Fort Custer Recreation Area near Vicksburg offers camping options on 3,000 acres of natural terrain with over 25 miles of trails. The area features three distinct lakes for water activities and maintains seasonal access throughout the year with both summer and winter accommodations. Winter visitors can access heated glamping units while enjoying the snow-covered landscape and trails.
What to do
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Fort Custer Recreation Area features extensive mountain bike trails that attract riders of all skill levels. A camper noted, "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."
Fishing in multiple lakes: Melville 7 Lakes provides access to seven connected lakes for fishing enthusiasts. The campground includes "Lake for boating and fishing. Has a small swimming area, playground," according to one visitor.
Amish country exploration: Nearby Elkhart County offers opportunities to experience Amish culture and crafts. A visitor to Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney shared, "About 10 minutes drive to Shipshewana with very kind Amish community folks."
Frisbee golf course access: Cade Lake County Park provides an extensive frisbee golf course for outdoor recreation. One camper mentioned, "This place is a nice cozy campground with a large frisbee golf course, a fishing and kayak lake, and a nice store."
What campers like
Secluded camping sites: Fort Custer Recreation Area offers camping spots with natural privacy. A camper noted, "We just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!"
Family-friendly swimming areas: Cranberry Lake Campground provides designated swimming areas suitable for families. According to a visitor, "The gift shop met most of our needs and the owners were very friendly."
Clean, modern facilities: Cade Lake County Park & Campground maintains well-kept amenities. A camper reported, "The grounds are immaculate. Bet it's very popular in summer."
Trail connectivity: Fort Custer Recreation Area connects to nearby nature preserves through its trail system. One visitor shared, "We were right across from an access trail to the blue hiking trail. The blue trail goes around a couple lakes and was wonderful."
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: Some glamping facilities near Vicksburg operate seasonally, while others remain open year-round with heating options. Check specific campgrounds for winter availability.
Insect preparation necessary: Be prepared for insects, especially in unmowed areas. A visitor to Fort Custer noted, "lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent."
Limited hookup options: Ebys Pines and similar campgrounds may have varying levels of hookups. A camper mentioned, "RV Sites are stacked on each other. We chose 306 and it was ok by the pond."
Shower facilities requirements: Some campgrounds require quarters for shower use. At Melville 7 Lakes, a visitor advised, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hidden Ridge RV Resort offers dedicated children's play areas. A visitor noted, "Amenities were great, everything well kept and clean. The pool was nice, and the playground very fun for kids."
Scheduled activities: Check for planned events at family-oriented campgrounds. One camper at Hidden Ridge shared, "Kid friendly! This park always finds away to having something fun for the kids to do. Pool, splash pad, arcade, bounce pad, playground, hayrides, crafts, store, pond for fishing."
Swimming options: Look for glamping sites with swimming access for children. Shady Point Campground "sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming. The bathroom and showers were well maintained."
Quiet hours enforcement: Ask about quiet time policies when booking near Vicksburg glamping sites, as enforcement varies by location. Some campgrounds strictly monitor noise levels while others are more relaxed.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup planning: Pokagon State Park Campground offers electrical hookups but requires planning for water and sewer. A visitor noted, "Only electric hookups, but good for a short weekend."
Dump station timing: Plan your departure around dump station usage times. At Fort Custer, a camper warned, "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long."
Site leveling requirements: Check site specifications before booking. A visitor mentioned, "Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT," but leveling needs vary by location.
Electric-only sites: Many RV sites near Vicksburg offer electric hookups without water or sewer connections. One camper explained, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station."
