Equestrian camping near Cadillac, Michigan offers access to over 300 miles of riding trails through the Manistee National Forest. The region features sandy soil with mixed pine and hardwood forests, creating well-drained trails that remain accessible even after rainfall. Several dedicated equestrian campsites provide direct access to the Shore to Shore Trail connecting Lake Michigan to Lake Huron.
What to Do
Trail riding through state forest lands: Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp features multiple hiking and riding paths directly from camp. As camper Kate K. notes, "Quiet, not populated, and beautiful views. I've solo camped here a few times and it's great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation."
River access for horses: Marzinski Horse Trail Campground provides water access specifically for horses. "This established and well maintained campground is free, and you can stay up to two weeks. There's a well kept pit toilet, 21 established campsites w/ firerings, and even a water pump (meant for horses)," according to reviewer Evi L.
Kayaking with horses: Several equestrian campgrounds offer dual water/trail opportunities. At Lake Dubonnet, camper Tracie S. mentions: "Great like camp ground. No swimming but pretty lake with lots of lilipads and sunken tree. Nice hiking trail." Riders often cool down horses in designated water entry points after trail rides.
What Campers Like
Self-registration flexibility: 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR uses an honor system payment method. Lexi G. explains, "It's never busy here. I don't have horses but I've seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There's trails in the surrounding areas."
Large sites for trailers: Equestrian campsites are specifically designed with ample space for horse trailers. According to Evi L. at Marzinski, "The campsites are all flat and quite large, being that they are meant to accommodate people with a horse trailer, and there are numerous hitching posts throughout the campground."
Direct water access: Most horse camps provide water sources for animals. At Hungerford Lake Campground, Arron P. mentions, "Dispersed camping and camp sites available. There are horse staging areas and hiking trails. The lake is nice, small enough for a kayak/ no motor boat, nice."
What You Should Know
No corrals provided: Most equestrian campgrounds require you bring portable corrals or tie-out systems. Turtle Lake Campground offers a separate equestrian area, but as Chris R. notes, "They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites."
Seasonal trail conditions: Trails near Cadillac typically open May through October, with potential closures during hunting season. Dalton B. shares about Lake Dubonnet: "Rustic, cheap, horse friendly, out house, and pleanty of forest and lake to explore."
Varying amenities between camps: Facilities range from basic to more developed. At Condon Lakes West, Dexter V. explains, "Got here around 1730 on a Sunday. Have the whole place to myself. Not bad getting into, signal is poor. Lots of wildlife."
Tips for Camping with Families
Choose equestrian camps with water activities: Whiskey Creek Campground offers multiple recreation options. As Jason S. shares, "Activities, trails, fishing, swimming or just relax! One of our family's favorite spots up north."
Look for beginner-friendly trail sections: Some trail segments near camps are specifically designated for novice riders. At Turtle Lake, Ann D. observes, "There are trails and a beach area as well as equine camping."
Plan for varied skill levels: Many trail systems have loops of different lengths. Caryssa R. describes Lake Dubonnet's options: "Outhouses near each circle, spickit with really good water, hiking trails, boat launch and even a nearby island you can kayak to and let the dogs roam free!"
Tips from RVers
RV access limitations: Most equestrian camps have size restrictions. Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds is an exception with large spaces for rigs. Jim notes, "Power 50/30 were fine. Water is a shared spigot on most sites, but some sites have water. There is a good dump station. Sites are level. No landscaping."
Shared utilities at some locations: Several campgrounds have limited hookups. At Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, Lon L. explains, "Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups."
Prepare for rustic conditions: Most equestrian-specific campgrounds lack full hookups. Cameron from Marzinski recommends: "The pine trees are amazing and the road in was super accessible. 20 min to town to restock with plenty of gas stations on the way."
