Fort Custer Recreation Area

Fort Custer State Recreation area doesn't get near the acclamation deserved mainly because it is inland from Lake Michigan and not nearly as well known as some of the more popular lake-oriented state parks on the west coast or in northern Michigan.

Probably the main draw of the park besides the many private campsites is the outstanding trail system, well-known for challenging mountain biking as well as equestrian riding. The three lakes provide good opportunity for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, and the large beach at Eagle lake makes for good sun and swimming.

It is comprised of two circular campgrounds with 219 modern sites. Each has 20 and 30-Amp connections and there are a few 50-Amp sites. There are no full hookups sites, which as is common for Michigan State parks. There is one dump station that can accommodate two RVs at a time. This is a common ratio for Michigan State Parks, about 100 sites per dump. However, the campground is rarely full, so waiting at the dump station is uncommon except on busy weekends in season.

This is easily one of my favorite Michigan parks for exercisability. There are so many options from running on pavement with little traffic, to running on the many miles of trails, to mountain biking at various skill levels. When it is warmer, there are several lakes for water exercise as well. Overall, top-notch given the options and quality and privacy of the campsites.

I only live an hour away from this park and had no idea how nice it is. There are two loops in this park. Both have vegetation between sites, but the West Loop where my site was seems to have more than the East Loop. The trees and bushes gives a lot of privacy. They have made backing into most of the sites very easy due to the angle into the site. I was there mid week, and it was not at all busy. The bathrooms were well maintained. The showers were also big and clean although I did not use one so I cannot report on how they worked. There are hiking, mountain bike and equestrian trails. There are also 3 lakes. Eagle Lake has a very large beach and the water was good for swimming. You can also rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. As I was hiking, I saw places where people were also able to put in their own kayaks and people fishing from a small pier at Whiteford Lake. I will certainly return when I am looking for someplace close. The rate is $25 a night but I do think you also have to purchase a State of Michigan Recreation Pass. I cannot tell you how much they are because I purchase it when I renew my plates. One more thing which may pertain to you: My Garmin GPS took me to the entrance of the Fort Custer National Cemetery. The entrance to the park is further down a bit off the same road.

Arrived on Tuesday and departed on Tuesday. Handicap site with level asphalt pad, and small amount of shade. Mosquitoes were our biggest problem and they were vicious. Bath house was nearby and well maintained. During weekend, most sites were filled and noise level increased proportionately. Still a very enjoyable and relaxing getaway. The beach is great! Fishing in Eagle Lake is not great but there are fish to catch while fighting mosquitoes. Park is open year round and they will clear snow from your site with reservations.

On arriving to this park I knew nothing. Coming here was an experiment even though I did have some pretty good intel from Campendium. My campsite was #46. Right next to the drinking water faucet, which in no way matters. A full fresh water tank is more than sufficient for a four night stay. The only problem I had with my hidden and extremely private campsite was the electrical hookup being set too far back. Initially I parked the Ollie on the blacktop and set up camp with the emphasis on tracking less dirt into the trailer. After leveling and completing my setup I realized this plan would not work out well. My 30 amp cord would not reach the outlet. I had to use the 110 volt extension cord I carry with adapter to power up. I spent one night like this but soon discovered after having to reset the breaker three times that I needed to move the Ollie further back on the site. I did so after our morning bike ride. I rode the entire campground two times and recorded what for me would be the very best sites to choose from if I ever returned. If you like privacy, want to keep your trailer clean, level, and utilize the one 30 amp cord you might only carry then the best sites are: 15, 23, 27,31,33, 35, 41, 47,49, 65,66, 8o, 91, 97,101, 104, and 197. It becomes obvious soon when looking at the campground map that I prefer one loop to the other.

There is no alcohol allowed here in Fort Custer which is a good thing by my lights. There are a whole lot of tenters and a mixed class-representation of our voting population. Tenters tend to light more campfires which adds to the nasty smoke and smell this pollution produces and restricts those of us who prefer breathing fresh air with windows open than resorting to A/C. The one thing most of us campers do have in common however is our love for family, recreation, and exercise. There are many trails to choose from whether one wants to hike by foot or ride a bicycle. Miles of blacktop roads with 25 MPH limits that almost nobody respects (especially the road to the beach on Eagle Lake). There is also a marked “blue” trail that is mostly transversible by the typical cruising bike, however there are some areas that get a bit hairy where a mountain bike would be more appropriate. The sandy beach at Eagle Lake is surprisingly clean, long, and deep. The lake appears to be a wonderful place in which to swim. No wakes are allowed and I did not see any motor boats, only kayaks and canoes.

Early Friday morning the sign out front of the campground office entrance already stated “Full”. That told me that instead of maybe fifty occupied campsites presently in this park there would be at least two hundred and nineteen for the weekend. That meant more smoke and additional noise. Before retiring to bed at my accustomed 8PM hour I buttoned down the hatches of the Ollie and closed all the windows that were already wafting in odors from the growing number of campfires. This weekend will be a bit hellish around here as there is no rain in the forecast so fires will abound. There are no laundry facilities that I could find here. Other negatives are the lukewarm showers and the sloppy pigs who use them. Muddy floors and too many kids left unattended to their mischief. But with over three thousand beautiful acres to explore, Fort Custer is nonetheless a gem to visit, especially during the week when others have to work.

Great campground if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend. If you’re looking for a campground with planned activities and lots for kids to do, this is not the place for that.

PROS
-Mostly private sites
-Very clean bathroom/showers
-Great trails for hiking/biking/horseback riding
-Eagle Lake is great for swimming and kept up well
-Very shaded
-Paved roads

CONS
-Not much for small children to do-only 1 playground
-No water hookup at sites only electric
-A lot of poison ivy around campsites