Fort Custer State Recreation Area is a 3,033-acre park located between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. The park features three lakes, the Kalamazoo River, a modern and equestrian campground, a swimming beach, boat rentals, more than 40 miles of trails, paddling and fishing opportunities, second-growth forests and remnant areas of prairie. The trail system is popular with mountain bikers, equestrians, hikers and dog sledders.
Originally farmland, the area was acquired by the federal government to establish Camp Custer, an induction and military training center for the U.S. Army during World War II. The land was deeded to the State of Michigan under President Nixon's Legacy of Parks in 1971.
Coming soon! The park's track chair - capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water - will expand access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair will be available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
There are boat launches on Whitford-Lawler Lake (with an accessible floating pier), Jackson Hole Lake, Eagle Lake and the Kalamazoo River. No-wake rules are in place.
There are three accessible picnic shelters. Two are located at Eagle Lake, and one is located at Whitford-Lawler Lake. Shelters can be reserved up to one year in advance by visiting MiDNRReservations.com.
A buoyed swim area is located on Eagle Lake. There is an accessible walkway to the water.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the park April 1 through Labor Day (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
The beach house is in the day-use area on Eagle Lake and includes restrooms and Simple Adventures, offering concessions and kayak, stand-up paddleboard and canoe rentals.
Simple Adventures offers concessions and boat rentals (kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes) in the beach house on Eagle Lake.
Bass, blue gill, crappie, pike and channel catfish are found in all three lakes, and each lake has a boating access site. Eagle Lake also includes walleye, carp and northern muskie. An accessible fishing pier is located on Whitford-Lawler Lake.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Simple Adventures offers kayak, stand-up paddleboard and canoe rentals at the beach house on Eagle Lake May 15 through Sept. 15.
There are many paddling opportunities in the park's three no-wake lakes and the Kalamazoo River. In addition, Simple Adventures offers kayak, stand-up paddleboard and canoe rentals at the beach house on Eagle Lake May 15 through Sept. 15.
There are picnic areas on Eagle and Whitford-Lawler lakes, which include picnic tables and charcoal grills available first come, first served.
The park’s sanitation station, which includes potable water and two lanes, is located between the two modern campground loops.
The park is home to three lakes and is set along the Kalamazoo River.
Relax after a ride at this new rustic equestrian campground positioned along the north and east perimeters of the large equestrian staging area/parking lot. Sites feature electrical (new!), fire ring, picnic table, gravel pad and three to four picket poles surrounded by a sand footing for easy drainage and cleanup. Water is available at a hand pump. Portable corrals are allowed.
A covered pavilion with picnic tables and a charcoal grill is available in the campground.
There are roughly 20 miles of equestrian trails available for riding on the Fort Custer Equestrian Trail and Blue Trail.
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The Whitford Lake Group-use Campground, located between Whitford-Lawler and Jackson Hole lakes, offers a rustic camping experience. The site features a hand pump for water, a nearby vault toilet, picnic tables and fire pits. The Blue Trail runs directly through the campsite. This site accommodates groups of up to 60 people (per Kalamazoo County Health Department regulations).
Reservations are required and can be made by calling the park office.
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The Kalamazoo River Group-use Campground, located along the Kalamazoo River near the Riverside Cabin, offers a rustic camping experience. The site shares a vault toilet with boat launch visitors and has picnic tables and fire pits. This site accommodates groups of up to 60 people (per Kalamazoo County Health Department regulations). There is no potable water available (campers can bring water or get it from the park office or campground in the summer).
Reservations are required and can be made by calling the park office.
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The modern campground, known for its family atmosphere and access to trails and water, boasts spacious and well-shaded sites. Winter camping is available, and modern restrooms are open year-round.
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The Trailside Rustic Cabin (accommodates 12 people), nestled near the east end of Whitford-Lawler Lake, offers a simple retreat with six bunk beds, gas heat, a grill, fire circle and picnic tables. Please note, guests must bring their own bed linens, cooking equipment and lanterns. Water is available via a shared pump between the two cabins; there is no electricity.
The Lakeview Rustic Cabin is located approximately 150 yards away.
