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Ortonville Equestrian Campground offers rustic camping facilities specifically for horse owners. Located in Ortonville Recreation Area, this popular horse-friendly campground includes designated equestrian campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, though the sites are more suited for smaller recreational vehicles. Riders report finding at least one tick per night during summer stays, making thorough checks of both humans and animals essential. The campground layout features both main camping areas and a separate staging section for day-use riders, creating a functional space for both overnight and visiting equestrians. No electric hookups, showers, or water hookups are available at the sites, making this a truly primitive equestrian camping experience.
The campground provides direct access to multiple trail systems that wind through the recreation area. Horse owners can access two great lakes within riding distance, creating opportunities for scenic rides and water access for animals. Trails throughout the area are well-maintained and suitable for riders of varying experience levels. The recreation area remains open year-round, allowing for extended seasonal riding opportunities when weather permits. While the campground itself maintains a basic setup, the quality of the surrounding trail network makes it a popular destination for riders seeking wilderness experiences without traveling far from metropolitan areas. The staging area provides convenient space for horse trailers, though riders should bring their own water and supplies as amenities are minimal. The camp's rustic nature appeals particularly to group equestrian camping enthusiasts looking for an authentic outdoor experience.
"The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit."
"Always a great local retreat away from our hectic daily life. Don’t have to travel far to find some nature. Most sites generously sized, hookups available, clean restrooms."
"Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating."
"The grounds are huge with bike/hike trails, a lake and a disc golf course. Mountain biking seems to be very popular there are dirt trails off the paved hiking loop."
"This is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn.."
"Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store."
"An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"The campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings."
"There are over 20 sites, about half of which are located lake side (not directly on the lake, but there are little paths that lead you there and you can somewhat see the water from these sites.)"
"Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. "
"Large play areas, dog run, basketball court, lots of walking trails, and family friendly."
"The location is pretty great, off the beaten path but, within 30 minutes of major stores and conveniences. "
"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 $17 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity!"
"This is one of our family's favorite close to home sites. Extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around. Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding."
LegendThe campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. 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.
GuideVery nice sites. Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store. Equestrian trails and I hear they have a remote control airplane field and shooting range.
GuideThis is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn..
ScoutA very quiet campground. The sites are spread out and only 2 vehicles per site are allowed. The East campground is more open and had 3 small cabins that can be rented. The West camping is more wooded and isolated. An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible.
TravelerThis was our first time camping. The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit. Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not to close to the people next to us and trees behind us. We had privacy and it was quiet. The people we did talk to were all very friendly. We heard the showers were decent but we used our own. I would stay again.
ScoutThis is a fabulous campground! There are over 20 sites, about half of which are located lake side (not directly on the lake, but there are little paths that lead you there and you can somewhat see the water from these sites.) There is a boat launch on one end of campground and the amazing beach on the other. The water is clear and warm (perfect lake for swimming) and there is both sand and grassy areas on the fairly large beach. The beach also offers picnic tables and benches. The only negative aspect I can see about this campground is that the sites are right on top of each other, so if you have a loud group or a generator next to you, it is noisy. But most campgrounds have sites set real close together, so you will find this pretty much everywhere. Def camp here! About an hours drive from a Pictured Rocks National Park. There are no showers or running water. Camp hosts were very nice, helpful, & welcoming.
LegendVibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites.
Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets.
Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about.
General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring.
Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places.
Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord.
Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.
RangerCampground 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. There are two rustic campgrounds as well down the road. When we went to go get a campsite (you can reserve online for an $8 fee) they told us that the upper campground would be the better choice, due to the heavy rain that had come through earlier. It was the perfect choice! Our campsite was spacious, with a few pine trees for shade. If you have a hammock, the outer edge of campsites would be perfect. Only downside to our campsite was the distance between the picnic table and the fire pit. The bathrooms and showers are in the lower campground, but it’s a 5 minute walk or 30sec drive to them. They were clean, stocked with toilet paper and the showers were warm. There’s a ton of hiking trails, a boat launch and boat rental, as well as the beach and inflatable water park. Overall a great little nature spot in the middle of the Brighton area.
Gear Review: As a ranger for The Dyrt, I sometimes get sent awesome gear that I could use and try for my upcoming trip. This time I got to try the equinox hoodie from Eclipse Sun Products (https://eclipseglove.com/collections/all-eclipse-sun-products/products/equinox-hoodie-beach-cover-up). This hoodie is super super lightweight, and the open sides allow for a nice breeze on hot days. Of course, their main feature is the 50+ UPF fabric used in not just the hoodie, but all of Eclipses sun products. I am a melanoma survivor, so having something lightweight, but protective, is so great. It’s one size fits all, and while it fits me great at 5’5, I have also heard from other taller people that it fits them great as well. It does the job well, and while I live in Michigan and it only got to about 75°, I could feel it keeping the sun off my skin. Totally recommend the equinox hoodie!!
GuideTenting at its finest... brother his wife and 5 kids my husband at the time and 4 kids reserved a group area and had a blast teaching and showing those who had never camped how fun it could be!! No cell/internet service but that was perfect!! Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity! Learned how to ensure food was safe and tucked away from coons along with the good ole fashion porta potties .... nothing Lysol can can’t fix there but with a total of 8 males (6 being under 18....) always have a can of Lysol when porta potties were in our future lol Definitely would go back when ready for a”rustic” camping event!
Ortonville Equestrian Campground serves horse owners in southeastern Michigan with rustic facilities and direct trail access. The campground offers equestrian-specific sites equipped for both tent and smaller RV camping. Located within the 5,400-acre Ortonville Recreation Area, the campground provides riders access to approximately 17 miles of trails through varied terrain including mature forests and open meadows. Vault toilets are available, but no electric or water hookups are provided at individual sites.
Trail riding through diverse landscapes: From the Ortonville Equestrian Campground, riders can access multiple trail systems that wind through woods and open fields. At nearby Seven Lakes State Park Campground, visitors enjoy varied terrain: "Seven Lakes has a great hike that takes you all around the lake, as well as smaller loops. You can find challenging hikes or an easy path."
Fishing at nearby lakes: Several lakes provide fishing opportunities within a short drive. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, anglers report good conditions: "The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive." The recreation area maintains boat launches and shore fishing areas throughout the park.
Wildlife viewing: The recreation areas surrounding Dryden offer abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. At Highland State Recreation Area, visitors have reported significant wildlife encounters: "We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail! There's a quiet lake perfect for unwinding after a long day."
Private, rustic sites: Equestrian camping near Dryden appeals to those seeking a basic outdoor experience. Highland State Recreation Area offers "extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around. Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Lovely little no wake lake perfect for swimming, fishing or paddling."
Swimming access: Several recreation areas provide lake access for swimming after trail rides. At Addison Oaks County Park, visitors appreciate the water features: "Tons of trails for hiking and biking. They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean."
Trail connectivity: The network of trails connecting campgrounds to surrounding natural areas receives consistent praise. One visitor to Bishop Lake Campground noted: "Our campsite had a view of the lake, but no shade. The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive. Nice walking trails. Our favorite was the lake for kayaking."
Seasonal considerations: Bugs can be prevalent during summer months. A camper at Pontiac Lake noted: "There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray. Also make sure that all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear."
Limited amenities: Most equestrian campgrounds in this region provide only basic facilities. The Ortonville facility specifically offers no showers, electric hookups, or water connections at campsites. As one Highland Recreation Area visitor noted: "This rustic campground is obviously well-tended and has an almost magical feel to it. It's private, quiet, and full of wildlife. There are two paved sites for handicapped accessibility, running water, a dumpster, and two outhouses."
Reservation requirements: Most state park campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak season. Some parks have designated areas for day-use riders separate from overnight campers, allowing for efficient use of limited parking areas for horse trailers.
Bring activities for non-riders: Not all family members may want to ride horses. At Covenant Hills Camp families have multiple options: "Good, quiet campground (unless your on a site around the playground) lots to keep the kids busy, bonus ice cream store."
Choose sites with shade when possible: During summer months, temperatures can reach into the mid-80s. A Highland Recreation Area camper advised: "There is only one site with a tree so don't expect shade on a sunny day. It's a good park setting however, with nice beaches and great fishing."
Plan for tick prevention: Horse camps typically have higher tick populations due to the equine presence. Regular tick checks for both people and animals should be performed, particularly after trail rides. Wearing light-colored clothing makes spotting ticks easier before they attach.
Site accessibility considerations: Most equestrian campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "The campground was full but quiet. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water. Site 71 wasn't the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation."
Water and waste management: Since many equestrian campgrounds lack hookups, RVers should arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks. Some facilities have communal water sources but may not offer convenient dump stations. At Bishop Lake Campground, visitors note: "This is a larger state park with full size sites for RVs. There is electric on each site along with fire rings and picnic tables."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dryden, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dryden, MI is Addison Oaks County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dryden, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Dryden, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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