Camping spots near Scotts, Michigan range from open electric-only sites to secluded, wooded tent camping areas with varying levels of amenities. Located in southwest Michigan at approximately 889 feet elevation, the area experiences seasonal extremes, with humid summer conditions often reaching 85°F and significant rainfall in spring. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, particularly in January when overnight lows average 15°F.
What to do
Water recreation: access: Fort Custer Recreation Area offers multiple lakes for fishing, swimming and non-motorized boating. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat," notes a regular visitor who considers this their childhood camping destination.
Mountain biking: miles of trails: The trail system at Fort Custer Recreation Area provides extensive mountain biking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. "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," shares one mountain biking enthusiast.
Wildlife observation: dawn and dusk: Markin Glen County Park connects to miles of paved and unpaved trails ideal for spotting local wildlife. "There are miles of hiking/biking trails (some of which are paved and others are dirt), group picnic areas, tennis courts, volleyball, swim beach, fishing piers, softball field, and two playgrounds," according to one visitor.
Disc golf: free course: Cold Brook County Park maintains a disc golf course accessible to all campers. A visitor mentioned, "Family friendly, quiet, disc golf, fishing, playground for kids," highlighting the range of activities available in one location.
What campers like
Site privacy: natural screening: Many sites at Deep Lake Rustic Campground provide excellent seclusion. A camper notes, "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."
Full hookup availability: level sites: Markin Glen County Park offers premium full-hookup sites on paved pads. "The sites are pretty close on the sides and behind your site (if you are on the inner roads that back up against other sites). There are three roads in the campground and the two roads on the outside have no one behind them which adds privacy," explains one detailed review.
Lake views: fishing opportunities: Several campsites at Deep Lake Rustic Campground overlook the water. "The sites over looking Deep Lake are wonderful if you can snag one," mentions a camper who appreciates the scenic locations.
Trail connectivity: direct access: Multiple campgrounds connect directly to regional trail networks. A visitor to Markin Glen highlights, "The campground has direct access to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail which is a paved trail extending for many miles."
What you should know
Train noise: proximity issues: En Gedi River Resort provides a quieter alternative to some sites at Markin Glen. "Overall, the campground is a great value. We camped on site #22 which is water/electric and we paid $35/night. We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and even with a full campground, it was still very quiet and peaceful," reports a holiday weekend camper.
Bug activity: seasonal intensity: Insect repellent is necessary, particularly in less maintained areas. One camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area mentioned, "lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent."
Reservation timing: summer weekends: Campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, particularly on weekends. "We camped in our teardrop on the primitive tent loop. Sites were nice and secluded where we were, but you could hear a few late night partiers nearby," noted a visitor to Pokagon State Park, indicating the importance of site selection and timing.
Road conditions: spring challenges: Access can be limited during wet spring conditions at several campgrounds. As one visitor observed, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," highlighting limited amenities at Fort Custer Recreation Area that could impact longer stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: close to sites: Cold Brook County Park offers family-friendly facilities near camping areas. "Small county park. Lots of lake for small boating, kayaking. Fishing pier to fish off. Playground for the kids. Swimming beach with sand," notes a recent visitor.
Swimming beaches: sandy shorelines: Many local campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming areas with beach access. "29 campsites pretty close together with old growth trees interspersed around the campground. Fishing pier and boating, playground area, and beach," explains a visitor to Cold Brook County Park.
Educational opportunities: nature programs: Pokagon State Park provides structured activities for children. "Tons of things to do (playgrounds, lake, beach, hiking, horseback and pony rides etc). The lodge is a nice structure but the food we sampled was mediocre," reports a family who visited the park.
Accessibility considerations: mobility needs: Markin Glen County Park includes accessible facilities. "Have handicapped accessible sites, and ramp into the lake," points out a visitor who appreciated these accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: power only: Pokagon State Park offers electric-only sites with a central dump station. "Only electric hookups, but good for a short weekend. Best bike orbs, horseback riding, and quiet," notes an RVer who stayed at the park.
Site length considerations: size restrictions: Markin Glen accommodates larger RVs with 50-foot sites. "Campsites are 50 feet long which will fit any size RV (ours was nearly 90')," shares a visitor with a large rig.
Leveling requirements: uneven terrain: Some sites require additional leveling equipment. A visitor to Pokagon State Park observed, "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven. Bike trail, hiking trails, store, beach, inn, nature center."
Dump station access: timing issues: At Fort Custer Recreation Area, preparing for busy times at the dump station is important. "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long," warns a repeat visitor to Fort Custer.
