9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground in Atlanta, Michigan provides tent and RV camping options for horse enthusiasts approximately 45 minutes from Alanson. The campground features vault toilets, trash receptacles, drinking water, and picnic tables at each site. Sites can accommodate larger vehicles but do not offer electric hookups, sewer connections, or showers. Sites are laid out to provide adequate space for horse trailers with each camping spot. The campground has earned a 3-star rating from visitors, with most noting the practical layout for equestrian use.
Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp in Grayling serves as another horse camping option in the region. Located about 50 miles from Alanson, this tent-focused campground connects directly to designated equestrian trails within the state forest system. The campground provides vault toilets and fire rings but lacks drinking water and trash collection, requiring campers to bring their own water and pack out waste. Campfires are permitted in designated rings. The campground operates seasonally from April through November, closing during winter months. The relatively remote location provides riders access to miles of forested trails suitable for day rides directly from camp.
"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."
"The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."
"This is a great horse camp. Have camped here many times. Pump water and river for horses. Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Sinkhole trails within walking distance, beautiful lake with some nice fish. I believe it is a no wake lake so it doesn’t get too wild."
"Watch the sunset from your tent on top of a 40 foot over lake MI."
GuideIt was logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 "sites" and an open field for equestrian activities.
Very secluded. Nothing of interest in the nearby area.
Looks to be seldom used.
No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal.
LegendA horse campground located directly on trails. Rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8
GuideThis is a great horse camp. Have camped here many times. Pump water and river for horses. Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty.
TravelerEntire camp is rustic with well pumps throughout, also all restrooms are vault toilets. Sinkhole trails within walking distance, beautiful lake with some nice fish. I believe it is a no wake lake so it doesn’t get too wild.
RangerWhile it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls. Full coin laundry was helpful too! They had kids activities over the 4thof July weekend, and our kid loved it. The KOA is about a 5 min drive to Otsego Lake and the state park, where there's a nice beach and easy lake access. There's also a newly paved bike trail right by the lake for you to log some miles on. Nearby towns of Gaylord and Boyne provided us with plenty to do, and only a couple hours to get to Sleeping Bear sand dunes. We thought this place was worth the expense- big, flat, level sites with fire pit and full hook up. Nice pine trees and plenty of space for kids to play. Did not like the additional fee for kid to get wrist band for jump pillow and mini gold, but did it anyways.
TravelerThe owners were constantly driving around and correcting people. Rules are okay but they were over the top. They would even stop and just stare at our site while we sat outside.. it was very odd. Also not kept up at all. The playground was old and my 30 lb dog slipped out from under the “dog park” fence because it was so high off the ground where they were allowed to be unleashed, luckily we got her and she’s ok.
GuidePeaceful and quiet and close to the sinkhole pathway. Clean bathrooms and large mostly private sites. You can launch your boat and beach it near the campground and your campsite but no direct access that we saw.
GuideSmall sites but full hookups. Nice activities and mini golf. Bathrooms soso. Easy access to Otsego state park and Hartwick pines state park
GuideMe and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under.
Pigeon River State Forest Campground provides dispersed camping options for visitors to Alanson, Michigan. The forest area contains multiple established sites and backcountry opportunities approximately 45 miles southeast of Alanson. Campers access these locations via forest roads with a Michigan Recreation Passport required for entry. The area experiences typical northern Michigan seasonal conditions with heavy snowfall in winter and moderate temperatures during the primary camping season from May through October.
Hiking and mountain biking: Trails throughout Pigeon River State Forest Campground connect directly to campsites. "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days," reports Ian R.
Kayaking on local rivers: Sturgeon Valley Campground offers direct river access for paddlers. "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak," notes Sue R., who also mentioned kayaking opportunities on "Sturgeon River, Pine River MI."
Wildlife viewing: The forests near Alanson contain significant wildlife populations. Pigeon River State Forest provides opportunities for elk sightings according to Kate K. who states: "Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings. If you can manage to find this place, you will love it!"
Waterfront sites: Many campgrounds feature sites directly adjacent to water. At Pigeon River State Forest Campground, Paul C. recommends: "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones."
Secluded camping experiences: Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground provides a quieter atmosphere with fewer visitors. "Peaceful and quiet and close to the sinkhole pathway. Clean bathrooms and large mostly private sites," reports Nicole V.
Dark skies for stargazing: The region offers excellent night sky viewing. At St. James Township Campground, Mike M. notes: "Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I've seen the aurora multiple times."
Cell service limitations: Many rustic campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp, Dj W. reports: "No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal."
Water access varies: Not all waterfront campgrounds provide direct site access. At Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground, Nicole V. advises: "You can launch your boat and beach it near the campground and your campsite but no direct access that we saw."
Site amenities differ significantly: Chandler Hill Campground offers more developed facilities. Brad F. notes: "Nice campground. The hosts were very nice. Clean pool. Recommend the on site ATV rental lots of trails to ride."
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds have designated play areas. At Chandler Hill Campground, Holly K. shares: "We've camped here for two years in a row and we LOVE it! Everyone is so friendly. Camp sites are nicely spread out and our 4 kids have a ball. They just updated their playground area as well!"
Water safety considerations: River currents require supervision. Paul C. from Pigeon River State Forest Campground warns: "The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn't recommend for 6 and under."
Kid-friendly activities: Gaylord KOA offers structured recreation for children. Kim L. explains: "They had kids activities over the 4th of July weekend, and our kid loved it. The KOA is about a 5 min drive to Otsego Lake and the state park, where there's a nice beach and easy lake access."
Site accessibility: When considering horse campgrounds near Alanson, Michigan, check site dimensions. Lydia T. states about Pigeon River: "I've seen people tenting and I've seem people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large rvs."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. Ray & Terri F. note about Gaylord KOA: "Our site had a fair bit of slope side to side, which I mentioned to the person that led us to our site. He said they'd look into it."
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian campgrounds like Big Oaks may be unpaved. Neil observed about Gaylord KOA: "Sites not paved and entrance roads not paved!!!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alanson, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alanson, MI is Chandler Hill Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Alanson, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Alanson, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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