Fort Custer Recreation Area offers equestrian trails and designated areas for horseback riding in Augusta, Michigan. The park spans multiple lakes with extensive trail systems specifically designed for horses, hikers, and mountain bikers. Campsites feature electrical hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables in wooded settings that provide natural spacing between sites. While there are no dedicated horse corrals within the campground itself, the park maintains separate equestrian areas with trailer parking. Large sites accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers, with some campers reporting sufficient space to set up portable corrals or highlines. The trail system provides miles of riding opportunities through varied terrain. Campground data and reviews near Nazareth, Michigan is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
Trail riders access extensive bridle paths directly from Fort Custer's equestrian area, with multiple loop options ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging routes. The trail system traverses diverse landscapes including woods, open fields, and lakeshores, offering scenic riding experiences for various skill levels. Water access for horses is available at designated points along the trails. The park operates year-round, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities through changing Michigan landscapes. Several miles of dedicated horse trails remain separated from the mountain biking paths to ensure safety for all users. Riders particularly appreciate the well-maintained trails and limited crowding compared to other state parks, even on summer weekends. Advance reservations are recommended during peak season as the campground is popular with both equestrians and other outdoor enthusiasts.
"The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶"
"Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes."
$18 / night
"No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails."
"All rustic sites, horses welcomed, vault toilets, and water pumps. Pay for site by money drop in tube so bring your check book. The lake is great for kayaking. Miles of trails to wander and discover."
"Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did."
"This is a great place to camp with young children, as there are many activities around the camp. It is family owned and operated and you can tell- warm and friendly."
$16 - $480 / night
"Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric)."
"This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it."
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
GuideEquestrian trails and campgrounds are popular here. Horse rides sold on site. There is a nice hotel that sometimes hosts events actually located in the park. Come tobagginging and ice fishing in the winter and then pamper yourself in the hotel, or visit in the summer and have a beach day or easy hike with the family. Great spot for Pokémon Go because of the available cell service.
TravelerEly Lake Campground is a County campground in Allegan Michigan. All of the sites are rustic. Here are the bullet points:
First the positives: It is a beautiful rustic campground. We stayed on the side with sites 49-73 (specifically site 50) which has larger more secluded sites than the other side of the Lake. The Lake is for non-motorized recreational use so it is mostly used for kayaking and canoeing and fishing. There is about a 1 mile trail that you can walk around the exterior of the Lake, however it is ill defined in some places so just keep your eyes peeled for yellow markers on the trees (which are everywhere so you wont get lost).
This place also attracts a lot of equestrian campers and they have trails specifically for horseback riding. So if you have kids that love horses, you may see some on the weekends.
The negatives: It is a wonderful experience until about 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday night. This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings (apparently there is no where else for the locals to have a rager). There is loud music , people yelling, fireworks going off and… not very much sleep. And I am not just talking about a few people with their music on -- it was someone blasting their sub-woofer with electronic dance music until 4:45 AM. It was really disappointing because otherwise the experience was positive. Luckily my kids are all deep sleepers so I was the only one who had to sit up all night.
They clean the bathrooms daily from what I can tell, but otherwise the campground is not maintained. There was trash around our site, and when you walk the trail about the lake you will see cigarette packets and beer bottles occasionally. Also along the trail were two massive hornet nests that really should have been removed by park management - but it's clear they don't ever maintain the trail.
If you're willing to overlook some garbage, and if the party people stay away you could have a wonderful camping trip. Allegan County has a beautiful natural resource here, but sadly it seems like it is being squandered, and wont last.
ScoutThis is always my go to campground! All natural camping with plenty of nice people! One word of advise is to bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings lol but are back up and running by mid afternoon. No showers and just outhouses but that's REAL camping right!!!? No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at it's purest! I have been coming to this lake to camp for over 40 years and I hope I have 40 more years left!!!
TravelerPokagon State Park has an excellent state park campground. Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric). Many sites are flat (good for tent camping) while others are slightly rolling hills (helps breakup the sites a bit). There is a lot to do in the park including many trails, horse riding (horse stable on site), and lake swimming on a nicely improved beach. Only cons are no full hook up and the fire rings/grills could be improved.
TravelerThe trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶
TravelerThis is an extremely large campground. About seventy-five percent of the sites are electric. We stayed in Site 255, which was not electric (booked last minute). This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it. However, Site 269 (next to Site 277) afforded great privacy and was large; among the non-electric sites this was the best I saw. I did not survey the electric sites, but I’m sure the site matters a lot. Non-electric sites are $20.00, plus a $9.00 park entrance fee.
There are numerous walking trails, along with horse and bike trails. Additionally, there are boat rentals, horseback rides, pony rentals, swimming, nature center, and a restaurant at the inn.
This is a family oriented park. Extended family groupings are very common. Nevertheless, people and their children are well behaved.
I would recommend this campground for two days or more. A one day stay will mean you probably won’t see much of this wonderful park. The only reason I gave it a four was that even in mid-September it was packed.
ScoutMMichigan State park with large sites and lots of privacy. $25per night with electric. Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes. Roads quiet and could easily ride your road bike to nearby bike paths. I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky.
TravelerThere are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do
TravelerWow! Three lakes, hiking, biking and horse trails, showers, camp host and super quiet this past week while there. Not many campers, but everyone there seemed pleasant and were quiet. Deep sites, electric if you so desire, firepit and tables. I use a tent. Driving from the west through Augusta is a treat...so pretty. Civilization not far at all. Fishing, beach, play areas and an amusement park for mountain bikers! No alcohol. Will return!
Fort Custer Recreation Area near Nazareth, Michigan offers varied terrain for horseback riding with dedicated equestrian trails that remain separate from hiking and biking paths. The park maintains specific areas for equestrians with trailer parking available year-round. The climate features four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and spring/fall bringing milder conditions ideal for trail riding.
Fishing opportunities: At Fort Custer Recreation Area, multiple lakes provide excellent fishing spots. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat," notes Bob B., who adds that he "spent summers growing up" at this recreation area.
Swimming beaches: The park maintains designated swimming areas during summer months. Janet N. mentions there's "one lake with swimming beach" and appreciates that the "roads [are] quiet and could easily ride your road bike to nearby bike paths."
Mountain biking trails: Dedicated mountain biking paths are maintained separately from equestrian routes. Joel K. reports, "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."
Toboggan run: Winter visitors to Pokagon State Park can enjoy the unique toboggan run. The park offers "trails, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do," according to Becky N., making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy between sites. Hannah reports about Fort Custer Recreation Area: "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!"
Dark night skies: The limited artificial lighting enhances stargazing opportunities. Janet N. noted she "loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky" at Fort Custer.
Blueberry picking: Unique seasonal activities add to the camping experience. At Covert/South Haven KOA, Cindy B. shares that "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!"
Family-friendly activities: Organized events keep children entertained. Amy J. mentions that Covert/South Haven KOA has a "heated pool and lots of activities for kids. Camp with blueberries right outside your door!"
Electric-only hookups: Some campgrounds offer limited utilities. At Fort Custer, VB S. notes that "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," which can impact longer stays.
Seasonal crowds: Popularity varies throughout the year. Sue M. stayed at Fort Custer during a sports tournament and mentioned that "The mosquitos are awful. The site was a decent size and had a lot of shade, which was nice."
Rustic camping options: For those seeking a more primitive experience, Ely Lake Campground offers basic amenities. James K. details: "There are no bathrooms, just pit toilets. There is no electricity. There is a hand pump for water, although I would recommend bringing your own drinking water because the water from the hand pump is very discolored."
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds become livelier on weekends. James K. continues about Ely Lake: "It is a wonderful experience until about 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday night. This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings... There is loud music, people yelling, fireworks going off."
Playgrounds and activities: Choose campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, Lisa P. shares: "The kids love the activities and the pool and my family who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!"
Educational opportunities: Look for nature centers that offer programs for children. Anand mentions that Pokagon State Park has "tons of things to do (playgrounds, lake, beach, hiking, horseback and pony rides etc)."
Beach access: Water activities provide hours of entertainment for children. Melissa B. notes that Covert/South Haven KOA is "only 10-15 minutes from the beach in south Haven-beautiful!"
Train rides for kids: Special attractions keep younger campers engaged. Jill P. recommends the "barrel train ride" at Covert/South Haven KOA, calling it "a lot of fun for the whole family."
Site selection: Choose sites based on shade and size needs. Art S. notes about Fort Custer Recreation Area: "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors... Each site has a picnic table and fire pit."
Dump station timing: Plan for potential wait times. Bob B. warns that at Fort Custer, "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long."
Fairgrounds alternative: Consider non-traditional options for RV camping. At Eaton County Fairgrounds, Northstorm T. reports: "This is a fairgrounds RV and tent park. Very peaceful when there are no ongoing events. Large bath house with Showers. No office in park, so find a space and park. The manager will stop by to collect your $20."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. J C. notes about Pokagon State Park that "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nazareth, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nazareth, MI is Fort Custer Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Nazareth, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Nazareth, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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