no grass and is pretty much all sand. As long as that doesn’t bother you, you will have a great time camping here."

      from $48 - $236 / night

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    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Custer, MI

    387 Photos of 234 Custer Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Custer, MI

    973 Reviews of 234 Custer Campgrounds

    • Joanie C.
      Jul. 30, 2026

      Lucky Lake Campground & Outdoor Center LLC

      Quiet

      Quiet camping is available AFTER the Electric Festival is over earlier in the season. Just drive in and find a site anywhere  next to the  water under some trees for shade.  Great for tieing a dog up in the shade where they can reach the shoreline to  wade (If you pick the right site). Mostly rustic but having practically the whole campground to yourselves is priceless. The lake 

      has sandbars and floatation platforms but also drop offs close to the shore so not recommended for small kids and novice swimmers. 

      Great place to go impromptu when everyplace is full.

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 30, 2026

      Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

      Beautiful views, but don’t expect quite

      The day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?

    • Mary H.
      Jul. 29, 2026

      Buttersville Park Campground

      Great location; packed-in sites

      Came in on a Sunday, and the campground was packed. With a few exceptions, the sites are super close together. That’s not my preference, but it was clear many campers come in groups booking several neighboring sites, and it was fun to see everyone enjoying themselves. We were fortunate to have one of the larger sites(#3), which gave us plenty of room. The location is outstanding, perched on a Lake Michigan bluff with 70+ stairs leading to the beach. If stairs aren't great for you, you can also access the beach from the public park just around the corner. The campground staff was friendly and helpful at check-in, and they sell quality firewood at a reasonable price. The shower house was in good condition, though the women's bathroom could have been cleaner. The pit toilets near our site also needed attention. If you're looking for privacy and spacious, secluded camping, this probably isn't the campground for you. But if you enjoy a lively, family-friendly atmosphere in an amazing location, it's worth considering.

    • B
      Jul. 26, 2026

      Sandy Beach County Park

      Over all good/ family friendly.

      We have camped here many times over the years and have always enjoyed our visits. The campground has made some great investments and improvements, which are appreciated. However, the overall maintenance has unfortunately declined. It is noticeable in the condition of the shower houses, tree trimming, staining, painting, and other general upkeep. A little more attention to these details would make a big difference, especially in the restroom facilities. This is a great campground for children and families, with plenty to enjoy. One area that could use improvement is consistency in how campground rules are enforced. During our stay, we observed several occasions where some seasonal campers—and even some weekend campers—were allowed to get away with things that others were not. We personally did not have any issues, but it did seem as though certain campers were singled out while others were overlooked, even when there was no obvious reason. Overall, this is still a good place to camp, and we will likely return. With a stronger focus on maintenance and more consistent rule enforcement, it could easily become an excellent campground.

    • Melissa S.
      Jul. 19, 2026

      Chinook Camping

      Great family Campground!

      Great family campground! Lots of activities: sport courts, foam parties, train rides and a heated pool. Nice Playgrounds and the River trip services were a huge highlight of our trip. We had so much fun and the river was beautiful! Our site was spacious and located right across from the arcade. We found the bathrooms to be outdated but they were overall clean. The park itself is very well maintained with freindly staff. Will definitely recommend and return.

    • Shayla C.
      Jul. 15, 2026

      Dunes Harbor Family Camp

      Great campground overall

      Campground had amazing amenities. Lots of things for kids to do!! Pool was always clean. Bathrooms & showers were always clean. My only complaint is how close the sites were together.

    • Shayla C.
      Jul. 15, 2026

      Platte River State Forest

      Beautiful campground

      Our site, and most sites, we're very shaded. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The rangers working were fantastic. In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!

    • Ronnie G.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 11, 2026

      Silver Creek State Forest Campground

      Rustic, River, and Racoons!!! 🦝

      I camped here on my motorcycle in a tent. NO CELL PHONE SERVICE!!!It is quiet after dark, river sites all over, walkin sites at the entrance. Its $20 a night. Its a nice scenery the bugs are a little rough but there is fire wood close by for $5 a bundle. All in all a good experience except... The damn racoons!! It was like the movie the great outdoors and they come in packs!!! I had to hide everything and they stole my ketchup 😂

    • K
      Jul. 8, 2026

      Orchard Beach State Park Campground

      Clean and quaint!

      This was our first time in orchard beach and we will definitely return! This campground was so clean, the sites were large, the bathrooms were immaculate, and the staff was kind and helpful! We had a site backing up to the fence of the drop off and we could hear the water all night. The view is absolutely beautiful, I was bummed to miss the sunset on our first night. We took away a star because of the blocked off stairs. We were under the impression that there would be water access so that was disappointing. But! We had a blast and made friends with our site neighbor and will definitely recommend this spot to friends!

    Guide to Custer

    The landscape surrounding Custer, Michigan sits about 700 feet above sea level in the western portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Winter temperatures typically range from 15-30°F, while summer averages between 65-80°F. Several campgrounds in the area offer fishing access to the Pere Marquette River, known for its cold-water fishery that supports trout, salmon, and steelhead runs through different seasons.

    What to do

    Hike the dunes: At Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, visitors can explore Michigan's only federally designated wilderness area within the Lower Peninsula. "This is a 2 mile hike in beach spot with beautiful views. Lots of variation in how great each spot is, but absolutely worth it. No amenities at all. Great beach walks on lake Michigan," shares Nicole B.

    Fish for salmon: The Pere Marquette River near Sulak Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities during fall spawning season. "Spent 2 nights here and it was awesome. Privacy between campsites but not much from the road itself. Short 5-10 min walk from the river where we were able to see a ton of spawning salmon," notes Hunter G.

    Winter camping: The area offers year-round camping options with heated facilities. "Winter camped in Pines Mini Cabin. Bunk beds with one a double- sleeps 5 total. Heat, electricity, mini fridge, microwave, table and 4 chairs. Well built and very clean. Outside fire pit and BBQ grill for summer. Awesome trails for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing," reports Kathie M.

    What campers like

    Beach access: Lake Michigan's sandy shores are a major draw. "Beautiful and diverse spots! Awesome beach and/or forest locations for camping! Spots near the parking are but also some spots you can hike to. Beautiful all around. And pet friendly!" explains Clair M. about Lake Michigan Recreation Area.

    Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness at certain campgrounds. "Not a bad spot. Only 3 people here week of Memorial Day. Sites aren't bad. All will accommodate at 25ft RV and some a 30. Sites have picnic table and fire ring with cooking (rusty) thing over it," according to Jordan A.

    Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers can find no-cost sites. "There are plenty of really rustic pull-offs north and south of those coordinates on Green Rd. There are actually quite a few that are harder to find or even get a vehicle to without 4WD, but most of it is easily accessible in a 2WD vehicle," notes Andrew G. about Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road.

    What you should know

    Cell service limitations: Connection can be spotty throughout the region. "A beautiful Park with lots of biodiversity. Miles of hiking trails that take you through dense forests into sand dunes and then the beach and lake shore. Biggest downfall was lack of cell service. Verizon and AT&T were slim to none in the campground. Had to drive into town for work," reports Jim & Sarah S.

    Crowded summer weekends: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "The walk from the parking lot wasn't bad. Due to how busy it was, we ended up parking a half mile down the road. By the time we left there was about a mile of cars parked after us. Seems to be a very busy spot on the weekends," shares Bradley B.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Custer, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Custer, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 234 campgrounds and RV parks near Custer, MI and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Custer, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Custer, MI is Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Custer, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Custer, MI.

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