11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground near Traverse City contains separate equestrian camping areas that accommodate horses and riders. The trail camp section allows equestrians to claim as much space as needed without designated site numbers, following a self-registration payment system. Horse owners have direct access to miles of riding trails through the surrounding state forest. The campground includes vault toilets and hand pump water sources but lacks electric hookups or shower facilities. Campsites remain widely spaced throughout the wooded grounds, creating privacy between camping groups even during peak season.
Located along the Boardman River, this horse-friendly campground provides multiple terrain options for trail riding within the forest system. The equestrian-specific camping area remains separate from the standard campground section, allowing horse owners more flexibility for setting up corrals or tie-outs. Riders can access numerous trail miles directly from the campground without trailering. The campground operates seasonally from May 1st through October 15th, with the honor system payment method requiring cash deposits. The river access point offers opportunities for tubing or swimming horses after trail rides. During off-peak periods, equestrian campers often find themselves with minimal neighboring campers, creating a secluded forest camping experience with excellent stargazing opportunities when weather permits.
"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people)."
"I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."
"Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir."
"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
"Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
"Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."
"The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."
"The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Watch the sunset from your tent on top of a 40 foot over lake MI."
RangerWe stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground. This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean. The campground seemed to have a lot if unnecessary traffic.
TravelerThere are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.
The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).
The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.
There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.
The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.
There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.
TravelerI like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It’s a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers (my particular interest). The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area). Large wooded sites. Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS.
Negatives: can be noisy at times with the ATVs and also large camping groups. But for the most part I’ve found ppl to be respectful. A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected.
Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain.
GuideCant count how many times i've been here. Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir. Rustic, cheap, horse friendly, out house, and pleanty of forest and lake to explore.
GuideTurtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade. We will definitely be staying here again! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites.
GuideThis is a great horse camp. Have camped here many times. Pump water and river for horses. Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty.
ScoutFamily friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too.
ScoutQuiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups
GuideTrail camp but no horses the night I was there. Lots of open space, spots aren’t really numbered. A couple nice hike/bike trails spur off the campground. Lots of traffic in the area through the night (ORV and mudding trucks). Bathrooms are nice. Only a few water front spots.
Equestrian camping near Eastport, Michigan offers access to extensive trail networks through northern Michigan's hardwood forests. The region sits within the northwestern Lower Peninsula, featuring rolling terrain at elevations between 600-1,200 feet with abundant state forest land. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with higher humidity levels near the numerous inland lakes and rivers.
Trail riding access: Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp provides direct access to trails through surrounding state forest. "We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the 'horse' portion of the campground. This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean," notes Judy B. at Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp.
River activities: Float down the Boardman River with tubes or kayaks after a day of riding. "Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest. Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system," reports Anna B. about camping near the water.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural location offers excellent night sky viewing when weather permits. "This campground is in some lower ground, with a beautiful river running though it. It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy," shares Judy B. about her experience at Scheck's Place State Forest Campground.
Mixed-use trail system: The extensive network accommodates multiple user types. "This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It's a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers. The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area)," explains Jay F.
Riverside camping: Sites along waterways rank among the most sought-after. "I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City," adds Jay F. about Scheck's Place Trail Camp.
Spacious camping areas: Horse campers appreciate the ample room for trailers and equipment. "Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate $35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites. Water on all outside sites," reports Lon L. about the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds.
Self-registration system: Many state forest campgrounds operate on honor systems. "Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system. Lots of shade and when we were there not busy at all," advises Anna B.
Limited facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds provide basic amenities only. "Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS," explains Jay F.
Site selection considerations: Some campsites may flood during heavy rainfall. "A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected. Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain," notes Jay F. at Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities beyond riding trails. "Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade," recommends Chris R. at Turtle Lake Campground.
Safety considerations: Some river access points require supervision for younger children. "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn't recommend for 6 and under," cautions Paul C.
Wildlife education opportunities: The region offers chances to observe local animal species. "This campground is called Turtle Lake for obvious reasons - when my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times. A bit of a surprise to see their size!" shares Allison H.
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "Our site had a fair bit of slope side to side, which I mentioned to the person that led us to our site. He said they'd look into it," notes Ray & Terri F. at Gaylord KOA.
Satellite and internet connectivity: Heavily wooded areas affect signal reception. "The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location. We had marginal views of the southern and northern skies, but we were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site," adds Ray & Terri F.
Campground access: Road conditions vary significantly between facilities. "Sites not paved and entrance roads not paved!!!" reports Neil about one facility, while others note well-maintained access routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Eastport, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Eastport, MI is Gaylord KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Eastport, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Eastport, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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