Fort Custer Recreation Area offers electric hookup campsites with no water or sewer connections at individual sites. The park maintains a dump/fill station for RV campers, though lines can get long during busy periods. Most campsites have significant tree coverage, with some sites providing complete seclusion while others have neighboring campers visible through the natural vegetation. Located near Augusta, Michigan, the recreation area sits approximately 15 miles from Vicksburg and provides access to multiple lakes for water recreation.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Fort Custer Recreation Area features extensive mountain biking trails separate from hiking paths. "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 Joel K., who appreciates the campsite's proximity to trails.
Kayaking on no-wake lakes: Cold Brook County Park provides excellent flat-water paddling opportunities. "Small county park. Lots of lake for small boating, kayaking. Fishing pier to fish off," explains Nellie in her review of the park, which offers water access just 7 miles from Vicksburg.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution at some parks creates opportunities for stargazing. As Janet N. mentions about Fort Custer Recreation Area, "I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky."
Paved biking trails: Several parks connect to regional trail systems. "The campground has direct access to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail which is a paved trail extending for many miles," according to a review of Markin Glen County Park, making it ideal for road cyclists looking for smooth riding surfaces.
What campers like
Site privacy levels: Campsites at Fort Custer vary significantly in their seclusion. "We've stayed at both sites listed. 161 you do have neighbors pretty close, but we just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!" shares Hannah in her review.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks offer fishing piers and lake access. At Markin Glen County Park, "There are fishing ponds on the property which, according to staff are stocked," though reviewer Nancy W. didn't try fishing during her stay.
Swimming beaches: "The park also has a lake with a beach, although I have never been in it," notes Kim D. about Markin Glen County Park. Cold Brook County Park similarly offers "Swimming beach with sand," according to reviewer Nellie.
Full hookup options: Markin Glen County Park provides premium sites for RV campers. According to emily P., "The site are large level concrete pads with grass dividing the sites. All full hookups."
What you should know
Mosquito intensity: Bug activity varies by location and season. "Lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent," advises Cathy Y. about Fort Custer Recreation Area, suggesting preparation for insects during summer months.
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Markin Glen County Park, "One bad aspect of this campground is that it is very close to a railroad track which is pretty annoying when the train is sitting there for hours getting loaded," warns Nancy W.
Quarter requirements: Pack coins for shower facilities at some parks. "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 witch seemed to be plenty of time for a camp shower," advises Mitchell S. about Melville 7 Lakes.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi availability vary by campground location. While some parks have no connectivity, Cranberry Lake Campground offers "Park near store and get great WiFi....I spent 14 days streaming, gaming and watching movies," according to William E.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Melville 7 Lakes provides "playground, small beach area. Access to several lakes including all sports," says Cindy R., making it suitable for families with children of various ages.
Kid-friendly water features: Some campgrounds offer specialized swimming areas. Cranberry Lake Campground received positive reviews from Jennifer G. who noted, "The kids and dog really enjoyed the playground, swimming in the lake and jumping off the floating pad."
Sports facilities: Several parks maintain recreational areas beyond typical camping amenities. Kalamazoo County Expo Center campground is "close to downtown Kalamazoo" and has "nice restrooms," according to Joe F., making it convenient for families looking to combine outdoor camping with urban activities.
Pet friendly accommodations: Most campgrounds near Vicksburg welcome pets with standard leash requirements. En Gedi River Resort & Canoe Livery offers dog-friendly camping with "a nice deck platform overlooking the St Joseph River," notes Kenneth, creating pleasant spaces for both humans and pets.
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: Fort Custer Recreation Area experiences busy periods at service points. "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long," warns Bob B., suggesting campers plan accordingly for arrival and departure.
Site access logistics: Most RV sites in the area provide reasonable maneuverability. Bob B. also notes about Fort Custer, "Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT," which helps reduce setup stress for larger rigs.
Electrical limitations: Be aware of power restrictions at certain campgrounds. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," explains VB S. about Fort Custer Recreation Area, indicating the need for water conservation and waste management planning.
Concrete pad availability: For level setup, consider campgrounds with improved sites. "We stayed here for a couple of weeks while we were moving out of our house and we loved it...The site are large level concrete pads with grass dividing the sites. All full hookups," shares emily P. about her Markin Glen County Park stay.
Legend
