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 Charlotte, MI
13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Fort Custer Recreation Area provides trail access for equestrians with designated horse trails throughout the 3,000-acre park. The campground features spacious sites with electric hookups, drinking water, and modern bathroom facilities with showers. The park allows horses on specific trails, though no dedicated horse corrals are available at the campsites. The park maintains miles of trails suitable for horseback riding, with separate areas designated for equestrian use away from mountain bikers and hikers. The large wooded campsites offer privacy between sites, making it comfortable for those traveling with horses and trailers.
Trails at Fort Custer connect to multiple lakes and natural areas, creating diverse riding experiences through wooded terrain and open fields. Riders must bring their own portable corrals or use tie-outs as no permanent equestrian facilities exist at campsites. Horse owners typically set up in the larger sites that accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring often presenting muddy sections on the equestrian routes. The campground requires reservations, especially during peak summer months when the beach area becomes popular with families. Most equestrians visit for day-use trail riding rather than overnight stays, though camping with horses is permitted with proper containment.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Charlotte (13)
1. Eaton County Fairgrounds
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
"much we called to ask for another night, without hesitation, and any disruption to our camping they came by later that evening, and collected for an additional night ( just as the website advised), Charlotte"
2. 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 Availability3. 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 Availability4. 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 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. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
"As an added plus a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here"
"Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."
from $20 - $35 / 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. Equestrian Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Waterloo Recreation Area Cabins — Waterloo Recreation Area
from $100 - $160 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 16 min from Lansing, MI
- 35 min from Battle Creek, MI
- 46 min from Jackson, MI
- 51 min from Kalamazoo, MI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Charlotte, MI
1 Photos of 13 Charlotte Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Charlotte, MI
126 Reviews of 13 Charlotte 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.
Northstorm T.
ScoutEaton County Fairgrounds
Only $20 nightly, full hookup, nice wooded sites
This is a fairgrounds RV and tent park. Very peaceful when there are no ongoing events. Large bath house with Showers. No office in park, so find a space and park. The manager will stop by to collect your $20. Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc.
- 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! 🐕🐶
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
- Janet N.Scout
Fort 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.
Guide to Charlotte
Fort Custer Recreation Area, located 60 miles southwest of Charlotte, Michigan, offers dedicated riding trails across 3,000 acres of mixed woodland and open terrain. The recreation area sits at an elevation of approximately 850 feet with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Trail conditions vary seasonally with spring bringing muddy sections that require careful navigation for riders and their horses.
What to do
Explore multiple lake trails: At Fort Custer Recreation Area, riders can access diverse trails connecting to several bodies of water. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat," notes Bob B., who describes the park as his "childhood place."
Visit nearby breweries: After a day of riding, equestrians can relax at local establishments. One camper mentioned, "We even visited Belle's brewery on our way home" after camping and riding at Fort Custer, making it a perfect addition to a weekend horse camping trip.
Enjoy beach activities: When not on horseback, Brighton Recreation Area offers water recreation options. "The lake has water activities you can pay extra for if you would like to do that," explains Melissa M., highlighting the versatility of the camping experience.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern offers campsites that accommodate horse trailers. "The camp sites were nice, there was a nice swimming area in crystal clear water and a beautiful bathhouse," writes Kevin C., though he notes "mosquitoes were pretty bad" in the evening.
Privacy between campsites: Campers appreciate the natural separation at many locations. At Waterloo, "The property is very well maintained with a nice park and clean bathrooms. The trees offer shade, but are spaced out enough that a group can pull their campers around for privacy," according to Jonah H.
Proximity to riding trails: Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground offers trail access for day rides. Nathan V. describes it as having "many options to choose from in terms of camping, from rustic, tent to fully functional cabin lodging," making it suitable for equestrians with different comfort preferences.
What you should know
Extension cords required: Some campgrounds have electrical posts placed far from actual sites. At Sleepy Hollow, Nick W. found that "most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension."
Seasonal insect concerns: Bug protection is essential, especially in wooded areas. "There are TONS of mosquitos," warns Rebecca M. about Brighton Recreation Area's rustic sites, suggesting that equestrians bring appropriate protection for themselves and their horses.
Variable electrical capacity: During hot weather, air conditioning use can strain campground electrical systems. At Eaton County Fairgrounds, campers find "only $20 nightly, full hookup, nice wooded sites" according to Northstorm T., but be prepared for potential electrical limitations during peak usage.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Many campgrounds cater to families with children. Kim S. from Hell Creek Ranch & Campground shared, "Spent 4 nights and 5 days camping with my husband and 2 kids. We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground."
Equestrian learning opportunities: Some locations offer horseback riding lessons for children. Ashley S. mentions that Hell Creek has "a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here."
Pack insect protection: Screen houses prove essential for family comfort in wooded areas. Ryan F. observed at Brighton Recreation Area: "When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up. We didn't have anything but our tent and a hammock with a big net so everyone got bitten up while cooking and hanging out by the fire."
Tips from RVers
Dump station planning: Fort Custer offers electric-only hookups, requiring use of the dump station. According to VB S., "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," suggesting RVers should plan water usage accordingly.
Site selection strategy: When booking at Waterloo Recreation Area, consider sun exposure. Beth G. notes about her experience, "Site was a little small for our 38foot - we had to go sideways which opened us up to other campers. Not my favorite."
Early arrival recommended: Particularly during peak season, arrive early to secure desirable spots at Eaton County Fairgrounds. "Pull in and pick your own site and the site manager will come by and collect your money for night stayed," explains Joann S., adding that the campground is "very clean and well organized."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Charlotte, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Charlotte, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Charlotte, MI is Eaton County Fairgrounds with a 3.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Charlotte, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Charlotte, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Charlotte, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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