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Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead offers primitive camping specifically designed for horse owners in the Au Train region of Michigan. The trailhead provides direct access to equestrian trails with ample space for horse trailers and vehicles. Toilet facilities are available on site, though no drinking water is provided. The campground welcomes both tent and RV campers with horses, allowing multiple access options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping. Pets are permitted throughout the grounds, making it suitable for travelers with both horses and dogs. The campground maintains a rustic, natural setting with fires allowed, though campers must bring their own firewood as none is sold on site. Cell service with Verizon is surprisingly good in this remote location.
The equine trails connecting to Hovey Lake Trailhead wind through the Hiawatha National Forest, offering riders varied terrain and scenic views. Located approximately 30 minutes from Au Train, the trailhead serves as a starting point for day rides or multi-day excursions. Riders should bring all necessary supplies as no market or supply store exists on the premises. The area experiences significant seasonal variations, with spring often bringing muddy conditions that can affect trail access. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly in the evenings near the water. Campers should practice proper manure management and follow Leave No Trace principles when camping with horses. The campground's location provides good access to other recreational opportunities in the Upper Peninsula, including nearby lakes for fishing and wildlife viewing.
"Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway."
"There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Went all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away."
"Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin."
"I have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds."
"This campground is very close to trailhead. Well maintained, decent wifi. Don't expect any Verizon cell coverage here. Sites are nice and large, staff is friendly and the bar has good food"
from $33 - $55 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $8 / night
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RangerWent all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away. Thought the skeeters were insane, but this time of year, it's to be expected.
ScoutGreat site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem. Totally legit dispersed camp site. Will definely be going back. Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day. It is the end of the road though so no one was driving to fast and it didn't cause any issues.
TravelerWas slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway. Sites are fairly spacious but don’t have any of the hookups or amenities mentioned on the site profile - some do have rudimentary fire pits though. There are 3 sites in total. Ground is flat enough to comfortably tent camp. Camp in early September, bugs were minimal. At times the night was eerily silent, at other times I heard dirt bikes and tractor trailers in the distance, also heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice.
TravelerI have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds. I found this place on a whim years ago... and now JackPine has a special place in my heart.
When I need to truly rest my bones, this is my go to in this neck of the woods.
Clean and warm cabins, modern and rustic campsites, bathhouse, a super cool bar, cold beer, great food and nothing but exceptional and friendly staff. Not to mention... WIFI throughout the property. When you go to the bar- be sure to grab a JackPine Burger and fries.
I have traveled almost every corner of The Yoop. I have not found a campground (of the modern and resort nature) that nearly compares to this place. Not in quality of stay or the constant desire to return.
ScoutThe site only gives you coordinates that are actually an hour away from the site. There is no real address to get there. We pulled in pretty late, had a rough long drive so we got to where we thought it was at around 11:30 pm. Then we can’t find the site, so we go to the website and it gives us strange directions to somewhere an hour away. As we drove out there, we lost all service, were on dirt roads and we were miles past any signs of civilization. We started to get a strange feeling but we trekked on. Suddenly it gets very foggy and spooky looking and we all debate turning back, but still we keep going. Finally, we turn onto the road that it is on, just a ways down, and the stop sign is filled with bullet holes however we haven’t seen a single sign of people out there. We keep going and finally decide this all seems like an elaborate ploy to lure campers in and kill them. We decide to turn around and end up in some weird abandoned summer camp, still around thirty minutes left on the road to get to the actual site. We decide there are far too many creepy signs pointing towards this not being a good idea then as we leave and get service back, we look up the site and realize there are zero reviews at all. The site doesn’t exist on google except for these camping sites, with the same two photos only on every site and zero reviews. As we are driving away, we get an email at one am saying “hello your site is still empty, please enjoy your stay” as if there was someone waiting for us at the site even though it was a remote site with no formal check in. How did they know we were not at the site yet? And what are the chances they email us right as we turn around? I’m glad we didn’t end up staying, we all had a horrible gut feeling and I suggest no one else stay here either. Nothing about it seemed legit or safe.
ScoutLong nice road with a few pull offs once you are close to the end there is one official site with a table and fire circle. Is first come first serve but if you keep driving down there are two different boat launches with room to park/camp. We stayed in our car just in case. NOTE! the camp site is closed for updates until the end of October apparently. No service with mint
GuideThis campground is very close to trailhead. Well maintained, decent wifi. Don't expect any Verizon cell coverage here. Sites are nice and large, staff is friendly and the bar has good food
ScoutWe only found 2 pull in sites and took the first one. We were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it. There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days.
ScoutJust want an overnight stay and are self contained it’s perfect. We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn’t go much bigger.
Dispersed camping options abound near Au Train, Michigan within the Hiawatha National Forest, which encompasses over 880,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The region sits at elevations between 600-1,400 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate that creates distinct seasons. Winter snowfall often exceeds 150 inches annually, while summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with higher humidity levels.
Trail riding access: Horse enthusiasts can enjoy extensive trail networks beyond Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead. At Jack Pine Lodge and Campground, riders appreciate the direct trail connectivity. "It has direct trail access from the property, and they provide a free ORV hand washing station and air for tires," notes Erika P., highlighting amenities for those traveling with recreational vehicles that complement equestrian activities.
Lake activities: The region offers numerous lakes for recreation beyond established campgrounds. Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite provides access to multiple bodies of water. One visitor observed, "Great site located between two lakes... Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day." This accessibility makes it convenient for fishing and paddling adventures.
Seasonal exploration: Weather significantly impacts activity options. According to Willow M. at Ironjaw Lake, "We were lucky, we went pre-season. We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves." Spring visits require preparation for muddy conditions and potential road clearing, while fall offers spectacular foliage viewing.
Solitude and natural settings: For those seeking peace away from developed campgrounds, Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping delivers. Camper Naomi L. shares, "Just want an overnight stay and are self contained it's perfect. We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger." The location offers quiet camping without facilities.
Good connectivity despite remoteness: Surprisingly strong cell service exists in certain remote areas. Kevin D. reports about Hickey Marsh, "Camp in early September, bugs were minimal. At times the night was eerily silent, at other times I heard dirt bikes and tractor trailers in the distance, also heard a pack of coyotes at one point." Hunter W. adds, "Quiet spot especially in early May, cell service with Verizon was shockingly good."
Proximity to multiple recreation areas: The central location provides strategic access to various Upper Peninsula attractions. As Simone N. observed at Jack Pine Lodge, "In the middle of the National Forest, smack in the middle of the UP. Everything is about 45 minutes away, but you'll get an amazing night sky and great camping hosts."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for various wildlife interactions in this region. At Catchin' Crickets Campground, spacious sites provide reasonable buffers from neighbors, but the natural setting means wildlife proximity. Kevin D. notes at another location: "I heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice."
Insect conditions: Bugs vary significantly by season and location. Amy Y. warns, "This is a great spot, very private and easy to access. T-Mobile cell services was very good. I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited."
Navigation challenges: Finding unmarked dispersed sites can be difficult. Ben L. advises, "Your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem." Many forest roads lack signage, so proper navigation tools are essential.
Facility considerations: When camping with children, assess bathroom accessibility carefully. Swan Lake Campsites offers toilet facilities but no drinking water, making it essential to bring adequate supplies for children. At similar sites, Arash F. notes, "Clean, sites are level... Reasonable good space in between sites."
Shade availability: Protection from sun affects comfort significantly. One camper observes, "Trees need some time to grow larger to provide any shade if anybody looking for a campsite with shade." Consider bringing portable shade structures when camping with children in areas with limited natural coverage.
Pet-friendly options: Many horse campgrounds near Au Train, Michigan welcome both equine and canine companions. Hannah P. shares, "Great place to bring a friendly dog. Plenty of space/other dogs here," making these locations suitable for complete family outings including pets.
Size limitations: Large RVs face access challenges at most dispersed sites. At Hickey Marsh, Tim reports, "We only found 2 pull in sites and took the first one. We were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it." For equestrian campers with living-quarter trailers, advance planning is critical.
Hookup availability: Most equestrian camping areas offer minimal services. For full hookups, campers recommend Jack Pine Lodge where Hannah notes, "Sites are nice and large, staff is friendly and the bar has good food." The campground features water/sewage connections and electrical service, unlike most primitive horse camping areas.
Road conditions: Forest service roads leading to horse campgrounds require caution. Chris M. observes, "Beautiful quite campground in the middle of nowhere," which typically means navigating unpaved access roads that may deteriorate during wet weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Au Train, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Au Train, MI is Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Au Train, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Au Train, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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