Fort Custer Recreation Area spans over 3,000 acres near Delton, Michigan, with terrain varying from sandy soil to densely wooded areas. The park contains three lakes and extensive trail systems designed for multiple uses, with temperatures ranging from winter lows around 20°F to summer highs in the mid-80s. Sites typically range from partially shaded to densely wooded, with a mix of sandy and grassy ground cover.
What to do
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Fort Custer Recreation Area features extensive mountain biking paths separated from equestrian areas. As one visitor notes, "There are quite a few mountain bike trails on the other side of the recreation area" and they're designed to "avoid trail conflicts" with horse riders.
Fishing in multiple lakes: The recreation area offers fishing opportunities across its three lakes. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat," mentions Bob B. about Fort Custer State Park. Some lakes have designated fishing areas with comfortable access points.
Kayaking on no-wake lakes: Ely Lake Campground provides peaceful paddling experiences. A camper explains: "The Lake is for non-motorized recreational use so it is mostly used for kayaking and canoeing and fishing." This makes it ideal for quiet water activities without motorboat disruption.
Horseback riding on wide paths: Beyond Fort Custer, additional equestrian camping near Delton can be found at Ely Lake, where "They have equestrian trails and sites" and "equestrian campers and they have trails specifically for horseback riding."
What campers like
Secluded, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer privacy between sites. At Fort Custer Recreation Area, campers appreciate that "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors." Another camper at Ely Lake mentions "site 51 and it is extremely secluded!"
Dark night skies: The limited light pollution provides excellent stargazing. As one camper notes, "I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky" - perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
Blueberry picking: At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, visitors enjoy a unique feature: "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!"
Diverse terrain for horse riding: The Delton area offers varied equestrian camping options with different trail experiences. Trails wind through forests, meadows, and sometimes include water crossings, giving riders diverse scenery.
What you should know
Water quality varies by location: At some rustic campgrounds, water requires treatment. One camper at Ely Lake Campground warns: "I would recommend bringing your own drinking water because the water from the hand pump is very discolored."
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds near Delton can get loud on weekends. A camper at Ely Lake Campground reports: "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... There is loud music, people yelling, fireworks going off."
Bug activity in summer: Insect repellent is essential, especially in unmaintained areas. One visitor notes, "lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent."
Limited hookups at state parks: Most horse camping facilities offer only electric hookups. A camper explains, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station."
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives for hot days: Several campgrounds offer swimming options. At Scalley Lake Park Campground, "Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!" makes for safe swimming for children.
Horse viewing opportunities: For families interested in equestrian activities without bringing horses, camp at sites near horse trails. "If you have kids that love horses, you may see some on the weekends" at certain campgrounds offering equestrian camping near Delton.
Organized activities for children: Some commercial campgrounds provide structured entertainment. At Covert/South Haven KOA, they have "lots of kid activities, both free and for a small fee" and "a barrel train ride is a lot of fun for the whole family."
Beginner-friendly horse rides: For families wanting to try horseback riding, Double RR Ranch RV Resort offers "a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids."
Tips from RVers
Dump station planning: Many campgrounds offer electric-only hookups, requiring dump station visits. A Fort Custer visitor advises, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station."
Site accessibility considerations: Some equestrian campgrounds have narrow access roads. At Ely Lake, "the 'roads' inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels."
Generator requirements: For boondocking or partial-hookup sites, inverter generators work best. A camper recommends, "Can run your generator (inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover."
Equestrian site dimensions: When bringing horses, verify that sites can accommodate both living quarters and horse trailers. Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Delton feature oversized sites specifically designed for this purpose.
Traveler
