Camping sites near Portage, Michigan range across a 20-mile radius of this south Michigan city. Located in Kalamazoo County at approximately 880 feet above sea level, the region sits amid small inland lakes and rolling terrain. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through February, making primitive camping challenging during off-season months.
What to do
Mountain biking opportunities: Fort Custer Recreation Area offers extensive trail systems specifically designed for bikers. "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," notes one visitor who appreciated the site's proximity to trails.
Disc golf courses: Cold Brook County Park features a dedicated disc golf course among its amenities. "Small county park. Lots of lake for small boating, kayaking. Fishing pier to fish off. Playground for the kids," mentions a reviewer who explored multiple recreational options at the park.
Paddling multiple lakes: The area provides diverse paddling opportunities across several connected waterways. According to one camper at Melville 7 Lakes: "Access to several lakes including all sports," making it ideal for visitors seeking varied water experiences.
Trail connections: Some campgrounds offer direct access to regional trail systems. As noted by a reviewer of Markin Glen County Park: "The park has a lovely series of paved walking paths and a lake for swimming, and there is a trail that goes from the park right down into Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo River Trail)."
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: While site spacing varies between campgrounds, some offer good separation. A visitor to Yankee Springs Recreation Area noted: "If you want seclusion away from the parking lot atmosphere down the road at Yankee Springs this is your place. There is much more space at each campsite and lots of old growth trees."
Easy town access: Many campgrounds combine natural settings with convenient access to urban amenities. "We stayed here for a couple of weeks while we were moving out of our house and we loved it. Despite having lived near Kalamazoo for seven years, we had never visited this park previously," remarked a camper about Markin Glen County Park.
Year-round availability: While most campgrounds close for winter, select options remain accessible. One camper observed about Fort Custer Recreation Area: "Ok, so I might be biased because this is where I spent my summers growing up. But I've never found another campground with such a great mix of secluded sites, but still opportunities to meet and party with fellow camper."
Paved sites: For those seeking established camping with conveniences, paved sites offer stability for equipment. "The sites are large level concrete pads with grass dividing the sites. All full hookups," notes a Markin Glen visitor who appreciated the campground infrastructure.
What you should know
Train noise issues: Some campgrounds have nearby train activity that affects the camping experience. A reviewer for Markin Glen County Park mentioned: "Would def recommend ordering true to fit. The color is a big plus. The cowboy blue looks great in person. Will easily be one of my favorite shirts once I grow into it."
Site selection matters: Topography and vegetation vary significantly between sites at the same campground. At Brookside City Park, a camper noted: "The campsites 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."
Registration requirements: Different campgrounds have various check-in procedures. "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," explains a Brookside visitor about their unique process.
Reservation needs: While some smaller campgrounds offer first-come availability, most require advance planning. At Cold Brook County Park, campers report: "Staff was great! Showers and bathrooms cleaned multiple times a day. Pet friendly. Would stay here again!"
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas of varying quality. A visitor to Cold Brook County Park shared: "Fishing pier and boating, playground area, and beach," highlighting the family-friendly water amenities.
Playground availability: For families with young children, dedicated play areas can enhance the camping experience. At Melville 7 Lakes, a camper noted: "Nice quiet, large sites, playground, small beach area. Access to several lakes including all sports," listing multiple family-oriented features.
Cost-effective options: Budget-conscious families will find affordable camping within the region. One camper at Brookside City Park reported: "Nice little park. Only has 6 sites but its rarely used. $10 a night, you pay at the police station.water and electric," highlighting this lower-priced alternative for overnight stays.
Group camping options: Some locations specialize in accommodating larger family gatherings. A reviewer noted that Melville 7 Lakes is "Great for group camping," with amenities supporting multi-family use.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer only partial connections for RVs. At Fort Custer Recreation Area, a visitor pointed out: "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," which requires planning for water and waste management.
Site leveling challenges: Topography affects the ease of RV setup at certain locations. A reviewer at Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort observed: "The campsites are a good size but those we found are not very level," suggesting stabilization equipment may be necessary.
Big rig accessibility: Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds, with some better suited for larger vehicles. Fort Custer Recreation Area offers "Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT," according to one experienced camper.
Dump station congestion: Peak times at facilities with limited waste disposal options can create delays. A Fort Custer camper warned: "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long," suggesting timing dump station visits strategically.
