Camping near Nazareth, Michigan offers a mix of county and state recreation areas within southwestern Michigan's varied terrain. The region experiences seasonal weather patterns with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures with occasional rain. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, contributing to moderate humidity levels during summer camping.
What to Do
Mountain biking trails: At Fort Custer Recreation Area, visitors can access extensive trail systems for all skill levels. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat. If you're in the area, this is highly recommended," notes Bob B. The park maintains dedicated mountain bike trails separate from hiking paths.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes throughout the region provide fishing access with varying catch potential. At Deep Lake Rustic Campground, campers can fish directly from the shoreline or dedicated piers. "There are several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach," reports Janet N., highlighting the multiple water recreation options.
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds operate seasonally, some recreation areas remain accessible for winter activities. The trail systems at Fort Custer offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities when snow conditions permit. Some parks maintain plowed access roads for winter recreation even when camping facilities close.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate sites with natural barriers. "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors," reports Art S. about Fort Custer. Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others, with Deep Lake Rustic Campground providing more isolated sites compared to more developed facilities.
Paved camping pads: At Markin Glen County Park, campers enjoy modern amenities with full hookup sites. "All sites are 50 amp full hook-up that are paved with paved patios, fire pits, and picnic tables," notes one visitor. The concrete pads provide level setups for both tents and RVs regardless of weather conditions.
Trail connectivity: Several campgrounds provide direct access to regional trail systems. "The campground has direct access to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail which is a paved trail extending for many miles," reports a Markin Glen visitor. This connectivity allows campers to explore beyond campground boundaries without driving to trailheads.
What You Should Know
Train noise affects some locations: Railway proximity impacts certain campgrounds more than others. Sites at Markin Glen near the tracks (specifically sites 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, and 27) experience more train noise, with one camper noting trains "sitting there for hours getting loaded" approximately every day or two.
Limited services in rural areas: Some campgrounds are located far from amenities. One visitor to Hidden Ridge RV Resort noted: "There isn't much close to the campground at all. Like the closest gas station is 15 miles. Not really any fast food restaurants either." Stock up on supplies before arriving at more remote locations.
Reservation systems vary: County parks often have different reservation procedures than state recreation areas. For Brookside City Park, "registration is at the police station, and if it's after hours you may have to call an off site officer to meet you with the phone provided," according to Katie. Some campgrounds require cash or check payment only.
Tips for Camping with Families
Beach quality considerations: When planning water activities for children, check beach conditions. At Gun Lake Campground, visitors advise: "Wear aqua shoes lake is rocky." Another camper adds that Gun Lake "is crowded and very warm towards end of summer," which affects water quality.
Look for organized activities: Some campgrounds provide structured children's programs. "Kid friendly! This park always finds a way to have something fun for the kids to do," notes Melissa M. about Hidden Ridge RV Resort, which offers "hayrides, crafts, store, pond for fishing" and other amenities specifically designed for families.
Site selection for noise management: Families with young children should consider site location relative to common noise sources. "Our site was on the far end of a loop. This meant a longer walk to the restrooms and showers. On the other hand, we were right across from an access trail to the blue hiking trail," reports Art S., highlighting the tradeoffs between convenience and quiet.
Tips from RVers
Electric-only hookups: Many state recreation areas provide limited services. At Fort Custer Recreation Area, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," advises VB S. Plan water tank capacity accordingly for these partial hookup sites.
Dump station timing: Plan departure times strategically to avoid dump station congestion. "The dump station takes a bit to get through. We were in line for about an hour before we dumped and we pulled off our site at 1," notes Mike P. about Gun Lake Campground. Mid-day departure times often coincide with peak dump station usage.
Site leveling challenges: At Cold Brook County Park, some sites require additional leveling equipment. While some parks feature concrete pads, others have natural surfaces with varying degrees of levelness. At private resorts, one camper observed: "The campsites are a good size but those we found are not very level."
