Fort Custer Recreation Area
The Fort Custer Recreation Area has three areas for camping amid the acres of forest, streams and lakes. The park has 25 miles of trails, and there is swimming and boating at the lake. Fort Custer also has a disc golf course as well as picnic shelters and Eagle Lake Beach on the lake.
There is a group use area which consists of two areas for primitive camping. Both sites may be reserved. There are no services except for vault toilets. There are three rustic cabins in remote areas of the park and are located on the banks of the lake or the river.
The modern use area has 219 sites that may be used by RVs or by tents. The sites have electricity and water but no sewer connection. Shade trees cover many of the sites. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Fort Custer Recreation Area
5163 Fort Custer Drive
Augusta, MI 49012
269-731-4200
dnr.state.mi.us
Shady Bend Campground
Shady Bend Campground is on the Kalamazoo River just north of the Fort Custer Recreation Area near Augusta. The campground operates a canoe livery on the river, renting canoes, kayaks and other water craft, as well as outfitting trips and transportation to put in and take out sites.
Shady Bend has 80 campsites, 62 of which have water and electric hookups. The other 18 have electricity and water is available. There is a dump station. The sites may be used by RV or by tent campers. The sites have fire rings and picnic tables. There are bathrooms and showers, and the camp store has a small supply of groceries.
The river is the main attraction at Shady Bend, with canoeing and float trips being the focus. There is a recreation hall, playground, swimming areas on the river and a pavilion. The campground is open May 15 through October 1.
Shady Bend Campground
15320 Augusta Drive.
Augusta, MI 49012
269-731-4503
shadybendcampground.com
Cold Brook Park
Cold Brook Park is on Portage Lake about 10 miles south of the Fort Custer Recreational Area. This park is operated by the Kalamazoo County Park system. You may also access Blue Lake and Long Lake from this 276-acre park.
Cold Brook Park has two camping areas with a total of 51 sites. The primitive area has 22 sites. It has no hookups, but water is available. The improved area has 29 sites that have water and electric hookups. Two sites are handicapped accessible. This campground has a modern bathroom with showers.
Recreation opportunities abound at this campground. There are the lakes for fishing, two boat ramps and a pier for public use. The park has an 18 hole disc golf course, several nature paths for hiking, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts. The park has a swimming beach but no lifeguard.
Cold Brook Park
14467 East MN Avenue
Climax, MI 49053
269-746-4270
kalcounty.com
Article Written By James Jordan
James Jordan has been a writer and photographer since 1980. He has worked for newspapers in Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Kansas, winning state press association awards for writing, photography and page design. In 1995 he received his master's in Christian education and completed two years of Ancient Greek at the graduate level. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
