Fort Custer Recreation Area sits on 3,000 acres of natural terrain with elevations ranging from 850 to 950 feet above sea level. The recreation area contains three lakes—Eagle, Jackson, and Whitford—totaling 395 acres of water surface. Most campgrounds in this region maintain operating seasons from April through October, with weather typically mild but mosquitoes common in summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fort Custer Recreation Area, lakes offer multiple fish species. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat," notes Bob B., who adds, "If you're in the area, this is highly recommended."
Hiking trails: The trail network at Yankee Springs Recreation Area connects with the North Country Trail. "You are just a short drive away from Yankee Springs and Gun Lake with the huge beach, plus you are basically right on the NCT and have access to miles of hiking and biking trails," explains Mary Z.
Disc golf course: Cold Brook County Park maintains a full course. "Small county park. Lots of lake for small boating, kayaking. Fishing pier to fish off. Playground for the kids. Swimming beach with sand. Nice country setting yet close enough to towns if you need anything," according to Nellie.
Water recreation: Boating options range from kayaks to small motorboats at many area lakes. "MMichigan State park with large sites and lots of privacy. $25per night with electric. Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach," shares Janet N. about Fort Custer.
What campers like
Site privacy: Markin Glen County Park offers well-spaced sites. "The site are large level concrete pads with grass dividing the sites. All full hookups. The park has a lovely series of paved walking paths and a lake for swimming," explains emily P.
Access to urban amenities: Many campgrounds sit within 15 minutes of Kalamazoo. "The park was very clean and well-kept. Bathrooms with showers were cleaned daily. At $28/night for a full hook-up paved site this is a great park if you want to stay in the Kalamazoo area," explains Nancy W. about Markin Glen.
Night sky viewing: Fort Custer limits artificial lighting. "I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky," says Janet N., highlighting a feature many campers appreciate.
Spacious sites: Most campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors. I didn't expect to find something this interesting as an alternate to original plans but it worked out nicely," Art S. mentions about Fort Custer.
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: Black flies and mosquitoes peak in summer. "Lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent," advises Cathy Y. about Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Weekend congestion: Swimming areas become crowded during summer weekends. "Only downside is that the beach gets crowded if the weather is nice," Nicole R. notes about Fort Custer.
Water/electric limitations: Cold Brook County Park offers no sewer hookups at campsites. "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," reports debe K.
Legend
