Camping options near Three Rivers, Michigan extend well beyond the glamping offerings at Cranberry Lake and Fort Custer Recreation Area. The region sits at the junction of the Rocky, Portage, and St. Joseph Rivers, creating diverse water recreation opportunities across its many lakes and waterways. Winter temperatures typically range from 15-30°F, while summer months average 70-85°F with moderate humidity, allowing for extended camping seasons at several parks.
What to do
Explore Amish country: Elkhart County Middlebury KOA provides a strategic base for experiencing Amish culture. "Definitely loved this campground in the middle of beautiful Amish country. Staff was very friendly and helpful," notes Dusti H. The campground is located near Shipshewana, offering visitors authentic cultural experiences.
Fishing in multiple lakes: Melville 7 Lakes offers access to several connected waterways for anglers. "Lake for boating and fishing. Has a small swimming area, playground," writes Kara H. The campground provides boat access to multiple lakes, including all-sports lakes suitable for various water activities.
Mountain biking trails: Fort Custer Recreation Area maintains an extensive trail system popular with cyclists. "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 Joel K. The park features dedicated mountain biking trails with varying difficulty levels throughout its 3,000 acres.
Frisbee golf course: Cade Lake County Park & Campground offers an expansive disc golf course on-site. "This place is a nice cozy campground with a large frisbee golf course, a fishing and kayak lake, and a nice store," states Eric M. The course winds through natural settings with well-maintained baskets and tee boxes.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Fort Custer Recreation Area provides tent camping with substantial privacy. "We just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!" reports Hannah. The park's layout creates natural buffers between many sites, especially in the tent-specific areas.
Year-round availability: Pokagon State Park Campground maintains operations through all seasons. "Winter glamping is popular here due to the toboggan run," notes a camper. The park offers electric sites year-round and maintains shower facilities even during colder months.
Clean facilities: Elkhart Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "The grounds are exceptionally clean, the pool relaxing and the hosts are more than willing to accommodate your needs," writes Doug J. Another visitor notes, "Laundry room, pool and bathrooms were very clean."
Air-conditioned bathrooms: Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney stands out for comfort even during hot weather. "Very nice campground with level sites and air conditioned bathrooms! That is amazing in the summer," Kelly F. reports. The temperature-controlled facilities provide relief during humid summer months.
What you should know
Shower costs: Melville 7 Lakes requires quarters for shower facilities. "Don't forget quarters for the shower house!! The lady that runs the shower house was nice enough to give me some but it is a dollar for 9 minutes which seemed to be plenty of time for a camp shower," advises Mitchell S.
Site selection matters: Eby's Pines Campground requires careful site selection for larger units. "RV Sites are stacked on each other. We chose 306 and it was ok by the pond. No mosquitos. Our friends had 310 and there was barely room to put their awning out," warns Leann O.
Extra fees may apply: Eby's Pines charges additional fees for certain amenities. "Charged visitors $5 per person per day. And charged $5 per device per day for WiFi," reports Sean H. regarding his October stay.
Limited hookups: Fort Custer Recreation Area provides electric-only sites. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," notes VB S. Water fill and dump stations are available but may have lines during busy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly campgrounds: Melville 7 Lakes accommodates larger family gatherings. "Great for group camping," mentions Kara H. The campground offers clustered sites that can be reserved together for family reunions or multi-family trips.
Activities center: Ebys Pines Campground features entertainment options beyond standard camping. "Tons of stuff to do for campers of all ages. Roller skating, mini bowling, laser tag, and an arcade at the fun center," shares Jason S. These indoor options provide backup activities during inclement weather.
Multi-generational options: Pokagon State Park caters to varied comfort levels. "There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc. Tons of picnic areas and pavilions; would be a great spot for a family reunion," suggests Amy K. The park balances rustic camping with amenities for less outdoor-oriented family members.
Dog-friendly facilities: Elkhart Campground provides dedicated pet areas. "They have about a 1/4 acre fenced dog area plus there are plenty of areas within the CG to walk your dog including a short trail through the woods at the back of the CG," explains MickandKarla W.
Tips from RVers
Deluxe patio sites: Elkhart RV Resort offers premium options for longer stays. "We've stayed on the deluxe patio sites a couple of times when they were available. They have patio table & chairs on extra wide concrete pad, gas grill, fire pit & seating area in back," explains Kathy S. These sites provide enhanced outdoor living space.
Manufacturer proximity: Cade Lake County Park provides full hookup sites convenient to RV manufacturers. "Clean and large campsites, with full hook up for campers and RVs. Cade Lake can be seen from most campsites which adds to the scenery," shares Josh N. The location serves as a practical base for those visiting nearby RV factories.
Winter operations: Pokagon State Park maintains year-round operations including cold-weather camping. The campground keeps electric hookups functioning through winter, allowing for comfortable glamping near Three Rivers, Michigan even during snowy months.
