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Facilities
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Camping
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Activities

Established Camping

Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground, near Wellston, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, especially if you’re traveling with horses. This campground is designed with equestrians in mind, featuring spacious sites that can accommodate horse trailers and plenty of hitching posts scattered throughout.

Campers rave about the well-maintained pit toilets and the availability of fresh water, which is particularly handy for both humans and horses. As one visitor noted, “The campsites are all flat and quite large,” making it easy to set up your tent or RV without any hassle. The surrounding pine trees create a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of riding or hiking.

If you’re up for some exploration, you’re just a short drive from town, where you can stock up on supplies. The campground is open from May 1 to Labor Day, so plan your visit accordingly. With a friendly vibe and a peaceful setting, this campground is a great choice for a weekend retreat or a longer stay in the heart of Michigan’s beautiful forests.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Overview

The Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground were developed for the horse enthusiasts, who enjoy riding through a forested quiet trail system. The Marzinski Horse Camp serves as the primary access location for the 18 miles of horse trail.__

Recreation

The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only. They are designed for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead. Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system clean. ___Pack it in, pack it out.___ Horse riders are asked not to access the Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when crossing adjacent county and forest roads.

Facilities

The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only. They are designed for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead. Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system clean. ___Pack it in, pack it out.___ Horse riders are asked not to access the Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when crossing adjacent county and forest roads.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a white pine stand and offers quiet and privacy between camp sites. The Marzinski Horse Trail passes through mostly mixed pine with some hardwood vegetation types. Topography is mostly flat forested land with some small openings.

Nearby Attractions

Sand Lake Recreation Area Udell Rollways Day Use and Disc Golf Course Pine Lake Campground

Suggest an Edit

Location

Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Wellston - Travel east on M-55 for 8 miles. Turn left and travel south on Marzinski Rd. to the site.

Coordinates

44.225618 N
86.161485 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2024

Be simple

Was a quiet. Simple.. Just with nature...Site was clean, across street you can buy firewood ...Was a pleasant 2 night's....From site to the nearest store 15-20 min away..If needed...Had no issues...Be back Thanksgiving 2024..

Site17
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground by Mario F., October 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground by Mario F., October 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground by Mario F., October 27, 2024
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2021

Everything you need

I only spent a night here while passing through, but it's a very nice campground that's specifically suited to equestrians. This established and well maintained campground is free, and you can stay up to two weeks. There's a well kept pit toilet, 21 established campsites w/ firerings, and even a water pump (meant for horses.) Only a few other campers on a Wednesday night, including some people with horses, and all have been friendly. The campsites are all flat and quite large, being that they are meant to accommodate people with a horse trailer, and there are numerous hitching posts throughout the campground. A great place overall.

Site02
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2021

My favorite free campsite out of the 8 I’ve been to

So this place is awesome, big time. There’s picnic tables, fire rings, water available, a well maintained pit toilet, and 21 sites! The pine trees are amazing and the road in was super accessible. 20 min to town to restock with plenty of gas stations on the way.

Site17
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground by Cameron , August 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground by Cameron , August 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground by Cameron , August 5, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2021

Good place to stay for a few days

We stayed here in our van and it was just what we needed. I wish we had a place to dump our grey water, but otherwise it was an easy drive in and had fresh water.

Site11
Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground?

    Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground is located at 693 feet.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground?

    There are 19 campsites at Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts