FORT CUSTER STATE RECREATION AREA
The entrance to Fort Custer Recreation Area is on highway M96, just east of the village of Augusta.
Jackson Hole Lake is the shallowest of the four lakes within the recreation area. Some parts of the lake are not easily accessible in the summer due to thick fields of lily pads and other aquatic vegetation. Early spring and late fall are the best times to explore the lake. The lake is still fun to paddle in the summer, so I ventured out in July 2020.
Follow the park signs to the access site. The Jackson Hole Lake landing is on the north side of the site. The dam is on the northwest corner of the lake. At first glance, the lake looks completely covered with vegetation.
That first look can be deceiving. You will discover that most of the lake is accessible by paddling areas of sparse pad growth. The largest spot of open water is in the middle of the east end. The far east end is covered with lily pads.
There is a large cove on the southeast corner of the lake that is not visible from the landing. The cove is easily paddled, but not in summer.
There is a cove on the northeast corner of the lake that deserves a look.
No matter what season, Jackson Hole Lake is a scenic destination for paddlers.
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 