Jami M.
Guide
GuideIonia State Recreation Area
Great get away
Clean, family friendly, beautiful. Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses.
Equestrian Camping near Bellevue, MI
11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Fort Custer Recreation Area offers equestrian-friendly camping with designated areas for horses. The campground features large, wooded sites providing privacy between camping spaces and electrical hookups. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the amenities, the recreation area includes miles of trails specifically designated for horseback riding, making it suitable for equestrians bringing their own containment systems. Trails accommodate various experience levels across the 3,000-acre property. The park maintains separate trail systems for horses, mountain bikes, and hiking to ensure safety for all users.
Located near Battle Creek, this year-round recreation area provides equestrians access to multiple lakes and extensive trail networks. Horse riders particularly appreciate the well-maintained bridle paths that wind through diverse terrain including wooded areas and open fields. Trailer parking is available at designated staging areas throughout the park. Fort Custer requires the standard Michigan Recreation Passport for entry, and campers should note that reservation requirements apply for overnight stays. The trails remain accessible in various seasons, though spring conditions can be muddy in some sections. Horse owners should bring their own water buckets, feed storage containers, and portable containment systems as the facility does not provide permanent horse housing structures.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Bellevue (11)
1. Fort Custer Recreation Area
"The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶"
"Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes."
from $21 - $108 / night
Check Availability2. Eaton County Fairgrounds
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
3. Ionia State Recreation Area
"Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses."
"There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. "
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability4. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
"What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. "
"Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name!"
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability5. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"Lots of trails within reach and a horse riding stable if that is your thing. Heard lots of wolves, saw lots of tracks but no animals. I’d like to go back in the spring and hike around some more!"
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net."from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Equestrian Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
from $20 / night
Check Availability7. Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins
"Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!"
"The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here"
8. Double RR Ranch RV Resort
"We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids. It is close to a town to get take out food if it rains."
9. Waterloo Recreation Area Cabins — Waterloo Recreation Area
from $100 - $160 / night
Check Availability10. Farmlane Campground
Drive Time
- 21 min from Battle Creek, MI
- 31 min from Lansing, MI
- 44 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 46 min from Jackson, MI
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bellevue, MI
116 Reviews of 11 Bellevue Campgrounds
- Joshua E.
TravelerIonia State Recreation Area
Great activities for outdoors lovers
Ionia has so many great outdoor activities for almost anyone. There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. The beach is fantastic especially for little kids who might not be the best swimmers ready for Lake Michigan or lakes with lots of boats and waves to deal with. Nice and sandy and a nice store and ice cream shop at the beach.
The campground itself is very nice, but you may find the activities are a short drive away from your site to get there. The sites are all a little bit shallow especially if you have a larger travel trailer you may find it a bit tight. There is a great variety of shaded and sunny sites. There is only one bathroom for the campground so it can be a bit busy and it could probably use an update.
Mary T.
LegendSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
I know another great Michigan State Park
What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. I would advise if you want to camp there on a weekend to make reservations well in advance. We stay here because there are only 2 campgrounds in the Lansing East Lansing Area this being one of them and the other does not have all full hook ups and charges more. When we visit our daughter at Michigan State University this is the place we stay, 20 - 30 minutes into the University depending upon the traffic.
It has large wooded sites only electric but you can fill up the water at the dump station. Each site has a picnic table and Fire ring. Each campsite has a asphalt pad. They sell fire wood at the campground office. Bring what you need or you can go into St. johns to the Kroger or Walmart. they have 2 main camping loops with 2 loops in each of the main loops and a shower restroom in each main loop. The restrooms are very clean and kept up. I love the showers hot water and for me that is hot and great pressure, I could shower all day. Sure beats our shower in the RV.
The State Park is on Ovid Lake and it is a beautiful lake, great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayak, and swimming. they have a shelter for you if you have a big party.
They also have a group campsite and a picnic area for large groups. d You can also bring your horses go to the Equestrian area and unload and get on the trail.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards. They also have a great play ground for the kids and a fishing pier. Bring Bikes or just hike on the trails and head down to the beach.
- Kristina P.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
ok
quiet campground during the day, short drive to the beach, biking and equestrian trails available. loud around the restroom at night, cleaning crew came through at 10 pm.
- KKaren P.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Sleepy, as i call it...
Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name! Offers many species of fish for catching!! There are fishing docks, ONE IS NOT VERY ACCESSIBLE TO NON AMBULATORY PERSONS !!! THIS ONE'S IN THE CAMP AREA! The path is nicely groomed. The bea h is a long way from the parking lot a d there is no beach access from camp. The park is usually a clean family place...but for really young children or elderly persons it may. Ot be your first choice. I live nearby and have camped there zillions of times. I love it and shower bouses in camp are clean! Friendly staff a d they ate SERIOUS about quiet time! Bug spray required !!
- Diana M.Traveler
Fort Custer Recreation Area
Perfect for families
The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶
- Janet N.
ScoutFort Custer Recreation Area
Something for everyone
MMichigan State park with large sites and lots of privacy. $25per night with electric. Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes. Roads quiet and could easily ride your road bike to nearby bike paths. I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky.
David F.GuideSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Nature is where it's at
I frequent this park if I am camping or not. decent disc gof course and access to Lake Ovid is great, miles of trails to hike/bike/ride horses. Hosts are very friendly and is always a joy to talk with the rangers
- JJacob B.Scout
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Best hiking trails within 1gour drive of the state capital
Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital
fishing ,boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails,
Geocaching available.
Guide to Bellevue
Fort Custer Recreation Area offers equestrian trails and camping near Bellevue, Michigan. The campground features large, wooded sites with electrical hookups and reasonable privacy between campsites. Trails throughout the 3,000-acre recreation area are designated for horses, with separate pathways for hikers and mountain bikers to minimize user conflicts. The park has areas specifically designed for equestrian use, though the campsites do not have built-in horse corrals. Riders appreciate the well-marked trail system that provides access to varied terrain through forests and around several small lakes. The campground bathrooms and shower facilities are kept clean, and most sites can accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space.
Equestrian trails at Fort Custer connect to an extensive network of riding opportunities, with multiple loop options ranging from 3-10 miles in length. The trail surface consists primarily of dirt paths with some sandy stretches, making it suitable for horses year-round except during spring thaw conditions. Water access points are available along several trails for horses to drink. The recreation area remains open year-round, though the full-service camping season typically runs from April through October. Horse owners must bring their own temporary containment systems as the park does not provide permanent stalls or corrals. Trail maps are available at the park office, and riders are required to stay on designated bridle paths. The large wooded sites and quiet atmosphere make this location popular among equestrians seeking natural riding experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Bellevue, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bellevue, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bellevue, MI is Fort Custer Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 45 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Bellevue, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bellevue, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Bellevue, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring