Fort Custer Recreation Area spans 3,033 acres with terrain varying from old-growth woodlands to natural lakes. The park sits on former military training grounds with Eagle Lake and Jackson Hole Lake supporting local wildlife populations. Kalamazoo-area campgrounds remain open primarily from April through October due to Michigan's seasonal climate patterns.
What to do
Hiking through diverse ecosystems: At Fort Custer Recreation Area, miles of interconnected trails wind through varied terrain. "We hiked on a multi-use trail that the ranger suggested. The blue trail goes around a couple lakes and was wonderful. We did miss a sign or two and ended up turning our 4 mile trip into a 6.5 mile one but there are plenty of spots to rest," notes Art S.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Riders particularly enjoy the technical trails at Fort Custer. "There are quite a few mountain bike trails on the other side of the recreation area. A horse trail circles around the outside edge," reports Art S. Another visitor adds, "We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer. We've been here 2x before and this has now officially become a favorite."
Fishing in calm waters: Multiple Kalamazoo-area lakes offer good fishing opportunities with convenient access. "Oak Shores has a pond for catch and release fishing," while at Yankee Springs Recreation Area, "The sites over looking Deep Lake are wonderful if you can snag one. You are just a short drive away from Yankee Springs and Gun Lake with the huge beach."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many visitors appreciate the secluded nature of certain campsites. At Fort Custer, "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," shares Art S. Another camper notes, "We just stayed at site 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!"
Urban camping convenience: Brookside City Park offers an unusual camping experience close to town amenities. "The campground is within walking distance of downtown dining options. The sites 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," explains Art S.
Clean facilities: Cold Brook County Park receives praise for its maintenance standards. "Staff was great! Showers and bathrooms cleaned multiple times a day. Pet friendly. Would stay here again!" reports debe K. Another visitor mentions, "29 campsites pretty close together with old growth trees interspersed around the campground. Fishing pier and boating, playground area, and beach."
What you should know
Registration logistics: Several campgrounds have unique registration procedures. At Brookside City Park, "Registration is at the police department, and if it's after hours you may have to call an off site officer to meet you with the phone provided. They do not allow sex offenders or anyone with an active warrant. Police drove through 2-3 times per day," explains Katie.
Limited amenities at some locations: Be prepared for varying levels of services. At Fort Custer, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," notes VB S. For Yankee Springs Recreation Area, "Don't expect any glamorous showers or bathhouses. There are pairs of outhouses and the smell comes with. Try to avoid setting up next to these if possible."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate within specific timeframes. Markin Glen County Park runs "from April 25 to October 15" and fills up quickly on weekends. "When we arrived on a Tuesday there were less than ten other RV's in the campground but it filled for the Columbus Day weekend," reports Nancy W.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple lakes and beaches provide swimming opportunities. "Hidden Ridge has a pond for fishing, jumping pillow, splash pad. Children's activities are planned throughout the week," shares Melissa M. Cold Brook County Park features "a fishing pier and calm waters suitable for dogs who enjoy swimming, while multiple camping areas offer water recreation."
Playground facilities: Kalamazoo County Expo Center receives praise for its family-friendly layout. "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," explains Joe F.
Budget-friendly options: Several pet-friendly camping options near Kalamazoo offer affordability. Brookside Park charges "$10 a night, you pay at the police station. Water and electric," according to Chels, making it one of the most economical options for families with pets traveling on a budget.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Markin Glen County Park offers "38 sites with full hook-ups and cement parking areas. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Some sites are pull-throughs," shares Kim D. Another camper adds, "All full hookups. The park has a lovely series of paved walking paths and a lake for swimming."
Spacing between sites: Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. At Fort Custer, "We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet! We love it here already with only being here twice!" While at Yankee Springs, one camper notes, "Your neighbors are close and there isn't much tree area to the sides. Nice family atmosphere though."
Access to trails: Many RV-friendly campgrounds connect directly to trail networks. Markin Glen County Park "has direct access to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail which is a paved trail extending for many miles," making it convenient for pet owners who enjoy hiking with their dogs.
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