Top Tent Camping near Custer, MI

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Custer? Find the best information on tent camping near Custer, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Custer, MI (38)

    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

    2.

    Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    15 Photos
    70 Saves
    Baldwin, Michigan

    Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing

    4.

    Gleasons Landing

    3 Reviews
    14 Photos
    61 Saves
    Baldwin, Michigan

    Overview

    Gleasons Landing is a very popular campground on the banks of the Pere Marquette River. With a selection of shaded and secluded spots, the campground is perfect for peaceful nature immersion. The Pere Marquette River was designated a National Scenic River in 1978, the first in Michigan, and it regularly attracts many canoeing, kayaking and fishing enthusiasts. The 66-mile stretch of river begins east of Baldwin and empties into Lake Michigan at Ludington.

    Recreation

    A major draw to the campground is world-class fishing. The free flowing river maintains large populations of resident brown trout, steelhead and salmon. Gleason Landing marks the start of a zone for fly fishing and catch and release only. Reel fishing is available upstream. A boat ramp is located within the campground. Canoeing and kayaking is very popular on the river, and boat rentals are available in Baldwin. A permit is required to float the river from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Trails along the river provide shore access for anglers and short, scenic nature walks for hikers.

    Facilities

    A major draw to the campground is world-class fishing. The free flowing river maintains large populations of resident brown trout, steelhead and salmon. Gleason Landing marks the start of a zone for fly fishing and catch and release only. Reel fishing is available upstream. A boat ramp is located within the campground. Canoeing and kayaking is very popular on the river, and boat rentals are available in Baldwin. A permit is required to float the river from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Trails along the river provide shore access for anglers and short, scenic nature walks for hikers.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits on a bluff overlooking the picturesque Pere Marquette River. It is surrounded by a mix of white pine and oak trees. The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass a million acres throughout the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The forests provide recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife and resources for local industry.

    Nearby Attractions

    A trailhead for the North Country National Scenic Trail is a short drive away. The trail extends from New York to North Dakota, spanning 4,600 miles.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $90 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Creek Campground

    5.

    Timber Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    2 Photos
    16 Saves
    Baldwin, Michigan

    Timber Creek Campground The campground is located near a small impoundment, however the impoundment is not a popular site for fishing. The busiest use is the North Country National Scenic Trail trailhead located in the campground. In the winter this site is plowed and provides access to the Ward Hills Snowmobile Trail. ORV use is prohibited in the campground.

    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground

    6.

    Bowman Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    54 Saves
    Baldwin, Michigan

    The campground is walk-in only, with carry-in canoe access.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Canoe Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Canoe Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Canoe Campground

    8.

    Elk Canoe Campground

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    6 Saves
    Baldwin, Michigan

    Pere Marquette National Scenic River This campground is located in the middle of the 66-mile Scenic portion of the river. The camps are set back from the river in openings within a forested setting. As paddlers travel down the river they will see many meadows and locations to fish. Some campers will park at Upper Branch Bridge and walk to the campsites from there. This is a very popular fishing area. Brochure with Map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. Flickr Photo Album

    • Tents
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Insta-Launch Campground & Marina
    Camper-submitted photo from Insta-Launch Campground & Marina
    Camper-submitted photo from Insta-Launch Campground & Marina
    Camper-submitted photo from Insta-Launch Campground & Marina

    9.

    Insta-Launch Campground & Marina

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    12 Saves
    Manistee, Michigan
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available

      10.

      Logmark Rest Stop

      1 Review
      1 Save
      Custer, Michigan

      This site is canoe-in only and is very popular during fall and steelhead season. The banks of the river are steep on either side of this site.

      • Tents
    Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Custer

    807 Reviews of 38 Custer Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
      September 12, 2024

      Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

      Great nature - noisy neighbors

      Our site was great, easily fit a 17 foot trailer and a tent. Trails down to the water were appreciated by our kids. Neighbors are pretty close all around but that didn't matter until our last night. Several new campers rolled in at 10pm and proceeded to throw an absolute rager of a party until 4am - on Labor Day weekend. So overall a great campground but I wish there had been enforcement of quiet time or some kind of consequence for such horrible camping manners.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
      September 12, 2024

      Gleasons Landing

      Beautiful riverside campground

      Most sites have direct river access.  All sites are walk-in, but not far from the parking area.  There are two pit toilets for six sites and both were clean.  They sites are large, but fairly open, not much between the sites.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Elk Canoe Campground
      September 12, 2024

      Elk Canoe Campground

      Basic canoe camping

      Elk is a great place to spend the night after a day of paddling or fishing.  There are four sites with decent space between them.  The pit toilet was decently clean and well away from the sites, so no smell.  The only downside is that access is tricky.  The landing is a steep bank with large rocks on the river bank.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Newaygo State Park Campground
      September 7, 2024

      Newaygo State Park Campground

      It was ok.

      Stayed here to get off the road on the cheap after a long drive. It was Friday but it was quiet nothing out of the ordinary. The girls at the registration helped me find a quiet spot.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Val Du Lakes Resort
      August 25, 2024

      Val Du Lakes Resort

      What a great place.

      I can't say enough about this place.  They where  so nice, polite and friendly.  We had some R.V. Issues and they where there to help.  The camp site was very nice.  There bathroom and shower were so clean. We will stay there again.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Bear Track Campground
      August 22, 2024

      Bear Track Campground

      Rustic seclusion.

      No running water.
      No electricity.

      No flush toilets.

      No internet.
      No phone signal.

      Pure heaven.

      Rustic campsites. 50-100 yards from the river. Great water from the pump. Nice clean vault toilet. Very quiet at night. Peaceful and beautiful. We've gone ever year for the last 5 years. Going again next year.

      Highly recommend a satellite-based GPS unit like Garmin or TomTom in your car. I was serious when I said no phone signal so Google Maps ain't gonna' get you there.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Muskegon County Pioneer County Park
      August 22, 2024

      Muskegon County Pioneer County Park

      Beautiful park

      We loved this park and the atmosphere. So much room for all size campers, bathrooms and showers were clean and spacious. Beach access super close and plenty of roaming for our dog. Fire rings were the nicest we've seen and the park was kept clean and today, the rangers were on top of everything.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
      August 17, 2024

      Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

      Great time

      The campsites are spacious and feature trails that lead directly to the Tippy Dam Backwater. There’s also convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam

    • Camper-submitted photo from Newaygo State Park Campground
      August 11, 2024

      Newaygo State Park Campground

      Nice rustic getaway

      I’ve read lots of reviews that were lukewarm about Newaygo, but we enjoyed our 3 day getaway. Ample activities in the area (hiking, disc golf, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, tubing and stargazing). And shopping and nice brewery in Newaygo. Most sites are large and separated from the next. The noise levels really dropped off in the evening. Will be back!!

    • Camper-submitted photo from South Channel Campground
      August 4, 2024

      South Channel Campground

      It was OK

      This campground was okay. Nothing super special or exciting. The restrooms were very clean and maintained. The lots themselves are not kept well. Lots of long grass, dirt and tree stumps close to the road. Made it kinda hard to park our 30’ camper without running into a stump. It was nice and close to the channel and there is a beach attached to the campground which is accessible by a dirt trail. It was good for what we needed it for.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Park Campground
      August 1, 2024

      Pioneer Park Campground

      Disappointed

      I wanted to give this place a 5 star rating but unfortunately I’ve had a bad experience at this one. my first time camping with a group of friends at this campground we reserved 3 spots all close together to accommodate such a huge group having camped there for a little over 24hours was told by the park ranger to move my tent over to my side of the plot since my tent was crossing my groups plot boarder by a little bit in the middle of rain with 2 kids(under 5)in the tent to keep dry from the rain. park ranger couldn’t be lenient enough to wait for the rain to subside.knowing the park ranger usually make frequent rounds around the park they could have told me sooner if it was problem but they waited until it started to rain to tell me to move.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Park Campground
      August 1, 2024

      Pioneer Park Campground

      Campers beware

      I had a deeply disappointing experience at this campground. Despite driving six hours to get there and booking three sites, which were more than enough space for sharing, my friend and his family were forced to move their tent because it was slightly over the boundary—just a foot inside our site. This happened in the middle of the rain, with kids inside the tent, and despite our explanations, a ranger and three staff members insisted they move. Meanwhile, a nearby camper was allowed to stay despite having two tents and one camper on one site, which is against the rules. This discrepancy made us feel racially targeted and left a sour taste in our mouths. To top it off, the bathroom facilities were dirty, which only added to the negative experience. The lack of empathy and fairness was truly disheartening.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Park Campground
      August 1, 2024

      Pioneer Park Campground

      Get a new park ranger

      Terrible staff and communication.! Worse part is a power hungry ranger telling us to move our tent 2 inches away from our PAID campsite. What was worse is he told us when it was pouring outside while his kids was inside. Will not come to this campsite because of the ranger! Edit: we later found out that there was another campsite down the road that had 2 tents and 1 camper on 1 plot and they said nothing

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Park Campground
      August 1, 2024

      Pioneer Park Campground

      NOT BIG FAMILY FRIENDLY

      We stayed for 2 nights drove 4 hours just to go here with our friends and family. We respectfully rented 3 sites for a group or 11 so we have enough spaces for our tents and be together. On the 2nd day it was pouring rain the ranger told us we are too close to each others campsite. Although we are together and paid we still had to move our tents just an inch away from each other in the rain he couldn’t even wait for us to wait for the rain to stop but no we had to move the whole set up in the rain. Worse experience at a campsite. I understand rules and policy but we were harming no one. DONT COME HERE IF YOU HAVE A BIG GROUP. Definitely not family friendly. It completely ruins the experience for people when big groups come.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Grass Lake State Forest Campground
      July 25, 2024

      Grass Lake State Forest Campground

      Updated Info

      Updating this information. We live 3 miles from this camp. All MI State Forest Campgrounds are nor $20/night.

      There is not a RV dump or hookup of any kind in this campground. One could easily bring a 30 ft trailer but sites this size are limited.

      This camp is on the Betsie River and the Grass Lake Flooding. There is a gravel/sand ramp to launch smaller fishing boats. Great area to kayak and float tube. 1000's of acres of State Forest surrounding this spot with miles of trails for atv, cars, trucks and horses. There are no horst facilities at this camp.

    • Camper-submitted photo from White River Campsite #1
      July 15, 2024

      White River Campsite #1

      Dispersed camping area

      This is the White River special area of the Manistee National Forest. While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities. This is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers. Best access seems to be along 160th avenue south of Arthur road. The road seems a bit sketchy but should be okay for most vehicles. We explored the area while camping at nearby Pines Point campground.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pines Point Campground
      July 15, 2024

      Pines Point Campground

      Great rustic+ spot, a family favorite

      Pines Point is a rustic Manistee National Forest campground with some unique features. There are a small number of reservable sites in something of a group camping area but most sites are not reservable. The area is managed by concessionaire American Land and Leisure with an on-site resident manager. Current fee for camping is $24 per night. The campground is very beautiful in an out of the way wooded area along the White River. Some sites are located along the river on a low bluff, with a Riverside path and several stairways to access the river. Most sites are large and well separated from other sites by trees and underbrush. This is a rustic campground with no electric or other hookups. There are conveniently located water spigots with good volume and pressure located throughout the campground. One of the unique features however, is that there is a restroom building with flush toilets! There is a day use/picnic area adjacent to the campground that includes a canoe / kayak launch. This area also has a fee if you are not a registered camper. This leads us to the other unique feature of the campground, which is a "tuber's loop" on the river which leads from the canoe launch around a large peninsula containing the picnic area to a wellmarked takeout point where one can walk less than 50 yards back to the canoe launch to do it again! The float takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes through very scenic and wild section of river, the river is mostly rocky and shallow with a good current. The river is also popular for other kayak / canoe trips with multiple launch and take out points. There is no longer a kayak/canoe/tube rental service in the area, so bring your own! There is basically no cell service in the area of the campground. The nearby small town of Hesperia has a full service grocery, gas stations etc. in our experience the campground is raPines Point is a rustic Manistee National Forest campground with some unique features. There are a small number of reservable sites in something of a group camping area but most sites are not reservable. The area is managed by concessionaire American Land and Leisure with an on-site resident manager. Current fee for camping is $24 per night. The campground is very beautiful in an out of the way wooded area along the White River. Some sites are located along the river on a low bluff, with a Riverside path and several stairways to access the river. Most sites are large and well separated from other sites by trees and underbrush. This is a rustic campground with no electric or other hookups. There are conveniently located water spigots with good volume and pressure located throughout the campground. One of the unique features however, is that there is a restroom building with flush toilets! There is a day use/picnic area adjacent to the campground that includes a canoe / kayak launch. This area also has a fee if you are not a registered camper. This leads us to the other unique feature of the campground, which is a "tuber's loop" on the river which leads from the canoe launch around a large peninsula containing the picnic area to a wellmarked takeout point where one can walk less than 50 yards back to the canoe launch to do it again! The float takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes through very scenic and wild section of river, the river is mostly rocky and shallow with a good current. The river is also popular for other kayak / canoe trips with multiple launch and take out points. There is no longer a kayak/canoe/tube rental service in the area, so bring your own! There is basically no cell service in the area of the campground. The nearby small town of Hesperia has a full service grocery, gas stations etc. In our experience the campground is rarely full, except possibly for some holiday weekends. A side note, there is a free, dispersed camping area suitable for tents and maybe small campers along 160th Ave South of Arthur Rd. There are no services or amenities and the road is a bit sketchy, but it might be an option if Pines Point is full or you prefer more seclusion and no fees!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan Recreation Area
      July 12, 2024

      Lake Michigan Recreation Area

      Nice off grid camping

      Nice campsites with enough space between sites. Our site wasn’t level. Most sites are level and have large picnic tables and fire pits with fold away grills. Bring enough supplies for your stay unless you don’t mind a 1/2 hour drive to get resupplied in Ludington or Manistee. Mice and mosquitoes can be a nuisance in the campsite even if you’re careful about crumbs etc. We had a mouse going under our ground tarp under the tent

    • Camper-submitted photo from Mecosta Pines Campground
      July 11, 2024

      Mecosta Pines Campground

      Super Kid Friendly

      We initially booked a site by the river, but once we saw the sites next to the playground, we knew we had to switch for our sanity and so our toddler could play. They were very accommodating with us and so friendly. There was so much for our 2 year old and 10 year old to do. We will definitely be back!

    • Camper-submitted photo from The Woodland Shores Resort
      July 10, 2024

      The Woodland Shores Resort

      Private beach, best sunsets you’ll ever see

      It was a nice campground. Nestled in nature, quiet, clean, WiFi only at the clubhouse. Private beach with a steep paved walkway accessible across the street. Absolutely the best sunsets over Lake Michigan! Friendly staff, Pool was clean, refreshing, and hot tub as well. Game room for the kids. Various outdoor games-usual horseshoes, shuffleboard, basketball, small playground. Many, many, many speed bumps throughout. Firewood was wet. Other campers we talked to said it’s always wet, that they don’t buy it there. Spent $70 for weekend rate, I think it was $60? For weekday? Just for electric, water, no WiFi, 4 days. With all the campgrounds MI has to offer, this was a very nice campground, and would recommend it, but we personally look forward to exploring other options.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Highbank Lake Campground
      July 9, 2024

      Highbank Lake Campground

      Meh, not for me, won't go back

      The lake was pretty peaceful and has private residences. One of the private residences had construction noise (generator, nail gun, impact drill, saw). There was a relatively frequent roar of SxS and dirt bikes from a dirt road that went behind the campground.

      The sites were each unique, some near the water and some more wooded. I stayed at #7 which was wooded and full of ticks. Despite plenty of bug spray and a Thermacell, I ended up with two ticks on me in the evening and one on the picnic table. Flies were pesky throughout the campground.

      The price is considerably high given it's the same price as the paid sites in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area with its surrounding activities and scenery.

      The American Land & Leisure who operate the Highbanks Lake campground could improve the footprints of the sites some to provide better delineation between natural areas and site boundaries which might eliminate ticks to an extent.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground
      July 7, 2024

      Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground

      Great Campground, huge sites!

      We just stayed here for 6 nights. Owners were welcoming and kind upon check in. The campground was very well maintained with a good amount of trees giving good shade outside.

      Sites are large well maintained.
      We stayed across the street from the bath house and the pool. Pool was chemically checked several times a day and it was so nice.

      Our kids loved the pool and the space to ride bikes.

      Will definitely be booking here again.

      Reasonable rates for the site and generous wood costs as well. They drive around almost nightly and will sell you wood right at your site if you're there. $10 for a wheel barrow full and they stack it for you!

      Highly recommend this campground.



    Guide to Custer

    Camping near Custer, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking and biking: The trails around campgrounds like Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. One reviewer mentioned, "The surrounding area is beautiful with hiking, biking, kayaking, etc."
    • Water activities: If you love being near the water, check out Orchard Beach State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "A short drive leads to a wonderful local beach," making it easy to enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
    • Exploring dunes: For those who enjoy unique landscapes, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness offers stunning sandy dunes. One camper said, "Make the hike out to the sandy dunes and set up camp anywhere."

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Silver Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Very busy, however, and right on the road causing traffic noise late into the night. Quick walk to beach area."
    • Friendly atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the welcoming vibe at places like Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park. One visitor shared, "Staff was friendly. Campground was quiet and everyone who was around us was super nice and friendly."
    • Scenic views: Campgrounds near Custer, Michigan, often boast beautiful surroundings. A reviewer at Lake Michigan Recreation Area said, "The dunes were amazing! A short walk from the camping loops, the dunes open to the amazing shore of Lake Michigan."

    What you should know:

    • Tight camping spots: Some campgrounds, like Mears State Park Campground, have close sites. One camper noted, "The spaces are a bit tight and it is not very easy to back up from the narrow alleys if you have a big rig."
    • Limited beach access: At Orchard Beach State Park Campground, some visitors mentioned that beach access is not as convenient as it used to be. A review stated, "People are complaining that there is no beach access anymore at this campground."
    • Cell service issues: Many campgrounds, including Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, have limited or no cell service. One camper warned, "Be warned- there is no cell service or wifi, so plan ahead."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities for children. A review for Dunes Harbor Family Camp highlighted, "Tons of activities for kids," making it a great choice for families.
    • Shaded spots: When booking, try to find shaded areas. One camper mentioned, "We were lucky to get a shaded spot but several are pretty exposed."
    • Plan for bathroom trips: Some campgrounds have bathrooms that are a bit of a walk. A visitor at Orchard Beach State Park Campground noted, "The bathroom is a pretty distant walk so prepare for that."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your chosen site. A review for Silver Lake State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you check your rig size against the site you are planning on reserving."
    • Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds are far from stores. A camper at Lake Michigan Recreation Area mentioned, "Bring enough supplies for your stay unless you don’t mind a 1/2 hour drive to get resupplied."
    • Watch for wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife, especially if you’re camping in more secluded areas. A visitor at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness shared, "The stars at night are worth the trip by themselves," indicating a peaceful environment that attracts wildlife.

    Camping near Custer, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Custer, MI?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Custer, MI is Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Custer, MI?

      TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Custer, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.