167 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Kalamazoo, Michigan range from full-hookup RV parks to tent-friendly county parks and glamping cabins, all within a short drive of the city. Fort Custer Recreation Area offers a complete outdoor experience with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options among old-growth trees about 15 miles west of downtown. Markin Glen County Park features full-hookup concrete pads with modern facilities just north of the city limits. Several county parks in the region maintain campgrounds with electric hookups and basic amenities, while private campgrounds like Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort and Hidden Ridge RV Resort supplement the public options with additional amenities.
Camping season in the Kalamazoo area typically runs from April through October, with most campgrounds closing for winter. County parks like Cold Brook County Park operate seasonally from mid-April through October, while the Kalamazoo County Expo Center welcomes campers from late April until fall. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Water and electric hookups are standard at many sites, though not all locations offer full sewer connections. "The sites are pretty close on the sides and behind your site if you are on the inner roads that back up against other sites. All sites are 50 amp full hook-up that are paved with paved patios, fire pits, and picnic tables," noted one visitor to Markin Glen County Park.
Campers consistently highlight the accessibility of regional parks for day trips into Kalamazoo while enjoying natural surroundings. Several visitors mention the extensive trail networks, particularly at Fort Custer Recreation Area where miles of biking and hiking trails connect to lakes for kayaking and fishing. Markin Glen County Park receives praise for its paved walking paths, swimming lake, and direct access to the Kalamazoo River Trail. Proximity to urban amenities remains a key advantage, as one camper observed: "The campground has a great location for people who want to visit Kalamazoo." Noise from nearby railroad tracks affects some campgrounds like Markin Glen, where trains occasionally idle at night. Many mixed-use campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, beaches, and fishing areas alongside tent and RV sites.
"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"
from $21 - $108 / night
Check Availability"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 paved trails and a beach in the park. The Kalamazoo Nature Center is only a couple miles away for many more miles of beautiful trails."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We purchased a new travel trailer and the RV dealership recommended we try out the Kalamazoo Outdoor Adventure membership program."
"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. "
from $5 - $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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)."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 - $70 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
Check Availability
LegendPremium sites worth it. Old camp sites are crowded and very tight. Not sure it’s be the same experience.Clean, nice staff, nice camp store, great pool and hot tub, clean and updated bathrooms and showers. Much less crowded and cleaner facilities than state park near by, but more expensive.
LegendGreat tree covered camp spot. Premium sites definitely with the expense. Not sure we would enjoy the others. Really tight with a lot of long term stats and mini houses. Friendly staff and guest, close to everything the area has to offer. Not the largest campsites and probably limited to the amount that could fit large 5th wheels or 40ft plus coaches. All full hook up and significantly nicer than the two state park campgrounds right down the street. Pool and hot tub clean and very nice.
ScoutDid a father son trip, it was great! The beach site camping is about a 5 minute flat walk to Holland Beach. Very easy! Basketball and volleyball court on beach. Recommend walking out to the pier at Sunset and diving off pier into water (there are built in ladders to get up easily and many people were out there, liferings available too).
Good ice cream at the beachside ice cream shop. Recommend bringing bikes if you have them.
TravelerThe sites were easy to park, the staff were friendly and helpful. Loved the mushrooms we found in May. We plan to go back some day. Nice town area close by for shopping.
TravelerWe booked a last minute spot and are so glad we did! The campground wonderfully maintained by perhaps the nicest hosts we have met! We pulled in early Friday evening and were greeted by Ken and Chris, who helped us pull into our site (which was VERY appreciated since the sites are pretty tight!). There are a lot of seasonal sites, four cabins, and a guest house that is tucked behind a privacy fence. Bathrooms were extremely clean and looked newly renovated. They even had a basket of toiletries and a stack of clean towels. Though we didn’t use it, there was a cool open air “game barn” that had a pool table, foosball, seating area, etc…it would be a great hangout for older kids or teenagers. Probably the best part was the walkability. There is lake access directly across the street down a set of concrete stairs. It’s a grassy area, not a “beach” and a lot of goose poop so we brought our chairs down. You can enter the lake to cool off, which was great because it was a hot day. Also walkable are two restaurant/breweries. “The Strand” is literally next door to the campground with a great outdoor seating area with a view of the lake. About a 5 minute walk is Sister Lakes Brewing Company. Both places had excellent cocktails and cool lake vibes. Full hookups at all sites. We look forward to coming back!!!
ScoutGreat site, however, DNR drives by every five minutes. The primitive bathroom facilities are absolutely horrid, the newer ones up the road from site 238 are beautiful.
ScoutMy family and I booked this campsite for the Fourth of July and arrived with a confirmed reservation and confirmation number. When we arrived, my husband checked us in (even though it stated it was a self check after we booked) luckily he did because he was told that the campsite was not ready yet, but that they would get it prepared for us shortly. At that time, there was no mention that our reservation was invalid, that they did not use the booking platform, or that there was any issue with our stay.
We waited, set up our additional tents, and had already been on the property for about two hours when we were suddenly approached and accused of being there without a reservation. We provided our confirmation information and proof that we had every right to be there, but instead of honoring our reservation or trying to resolve the situation, we were told to leave immediately because another family was expected to arrive.
We were then told they “don’t use this app” and that we had been scammed. However, if there was truly an issue with our reservation, it should have been addressed when my husband checked in…not after we had already arrived, been allowed onto the property, and started setting up.
What was especially upsetting was that the treatment seemed to change after my husband (who is white) checked us in and then the host saw me and my family members, who are Black. The sudden change in attitude and the decision to remove us despite having a valid reservation left us feeling that our race may have influenced how we were treated.
The campsite was not ready when we arrived, yet instead of working with us after we had already been checked in, we were made to feel unwelcome and forced to leave. Regardless of the reason, no guest should be treated this way after arriving with a confirmed reservation. This experience was extremely disappointing and left our family feeling disrespected and unheard.
TravelerStayed here over the 4th of July. Very small campground, about 124 sites. Well cared for and friendly staff. Not too many amenities; basketball court, ping pong, and volleyball. No pool and no camp store. Sites were a bit close but it was a very peaceful campground. Would visit again.
ScoutI been to this campground several times over the past 8 years and my experience was never a bad one but I do hear about others bad experiences
Camping spots near Kalamazoo, Michigan provide varied terrain options across Kalamazoo County's 580 square miles, including sites beside kettle lakes formed by glacial activity. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations ranging from 750 to 900 feet above sea level, creating level camping pads with good drainage during the region's average 35 inches of annual rainfall.
Mountain biking trails: 30+ miles at Fort Custer. The recreation area maintains extensive multi-use trails for different skill levels. "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 as it's close to the trails for riding," notes a visitor to Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Fishing: Multiple species in county lakes. Park lakes contain bass, bluegill, and pike for shore and boat anglers. "Lots of lake for small boating, kayaking. Fishing pier to fish off," explains one camper about Cold Brook County Park, which maintains fishing access points at several locations.
Disc golf: 18-hole course at Cold Brook. The county park features a challenging course weaving through wooded areas. According to a reviewer: "We did four nights and would have extended if the site was not taken. Out in the country, but close enough that getting to Kzoo and Portage is a breeze."
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds provide natural buffers. "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors. I didn't expect to find something this interesting as an alternate to original plans but it worked out nicely," reports a visitor at Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Walking paths: Paved options for all ages. Several parks connect to regional trail networks. A camper at Markin Glen County Park notes: "The park has a lovely series of paved walking paths and a lake for swimming, and there is a trail that goes from the park right into Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo River Valley Trail)."
Swimming options: Lakes with dedicated beach areas. Multiple parks maintain swimming beaches with sand areas. "Swimming beach with sand. Nice country setting yet close enough to towns if you need anything," reports a visitor to Cold Brook County Park, referring to the designated swimming area.
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking. During peak season (May-September), campgrounds fill quickly. "We are seasonal here and the kids love it," mentions a reviewer at Hidden Ridge RV Resort, highlighting the popularity that drives high occupancy rates.
Train noise: Tracks near some campgrounds. Rail lines run through parts of the region, creating intermittent noise. "Beware: sites 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, and 27 are the closest to railroad tracks that are about 30 yards away," warns a Markin Glen County Park camper.
Limited services at smaller parks: Some county parks have basic amenities only. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," explains a visitor to Fort Custer Recreation Area, noting the hookup limitations at state facilities.
Playground access: Most county parks include play equipment. "Family friendly, quiet, disc golf, fishing, playground for kids," notes a visitor to Cold Brook County Park about the available activities.
Swimming beaches: Designated areas with gradual entry. Many parks maintain beaches specifically for swimming. At Yankee Springs Recreation Area, "You are just a short drive away from Yankee Springs and Gun Lake with the huge beach, plus you are basically right on the NCT and have access to miles of hiking and biking trails."
Site selection for shade: Trees provide cooling during hot summer days. "We soon found out that there was enough clearing in the treetops to give our camp full sun for most of the day. If you camp here, I suggest one of the other sites that would give you a break from the sunny heat," advises a Fort Custer camper.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services. "All sites are 50 amp full hook-up that are paved with paved patios, fire pits, and picnic tables," confirms a reviewer about Markin Glen County Park.
Smaller city park options: Less known camping near downtown. At Brookside City Park, "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. There are 4 spots with electric, 3 of which are paved."
Dump station timing: Plan for potential waits at busy locations. "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," advises a Fort Custer camper about managing services efficiently.
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.
Keep Exploring
