Cedar's equine camping facilities operate seasonally from May through October with varying amenities. Campgrounds in the region sit amid northern Michigan's mixed hardwood forests with most campsites situated at elevations between 800-1,000 feet above sea level. Rustic and developed options accommodate various camping preferences with distinct equestrian areas at several locations.
What to do
Trail riding access: Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp offers several trail connections for horseback riding with camping areas designed for equestrian use. "We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback. This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean," notes one visitor about the equestrian facilities.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can access fishing spots at several equestrian campsites near Cedar. Turtle Lake Campground provides lake access where "there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too," according to a reviewer.
Kayaking: Water activities supplement horseback riding at many campgrounds. "Great lake camp ground. No swimming but pretty lake with lots of lilipads and sunken tree. Nice hiking trail," reports a camper about Lake Dubonnet, while another mentions it's "great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Horse-friendly campgrounds typically offer larger sites to accommodate trailers. Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground features "campsites that 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."
Water access: Equestrians value water sources for their horses. "There is access to the river," notes a camper at Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, while another mentions, "This campground is in some lower ground, with a beautiful river running though it."
Privacy between sites: Many horse campgrounds offer separation between camping areas. Turtle Lake Campground provides "a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites," and Lake Dubonnet campers appreciate that "campsites are large and fairly separated."
What you should know
Registration systems: Most state forest campgrounds use self-registration. At Scheck's Place, "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)."
Limited amenities: Facilities at equestrian campgrounds typically remain basic. Marzinski Horse Trail Campground has "a well kept pit toilet, 21 established campsites w/ firerings, and even a water pump (meant for horses)."
Seasonal operations: Cedar area horse campgrounds generally close during winter months. Most operate between May and October, with Lake Dubonnet open April to October and Turtle Lake Campground running May 15th to October 15th.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: For families new to equestrian camping, consider Manton Trails RV Park which offers "lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing" alongside camping facilities that can accommodate horses.
Multi-activity sites: Choose campgrounds with diverse activities for non-riders. One family reported, "We had a family, socially distant reunion with 6 sites. We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us. Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."
Safety considerations: Check campground rules regarding horses and children. Some equestrian camps separate horse areas from general camping to maintain safety for younger campers while still providing equestrian access.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access: RVers with horse trailers should check road conditions. At Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, "Some sites are electric only, some include water. Not busy and quiet," making it suitable for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds offer limited hookups. "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," notes an RVer about the fairgrounds.
Leveling requirements: Horse trailer sites typically provide flatter terrain. "We have a 28.6ft 5th wheel and had not problem getting in and parked," reported a first-time RVer, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate sites when traveling with horses and RVs.
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