FORT CUSTER STATE RECREATION AREA
The entrance to Fort Custer State Recreation Area is on highway M96, just east of the village of Augusta. Eagle Lake is the largest of the four lakes within the recreation area. The lake features two basins connected by the narrows. The dam and its spillway tower are on the narrows. The east basin has a large island. The east and west basins are separated by a long peninsula. A hill runs the length of the peninsula. The east basin is home to a long, sandy beach with modern restrooms. A swimming area compliments the beach. Picnic shelters are behind the beach on top of a hill.
The boat launch area is on the northeast corner of the east basin. Follow the park signs to the landing.
With the exception of the dam, the beach, and the picnic area, the shoreline is all wooded.
If you are a stealthy paddler, expect to see lots of fish in the shoreline shallows. Most of the fish are carp, but bass and bluegills are also present.
Just south of the boat landing, on the east side of the east basin, is a good sized cove with a small stream flowing into it.
A little farther down the shoreline is another smaller cove.
A small unnamed creek flows into the cove.
Continuing south along the east side of the east basin, a wide channel separates the egg-shaped island from the mainland.
The island doesn’t see much foot traffic. A steep hill drops down to the water’s edge on the north side of the island.
On the south side of the island, the hill gently slopes down to the shoreline.
On the southeast corner of the east basin, there is a large, lily pad covered cove with a stream running into it.
I have tried paddling this cove several times, but I kept running into water that was too shallow to float my boat.
The south end of the east basin, especially south of the island, looks completely covered by lily pads and other aquatic vegetation.
On this part of the lake, shoreline shade prevents vegetation from growing, leaving a water trail for kayakers to follow.
In order to get from the east basin of Eagle Lake to the west basin, paddle through the narrows, located on the northwest corner of the east basin.
As you head into the west basin, there is a point on the right.
The tip of the point is a great spot to stop and take a break. This is also my favorite swimming hole.
The west basin is a great body of water to explore. A cove on the southeast corner offers a nice view of the lake.
There is a scenic point on the south shore.
On the northwest corner, a small cove offers a splendid view.
The narrows will take you back to the east basin of the lake and the boat landing.
Kayaking Eagle Lake is great way to spend a day!
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 