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Equestrian Camping near Cadillac, MI

12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Scheck's Place State Forest Campground features a dedicated trail camp for equestrians near Traverse City. The campground is divided into two sections, with one specifically designed for horse owners and trail riders. Sites are spacious and spread out, allowing campers to select as much area as needed for their horses and equipment. Large wooded sites offer shade for horses during summer months. The trail camp operates on a self-registration system where visitors deposit payment in a collection box before selecting their site, providing flexibility for riders arriving at different times.

    The Shore to Shore Trail runs through Scheck's Place, connecting riders to extensive trail networks in the surrounding state forest. Horse owners appreciate the direct river access, which provides water for horses after trail rides. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, located about 25 miles northwest, also accommodates horses with rustic campsites and access to multiple forest trails. The Boardman River flows near both campgrounds, creating opportunities for combined riding and water activities. Most equestrian campsites in the Cadillac region are rustic with vault toilets and hand-pump water sources, but lack electric hookups or horse corrals. Trailer parking is available at designated areas within both campgrounds, allowing for easy unloading of horses and equipment before setting up camp.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Cadillac (12)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

      5.0(3)16mi from CadillacRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."

      from $25 - $55 / night

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      2. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

      4.7(6)28mi from Cadillac30 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people)."

      "I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."

      from $20 / night

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      3. Turtle Lake Campground

      4.4(9)35mi from CadillacRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."

      "Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."

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      4. Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

      3.8(4)29mi from CadillacRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups"

      from $25 / night

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      5. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

      4.2(9)35mi from CadillacRVs, Tents

      "We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."

      "Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir."

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      6. Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

      4.8(5)37mi from Cadillac19 sitesRVs, Tents

      "I only spent a night here while passing through, but it's a very nice campground that's specifically suited to equestrians."

      "I wish we had a place to dump our grey water, but otherwise it was an easy drive in and had fresh water."

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      7. Whiskey Creek Campground

      5.0(2)46mi from CadillacRVs, Tents

      "Activities, trails, fishing, swimming or just relax! One of our family's favorite spots up north."

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      8. Hungerford Lake Campground

      3.0(1)39mi from CadillacRVs, Tents, Glamping
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      9. Manistee National Forest Condon Lakes West Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area

      4.0(1)42mi from CadillacRVs, Tents

      "Got here around 1730 on a Sunday. Have the whole place to myself. Not bad getting into, signal is poor. Lots of wildlife."

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      10. 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR

      4.0(1)46mi from CadillacTents

      "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."

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Cadillac, MI

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cadillac, MI

    42 Reviews of 12 Cadillac Campgrounds

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 22, 2026

      Turtle Lake Campground

      RV park not great for tent camping

      Cute RV park, mostly people set up to stay the summer. Called ahead, was offered a “lake view” site for an extra $10. Arrived, site was at the very front, between two roads, like sleeping in a fishbowl. We were across a road and grassy patch and canoe storage from the lake. We could in fact see it, but lake view was really a stretch. Our site was at least two city blocks from a very small bath house. We camped on a site with no trees, no privacy and a hike to the shower room. Not recommended for tent camping.

    • L
      Aug. 21, 2026

      Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

      Great Place to Relax

      I had previously read reviews about the bathrooms being less than desirable. If you’re not downwind, it isn’t so bad. They are definitely not maintained as well as other state campgrounds we’ve been to in the past.

      You are central to ORV trails, so at times you can hear those passing through, otherwise a few neighbors driving through here and there and quiet the rest of the time.

      The dock is out of order, but there are other ways of reaching the river.

      We came for fly fishing, and were told the fish are all stopped at a damn right now. That would have been nice to know before planning a fly fishing trip for that specific river. 😫

      Still rating it a four, it would have been amazing if we could have fished.

    • Mario F.
      Oct. 27, 2024

      Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

      Be simple

      Was a quiet. Simple.. Just with nature...Site was clean, across street you can buy firewood ...Was a pleasant 2 night's....From site to the nearest store 15-20 min away..If needed...Had no issues...Be back Thanksgiving 2024..

    • L
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

      close to travese city and interlockin

      Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups

    • v
      Jun. 24, 2023

      Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

      First time in our camper

      We thought this would be a good place for our first trip in our new to us 5th wheel! We have a 28.6ft 5th wheel and had not problem getting in and parked! Management did an awesome job of spreading out guests until they were full! Lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing….. so much more. Very clean, very kind and helpful staff!

    • S
      May. 9, 2022

      Whiskey Creek Campground

      Love it here!

      Friendly staff, made us feel comfortable being first timers camping. Very helpful!! Can’t wait to come back!

    • evi L.
      Sep. 2, 2021

      Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

      Everything you need

      I only spent a night here while passing through, but it's a very nice campground that's specifically suited to equestrians. 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.) Only a few other campers on a Wednesday night, including some people with horses, and all have been friendly. 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. A great place overall.

    Guide to Cadillac

    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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are there equestrian camping sites near Cadillac, Michigan?

    Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground is specifically designed for equestrians with 21 established campsites, fire rings, and facilities catering to horse owners. This free campground allows stays up to two weeks and features well-maintained pit toilets. Turtle Lake Campground offers a separate equestrian camping area alongside its family-friendly facilities, which include a beach area and fishing spots. 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR provides horse-friendly camping with dedicated tie-outs to poles designed specifically for horses, along with basic amenities like water pumps, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.

    What are the rules for horses on trails in the Cadillac area?

    In the Cadillac area, horses are typically restricted to designated equestrian trails within the Manistee National Forest and state forest lands. At Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, riders can access trail networks but should stay on marked horse paths. Most trails require that riders carry proof of negative Coggins test for their horses. Riders must pack out all waste and practice Leave No Trace principles. Trail etiquette includes yielding to hikers, controlling horses near other recreationists, and avoiding wet trails to prevent damage. Some areas like the Shore to Shore Trail have specific water crossing rules. Always check with the Michigan DNR or Forest Service for seasonal restrictions, as some trails may close during hunting seasons or spring thaw.

    Where can I go horseback riding in Cadillac, Michigan?

    The Cadillac area offers several excellent horseback riding options. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp provides access to multiple forest paths perfect for horseback riding, with trails extending through the surrounding woods and along the reservoir. Hungerford Lake Campground features designated horse staging areas and established riding trails in a peaceful setting. The region is also home to parts of the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail, a long-distance trail system designed for equestrians that connects Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. Many of these trails wind through the beautiful Manistee National Forest, offering varied terrain and scenic views for riders of all experience levels.

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