Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead

fort custer campground

For equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan, finding a dedicated and well-equipped campground that caters specifically to horse riders can be a challenge. Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead, nestled within the expansive Fort Custer Recreation Area, rises to meet this need, offering a unique and highly praised camping experience designed with both rider and horse in mind. This premier destination is more than just a place to park your trailer; it's a gateway to miles of breathtaking trails and a community where the love of horses and nature intertwine. It stands as a testament to Michigan's commitment to diverse outdoor recreation, providing a specialized haven for those who prefer to explore the wilderness from horseback.

The Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead has quickly become a favorite among Michigan's equestrian community, and for good reason. Reviews consistently highlight the thoughtful amenities and excellent trail access that make it a standout. Visitors rave about the convenience of electric sites, a modern amenity that significantly enhances the comfort for equestrians and their rigs. The emphasis on well-maintained trails and the sheer enjoyment derived from riding through the natural landscapes are frequently mentioned, underscoring the camp’s dedication to providing a top-tier experience. Beyond the equestrian-specific features, the broader Fort Custer Recreation Area offers even more, including recently updated facilities such as modern, accessible shower houses, enhancing the overall comfort for all campers. This blend of specialized equestrian provisions and general high-quality amenities truly positions Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead as a must-visit destination for anyone in Michigan looking for an exceptional outdoor adventure with their equine companions.

Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead boasts an excellent and highly accessible location for Michiganders. Situated within the larger Fort Custer Recreation Area, its specific address is on Augusta Climax Rd, Augusta, MI 49053, USA. This places it strategically between the cities of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, making it a convenient destination from various points across the lower peninsula. Whether you're traveling from Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, or communities closer to Southwest Michigan, the drive to Fort Custer is straightforward and easily navigable via major state routes and highways.

The park's location also offers more than just ease of access. It provides a unique natural setting that combines diverse landscapes, from forests and meadows to wetlands. This variety ensures that the extensive trail system offers constantly changing scenery for riders and hikers alike. Furthermore, the camp's proximity to the iconic North Country Trail, just a half-mile west of the rustic Equestrian Campground within the broader Recreation Area Campground, adds another layer of appeal for serious hikers and long-distance trekkers. This integration into a larger recreational network truly maximizes the outdoor opportunities available to visitors. The thoughtful placement of the campground within a well-established state recreation area means campers benefit from existing infrastructure, clear signage, and a well-maintained environment, all contributing to a hassle-free arrival and an enjoyable stay for Michigan locals seeking an immersive outdoor experience without excessive travel.

Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead is designed to provide comprehensive services tailored to the needs of equestrians and general campers, ensuring a comfortable and functional stay. The focus is on providing essential amenities that support both the human and equine visitors.

• Electrical Campsites: The equestrian campsites are equipped with electrical hookups, a significant convenience for campers with horse trailers and modern camping rigs. Sites 1-4 offer 20- and 30-amp service, while sites 5-7 provide 20-, 30-, and 50-amp service for larger setups.
• Dedicated Horse Stalls/Picket Poles: Each site features three to four picket poles surrounded by sand footing, ensuring proper drainage and easy cleanup for your horses. Portable corrals are also permitted, offering flexibility for horse containment. Some sites, specifically 4, 5, and 6, even include two covered corrals.
• Water Access: Water is readily available at a hand pump within the equestrian campground, ensuring your horses stay hydrated and for basic human needs.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing for comfortable outdoor dining and traditional campfire experiences.
• Covered Pavilion: A covered pavilion with picnic tables and a charcoal grill is available within the campground, providing a communal sheltered area for gatherings, meals, or relaxation, now featuring electricity.
• Restroom Facilities: While the equestrian camp itself features a pit toilet, a review highlights that just half a mile west, in the main Recreation Area Campground, there's a new restroom building (circa 2024) with excellent, wheelchair-accessible shower booths (including a large unisex shower with its own toilet and sink). Air hand dryers and transom windows enhance the comfort of these facilities.
• Manure Bunker: A dedicated manure bunker is available, demonstrating a commitment to cleanliness and proper waste management for horse owners.
• Mounting Blocks: Convenient mounting blocks are provided at the trailhead for ease of use.
• Reservations: Campsite reservations can be made online or by phone through the Michigan DNR reservation system, ensuring a planned and secure spot.

These services collectively contribute to a well-rounded and accommodating experience for equestrians, making Fort Custer a highly functional and desirable destination within the Michigan state park system.

Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead offers a unique set of features and highlights that make it a premier destination for equestrians and other outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan. Its design and amenities are specifically tailored to enhance the experience of those exploring the natural landscape with their horses, while also providing broader recreational opportunities.

• Extensive Equestrian Trail System: The campground boasts direct access to approximately 20 miles of dedicated equestrian trails, including the Fort Custer Equestrian Trail and sections of the Blue Trail. These trails cover varied terrain, from single tracks to double tracks, often consisting of packed dirt and sandy soil, winding through beautiful forested routes, meadows, prairies, and featuring multiple water crossings.
• Electric Hookups for Equestrians: A significant highlight is the availability of electric campsites, providing a modern convenience that is often sought after by equestrians traveling with trailers and requiring power for their rigs. This makes overnight stays significantly more comfortable.
• Modern and Accessible Shower Facilities (nearby): While the Equestrian Camp itself is rustic, a short distance away in the main Recreation Area Campground, visitors can access newly constructed (c. 2024) modern shower facilities. These include large, wheelchair-accessible shower booths, some with private toilet and sink, offering a superior and comfortable bathing experience for campers.
• Proximity to North Country Trail: The campground's location just half a mile from the North Country Trail offers an added attraction for hikers and backpackers looking to explore parts of this vast national scenic trail.
• Four Season Recreation: Beyond equestrian activities, Fort Custer Recreation Area provides diverse multi-use trails (Yellow, Red, Green) for mountain biking, hiking, running, and in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, catering to a wide range of outdoor interests year-round. Specific equestrian trails ensure separate paths for horses, though intersections with multi-use trails exist.
• Community and Maintenance: The trails and campground are actively maintained with the help of organizations like the Fort Custer Horse Friends Association, ensuring well-kept paths and facilities for all users.
• Diverse Natural Environment: The park encompasses over 3,000 acres featuring three lakes, the Kalamazoo River, second-growth forests, and remnant prairie areas, providing a rich natural backdrop for all activities and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

These features collectively establish Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead as a highly desirable and functional destination for horse riders and outdoor lovers within Michigan's state park system.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information regarding Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead, please use the following contact details:

Address: Augusta Climax Rd, Augusta, MI 49053, USA

While a direct phone number specifically for the Equestrian Camp isn't listed separately from the main Fort Custer Recreation Area, you can typically reach out through the general park contact information or the Michigan DNR reservations system. The Fort Custer Recreation Area general contact number is: (269) 731-4200. For reservations at any of the Fort Custer campgrounds, including the equestrian sites, you can call the central reservation line for Michigan State Parks:

Phone for Reservations: 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757)

Online reservations are also available through the Michigan DNR's reservation website. It is always recommended to call ahead for the most current information on site availability, specific amenities, and any park advisories before planning your trip.

Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead is an ideal destination for Michiganders, offering a specialized yet versatile outdoor experience that perfectly suits local interests and needs. For Michigan's robust equestrian community, the camp provides invaluable amenities such as electric sites and direct access to an extensive, well-maintained network of horse trails. This tailored approach means riders can enjoy extended stays with their horses in comfort and convenience, spending more time on the saddle and less time worrying about logistics.

Beyond its equestrian focus, the broader Fort Custer Recreation Area ensures there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast in the family. The impressive network of multi-use trails invites hikers, mountain bikers, and even cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter, making it a truly year-round destination. The presence of newly updated, accessible shower facilities, as noted by recent visitors, significantly enhances the comfort for all campers, ensuring a pleasant stay even after a long day on the trails. Being part of a Michigan State Park means visitors benefit from the state's commitment to preserving natural beauty and providing accessible recreation. For Michigan locals, Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead represents a convenient escape into nature, a place where passions for horses, trails, and the great outdoors can be fully indulged without traveling far from home, fostering a strong connection to our state’s beautiful natural heritage.

Fort Custer Equestrian Camp & Trailhead

Augusta Climax Rd, Augusta, MI 49053, USA