Fort Custer State Recreation Area

Spanning over 3,000 acres across Kalamazoo County, Fort Custer State Recreation Area occupies the rolling terrain of a former military training camp, giving it a landscape unlike most Michigan parks. The land’s military past left behind open meadows, mixed hardwood forests, and a network of trails that wind through surprisingly varied terrain for southwest Michigan.

The recreation area sits between Eagle Lake and Jackson Hole, with additional access to Whitford Lake — making it a strong destination for anglers targeting bass, bluegill, and panfish. Three lakes and the Kalamazoo River corridor give paddlers and shoreline explorers plenty to work with.

Mountain bikers know Fort Custer well. The park’s trail system is considered one of the best in lower Michigan, with roughly 25 miles of singletrack that rolls through dense woods and across open prairie. Hikers and cross-country skiers share many of the same routes, and the terrain rewards every season differently — wildflower meadows in spring, dense canopy shade in summer, peak color in October, and groomed ski trails through winter.

Hunters use designated areas during deer and small game seasons, and birders find the grassland-forest edges productive for spotting species that thrive in transitional habitats.

The modern campground offers over 200 sites, including electric hookups and a mini-cabin option, making it accessible for both tent campers and RV travelers. Reservations fill quickly on summer weekends, so booking ahead is worth the effort.

A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry.

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