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Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead provides free camping sites with toilets for visitors traveling with horses near Chatham, Michigan. The campground accommodates tents and RVs with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access. Horses are allowed at the trailhead area, which serves as both a campground and an entry point to the local trail system. While the site lacks amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, or dedicated horse corrals, it offers a practical base camp for riders exploring the surrounding Hiawatha National Forest trails. Pets are permitted at this no-reservation camping area where campfires are allowed.
The Hiawatha National Forest offers multiple options for horse riders seeking camping near Chatham. The forest trails connect to various lakes and scenic areas, with several dispersed camping options available throughout the region. Iron Jaw Lake Dispersed Campsite, located between two lakes, provides another option for horse owners with basic amenities including toilets and camping spots that can accommodate smaller trailers. Visitors need to be self-sufficient as these sites lack drinking water or hookups. The access roads can sometimes be challenging with down trees blocking routes in early season, but multiple pull-out spots along forest roads provide opportunities for dispersed camping. Cell service is limited throughout the area, with spotty coverage depending on carrier and specific location.
"Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway."
"There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days."
"Went all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away."
"Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin."
"I have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds."
"This campground is very close to trailhead. Well maintained, decent wifi. Don't expect any Verizon cell coverage here. Sites are nice and large, staff is friendly and the bar has good food"
from $33 - $55 / night
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RangerWent all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away. Thought the skeeters were insane, but this time of year, it's to be expected.
ScoutGreat site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem. Totally legit dispersed camp site. Will definely be going back. Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day. It is the end of the road though so no one was driving to fast and it didn't cause any issues.
TravelerWas slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway. Sites are fairly spacious but don’t have any of the hookups or amenities mentioned on the site profile - some do have rudimentary fire pits though. There are 3 sites in total. Ground is flat enough to comfortably tent camp. Camp in early September, bugs were minimal. At times the night was eerily silent, at other times I heard dirt bikes and tractor trailers in the distance, also heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice.
TravelerI have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds. I found this place on a whim years ago... and now JackPine has a special place in my heart.
When I need to truly rest my bones, this is my go to in this neck of the woods.
Clean and warm cabins, modern and rustic campsites, bathhouse, a super cool bar, cold beer, great food and nothing but exceptional and friendly staff. Not to mention... WIFI throughout the property. When you go to the bar- be sure to grab a JackPine Burger and fries.
I have traveled almost every corner of The Yoop. I have not found a campground (of the modern and resort nature) that nearly compares to this place. Not in quality of stay or the constant desire to return.
ScoutThe site only gives you coordinates that are actually an hour away from the site. There is no real address to get there. We pulled in pretty late, had a rough long drive so we got to where we thought it was at around 11:30 pm. Then we can’t find the site, so we go to the website and it gives us strange directions to somewhere an hour away. As we drove out there, we lost all service, were on dirt roads and we were miles past any signs of civilization. We started to get a strange feeling but we trekked on. Suddenly it gets very foggy and spooky looking and we all debate turning back, but still we keep going. Finally, we turn onto the road that it is on, just a ways down, and the stop sign is filled with bullet holes however we haven’t seen a single sign of people out there. We keep going and finally decide this all seems like an elaborate ploy to lure campers in and kill them. We decide to turn around and end up in some weird abandoned summer camp, still around thirty minutes left on the road to get to the actual site. We decide there are far too many creepy signs pointing towards this not being a good idea then as we leave and get service back, we look up the site and realize there are zero reviews at all. The site doesn’t exist on google except for these camping sites, with the same two photos only on every site and zero reviews. As we are driving away, we get an email at one am saying “hello your site is still empty, please enjoy your stay” as if there was someone waiting for us at the site even though it was a remote site with no formal check in. How did they know we were not at the site yet? And what are the chances they email us right as we turn around? I’m glad we didn’t end up staying, we all had a horrible gut feeling and I suggest no one else stay here either. Nothing about it seemed legit or safe.
ScoutLong nice road with a few pull offs once you are close to the end there is one official site with a table and fire circle. Is first come first serve but if you keep driving down there are two different boat launches with room to park/camp. We stayed in our car just in case. NOTE! the camp site is closed for updates until the end of October apparently. No service with mint
GuideThis campground is very close to trailhead. Well maintained, decent wifi. Don't expect any Verizon cell coverage here. Sites are nice and large, staff is friendly and the bar has good food
ScoutWe only found 2 pull in sites and took the first one. We were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it. There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days.
ScoutJust want an overnight stay and are self contained it’s perfect. We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn’t go much bigger.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Chatham, Michigan provide access to the western Upper Peninsula's wooded terrain with elevations ranging from 600-900 feet. The area features mixed northern hardwood forests interspersed with small lakes and wetlands. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-80°F while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below 40°F.
Trail riding access: Hiawatha National Forest offers extensive horse-friendly trails connecting multiple lakes. "We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves. It was gorgeous," notes one visitor about Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite, highlighting the sometimes challenging but rewarding access.
Lake exploration: The region contains multiple small lakes perfect for fishing and paddling. At Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping, one camper reported, "Just off M-28, down the right side road a bit you will see campfire remnants and a spot where people tend to park on the left," making it an accessible base for water activities.
Stargazing: Limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "At times the night was eerily silent... I heard a pack of coyotes at one point," writes a camper about their Hickey Marsh experience, describing the remote setting ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Solitude and privacy: The dispersed sites offer isolation from crowds. "Just want an overnight stay and are self contained it's perfect. We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger," notes a visitor about Hickey Marsh, emphasizing the secluded nature of these sites.
Accessibility to trails: For equestrian camping near Chatham, Michigan, the direct access to trail systems is a significant advantage. "There is direct trail access from the property, and they provide a free ORV hand washing station and air for tires," mentions a guest at Jack Pine Lodge and Campground, which also accommodates riders.
Central location: The strategic positioning between attractions appeals to explorers. "Solid spot. About 10min from Munising," states a Hickey Marsh visitor, noting its convenient location for accessing regional destinations.
Cell service variability: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the area. "T-Mobile cell services was very good. I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited," reports a Hickey Marsh visitor, providing insight on both connectivity and pest conditions.
Road conditions: Forest roads can present challenges, especially early in the season. "Long nice road with a few pull offs once you are close to the end there is one official site with a table and fire circle," explains a visitor to Ironjaw Lake, detailing the approach to the camping area.
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack basic services. "Sites are fairly spacious but don't have any of the hookups or amenities mentioned on the site profile - some do have rudimentary fire pits though," clarifies a Catchin' Crickets Campground visitor, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency.
Weather preparation: The UP experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "Clean and warm cabins, modern and rustic campsites, bathhouse, a super cool bar, cold beer, great food and nothing but exceptional and friendly staff," notes a visitor at Jack Pine Lodge, highlighting options for those seeking more comfort.
Wildlife awareness: The area hosts diverse wildlife including coyotes and deer. "I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice," reports a Hickey Marsh camper, suggesting appropriate food storage and animal awareness is essential.
Alternative accommodations: For those new to horse camping near Chatham, consider established campgrounds. "Clean, sites are level. I was charged $45 for a site with electricity. A site without is $35," explains a visitor to Catchin' Crickets, offering a more structured option.
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "We only found 2 pull in sites and took the first one. We were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it," shares a Hickey Marsh visitor about their setup constraints.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at primitive sites. "Ground is flat enough to comfortably tent camp," notes a Hickey Marsh camper, suggesting basic assessment of site conditions before setup.
Full-service alternatives: RVers seeking more amenities should consider established campgrounds. "I love that the campsites are not on top of each other and there are trees between the neighboring campsite. They cut trees branches to clean open spots for RVs. Most sites have water/sewage and 30 or 50amp service," describes a visitor at Jack Pine Lodge, offering a contrast to dispersed options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chatham, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chatham, MI is Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chatham, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Chatham, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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