Fort Custer Recreation Area offers glamping options near Kalamazoo in a woodland setting with three small lakes. The recreation area sits between Augusta and Battle Creek, about 15 miles east of Kalamazoo, within a 3,033-acre natural area. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer brings humid conditions with daytime highs in the 80s and frequent mosquito activity from May through September.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Fort Custer Recreation Area features multiple trail systems for outdoor enthusiasts. As one visitor notes, "We loved this campground! It is open year round and quiet when we went in January! They have electric and nice sized spots that are sectioned off well. Tons of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails in addition to lakes to kayak!"
Mountain biking: Fort Custer Recreation Area has become a regional mountain biking destination. One regular visitor explains, "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 as it's close to the trails for riding."
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Kalamazoo offer fishing access. At Hidden Ridge RV Resort, visitors can fish in their stocked pond. A camper reports, "There is a pond for catch and release fishing, and a great slip and slide for the kids on a hot day. Lots of room for biking, and the Christmas in July decorations have been a lot of fun."
Trail connections: The Kal-Haven Trail connects Kalamazoo to South Haven with several campgrounds along the route. A cyclist who stayed at Kal-Haven Outpost shares, "A group of us bike from Kalamazoo to South Haven every year using the Kal-Haven trail. We usually tent camp but tried a cabin here this year. It was the perfect option as the campground is right off the trail."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds near Kalamazoo offer good site separation. At Fort Custer, one camper noted, "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."
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites. A recent visitor to Fort Custer Recreation Area commented, "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!"
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms receive consistent praise. A camper at Kal-Haven Outpost remarked, "Very friendly staff. Super clean and updated bathrooms. On the kal-haven trail. All spots are pull through. And all spots are close to the bathrooms."
Beach access: Waterfront camping offers unique opportunities. A visitor to Covert Park Beach & Campground shared, "This was our first time staying at Covert Park Beach + Campground. Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel. Sunset views were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean and showers nice and hot."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Kalamazoo require advance booking, especially for weekend stays during summer months. At popular sites like Fort Custer, sites can fill up weeks in advance for holiday weekends.
Limited hookups: Some campgrounds offer only partial hookups. A visitor to Fort Custer noted, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station."
Seasonal considerations: Several glamping locations near Kalamazoo operate on limited schedules. Cranberry Lake Campground offers lakefront access but maintains a shorter operating season than year-round options like Fort Custer.
Beach conditions: Water levels on Lake Michigan beaches can vary significantly. A camper at Covert Park reported, "Beach is washing away, black sand for most of it, maybe due to storm. Still plenty when we went 7/2020 for kids to play."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds offer multiple water activities for children. At Michawana Campground, a visitor reported, "This campsite is perfect for children! The workers are the nicest people I have encountered at a campsite. They have a lake/beach for swimming, kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes to use at the lake. They also have a massive slip 'n slide, zip lining, and a rock climbing wall."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events for children. A camper at Hidden Ridge RV Resort shared, "Kid friendly! This park always finds a way to have something fun for the kids to do. Pool, splash pad, arcade, bounce pad, playground, outdoor sports area, hayrides, crafts, store, pond for fishing, golf cart rental."
Camping without crowds: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider camping midweek rather than weekends. Several campgrounds report significantly reduced occupancy Sunday through Thursday, even during summer months.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be particularly intense near Kalamazoo, especially in wooded areas. One Fort Custer visitor warned, "Lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have varied site characteristics. At Covert Park Beach & Campground, an RVer advised, "The map was not true to date and most sites the electrical box and water hook up is on the wrong side of the site. Bring extra line... we have 50ft hose so we were fine there (line goes through the middle of the site) and 25ft electrical and had to re-adjust the camper a few times so it would reach."
Dump station timing: Plan for potential waits at campgrounds with limited facilities. A Fort Custer visitor suggested, "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."
Weather preparation: The Kalamazoo area can experience significant temperature fluctuations, even in summer. Humidity levels tend to remain high from June through August, making effective RV ventilation important for comfort.
