McKinley Horse Trail Campground accommodates tent and RV camping with areas specially designed for equestrian use. Located within Huron National Forest, the campground offers rustic horse camping experiences with toilet facilities and spacious sites for vehicles with horse trailers. The campground remains open from April 1 to November 14, providing equestrians with months of access to forest riding opportunities. Sites are surrounded by tall pine trees creating a secluded atmosphere perfect for equestrian camping. The facility has earned high ratings from horse enthusiasts who appreciate the privacy and extensive trail access directly from the campground.
The adjacent bridle trails connect riders to miles of forest paths throughout the Huron National Forest system. Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground near Atlanta offers an alternative option with drinking water and toilet facilities in a wooded setting. Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground provides a more primitive experience for tent campers looking to explore the trail system. Campgrounds in this region typically do not have designated horse corrals, so equestrians should bring portable corral panels or highline equipment. Many horse campers appreciate the direct access to trails without needing to trailer horses between rides. Winter months may require 4x4 access to some horse camping areas, particularly at McKinley where forest roads can become challenging during snow or wet conditions.
"The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular."
"Sites are reasonably priced around$25-30/night. The park is very dog-friendly, which we appreciated.
Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront. "
$40 - $100 / night
"Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some."
"This place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to."
"Love this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around."
"The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate."
"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."
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
RangerThe Luzerne Express Campground is literally all you need in one spot. The whole place is incredibly accommodating. Friendly, helpful staff. There is an array of sites available plus RV’s and Cabins for rent so winter camping here is a blast. The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate. Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest.
RangerThis campground is not my favorite, although my husband did not mind staying there. One of the reasons it is not my favorite is because the bathrooms were disgusting. I do not think that they were cleaned the entire four days we were there. They were super-hot and dirty. Another reason I did not care for the campground is because while we were there, my cousin’s dog was taken to doggy jail! We went on a kayaking trip down the Au Sable river and were gone a couple of hours. My cousin has a big dog that was tied to the tree. The dog had water, but must have knocked it over. The weather was not hot, it was in the low 70’s. My uncle’s site was right next door and he was watching the dog. My uncle was preparing dinner and went into the camper to grab what he needed to grill hamburgers and hot dogs. While he was making hamburger patties someone must have walked by and saw that the dog’s water was empty (because the dog knocked it over), that person went to the park attendant and they called animal control. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle said he was in the camper for about 20 mins making patties and getting food ready to grill outside. Apparently, it is not actually animal control that came to get him, it was a person down the street that takes the animals to his home on the weekend when animal control is not open. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle was frantic and walked around the entire campground and then went to the front desk. The lady was so rude to my uncle. My uncle is a very nice and funny man and he was just beside himself! My cousin came back from the kayaking trip and my uncle told him what happened. My cousin went to the man’s house that took the dog and had to pay $80 to get him out! It was quite the ordeal. My uncle felt bad because he wasn’t out there the entire time with the dog, but he wasn’t gone that long and it wasn’t that hot outside. My uncle would have seen that the water was empty and would have refilled it. The sites are HUGE and there are some trees, but I would not camp here again. That situation left a bad taste in my mouth and the bathrooms not being cleaned during our stay put me over the edge.
ScoutThis place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to. Highly reccomend for anyone looking to camp without ANY ammentities. Access is 4x4 only winter months.
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.
TravelerThis is one of the worst campgrounds I have ever been to. The bathrooms and showers close at 10pm, and the restrooms themselves are nasty, the showers cost $2 (in quarters) for 6 minutes of lukewarm water, the locals are hostile to unfamiliar faces, and to top it off, the rental ATVs and dirt track to ride them on is o ly separated from the campsites by a board fence, so expect to hear all kinds of small engines zipping by at all hours. The RV trailers for rental are all used trailers circa 1995 and "refurbished", which entails a quick coat of interior paint and laminate flooring screwed to the floors with drywall screws. Guests who have rented the RV trailers are instructed to not use the showers in their trailers. Absolutely not worth the money, would rate 0 stars if I could. If you are looking for a camping experience that puts you in the heart of upper Michigan redneck territory, this is the place for you. If you want a good experience, look elsewhere.
TravelerI stayed here a few times in September 2022. The weather was really rainy but the lake is pretty and Oscoda has a lot of hiking and places to hang up a hammock and relax. (The campsite is about 10 minutes from town.)
Labor Day weekend was crazy and my neighbors had a really difficult time staying in their designated site - one family next to me really liked to put their trash on a tree within my site. People just seemed a little unfriendly and territorial - it seemed like they didn’t know what to do with a younger solo woman camper. Unrelated, a guy was shouting a song about cocaine around 11pm, drinking with his buddies. Just kind of weird vibes even though there were a million kids. It didn’t really feel like homey, family vibes.
The second time I was there I was told I could not car camp. The lady who was working didn’t seem to care but my last night an older male worker waited at the entrance until I returned and loudly announced my site number and said I wasn’t allowed to car camp (I usually don’t get frustrated with older people when they yell because I assume they may be hard of hearing, but it seemed a little unsafe to announce where I would be sleeping.) I asked if hammock camping was ok and he became gruffer and told me his boss wanted to kick me off the campground - which seemed to imply a possible punishment if I kept asking questions. Ironically, I was asking these questions because I didn’t have a tent but was still trying to comply. I just felt uncomfortable after that and left, spending my last night somewhere else.
Showers are ok - they’re coin operated and cleaned every few days.
The scenery is pretty but it doesn’t work for me if I can’t car camp and if there’s no cell service to work. As mentioned, weird vibes as a solo female camper too. Adult activities - like a dance party or movies - take place after dark. I can’t imagine how being in a dark forest with strangers would feel safe, let alone fun, when there is alcohol and it seems likely there are other substances too. No really where my interests lie.
But if you have an RV you might have a different experience - or if you’re looking for a party during a holiday weekend. It might also be worth a try if you’re camping as a group.
GuideLots of things to do in this area! The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular.
Equestrian camping opportunities near Barton City, Michigan offer direct access to extensive trail systems through the Huron National Forest. The region sits within the northeastern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, characterized by rolling hills, pine forests, and sandy soil conditions. Winter access to equestrian sites often becomes limited when forest roads deteriorate during snow or rain events, with several campgrounds closing seasonally from November through April.
Trail riding exploration: The South Branch Trail Camp Group Site connects directly to forest paths suitable for both hiking and horseback riding. "Site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible," notes Sean R., highlighting the spacious environment that accommodates horse trailers.
Sinkhole pathway excursions: Visit Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground for access to unique geological features. "Sinkhole trails within walking distance, beautiful lake with some nice fish," reports Vaughn S., describing this natural attraction that provides an educational side trip for equestrians.
ATV trail access: The Luzerne Express Campground & RV offers direct forest trail entry. "Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest," writes Judy B., noting the convenience for those who bring both horses and motorized vehicles for trail exploration.
Secluded forest settings: The quietude of remote locations appeals to many equestrians. "This place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to," writes Juan A. about McKinley Horse Trail Campground.
Waterfront views: Many camping areas provide scenic water access. "Beautiful wooded sights. Fishing, boat ramp, beach, wagon rides, hearts, cabins great place," writes C P. about Old Orchard Park Campground, highlighting the recreational water features that complement trail riding.
Seasonal flexibility: Camping opportunities exist throughout much of the year. "The area around here is beautiful with lots of sights and trails. This park has a wide variety of individuals and many long term residents but the staff were pretty friendly and the lake is beautiful (especially in the early morning)," Michael A. notes about the early fall conditions at Old Orchard Park.
Toilet facilities vary widely: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer modern facilities. "Entire camp is rustic with well pumps throughout, also all restrooms are vault toilets," explains Vaughn S. about Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground, representing the typical amenities at state forest sites.
Reservation systems differ: Many sites operate on first-come availability. "This campground is hard for me to review because this is one of my husband's favorites, but mine, not so much. For most of the sites here, it is first come first served. We have driven all the way there before and not been able to get in," cautions Stephanie C. about reservation challenges.
Separation between equestrian and non-equestrian sites: For safety and logistics, non-horse campers typically use designated areas. "A horse campground located directly on trails. Rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8," explains Lydia T. about Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground.
Playground access: Find campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "I bring my whole family! Very family and pet friendly. It has a playground and a small beach. There are many options to stay here!" Rachel S. shares about Old Orchard Park Campground.
Water recreation alternatives: Lakes provide non-equestrian activities for family members. "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," Nicole V. explains about Shoepac Lake's boat options.
Seasonal activities: The region offers varied experiences throughout camping months. "Camped here in early fall. The area around here is beautiful with lots of sights and trails," reports Michael A., suggesting autumn as an ideal family camping time with fewer crowds.
Utility hookup locations: RV sites often require extra equipment. "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords," notes Tracey R. about Old Orchard Park, highlighting a practical consideration for RVers bringing horses.
Site sizing accommodations: Many campgrounds can handle larger rigs with horse trailers. "Any size rv will fit. Shows require tokens if you wish to use them. The staff are pleasant and helpful. Free Wifi cover is limited, cellphone coverage is ok," explains Gordon B. about Oscoda County Park.
Token-operated facilities: Budget for shower usage at certain locations. "Showers run on tokens/quarters and do not have a temperature control," warns Tracey R., providing practical information about facility operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Barton City, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Barton City, MI is Old Orchard Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Barton City, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Barton City, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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