Best Campgrounds near Portage, MI

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.

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

    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 Reviews near Portage, MI

635 Reviews of 165 Portage Campgrounds


  • J
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Kal-Haven Outpost

    Great tent camping destination

    We really enjoyed our two nights tent camping at Kal Haven Outpost! The management is great, and the restrooms are very clean and the sites were really well designed. We love the wooded camping sites that we used in the four of us. Had a great time. We brought our bikes and use the trail for several miles. It was so peaceful and relaxing, and a great way to get away.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Woodchip Campground

    Great location in Grand Rapids Area

    Great place to stay for the weekend. Lots of activities for kids. Heats pool till end of October . Does trick or treating. Sites are small.

  • 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!!!


Guide to Portage

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.

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.