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Best Campgrounds near Portage, MI

633 Reviews

Several campgrounds surround Portage, Michigan, providing a mix of developed options within 15-20 miles of the city. Fort Custer Recreation Area offers spacious wooded sites with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations amid old-growth trees. Markin Glen County Park provides modern full hookup sites on concrete pads with picnic tables and fire rings, particularly appealing to RV campers. Cold Brook County Park includes cabin options along with tent and RV camping. The region's campgrounds generally feature lakefront or pond access, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and water recreation at most locations.

Camping season in the Kalamazoo area typically runs from April through October, with most county and state facilities closing for winter. Markin Glen operates from April 25 to October 15, while Cold Brook County Park maintains a similar schedule from April 15 to October 31. Fort Custer Recreation Area remains open year-round for those seeking off-season camping opportunities. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Most developed sites provide electric hookups, with varying availability of full hookups, shower facilities, and dump stations. One visitor noted, "The campground has a great location for people who want to visit Kalamazoo. One downside is that there are train tracks that run near the campground and sometimes the engines idle for extended periods at night."

Campers consistently highlight water recreation as a primary attraction at most area campgrounds. Cold Brook County Park features "fishing pier and boating, playground area, and beach," according to one reviewer. Fort Custer Recreation Area receives praise for its extensive trail system, with one camper noting "the miles of biking and hiking trails and the two lakes for kayaking" as particular draws. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the balance between natural settings and proximity to urban amenities, with Markin Glen offering direct access to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail connecting to downtown. Family-friendly facilities predominate, with most campgrounds providing playgrounds, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities. Noise from nearby roads or trains appears in several reviews, suggesting those seeking complete quiet may want to research site locations carefully before booking.

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Best Camping Sites Near Portage, Michigan (165)

    1. Fort Custer Recreation Area

    44 Reviews
    Augusta, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 731-4200

    "Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!"

    "Another great camping experience, site 210 has an amazing trail that leads directly to the showers at one end and at the other path went directly to running water, plus only a couple of yards from a great"

    2. Markin Glen County Park

    6 Reviews
    Nazareth, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 381-7570

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Despite having lived near Kalamazoo for seven years, we had never visited this park previously. The site are large level concrete pads with grass dividing the sites. All full hookups."

    "There are three roads in the campground and the two roads on the outside have no one behind them which adds privacy. "

    3. Cold Brook County Park

    4 Reviews
    Galesburg, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 746-4270

    "Out in the country, but close enough that getting to Kzoo and Portage is a breeze.

    Paying for a pass gets you in other nice county parks."

    "29 campsites pretty close together with old growth trees interspersed around the campground. Fishing pier and boating, playground area, and beach. No longer has primitive camping."

    4. Kalamazoo County Expo Center

    1 Review
    Kalamazoo, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 383-8778

    "It’s not as big as some of the expo centers in Michigan, but it does the job. If you plan to camp here they offer 220 campsites over 5 small campgrounds."

    5. Oak Shores Resort Campground

    2 Reviews
    Vicksburg, MI
    7 miles
    +1 (269) 649-4689

    6. Buikema Farm

    1 Review
    Vicksburg, MI
    9 miles

    $40 / night

    7. Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort

    3 Reviews
    Nazareth, MI
    15 miles
    Website

    8. Brookside City Park

    6 Reviews
    Allegan, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 692-3391

    $5 - $10 / night

    "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."

    "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. "

    9. Melville 7 Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Marcellus, MI
    17 miles

    $25 / night

    "Access to several lakes including all sports"

    "Lake for boating and fishing. Has a small swimming area, playground."

    10. Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    25 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-9081

    "First time in central Michigan and it was absolutely beautiful. The campground has a great location and lots of mountain bike and hiking trails."

    "This is a campground in Yankee Spring Recreational Area in Mid-Michigan. This is a nice rustic campground near the NCT(North Country Trail)."

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Recent Camping Photos near Portage, MI

181 Photos of 165 Portage Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Portage, MI

633 Reviews of 165 Portage Campgrounds

  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    MTB camp and bike (again)

    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. 

    We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding.  The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.

    All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Small, lakeside, chill

    This was our first time staying at Covert Park Beach + Campground. We stayed in site 52 with our 21 ft travel trailer. The site is a good size. Tree placement made it a little tricky to back into, but nothing crazy. We stayed Sunday to Saturday, so we got to see it at its bustling weekend peak and the quiet, cozy weekday vibe. Family friendly, dog friendly and kid friendly. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but there's a beach a few minutes down the road (Hagar Beach) where you can bring leashed dogs. Sunset views were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean and showers nice and hot. The two guys who were running the check-in and campground operations were super cool- they were the perfect mix of attentive and laid back. No sewer on campsites but there's a dump station when you enter/exit. Ice and firewood are abundantly available and can be delivered to your site. We loved our stay here. Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel. Weekend crowd was fun, friendly and lots of locals. Would definitely stay again!

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Brookside City Park

    More expensive now

    Tents sites are now $20 and RV hookups (water and 20/30 amp) are $30. When I got to the police station they were closed for the week but a phone # was provided to call dispatcher and an officer responded promptly to help me get registered. Cash or check only.

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Shipshewana Campground South Park

    Nice stay

    Bathrooms clean Campground well maintained. Showers clean. Push button operation not temperature control little on the cold side for me.

  • Chris R.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Tyler Creek

    Absolutely garbage

    Had a reservation for 6 months and the day we were to arrive, we were told we could not have the site we prepared for because someone else wanted to stay longer.  Management has the right to alter your reservation without your consent or the courtesy of a phone call.  When questioned, the owner treated us like garbage and was rude as hell.  Would never recommend this place to anyone, stay away!!!

  • Bob B.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    A return to my childhood

    I camped here countless times throughout my childhood. It was nice returning. I brought back great memories and it struck a balance of staying up with the times but still leaving most to nature.

    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.

    Don’t miss out on the great finishing and hiking. A great plus is still seeing kids rise actual bikes!

  • H
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Beautiful Woodsy Campground

    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! We love it here already with only being here twice!

Guide to Portage

Camping near Portage, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From beautiful beaches to wooded trails, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do

  • Hiking and Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Warren Dunes State Park Campground, provide great hiking paths and access to Lake Michigan. One visitor mentioned, “Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!”
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: At Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking on the 13 lakes. A camper shared, “Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown.”
  • Fishing: Potato Creek State Park Campground is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. One reviewer noted, “Fishing, kayaking on the lake,” highlighting the park's offerings.

What campers like

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the scenic views and natural surroundings. A visitor at Fort Custer Recreation Area said, “The spots were nice and secluded, and the whole place was very beautiful.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Pokagon State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, “The shower & restrooms are atrocious!!! Worst looking buildings since Spring Mill SP! Dirty & need an entire overhaul.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At Covert Park Beach & Campground, a guest said, “The camp is under new management and they are friendly and welcoming.”

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Lake Michigan Campground noted, “We stayed at the wooded campground near where you check in, it was busy, and every loud motorcycle going down the road right next to us.”
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together, which can affect your camping experience. A camper at Van Buren State Park Campground mentioned, “Clean campground with large sites but no privacy between sites.”
  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Weko Beach Campground, do not allow alcohol. One camper expressed frustration, saying, “No alcohol campground also, so everyone had nice tumblers walking around.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. Van Buren State Park Campground has two playgrounds, making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Noise: Expect some noise, especially during busy weekends. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, “Place was a little crowded, but once it got dark it was quiet and peaceful.”
  • Pack Essentials: Bring your own firewood and cooking gear, as some campgrounds may not provide these. A camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground advised, “Bring a lot of leveling block and no kids!”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A camper at Pokagon State Park Campground mentioned, “Some sites are level, some aren't. Some can accommodate larger rigs, most can't.”
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Potato Creek State Park Campground noted, “Verizon signal essentially nonexistent, but air TV reception not bad.”
  • Plan for Dump Station Waits: Expect busy dump stations during peak times. A camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground warned, “With poison oak all over the back of our site so bring a lot of leveling block and no kids!”

Camping around Portage, Michigan, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there lakeside camping options near Portage?

Portage-area campers have several lakeside options within driving distance. Covert Park Beach & Campground offers access to Lake Michigan with primitive tent sites and full-hookup options. It features clean facilities, a new shower house, and is well-maintained. Van Buren State Park Campground is another excellent choice, with tree-lined sites just a short walk to Lake Michigan's shores and impressive sand dunes. For inland lake camping, options include Melville 7 Lakes and various sites at Yankee Springs Recreation Area, though some facilities may have seasonal closures.

What tent camping sites are available around Portage, Michigan?

Tent campers near Portage have several excellent options. Thousand Trails Bear Cave offers a quaint experience with amenities like a clubhouse, playground, pool, and walking trails. For a more rustic experience, consider Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, which is tent-friendly and features amenities like mini-golf, bike rentals, hot tub, and heated pool—perfect for first-time campers. Tent campers might also enjoy Fort Custer Recreation Area and Buikema Farm for more primitive experiences. Many sites in the region offer water access, clean facilities, and varying levels of privacy depending on your preference.

What campgrounds are available in Portage, MI?

Several campgrounds are within easy driving distance of Portage. Cold Brook County Park offers a peaceful country setting while still being a quick drive to Portage and Kalamazoo. Your park pass also grants access to other county parks in the area. For families, Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation provides full hookups and rustic options with amenities like fishing, swimming pool, and a gagaball pit. Other nearby options include Markin Glen County Park and Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort, both offering various amenities for campers seeking convenience to Portage.

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