Equestrian camping near Belmont, Michigan offers access to miles of trails through the Manistee National Forest. The area features a mix of sandy soil and rolling terrain with elevation changes between 800-1,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, while spring and fall can bring cooler weather and occasional rainfall that creates muddy trail conditions.
What to do
Trail riding adventures: Several campgrounds provide direct access to horse trails throughout Manistee National Forest. At Double RR Ranch RV Resort, visitors can enjoy "a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids," according to Joanie C.
Fishing opportunities: Ely Lake offers excellent fishing from shore or small watercraft. As Brad B. notes, the lake is "perfect for beach front and small boat launch - no motors. We love it in the spring and fall."
Kayaking and canoeing: Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins provides access to "private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful," according to Nolyn S., making it ideal for paddling.
Horseback riding for non-owners: Duke Creek Campground offers options for visitors without their own horses. Cheyanne P. mentions "the best part about it was the on-site horseback rides!" which allows all visitors to experience trail riding.
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: At Timbers Edge Campground, campers appreciate the accommodations for horses. Becky P. mentions "We stayed here during their Equestrian Weekends several years in a row, great hosts and large lots make this place a nice hidden gem!"
Family-friendly amenities: Duke Creek Campground offers numerous activities beyond horseback riding. As Nicole C. reports, "The campground was great, and clean. The park was nice and so we're all the kid activities! The pool is very nice and the store is stocked nicely."
Natural surroundings: Ely Lake Campground provides a more rustic experience with access to nature. James C. calls it a "hidden gem" noting "Nothing changed, just good ole wilderness camping!"
Cabin options: For those who prefer not to tent camp, Scalley Lake Park offers well-maintained cabins. Nora M. notes "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here."
What you should know
Rustic conditions: Many equestrian campgrounds have limited amenities. At Ely Lake Campground, TheSydliks warns: "Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator (inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover."
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds can get loud on weekends. James K. reports about Ely Lake: "This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings... There is loud music, people yelling, fireworks going off and… not very much sleep."
Water quality concerns: At some rustic sites, water quality varies. As noted about Ely Lake Campground: "There is a hand pump for water, although I would recommend bringing your own drinking water because the water from the hand pump is very discolored."
Site spacing: At Duke Creek Campground, Clint points out that "The sites were very small at this campground. Our fire pit was so close to our trailer we didn't dare use it." Consider booking premium sites if you need more space.
Tips for camping with families
Train rides and activities: Families with children enjoy the organized activities at Duke Creek. Becky P. enthusiastically shares: "Your kids will LOVE this place-we had a blast! Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day!"
Swimming options: White River Campsite #1 offers natural swimming areas. While this is a dispersed camping area with "no facilities or amenities," Kendra H. notes it's "more suitable for tents or maybe small campers" but provides good water access.
Cabin camping alternative: For families not ready for tent camping, Scalley Lake offers cabin options. Nicole B. simply states: "Great campground! Cabins, electric and bath houses!" making it suitable for families needing more amenities.
Trail safety: When exploring trails around equestrian campgrounds, remember that visibility can be limited. Vegan T. advises about White River: "It's in a forest, so bring a compass if you plan to do some hiking."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: For RVers with larger units, carefully research your options. At Ely Lake Campground, TheSydliks cautions: "Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the 'roads' inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels."
Water and electrical hookups: For those requiring utilities, Sharon S. notes about Timbers Edge Campground: "Price was good for electric and water" but also mentions there's "no dump station," which is important for longer stays.
Seasonal considerations: Weather affects road conditions at dispersed sites. At White River Campsite #1, Kendra H. advises: "Best access seems to be along 160th avenue south of Arthur road. The road seems a bit sketchy but should be okay for most vehicles."
Dust concerns: Josh N. warns about Double JJ Resort: "Maybe it was due to weather but the sites were full of dirt and dust that got everywhere over the weekend," something to consider when planning an RV trip with outdoor equipment.
Traveler
