Camping is very popular all over Michigan, and most cities and towns have at least one campground within their limits or nearby. Zoning regulations prohibit campgrounds within Portage city limits, but several options for campers lie within a short distance of town. True wilderness and back-country experiences will escape campers at these campgrounds, but many still provide an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities and rustic camping.
Fort Custer State Recreation Area
The Fort Custer State Recreation Area lies a short distance east of Portage and is located in Augusta, Mich. This former military base, which is named for the commander of the famed Civil War brigade, the First Michigan Cavalry, was transferred to state ownership by the federal government in the early 1970s. More than 3,000 acres of mostly wooded land and three lakes give campers at the park plenty of options for outdoor exploration. More than 25 miles of trails wind through the park, and these trails are popular with mountain bikers, hikers and horsemen. There are more than 200 campsites, semi-improved with electricity and access to modern bathrooms. Three rustic cabins are also available, as well as group sites for large parties. A fine 18-hole disc golf course traverses some of the most scenic areas in the park, and joggers, in-line skaters and casual bikers frequent the many paved roads and trails connecting the park's various areas. Three lakes and access to the Kalamazoo River draw fishermen and paddlers from all over the area, and Eagle Lake has a sandy swimming beach. The park also has access to the North Country Trail, a national trail that reaches from the Dakotas to New York and includes more than 1,500 miles of trails in Michigan. The resource section has a link where you may find information on fees and reservations.
Markin Glen County Park
Markin Glen County Park is Kalamazoo County's newest park, as of 2010. Divided into two parts by the main thoroughfare connecting Portage and its sister city Kalamazoo, Westnedge Avenue, this park is located just north of downtown Kalamazoo. This park, while maintained by the county, was developed solely with private funds. The western half has two rustic group camp sites, sheltered picnic areas and a soccer field. Hiking trails tour this area's large mature beech-maple forest, a climax forest ecology many centuries old. On the park's east side, planners designed the park with an emphasis on accessibility, and fully handicapped accessible sites are among the 38 improved campsites. All campsites on this side of the park have water and electrical hookups and accommodate RVs. Campers can enjoy a swimming beach, a fishing pond stocked by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, wooded trails, a playground for the kids, tennis courts and large open recreation areas.
Cold Brook County Park
Cold Brook County Park is located east of Portage a short drive from town. This 300-plus acre park lies along the south shore of a complex of three lakes that are connected by navigable channels: Portage Lake, Blue Lake and Long Lake. This large county park has much to offer campers, who may choose from 29 improved sites with pads for RVs, water, modern bathrooms and electricity, or 22 rustic sites for tent camping. The rustic sites have vault toilets and community water pumps. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the surrounding woods and lake shores, and a boat launch allows access for fishermen and paddlers. A sandy swimming beach, fishing docks, playground and fields for soccer and softball are just a few of the park's amenities. An 18-hole disc golf course with permanent tees and baskets meanders through the park's wooded, rolling terrain.
Rota-Kiwan Scout Camp
The Southwest Michigan Council of the Boy Scouts of America maintains a scout camp just west of town for use by its member troops. Many hundreds of Boy Scouts use this camp nearly year-round for summer camp, weekend camp-outs, and other activities. Complete facilities including cabins and sites for tent camping provide a base for many outdoor adventures for Scouts. A lake for swimming, sailing, canoeing and fishing, archery and rifle ranges, pioneering and orienteering are only a few of the things this camp has to offer. Open only to Boy Scouts, this camp is nonetheless a valuable resource for the community and the southwest Michigan region.
Privately Owned Campgrounds
The Portage area has privately owned campgrounds as well. Shady Bend Campground has more than 3,000 feet of frontage on the Kalamazoo River in Augusta. This campground has improved sites, a camp store and modern bathrooms. Long-term visitors can take advantage of LP gas service and laundry service. Oak shores is located south of town near Vicksburg, and its 70 acres include a natural lake and improved campsites for RVs.
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