Ortonville Equestrian Campground offers rustic camping with basic facilities for horse owners near Attica, Michigan. The recreation area sits on hilly terrain with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,100 feet, creating varied trail experiences for riders. Trail networks connect two small inland lakes while crossing woodland and open meadow areas, providing diverse riding environments throughout the seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking on designated trails: Seven Lakes State Park Campground features "over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails easily accessed from the campground," according to Holly S. The park offers "both challenging hikes or an easy path" with trails that take you "all around the lake, as well as smaller loops," notes Maggie M.
Kayaking on clear lakes: Oakland County Addison Oaks provides excellent paddling opportunities. "Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating," explains Kate K. Another camper mentions the park is "huge with bike/hike trails, a lake and a disc golf course."
Fishing at Highland Recreation Area: This recreation area offers "a quiet lake perfect for unwinding after a long day," according to Adrienne C. Jennifer H. describes it as a "lovely little no wake lake perfect for swimming, fishing or paddling." The peaceful setting makes it ideal for anglers looking for a serene fishing spot.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area provides secluded camping experiences. One camper notes, "Once parked felt very secluded and could barely see site past truck in parking spot. Great for getting away and seeing the night sky." Another mentions, "The sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors."
Family-friendly activities: D-bar-A Scout Ranch, though primarily for Scout use, has extensive facilities that complement the equestrian options near Attica. Walker L. describes it as "another great scouting campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn."
Clean facilities: Covenant Hills Camp maintains well-kept amenities. Andrew H. notes the campground has "large sites, all full hookup" and is "family friendly and quiet." Another camper mentions, "Clean and cautious due to Covid as necessary" and appreciates the "nice family/Christian campgrounds."
What you should know
Limited amenities at horse camps: The Ortonville Equestrian Campground near Attica has minimal facilities. Kate K. explains, "The campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Seven Lakes State Park is open year-round but DeijaNay H. notes that "although there was ice, due to warmer conditions today the trails were a bit muddy" during winter hiking.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking. Highland Recreation Area has a reservation system for its rustic sites, which Jennifer H. describes as "extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around."
Bug protection necessary: Pack insect repellent for summer camping. Maggie M. warns about Seven Lakes: "Do make sure you bring plenty of bug netting/spray/gear if you come in the summer, the bugs are brutal."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Addison Oaks County Park offers excellent play areas for children. Wendy K. notes, "They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean."
Swimming opportunities: Seven Lakes State Park has exceptional water access. One camper describes, "Sand Lake was our spot and the water was breath taking - it's a small pond really, but great for kayaking. Crystal clear, clean water, a good public beach."
Biking-friendly campgrounds: Many horse campgrounds near Attica, Michigan connect to bike trails. Tim & Nancy C. report that Addison Oaks has "26 miles of bike trails and hiking. Many in park are paved."
Wildlife viewing with kids: Highland Recreation Area offers abundant animal sightings. Adrienne C. shared, "We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!" This makes for exciting nature experiences with children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: At Seven Lakes State Park, Edward C. advises, "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you."
Electric hookup location: Some sites have distant electrical connections. Mary H. shares about Pontiac Lake Recreation Area: "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad."
Campsite surface types: Many equestrian campgrounds have specific parking surfaces. Ron E. mentions that Addison Oaks County Park features "cement pads, water, and electric. Loop C is spacious with some trees."
Site privacy varies: Choose your site carefully based on privacy needs. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "The campground was full but quiet. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Site 71 wasn't the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation."