Equestrian Camping near Columbus, MI

Ortonville Equestrian Campground features 25 rustic sites specifically designed for horse campers with straightforward amenities that support equestrian activities. Located within the 5,400-acre Ortonville Recreation Area, the campground sits 1,050 feet above sea level, providing trail riders with varied terrain across woodlands and open fields. Winter camping remains available but with reduced services and potentially challenging conditions for horse trailers during snowy periods.

What to do

Horseback riding on designated trails: The Ortonville Equestrian Campground offers extensive trail systems specifically designed for riders. "The campground itself isn't really much to write home about (unless you have horses that is). The lakes and launches are however very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area," notes Kate K.

Mountain biking on challenging terrain: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area maintains trails that attract serious mountain bikers. "Extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports," shares Mary H. Christie V. adds that the park has "world class mountain bike trails" that draw cyclists from throughout the region.

Fishing in multiple lakes: The recreation areas near Columbus contain several fishing spots with various species. At Covenant Hills Camp, visitors report catching "a lot of pike" according to camper C P., while Highland Recreation Area offers "nice beaches and great fishing" as noted by Marcy D.

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the natural screening between sites. At Highland State Recreation Area, Brett B. describes the atmosphere as "private, quiet, and full of wildlife" and mentions that "this rustic campground is obviously well-tended and has an almost magical feel to it."

Spacious camping areas: Horse campers need room, and the sites deliver adequate space. Jennifer H. notes that Highland has "extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around," which works well for equestrian campers who need space for equipment.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural areas around Columbus attract diverse wildlife. Adrienne C. reports an exciting encounter at Highland State Recreation Area: "We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!" The area also maintains habitat for deer and other woodland creatures.

What you should know

Limited amenities at horse camps: Equestrian campsites typically offer basics only. Kate K. explains that at Ortonville, you'll find "rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings" but not much else, making it important to pack accordingly.

Seasonal considerations: While camping is technically available year-round at many sites, facilities and access vary by season. At Addison Oaks County Park, Barb L. notes the park "offers nice holiday activities - we were last there for Halloween camping," showing how seasonal programming can enhance your experience.

Water access varies by location: Not all campgrounds have convenient water access. Renee R. points out that at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "the lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive," which requires planning for horse riders who need water for their animals.

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated activity areas: Oakland County Addison Oaks provides numerous family activities. Tim O. describes it as "family friendly, very clean and maintained. Bike and boat rental, children's playground and activities."

Consider noise levels at horse camps: Equestrian campgrounds can be busy with animal activity. Tammy P. recommends facilities like Covenant Hills as a place to "unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity!" when looking for a family-friendly alternative to horse camping.

Pack for rustic conditions: Most horse camps have minimal facilities. At Highland State Recreation Area, Jennifer H. appreciates the "extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding" and the "lovely little no wake lake perfect for swimming, fishing or paddling," but reminds families to prepare for basic conditions.

Tips from RVers

Check site dimensions for trailers: Horse trailers require adequate space and proper parking surfaces. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Sam H. notes that "the spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation," which can make maneuvering large rigs challenging.

Plan for hookup locations: Some sites have inconveniently placed utilities. Mary H. warns about Pontiac Lake: "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad."

Consider alternative campgrounds for larger RVs: For those with both horses and large RVs, traditional campgrounds might work better. Richard T. describes staying at Oakland County Addison Oaks "in the more wilderness area D with lots of trees and sites for tents or back-in trailers," noting that "sites have electricity and water and are well spaced out."