234 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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 $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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 $45 - $236 / night
Check Availability
TravelerCampground 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.
TravelerOur 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!!!
GuideI 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 😂
ScoutThis 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!
TravelerWe dropped in on a friend who was camping here and stayed just one night at the start of a long trip, but we'll definitely be back. Site 19 has its own little path to the beach. So do several others on that side of the campground. Nice little lake and beach. Loons in the evening.
ScoutWe have enjoyed tubing and camping here for many years, which makes this experience even more disappointing. Our group of approximately 75 people arrived for a scheduled tubing trip, checked in, and paid in full. While we were waiting for the shuttle, one member of our group picked up a life jacket from the same area where we as guests have always been able to get them during our previous visits. There were no signs indicating that only staff were permitted to hand out life jackets. Without asking what happened or giving anyone an opportunity to explain, the male owner, Nick, began yelling at members of our group, including me, accusing us of theft. He ordered us off the property and announced that he had called the police. The police never arrived. The female owner, Melissa, appeared slightly embarrassed but perhaps just inconvenienced by the situation and attempted to calm him down, but was unsuccessful. She then processed refunds for our entire group on one of the busiest days of the year, which ultimately hurt their own business as much as it disrupted our plans. What was most upsetting was not the misunderstanding—it was how it was handled. A simple conversation could have resolved everything in seconds. Instead, we were publicly yelled at, falsely accused, and humiliated in front of our families, friends, other customers, and staff. A camper who was not affiliated with our group approached us afterward to say he was shocked and disgusted by what he and his small children had to witness. He felt the treatment was so inappropriate. We are not posting this out of spite. We are posting it because no paying customer deserves to be treated this way, especially loyal customers who have supported this business for years, with receipts to prove it. We sincerely hope the owners, Melissa and Nick, acknowledge what happened, accept responsibility, and issue a genuine apology. Everyone can have a bad day, but business owners should treat customers with respect and professionalism. I am open and ready to have a respectful conversation. Until that happens, I cannot recommend this business. UPDATE: Shout out to Wisner Canoes for not only saving the day but delivering top notch customer service! I paid$57 for my family’s tubes at Wisner compared to$75 at Chinook so we actually ended up saving money. BONUS: You get to actually, physically grab and try on life jackets yourself at Wisner with NO false accusations of theft! Wisner Canoes 25 E Water St, Newaygo, MI 49337 231-652-6743
TravelerI've camped here twice, and the experience was great both times. Restrooms/showers are nice and clean, and there are plenty of electrical outlets at each site. Beautiful views of the lake, and close to nearby shops.
GuideLarge campsites with nice fire ring/grill and table. Pit toilet is clean and well stocked. Water is amazing. Tasteless and so COLD. Hand pump is fun but the cold water is better. 😀
LegendPerched just beyond the dunes, the Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park is the kind of place where the wind carries both the crash of waves and the promise of adventure. With about 100 sandy, well-spaced sites, this no-hookup loop trades convenience for beauty, and the short path to the beach makes it easy for little feet to find the water. Our boys spent hours chasing waves and sculpting a sandcastle empire before the sky turned orange and the sun sank over the lake. One of the best parts of our stay here at Lake Michigan Campground was Ruth Anne’s Ice Cream parlor that sits on the far northern end of the campground, offering up fresh homemade ice cream and other desserts, which was a great way to end each day with the family. I’d recommend this campground to families for its unmatched sunsets, wide-open beach and that sense of freedom that comes from being this close to the shoreline.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep Exploring
