11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground features a dedicated trail camp area specifically for equestrians. Located along the Boardman River, this rustic campground provides ample space for horse owners to set up camp with their animals. The trail camp allows riders to claim as much space as needed, with few restrictions on camping arrangements. Unlike the numbered sites in the main campground area, the equestrian section operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-registration payment system. Most equestrians report minimal crowding, even during peak seasons. Vault toilets and hand pump water are available for both campers and horses. The campground connects directly to state forest trails and serves various outdoor enthusiasts including mountain bikers, ATV riders, anglers, and canoeists.
Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp offers another horse-friendly camping option near Alden. The campground connects to the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail, making it ideal for long-distance equestrian travel. Camping costs $15 per night with self-registration. The large, open camping area accommodates horse trailers with room to spare, though specific sites aren't clearly marked or numbered. Rustic amenities include outhouses and fresh water access points spread throughout the campground. The shoreline location provides easy water access, though riders should note that unnecessary traffic sometimes passes through the campground. Nearby hiking and biking trails spur off from the camp, providing additional riding opportunities. Horse-friendly sites include fire pits and direct water access via individual paths leading to the lake.
"The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people)."
"I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."
"We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."
"Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir."
"Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups"
from $25 / 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"We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
"Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."
"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
"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."
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas."
RangerWe stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground. This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean. The campground seemed to have a lot if unnecessary traffic.
TravelerThere are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.
The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).
The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.
There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.
The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.
There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.
TravelerI like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It’s a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers (my particular interest). The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area). Large wooded sites. Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS.
Negatives: can be noisy at times with the ATVs and also large camping groups. But for the most part I’ve found ppl to be respectful. A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected.
Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain.
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
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.
GuideCant count how many times i've been here. Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir. Rustic, cheap, horse friendly, out house, and pleanty of forest and lake to explore.
GuideTurtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade. We will definitely be staying here again! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites.
ScoutFamily friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too.
ScoutQuiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups
Horse-friendly campgrounds near Alden, Michigan, serve both equestrian travelers and general outdoor enthusiasts. These rustic facilities typically provide basic amenities like vault toilets, hand pumps for water, and spacious sites where riders can keep their horses nearby. The Boardman River area offers several designated equestrian camps within a 30-mile radius of Alden, with sites available from late spring through mid-October.
Trail riding access points: Pigeon River State Forest Campground connects directly to miles of woodland paths. "I love coming to Pigeon River not only because it is secluded and peaceful, but because there are so many things to do in the area. The Shingle Mill Pathway (a roughly 10 mile loop trail) runs right through the campgrounds which is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking," explains camper Halie C.
Water recreation options: Campgrounds with river or lake frontage offer alternative activities for non-riders. At Turtle Lake Campground, "There is a small lake that is fun for short kayak/canoe rides and fishing. It's called Turtle Lake for obvious reasons- when my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times," reports Allison H.
Bird and wildlife watching: The wooded areas around equestrian campgrounds provide habitat for diverse wildlife. "Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings. If you can manage to find this place, you will love it!" shares Kate K. about the trails near Pigeon River State Forest.
Spacious sites: Equestrian campgrounds typically offer more room than standard sites. "We love this campground. I've camped there twice this summer and each time I enjoy it. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp has the basic rustic camping necessities. The campsites themselves have lots of space, privacy and a fire pit," notes Caryssa R.
Water features: Many riders appreciate direct water access. "The lake is great for kayaking or small fishing boats. Office staff super nice. Small, but nice beach," reports Stacey R. about Turtle Lake Campground.
Easy registration process: Most equestrian camps use self-registration systems. At Scheck's Place Trail Camp, "Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest. Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system," advises Anna B.
Cell coverage limitations: Most rustic campgrounds have limited or no service. "Beware of the bugs! Also, there is no cell service," warns Halie C. about camping in the area. Similarly, "Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away. Bring a map/gps because there is not cell service," advises Aaron T.
Weather considerations: Sites near water may flood during heavy rain. At Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, "Some sites are electric only, some include water. Not busy and quiet," notes Ron S., offering an alternative during wet periods.
Camp organization: Equestrian sites often lack formal numbering or clear boundaries. "Trail camp but no horses the night I was there. Lots of open space, spots aren't really numbered. A couple nice hike/bike trails spur off the campground," explains Emily V. about Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or beaches. "Very fun family campground. Open sites but easy access and large sites so you have your own space. We had a blast there. Close to traverse city and sleeping bear dunes!" recommends Jason C. about Turtle Lake Campground.
Clean facilities: "Great place to stay! Pit toilets and pump water stations. Beautiful lake with cool islands! Campsites are large and fairly separated! Can't wait to go back!" reports Thomas H. about Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground.
Water safety: Rivers near horse camps can have strong currents. "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. I wouldn't recommend for 6 and under," cautions Paul C.
Size limitations: Many equestrian campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs despite rustic conditions. "You can pick sites on the river or back by the woods. There are vault toilets and a well for water. The Shingle Mill Pathway runs through the campground. I've seen people tenting and I've seen people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large rvs," explains Lydia T. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Water and power hookups: For RVers needing more amenities, some nearby campgrounds offer full services. "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. Full coin laundry was helpful too!" reports Kim L. about Gaylord KOA.
Level sites: Check reviews about terrain before bringing larger rigs. "Sites are level. No landscaping. Lots of restaurants and attractions in Traverse City. We would stay again," notes Jim about Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alden, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alden, MI is Scheck's Place State Forest Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Alden, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Alden, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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