Camping sites near Mattawan, Michigan cover terrain that transitions from flat to gently rolling hills with numerous small lakes throughout the region. The climate supports a typical camping season that runs April through October, with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooler evenings around 55-65°F. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 750-850 feet above sea level, with sandy to loamy soil types common throughout the camping areas.
What to Do
Mountain biking trails: Fort Custer Recreation Area provides extensive trail networks for riders of all skill levels. "We camped and rode 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," shares Joel K., who also notes the convenient site location "close to the trails for riding."
Lake activities: Covert Park Beach & Campground offers direct access to Lake Michigan with multiple beach access points. "We walked down to sunset and it was a 5 min walk max. I'll stay at any campground to have Lake Michigan in walking distance," notes Melissa M. The park features "two separate paths to the lake, one stair case (several steps) and other was a flat path 100 yards or so then maybe 10 steps down to beach."
Fishing opportunities: Several smaller lakes provide good fishing around Mattawan. "Great fishing, amenities available. This is one of the first places I felt gave me a bang for my buck," writes William E. about Cranberry Lake Campground, which offers both lake fishing and swimming options from their floating pad.
What Campers Like
Privacy levels: Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds. "We just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!" reports Hannah about Fort Custer Recreation Area, while also mentioning that other sites like "161 you do have neighbors pretty close."
Beach proximity: Multiple campgrounds provide beach access within walking distance. "The short walk to the beautiful beach makes this campground worth it," notes Daniel S. about Covert Park. Most beach-accessible campgrounds have at least partial shade, with Jessica D. observing, "Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel."
Bike trail connections: The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail provides extensive paved riding opportunities. "The campground has direct access to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail which is a paved trail extending for many miles," as noted in a review of Markin Glen County Park. Some campers use these campgrounds as bases for longer rides, with one visitor reporting, "We rode 47 miles round trip from Bloomingdale to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo."
What You Should Know
Rustic vs. modern options: Campgrounds range from basic to full-service. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," explains VB S. about Fort Custer, while Markin Glen offers "sites that are large level concrete pads with full hook-ups."
Seasonal considerations: Some smaller facilities have limited operating seasons or reduced services in shoulder months. For Markin Glen County Park, the season runs "April 25 to October 15," while other parks like Kalamazoo County Expo Center operate "late April to October."
Reservation needs: The popularity of certain campgrounds necessitates advance planning. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday fills quickly during summer months, especially on weekends. One camper advises, "We spent 5 days here in June. The campground is clean, the wi-fi is great," and recommends making reservations well in advance for holiday weekends.
Train proximity: Several campgrounds experience periodic train noise. "Beware: sites 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, and 27 are the closest to railroad tracks that are about 30 yards away," warns a camper about specific sites at Markin Glen County Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground facilities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Covert Park Beach & Campground, a camper notes, "Play set was ok. One for smaller kids and one for bigger. Slide, few swings, nothing to big." This provides important context for families with children of different ages.
Swimming options: Beaches and swimming areas vary in size and features. Melville 7 Lakes has "a small swimming area, playground" according to Kara H., while larger facilities like Covert/South Haven KOA offer "a heated pool and lots of activities for kids."
Kid-friendly activities: Scheduled events at some campgrounds enhance the family experience. "Friendly staff, lots of kid activities. Nice pool, clean campground. Barrel train ride is a lot of fun for the whole family," shares Jill P. about the KOA, which also features "a pool and playground area [that] is nicely laid out."
Day-use considerations: Some campground beaches allow public access. At Covert Park, "The campground allows anyone to buy daily passes for the beach so the beach can get crowded. Lots of traffic in and out," explains Melissa M., which might affect families seeking quieter experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "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)," notes one RVer about Markin Glen. For Covert Park Beach & Campground, a camper warns that "most sites the electrical box and water hook up is on the wrong side of the site."
Utility placement: Check hookup locations before booking. "Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT," mentions Bob B. about Fort Custer, though others note "you may need extra hose and power cord length" at other campgrounds where utilities are poorly positioned.
Big rig accommodation: Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort offers varying site sizes but some limitations. "The campsites are a good size but those we found are not very level. I love the option of walking around the campground as there are up and down and one really big huge hill," reports Mary T., suggesting larger rigs may struggle at certain sites.
