Best Campgrounds near Hickory Corners, MI

The area surrounding Hickory Corners, Michigan features several established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options for outdoor enthusiasts. Fort Custer Recreation Area and Yankee Springs Recreation Area provide a range of camping experiences, including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Gun Lake Campground in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area offers year-round accessibility with amenities such as electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables. Michawana Campground, located approximately 15 miles southwest of Hickory Corners, features full hookup sites and glamping options during its seasonal operation from April through October.

Camping availability in southwest Michigan varies significantly by season, with most campgrounds offering their full range of amenities from spring through fall. Several campgrounds in the region maintain limited winter operations, though visitors should verify seasonal status before planning trips during colder months. Deep Lake Rustic Campground at Yankee Springs Recreation Area, which is temporarily closed for 2024, typically provides boat access and mountain biking opportunities. Roads throughout the area are generally well-maintained and accessible with standard vehicles, though some sites may require leveling equipment for RVs. One visitor commented on their experience at Yankee Springs: "First time in central Michigan and it was absolutely beautiful. The campground has a great location and lots of mountain bike and hiking trails."

Many campgrounds in the region feature lakefront or water-adjacent sites that prove popular with visitors. Sharp Park Campground offers 113 sites with full hookups and lake access, while Cold Brook County Park provides cabin options alongside tent and RV camping from April through October. Campers seeking more amenities may prefer Markin Glen County Park in Kalamazoo, which includes sanitary dump stations, showers, and water hookups, though it operates seasonally. Fort Custer Recreation Area receives positive reviews for its beach area, with one camper noting it's "a hidden gem in Michigan" with "tons of trails, and very nice paddle board, kayak, and canoe rentals." Most established campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly.

Best Camping Sites Near Hickory Corners, Michigan (147)

    1. Fort Custer Recreation Area

    44 Reviews
    Augusta, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 731-4200

    "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"

    2. Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    25 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-9081

    "First time in central Michigan and it was absolutely beautiful. The campground has a great location and lots of mountain bike and hiking trails."

    "This is a campground in Yankee Spring Recreational Area in Mid-Michigan. This is a nice rustic campground near the NCT(North Country Trail)."

    3. Michawana Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 623-3035

    $32 - $80 / night

    "We put our tent up on the hill tucked back up in the woods. Shade from the start!"

    "The lake nearby is clean and they have a swimming spot for kids and adults. Boats and kayaks are free to use if the lifeguard is on duty. There is also fishing rods to use for free."

    4. Gun Lake Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Middleville, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-9081

    "This is also a short drive away from tons of beautiful walking paths."

    "You can walk the trail to the state park beach and store. Bathrooms are clean."

    5. Sharp Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Middleville, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-3856

    $34 - $115 / night

    "Stayed at 113 on the small lake. Narrow spot but behind is a fire pit and small dock to drop in a canoe/kayak. Bathrooms and shower was spotless."

    "property, recently renovated. ( one still finishing renovations as of 4/16/22)

    Beach area for swimming

    Two playgrounds

    Field for play, basketball net, volleyball court, and state park trailers near by"

    6. Markin Glen County Park

    6 Reviews
    Nazareth, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 381-7570

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Despite having lived near Kalamazoo for seven years, we had never visited this park previously. The site are large level concrete pads with grass dividing the sites. All full hookups."

    "There are three roads in the campground and the two roads on the outside have no one behind them which adds privacy. "

    7. Hidden Ridge RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Wayland, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 672-9196

    $50 - $70 / night

    "Spacing was generous between locations. We had a drive-in(forward) location(#10) overlooking the small lake. There was some interstate noise but it was more of a steady hum and not an issue at all."

    "And the only trash bin we could find was at the entrance of the grounds (which was quite a distance from 241 our site)."

    8. Cold Brook County Park

    4 Reviews
    Galesburg, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 746-4270

    "29 campsites pretty close together with old growth trees interspersed around the campground. Fishing pier and boating, playground area, and beach. No longer has primitive camping."

    "Lots of neat free and inexpensive things for kids and families nearby. Check out Kzookids.com to see what’s available if you want to.

    A nice disk golf course, lots of fishing."

    9. Jones Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Delton, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-7068

    $20 / night

    "Nice big lake with access to multiple docks. They hosted a bbq and fireworks while we were there."

    10. Brookside City Park

    6 Reviews
    Allegan, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 692-3391

    $5 - $10 / night

    "The camping spots are in a park right off the main road, however they are tucked all the way around back offering surprisingly private camping."

    "The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. "

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Recent Reviews near Hickory Corners, MI

528 Reviews of 147 Hickory Corners Campgrounds


  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    MTB camp and bike (again)

    We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer.  We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite. 

    We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding.  The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.

    All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Small, lakeside, chill

    This was our first time staying at Covert Park Beach + Campground. We stayed in site 52 with our 21 ft travel trailer. The site is a good size. Tree placement made it a little tricky to back into, but nothing crazy. We stayed Sunday to Saturday, so we got to see it at its bustling weekend peak and the quiet, cozy weekday vibe. Family friendly, dog friendly and kid friendly. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but there's a beach a few minutes down the road (Hagar Beach) where you can bring leashed dogs. Sunset views were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean and showers nice and hot. The two guys who were running the check-in and campground operations were super cool- they were the perfect mix of attentive and laid back. No sewer on campsites but there's a dump station when you enter/exit. Ice and firewood are abundantly available and can be delivered to your site. We loved our stay here. Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel. Weekend crowd was fun, friendly and lots of locals. Would definitely stay again!

  • James V.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Steamboat Park Campground

    Wonderful, well thought through campground.

    I have had a very enjoyable stay. The river location is quite nice and the grounds are very well cared for. The site(and all sites, as far as I can see) are quite level. The bathrooms are not just clean and well maintained, but the shower rooms also have a dedicated sink and toilet, which I much appreciate. The washer and dryers in the bathhouse are brand new and take credit cards. While it is near a regional airport, there is close to no air traffic and no commercial traffic I noticed. Overall, probably one of the top 5 campgrounds I have encountered, if the list was for being up to date, well thought out and well provisioned. Everything was top notch.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Brookside City Park

    More expensive now

    Tents sites are now $20 and RV hookups (water and 20/30 amp) are $30. When I got to the police station they were closed for the week but a phone # was provided to call dispatcher and an officer responded promptly to help me get registered. Cash or check only.

  • Chris R.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Tyler Creek

    Absolutely garbage

    Had a reservation for 6 months and the day we were to arrive, we were told we could not have the site we prepared for because someone else wanted to stay longer.  Management has the right to alter your reservation without your consent or the courtesy of a phone call.  When questioned, the owner treated us like garbage and was rude as hell.  Would never recommend this place to anyone, stay away!!!

  • Bob B.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    A return to my childhood

    I camped here countless times throughout my childhood. It was nice returning. I brought back great memories and it struck a balance of staying up with the times but still leaving most to nature.

    Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long.

    Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT.

    Don’t miss out on the great finishing and hiking. A great plus is still seeing kids rise actual bikes!

  • H
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Beautiful Woodsy Campground

    We’ve stayed at both sites listed. 161 you do have neighbors pretty close, but we just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet! We love it here already with only being here twice!


Guide to Hickory Corners

Camping near Hickory Corners, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore trails: Many campgrounds, like Fort Custer Recreation Area, have great hiking and biking trails. One visitor mentioned, "We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails which are very easily accessed from the campground."
  • Fishing and swimming: Campgrounds such as Ionia State Recreation Area offer fishing spots and swimming areas. A camper shared, "There were beautiful walking trails all around, and the lake was very pretty."
  • Family activities: At places like TriPonds Family Camp Resort, there are tons of activities for kids. One happy camper said, "There is a putt-putt course, farm animals to feed, and a little store that serves ice cream."

What campers like:

  • Secluded spots: Campers appreciate the privacy at places like Ely Lake Campground. One reviewer noted, "Been coming here since I was little... loved it just like when I was a kid!"
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Sharp Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms and shower was spotless."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of staff. At Hidden Ridge RV Resort, one guest said, "Great place to stay. Nice folks, wide spaces."

What you should know:

  • Bugs can be a problem: Campers at Fort Custer Recreation Area warned about the bugs. One camper said, "It was EXTREMELY buggy. If you weren't covered in Deep Woods bug spray the whole time, you were getting bit."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Campgrounds like Deep Lake Rustic Campground may not have showers or electric hookups. A visitor noted, "There are pit toilets... but no showers."
  • Crowded during peak times: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper at Gun Lake Campground mentioned, "Spaces were too tight, even with a small camper."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Hungry Horse Campground have plenty for kids to do. A parent shared, "Multiple playgrounds, toddler pool and regular pool, jump pad, and lots of room to run around."
  • Choose spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer larger sites for families. A visitor at Woodchip Campground said, "Great trees surrounding the property. Tons of kids - great activities for them!"
  • Plan for meals: Bring food or check if the campground has a store. One camper at TriPonds Family Camp Resort mentioned, "The little store that serves ice cream" as a nice treat.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A camper at Yankee Springs Recreation Area noted, "Work People were parked half in the road, leaving us with no way to pull in or out of campsite."
  • Look for amenities: Campgrounds like Hidden Ridge RV Resort offer great amenities. One visitor said, "All sites are good size sites with a cement pad and very green grass."
  • Be prepared for limited services: Some campgrounds may not have trash pickup at your site. A camper at Sharp Park Campground mentioned, "The only trash bin we could find was at the entrance of the grounds."

Camping near Hickory Corners, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be ready for the bugs and plan ahead for a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best activities and attractions in Hickory Corners?

Hickory Corners is home to the renowned Gilmore Car Museum, a must-visit attraction featuring one of North America's largest auto collections. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive mountain biking and hiking trails at Yankee Springs Recreation Area, with Deep Lake offering excellent boating and fishing opportunities. The area's natural beauty makes it perfect for water activities, photography, and wildlife watching. For families, local campgrounds often feature recreational amenities like swimming pools, fishing ponds, and playgrounds that provide additional entertainment options during your visit.

Where is Hickory Corners located in Michigan?

Hickory Corners is located in central Michigan, specifically in Barry County, about 15 miles northeast of Kalamazoo. This scenic rural community sits in southwest Michigan's lake region, positioned between Grand Rapids (approximately 40 miles north) and Battle Creek (about 20 miles south). The area is characterized by rolling hills, inland lakes, and woodlands. Nearby Markin Glen County Park and Hidden Ridge RV Resort provide natural landmarks that help define this picturesque region of Michigan.

What camping options are available near Hickory Corners, Michigan?

Hickory Corners offers several diverse camping options. Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation provides family-friendly camping with full hookups, rustic sites, a swimming pool, fishing, and a gagaball pit. For a more natural experience, Gun Lake Campground at Yankee Springs Recreation Area features beautiful wooded sites with access to extensive trail systems. Camp Michawana offers another nearby option with lakefront camping. The region provides a mix of private resorts, public campgrounds, and rustic sites, accommodating everything from luxury RVs to primitive tent camping within a short drive of Hickory Corners.