Join the fun near Kalamazoo. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Kalamazoo is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Kalamazoo camping trip.
"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"
$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."
"The park also has a lake with a beach, although I have never been in it.
This campground has a great location for people who want to visit Kalamazoo."
$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. "
"The Kalamazoo County expo center, fairgrounds, and campgrounds are a fun place during events. It’s not as big as some of the expo centers in Michigan, but it does the job."
"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."
"We purchased a new travel trailer and the RV dealership recommended we try out the Kalamazoo Outdoor Adventure membership program."
"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)."
$50 - $70 / night
"Hidden Ridge is a modern RV resort within 8 minutes of Gun Lake and sandwiched between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. There is no tent camping available at this location."
"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."
TravelerGreat park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!
GuideWe 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.
LegendThis 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!
ScoutI 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.
GuideTents 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.
TravelerBathrooms clean Campground well maintained. Showers clean. Push button operation not temperature control little on the cold side for me.
ScoutHad 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!!!
TravelerI 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!
TravelerWe’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!
Camping near Kalamazoo, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful beaches to wooded trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Camping around Kalamazoo, MI, offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free camping near Kalamazoo, MI?
While true free camping is limited near Kalamazoo, Fort Custer Recreation Area offers some of the most affordable camping options in the area with basic sites starting at modest fees. For those willing to drive a bit farther, dispersed camping may be available in the Manistee National Forest about 90 minutes north. Always check with the Michigan DNR website for current regulations and permits required for backcountry camping. Some county parks occasionally offer free camping during off-season promotional periods, though these opportunities are rare.
What are the best campgrounds in Kalamazoo, Michigan?
Markin Glen County Park stands out as one of the best camping options in Kalamazoo with large level concrete pads, full hookups, and grassy areas between sites. The park features beautiful surroundings and is conveniently located. Kalamazoo County Expo Center offers 220 campsites across 5 small campgrounds, most with electric and water hookups and nice restrooms. This location is particularly popular during events. Both options provide excellent facilities while keeping you close to Kalamazoo's attractions.
Are there RV campgrounds available near Kalamazoo?
Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort is a membership campground located a few miles from Kalamazoo that accommodates RVs, though not all sites have full hookups. The resort is situated in a beautiful area with lakeside camping options. Kal-Haven Outpost offers RV camping along with cabin options and is conveniently located right off the Kal-Haven trail, making it perfect for cyclists. For those willing to drive a bit further, the South Haven area has several RV-friendly options with varying amenities and proximity to Lake Michigan.
What amenities does Markin Glen campground in Kalamazoo County offer?
Markin Glen County Park offers impressive amenities including spacious sites with large level concrete pads and full hookups (water, electric, and sewer). Sites are well-spaced with grassy areas between them, and each includes a picnic table and fire ring. Some sites are pull-through, making them convenient for larger rigs. The park itself is beautiful with hiking trails and a lake. While it's a newer campground without mature tree cover for extensive shade, the overall layout and facilities are modern and well-maintained. Both RVs and tents are welcome, though the design clearly favors RV camping with its concrete pads and hookups.
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