Fort Custer Recreation Area offers campers full-service amenities 10 miles west of Nazareth, Michigan. The landscape features gently rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests and open prairie areas, typical of the region's glacial terrain. The area experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and significant humidity, especially near the park's small lakes.
What to Do
Hiking trails: At Yankee Springs Recreation Area, trails accommodate various skill levels with lake views. "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," notes Janet N.
Fishing opportunities: Deep Lake Rustic Campground provides accessible fishing from dedicated areas. "There are a couple hundred sites and most of them were full. Our site was on the far end of a loop... We were right across from an access trail to the blue hiking trail," explains Art S., who adds, "We passed other hikers and bikers and even some people trying their luck at fishing."
Water recreation: Gun Lake Campground features swimming areas during warmer months. "The beach area is large and sandy but where you access the lake is kind of small. Quite a bit of watercraft on the lake but only heard 1 or 2 boats from our site," reports Mike P. Be prepared for potentially crowded conditions during peak summer weekends.
What Campers Like
Modern amenities: Markin Glen County Park provides full hookup sites with concrete pads. "All sites are 50 amp full hook-up that are paved with paved patios, fire pits, and picnic tables. Utilities are well-placed and no extensions are needed. Campsites are 50 feet long which will fit any size RV," according to Nancy W.
Trail access: The recreation areas connect to extensive trail networks. "The park has direct access to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail which is a paved trail extending for many miles. There are fishing ponds on the property which, according to staff are stocked," reports one camper about Markin Glen County Park.
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," notes VB S. about Fort Custer State Park. This park-specific detail helps campers plan appropriate equipment for pet-friendly camping near Nazareth.
What You Should Know
Weather preparation: Summer camping requires proper planning. "Lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent," warns Cathy Y. about Fort Custer State Park.
Limited services: Some campgrounds have basic facilities only. "Campground Review: Deep Lake offers quite a bit to do in a nice family atmosphere. Most sites offer complete shade... Don't expect any glamorous showers or bathhouses. There are pairs of outhouses and the smell comes with," advises Joshua M.
Reservation systems: Different reservation processes exist across campgrounds. "Payment is cash or check only and you can call the park for advanced reservation (which is an extra $5). The campground is about 10 minutes north of downtown where there are lots of breweries/distillery and restaurants," explains a camper at Markin Glen.
Tips for Camping with Families
Site selection: Choose sites based on family needs. At Brookside City Park, "The camping spots are in a park right off the main road, however they are tucked all the way around back offering surprisingly private camping," notes Dave N.
Budget-friendly options: Smaller parks often cost less. "Tents sites are now $20 and RV hookups (water and 20/30 amp) are $30... Cash or check only," reports Linda C. about Brookside City Park.
Swimming opportunities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. A camper at Cold Brook County Park notes, "Swimming beach with sand. Nice country setting yet close enough to towns if you need anything."
Tips from RVers
Site details: Check site specifications before booking. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," warns VB S. about Fort Custer State Park.
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly for busy periods. "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," mentions Bob B.
Site levelness: Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort requires additional preparation. "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," explains Mary T.
Legend
