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Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead offers direct access to horse riding trails within the Hiawatha National Forest near Deerton, Michigan. The free dispersed camping area accommodates both tents and RVs with horse-friendly policies throughout the grounds. While no dedicated horse corrals are available, the trailhead provides sufficient space for trailer parking and temporary horse containment. The campground maintains basic amenities including vault toilets but lacks drinking water, hookups, and trash collection. The location serves primarily as a base camp for riders accessing the extensive network of forest service trails that wind through the Upper Peninsula's wooded landscape.
The equine trail system connecting to Hovey Lake Trailhead traverses varied terrain suitable for riders of different experience levels. Forest service roads provide additional riding opportunities with less technical difficulty than some woodland trails. Campers must bring their own water for both personal use and for horses, as no water sources are available at the campground. Portable electric fencing is permitted for creating temporary paddocks in designated areas. The isolated location offers quiet camping with minimal traffic, though mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months. Horse owners should pack out all manure and feed waste as part of standard equestrian camping etiquette in the national forest. Winter access becomes limited after significant snowfall when roads may not be maintained.
"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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GuideWent 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 Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead sits within the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where elevations range from 600 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The forest encompasses nearly one million acres with mixed hardwood and conifer stands that provide habitat for white-tailed deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Winter temperatures commonly drop below 0°F with heavy lake effect snow, while summer brings moderate temperatures typically between 65-80°F during daylight hours.
Trail riding beyond the trailhead: Equestrian camping near Deerton, Michigan connects riders to an extensive network beyond Hovey Lake Trailhead. "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," reports Tim at Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping, suggesting the quiet, low-traffic environment extends to nearby trail systems.
Explore neighboring lakes: The area between Ironjaw Lake and surrounding waterways offers unique opportunities for horse riders and campers. "Great site located between two lakes... Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day," notes Ben L. about Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite, highlighting the multi-lake access within riding distance.
Winter snowmobile access: During winter months, some camping areas convert to snowmobile-friendly destinations. "It has direct trail access from the property, and they provide a free ORV hand washing station and air for tires," explains Erika P. from Jack Pine Lodge and Campground, showcasing amenities that complement seasonal recreational transitions in the region.
Secluded camping experience: Horse campers appreciate the isolation of dispersed sites. "This is a great spot, very private and easy to access. T-Mobile cell services was very good. I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited," shares Amy Y. about Hickey Marsh, highlighting connectivity despite remoteness.
Wildlife encounters: The forest setting provides natural encounters while camping with horses. "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," describes Kevin D., illustrating the authentic wilderness experience at Hickey Marsh.
Spacious sites for trailers: Many horseback riders value the room to maneuver with large rigs. "We were lucky, we went pre-season. 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," reports Willow M. about Ironjaw Lake, noting the extra space available during off-peak times.
Limited facilities: Most equestrian sites offer basic amenities only. "Clean, sites are level. I was charged $45 for a site with electricity. A site without is $35 or at least this is what I was asked to pay. Host is friendly. Trees need some time to grow larger to provide any shade," explains Arash F. about Catchin' Crickets Campground, contrasting with the more rustic options.
Navigation challenges: Finding some horse-friendly sites requires advance planning. "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," advises Ben L. regarding Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite.
Insect preparation: Horse owners should prepare for seasonal pests. "This year, the gnats were just about unbearable, but no fault of the campground (welcome to the UP)... I would definitely stay here again, but I will bring my netted gazebo, to keep the gnats and flies at bay," recommends Lora H. from Jack Pine Lodge.
Choose established sites for first visits: Families new to horse camping should consider more developed options initially. "Clean and warm cabins, modern and rustic campsites, bathhouse, a super cool bar, cold beer, great food and nothing but exceptional and friendly staff," describes Richie C. about Jack Pine Lodge, showing family-friendly amenities not found at pure dispersed sites.
Plan for weather extremes: Upper Peninsula conditions can change rapidly, especially with children. "Nice and cool for august," notes Chris M. about Jack Pine Lodge, highlighting the cooler temperatures even in summer months that may require extra clothing layers.
Pet considerations: Many horse-friendly sites welcome dogs too. "Great place to bring a friendly dog. Plenty of space/other dogs here," shares Hannah P., providing insight for families bringing both equine and canine companions to the Deerton area.
Size restrictions: Horse trailers with living quarters face limitations at some sites. "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," advises Tim about maneuvering at Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping.
Expect variable road conditions: Access roads to equestrian sites may require preparation. "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. No signage and only saw 2 pre used spots as another review said," explains Hunter W. about Hickey Marsh, describing unmarked entry points typical of horse-friendly dispersed camping around Deerton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Deerton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Deerton, MI is Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Deerton, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Deerton, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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