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 Dimondale, MI
14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground offers trail access for equestrians with miles of designated bridle trails throughout the park, making it one of the top-rated horse camping destinations near Dimondale, MI. The campground maintains clean and well-kept restrooms with showers and electrical hookups at campsites. Riders frequently mention the quality of the horse trails and the privacy of the campsites, which feature trees on three sides providing natural boundaries. The park strictly enforces quiet hours, making it suitable for campers seeking a peaceful environment. Accessible water spigots are distributed throughout the camping area, though extension cords may be necessary to reach electrical outlets from some sites.
Horse trails connect to the main camping areas, allowing riders direct access to Lake Ovid and surrounding woodland terrain. The park accommodates both tent and RV camping with horse trailers, though the beach and lake facilities are approximately half a mile from the main campground. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, particularly after heavy rainfall when some areas may become muddy. The DNR actively patrols the grounds, ensuring rules are followed. Sleepy Hollow provides year-round camping options with peak season running from April through October. The multiple trail systems allow for various riding experiences ranging from beginner to more advanced terrain, making it suitable for different skill levels and riding preferences.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Dimondale (14)
1. 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 Availability2. Eaton County Fairgrounds
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
3. 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 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. Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Campground Review: Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."
"Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. 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 $38 - $43 / night
Check Availability7. 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 Availability8. 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"
9. 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."
10. Waterloo Recreation Area Cabins — Waterloo Recreation Area
from $100 - $160 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 8 min from Lansing, MI
- 38 min from Jackson, MI
- 46 min from Battle Creek, MI
- 53 min from Ann Arbor, MI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Dimondale, MI
1 Photos of 14 Dimondale Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Dimondale, MI
156 Reviews of 14 Dimondale 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.
- 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
- JJacob B.
ScoutSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Best hiking trails within 1gour drive of the state capital
Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital
fishing ,boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails,
Geocaching available.
- 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 Dimondale
Equestrian camping near Dimondale, Michigan centers around several state recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The region features a mix of woodland terrain, lakes, and wetlands with elevations ranging from 800-900 feet above sea level. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October due to Michigan's cold winters and wet springs that can affect trail conditions.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: At Waterloo Recreation Area, riders can explore extensive bridle paths. "There are lots of trails within reach and a horse riding stable if that is your thing. We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids," notes Joanie C.
Fishing spots: Multiple lakes offer angling opportunities. "Fishing is good here for some largemouth bass, and huge blueguils," reports Michael P. about Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground. Many lakes prohibit motorized watercraft, ensuring quiet fishing conditions.
Hiking networks: The region features interconnected trail systems. Jacob B. describes Fort Custer Recreation Area as having the "best hiking trails within 1 hour drive of the state capital" and mentions "geocaching available" as an additional activity for hikers exploring the area.
What campers like
Beach access: Waterfront camping provides swimming options. "Nice beach but you have to walk a short distance to get there. Bathrooms are clean, paved roads and grass sites," says Ricky C. about Sleepy Hollow State Park.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate natural separation. At Brighton Recreation Area, "Site M18 of the rustic site, Murray Lake... was large and had a picnic table and fire pit," according to Rebecca M., though she warns visitors to "bring bug spray" as there are "TONS of mosquitos."
Seasonal activities: Fall camping is particularly popular. At Fort Custer Recreation Area, Bob B. recalls "this is where I spent my summers growing up. But I've never found another campground with such a great mix of secluded sites, but still opportunities to meet and party with fellow camper."
What you should know
Electrical hookup challenges: Many campsites require extension cords. "Be sure to bring at least 100 feet of extension chord if you want electricity, because the power ports are not as accessible from some areas," advises Nathan V. about Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground.
Water access considerations: Beach areas can be distant from campsites. At Bishop Lake Campground, "the beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive," according to Debra B., who added "Nice walking trails. Our favorite was the lake for kayaking."
Weather preparedness: Michigan's variable conditions affect camping comfort. "We stayed during very hot weather at the beginning of July 2020... Our site backed up to trees and I can't recall seeing our neighbors to the left or right. Because we didn't get any shade from the nearby trees we had to run the ac," reports Amy D.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and facilities: Family-friendly areas provide kid activities. Stephanie C. says Sleepy Hollow "isn't much to do in the area, but if you are all about sticking around the campground, it is a fun place to be. There is a beach and playground, but it is quite the walk from the campground."
Halloween events: Seasonal celebrations attract families. According to Stephanie C., "Every year they put together an awesome Halloween trick or treat weekend, but be sure to book the day of six months before because otherwise you will not get a site."
Swimming options: Lakes provide natural swimming areas. At Hell Creek Ranch & Campground, Julie B. notes they have a "Pool, showers, restrooms are very clean," adding that "if you stay around awhile they treat you like family!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose campsites with shade when possible. Kevin C. found Waterloo Recreation Area to be "a campground that we stayed at on our way to the northern part of the state. This for me, was a place that I would like to come back to for a longer stay. The camp sites were nice, there was a nice swimming area in crystal clear water."
Seasonal differences: Spring camping may bring moisture challenges. Mike W. explains that at Sleepy Hollow, "Normally we go closer to the fall and it is a great park. This time, however, we could tell that the staff does not keep up on it as much. The firepit was surrounded by water."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical services vary by campground. Lisa D. notes that at Hell Creek Ranch, "The site we had was very large and pretty level. The price we paid was W/E $30/night. Cannot beat that for a fun getaway on a budget!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Dimondale, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dimondale, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dimondale, MI is Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Dimondale, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dimondale, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Dimondale, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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