J
Jodie C.
Traveler
TravelerFort Custer Recreation Area
Family campground
Large campground, many nice paved sites, about half 50 amp, no rustic sites. Most all sites are pretty secluded with growth between them. Bring your mosquito spray!
Camping near Three Rivers, MI
174 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Established campgrounds dominate the Three Rivers, Michigan region, with a mix of private resorts and public recreation areas providing diverse accommodation options. Several facilities like Cranberry Lake Campground and Shady Point Campground offer a combination of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within 15-20 miles of Three Rivers. Most campgrounds in the area feature lakefront or riverside settings, with access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities on local waterways including the St. Joseph River and numerous small lakes throughout St. Joseph County.
Camping in the Three Rivers area operates primarily on a seasonal basis, with most facilities open from April through October. Water and electric hookups are standard at many locations, though full hookups with sewer connections vary by campground. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months, particularly for weekend stays and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Most campgrounds maintain shower houses and restroom facilities, though amenities differ significantly between locations. A camper noted, "The bathroom and showers were well maintained, and the campground has a well-stocked store with very reasonable prices."
Lakefront access represents a key feature of camping in the Three Rivers area, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. Cranberry Lake Campground receives mixed reviews but features popular water recreation options, while Shady Point Campground on Bair Lake earns praise for its swimming areas. Family-friendly amenities appear frequently in visitor feedback, with many campgrounds offering playgrounds, game rooms, and organized activities. A visitor commented that their family "enjoyed the playground, swimming in the lake and jumping off the floating pad." For those seeking quieter experiences, several campgrounds like Melville 7 Lakes offer more secluded sites with reasonable separation between camping areas. Most campgrounds in the region support both tent and RV camping, though tent-specific amenities may be limited at some of the more RV-focused properties.
Best Campgrounds near Three Rivers (174)
1. Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney
"They have trails that are a nice walk for the dogs and a pond to catch and release fish."
"This clean, well kept campground is really close to grand design. We stayed here to go tour the manufacturers process."
2. Ebys Pines
"Trails lead to a local County park - Bonneyville Mill. There’s a roller skating rink and laser tag across the street."
3. Cranberry Lake Campground
"The kids and dog really enjoyed the playground, swimming in the lake and jumping off the floating pad. There were little cabins and trailers for rent but we had our own camper."
"Park near store and get great WiFi....I spent 14 days streaming, gaming and watching movies. This is campground is definitely a diamond in the sand."
4. Fort Custer Recreation Area
"Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!"
"Another great camping experience, site 210 has an amazing trail that leads directly to the showers at one end and at the other path went directly to running water, plus only a couple of yards from a great"
5. Shady Point Campground
"Was in a pull behind . Everything was easy and calm . Kids loves it . No problems"
"It sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming. The bathroom and showers were well maintained."
6. Lakeside Campground
7. Buikema Farm
from $40 / night
Check Availability8. Melville 7 Lakes
"Access to several lakes including all sports"
"Lake for boating and fishing. Has a small swimming area, playground."
from $25 / night
9. Twin Mills Camping Resort
"We had another couple that we camped with and were able to get two sites next to each other."
"We frequent this location when getting RV Repairs and visiting Elkhart, the birth place of most RVs. There are cabins and tent sites and a large lake access point with a beach area."
10. Elkhart Campground
"Elkhart Campground is great Clean , easy access, lots of pull through sites with full hook up - pool, Close to big lake too!!!"
"Very clean, nice sized dog park, quiet and close to restaurants. If had an occasion to stay here again…we definitely would!"
Drive Time
- 26 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 36 min from Elkhart, IN
- 40 min from Niles, MI
- 44 min from Battle Creek, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Three Rivers, MI
199 Photos of 174 Three Rivers Campgrounds
Dave E.
Cranberry Lake Campground
Nicole P.
Shady Point Campground
Mike N.
Oak Shores Resort Campground
RJourney R.
Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney
Jackie F.
KOA Campground Middlebury
Sean H.
Ebys Pines
Derrick P.
Twin Mills Camping Resort
Joshua B.
Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park
The Dyrt
Forest Haven
Liz K.
Trading Post Outfitters
Nancy W.
Elkhart County Fairgrounds
fred F.
Crooked Creek Campground and Cabins
Recent Reviews near Three Rivers, MI
745 Reviews of 174 Three Rivers Campgrounds
- EEd D.
ScoutShipshewana Campground South Park
no power and no refund
I stayed for a week at this park and they lost power due to a storm. Not their fault, I stayed the 1st night afterwards with no power but on the 2nd night they could not tell me when/if power would be restored and I am disabled and need power so I left. The refused to refund the unused days, even when I explained that I paid for a full hookup site and they could not provide power. The campground is decent, the showers are like "prison showers" where you have to push a button every 30 seconds and there is no hot/cold control. I would give it a 3-star if the customer service was not so lacking.
Rachel T.
GuideOff Map
Charming Glamping with Thoughtful Touches
We stayed at Off Map over Memorial Day weekend in a Safari King Tent and absolutely loved it. The tent was private, comfortable, clean, and such a fun setup for a glamping weekend.
The property itself was so charming, with string lights, cool little paths throughout, and a beautiful, well-maintained setting. There were so many great touches: the group fireplace area, live music, s’mores in the evening, and a pop-up wood-burning sauna and cold plunge.
Breakfast was served in the main building with great options like hard-boiled eggs, fruit, oatmeal, and coffee. It got a little chilly at night, so we really appreciated the wood-burning stove inside the tent. It made the space feel cozy and would be especially great for shoulder season camping.
The bathrooms and showers were also fantastic. Everything was super clean, easy to access, and honestly much nicer than expected for a glamping property. Overall, this was such a fun, easy, and memorable weekend getaway. We’d definitely come back and highly recommend the Safari King Tent.
- SScott B.Guide
Potato Creek State Park Campground
Nice park
Lots to do here. Swim, bike, trails, kids parks, good camp store. Towns near the park. You can rent bikes and canoes. Our site #55 was big but 3”dip drivers side and 12” dip back to front.
- SSherri B.Traveler
Markin Glen County Park
Nice Park
Nice county park with paved roads, campsites, and walking paths. Very dog friendly. Plenty of trees for natural setting and sound buffering. Quiet and peaceful overnight stay.
Ula W.ScoutShamrock Park
Shamrock Rv park
Very nice place , very clean. Good for family
Mary D.TravelerShipshewana Campground South Park
Narrow lots
The campground itself is beautiful—very clean, well‑kept, and surrounded by lovely green spaces. Unfortunately, the site layout is the real issue. The sites are long enough for larger rigs, but they’re packed in with almost no space between them. Each site has a fire ring, but using it would not be recommended. With our slides out, I could nearly touch both my camper and the one next to us at the same time. We couldn’t put our awning out without it hitting the neighbor’s rig. Because the neighboring unit was so large, sitting outside meant staring directly at their wall—and sitting right next to their sewage drain. When we asked for a different spot, we were told none were available because a group was coming in, yet there were easily 50 empty sites all weekend. Very disappointing, because otherwise it truly is a beautiful place. (See pictures) Side note: the power was off Friday until Sunday morning due to a storm on Thursday night. Would have been nice if we received a discount for not having electricity. The CG saved during this time period.
Lea K.TravelerElkhart Campground
First hand discrimination
I have seen a lot of discrimination on TV and people talk about discrimination a lot never did I think I would actually see it in my lifetime against myself. The owner of the campground is very disrespectful even when you're being very polite and I'm confrontational he doesn't like to be asked questions he doesn't like to answer questions. All they asked was the year of my camper asked that a bunch of times insinuating that I was lying to him about that age of my camper. He talked down to me he made it very apparent that the problem was not my camper and that it was my family and that my family wasn't good enough to be in his five-star campground that we would bring down his aesthetic when I took plenty of pictures of what his aesthetic is his home looks like it was built by hillbillies there's trash everywhere a bunch of Ford camper that look like trash it has the nerve to charge $1,200 a mouth to keep ppl like us off his property. When obviously we had the money to pay. I am a well educated woman I had finished college and I'm actually working on my second degree in psychology a bachelor's degree. I have ran billion dollar businesses at one point in my life I ran the number one Taco Bell in the nation in cedar falls Iowa. I was the GM of an Arby's I actually signed paychecks controlled accounts had more money moved to my hands than that man will ever see in his sorry life. I have never felt more sorry for a person I think he probably should go back to his own country if he wants to talk to people like that and I get f***** up he's lucky I changed my life and found Jesus but I hope it's five stars they find bury that full very thoughtful since there's no customer service. He claims people have been going to live campground for 30 years but when I went around and talk to the people most of them there was their first time being there they were from other places so stop the cap and I made sure to let everybody know the type of man he was. He had the audacity to act as though I was begging him to stay in his horrible campground when I was not when I was just simply asking him what the problem was with my camper and why he was telling me I could not stay he has every right to refuse my service but he does not have the right to discriminate against me or my family it is against the law and I actually got it underestimate in me and assume I was just an ignorant person who didn't know how to do anything all right doesn't have plenty of money but I think everything is a little lesson in life and he will definitely learn his definitely when he receives the papers in the mail.
- GGlen B.
RangerCampout at Hostel SoHa
Back in the saddle
Nice concept... still finding they're legs. Staff member didn't seem to want to help with the much too laborious and personal check-in process. Fees have gone up. And there are showers.
Guide to Three Rivers
Camping near Three Rivers, Michigan centers around lakes and rivers that make up the region's distinct ecosystem. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with mild humidity compared to other Michigan regions, making May through October the prime camping season. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations due to harsh winter conditions when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney features a fishing pond for catch and release. A camper noted, "They have trails that are a nice walk for the dogs and a pond to catch and release fish."
Mountain biking trails: Fort Custer Recreation Area offers extensive trail systems for mountain biking enthusiasts. A reviewer explained, "There are quite a few mountain bike trails on the other side of the recreation area. A horse trail circles around the outside edge."
Explore Amish country: Many campgrounds near Three Rivers provide access to Amish communities. At Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, campers can experience local culture. One visitor shared, "About 10 minutes drive to Shipshewana with very kind Amish community folks."
Water recreation: Fort Custer Recreation Area offers multiple lakes for water activities. A camper mentioned, "Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded camping spots. A visitor at Melville 7 Lakes noted, "Nice quiet, large sites, playground, small beach area. Access to several lakes including all sports."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently comment on well-maintained amenities. At Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, a visitor appreciated that "the restrooms/showers are nice and clean. You can get an entire 4 wheeler dump load of wood for $20. It's nice dry wood."
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds feature dedicated swimming zones. A camper at Ebys Pines mentioned, "There's a roller skating rink and laser tag across the street. Bathrooms were well maintained, although the water hammer noise when you flush is a bit scary at first!"
Dark night skies: Fort Custer Recreation Area offers excellent stargazing. A visitor appreciated "the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A camper at Ebys Pines advised, "Stayed here 3 nights in October campground has most of the attractions (pool etc) closed as expected but still charged visitors $5 per person per day. And charged $5 per device per day for WiFi."
Site variations: Campsite quality varies significantly within the same campground. A camper at Twin Mills Camping Resort observed, "Certain areas are still nice and others look like a homeless shanty town. It seems they target the seasonal campers over the weekend family/group campers."
Insect preparation: Wooded campgrounds require bug protection. A Fort Custer Recreation Area visitor warned, "Lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent."
Amenity costs: Some campgrounds charge for additional services. A visitor at Ebys Pines mentioned, "Don't forget quarters for the shower house!! The lady that runs the shower house was nice enough to give me some but it is a dollar for 9 minutes which seemed to be plenty of time for a camp shower."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Cade Lake County Park & Campground, a visitor reported, "Clean and large campsites, with full hook up for campers and RVs. Cade Lake can be seen from most campsites which adds to the scenery. Biking or walking trails, with frisbee golf course."
Water recreation options: Family campers appreciate water activities. At Cranberry Lake Campground, a visitor shared, "The kids and dog really enjoyed the playground, swimming in the lake and jumping off the floating pad."
Entertainment facilities: Some campgrounds provide additional recreation. A visitor to Ebys Pines mentioned, "Tons of stuff to do for campers of all ages. Roller skating, mini bowling, laser tag, and an arcade at the fun center."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds organize special events. A camper at Ebys Pines noted, "There was a corn hole tournament, a golf cart parade, a wagon ride, and a live band."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on your RV size. At Shady Point Campground, a camper advised, "Was in a pull behind. Everything was easy and calm. Kids loves it. No problems."
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer limited connections. At Fort Custer Recreation Area, campers should know that "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station."
Spacing considerations: Some campgrounds have tight arrangements. A visitor to Ebys Pines observed, "RV Sites are stacked on each other. We chose 306 and it was ok by the pond. No misquitos. Our friends had 310 and there was barely room to put their awning out."
Connection quality: Internet access varies significantly. A visitor at Twin Mills Camping Resort mentioned, "Internet is through a paid campground service and was $5/day but was actually very good. Not too sure how service would be during peak season."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Three Rivers, Michigan?
What are the best campgrounds in Three Rivers, Michigan?
The Three Rivers area offers several excellent camping options. Thousand Trails Bear Cave is a quaint campground with a clubhouse featuring a library and air hockey, plus amenities like a playground, pool, and walking trails. For those seeking a lakeside experience, Cranberry Lake Campground near Marcellus provides boat-in access and full facilities. Other notable options include Shady Point Campground and Cade Lake County Park & Campground near Sturgis, both offering water access and toilets. The region's campgrounds provide convenient bases for exploring southwestern Michigan's lakes, trails, and natural beauty.
What amenities are available at Three Rivers Michigan campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Three Rivers Michigan campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Three Rivers offer diverse amenities to enhance your stay. Covert Park Beach & Campground features electrical hookups, water connections, and modern shower facilities with private, lockable uni-sex showers. The campground is well-maintained with beach access. Van Buren State Park Campground provides clean shower houses with free hot water, electrical sites, and is a short walk to Lake Michigan's shores with impressive sand dunes. Other area campgrounds commonly offer amenities such as water hookups, toilet facilities, reservable sites, and recreational features like swimming pools, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Many campgrounds are also big-rig friendly for RV campers.
Are there vacation rentals available near the Three Rivers campgrounds?
Are there vacation rentals available near the Three Rivers campgrounds?
Yes, vacation rental options are available near Three Rivers campgrounds. Weko Beach Campground offers cabins directly on Lake Michigan, providing an excellent alternative to traditional camping. The cabins are within walking distance to the beach, making them perfect for those wanting lakefront accommodations without camping equipment. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday is another option with rental accommodations in the area. For those seeking additional vacation rental options, check local listings for cottages, cabins, and homes available near popular outdoor destinations in the Three Rivers region.
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