Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in nature at Fort Custer State Recreation Area. Nestled in August, Michigan, this haven offers a perfect retreat for camping enthusiasts. I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend there, and I can’t wait to go back.
Fort Custer contains over 3,000 acres, including three lakes, the Kalamazoo river, a modern and equestrian campground, a swimming beach, more than 40 miles of trails, and paddling and fishing opportunities. Basically, if you enjoy being outside, this place has something for you.
This trip, we had left our hammocks and tent behind and were testing out our new (to us) camper. Steve had recently purchased the camper with the intent to make it a home base on our property until we get our building plans situated. Instead of trying to learn about the camper several hours away, we opted to take it for a test run at a closer campground.
We arrived after the 3 p.m. check-in and easily found our campsite. We were staying at site #31. All of the campsites appeared to be very large and very flat, making this an excellent campground for all modes of camping. In addition, each campsite was blocked with trees to create a lot of privacy. I was impressed.
What I Liked

Being able to access miles of trails right from the campground made Fort Custer Recreation Area stand out to me the most. I loved being able to wake up and just go without having to get in the car.
The campsite privacy was a huge plus. Not only did it help damp down any noise from neighbors, but it also created that tucked-away experience that I enjoy when camping.
Facilities were all cleaned and well-maintained.
What I Didn’t Like
The bathrooms were a little small for the number of people that were staying in the campground. That wasn’t a major issue but it was a little inconvenient and crowded at times.
More Information
Our camping experience at For Custer was memorable. The park’s natural beauty, coupled with its well-maintained facilities, makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
For more information, visit Fort Custer Recreation Area.

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