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Scheck's Place State Forest Campground offers equestrian camping facilities as part of its dedicated trail camp section. Horse owners can utilize spacious sites with ample room for trailers, allowing riders to take as much space as needed for their animals and equipment. The campground is situated along the Boardman River with direct access to miles of horse trails through the state forest. The trail camp operates on a self-service honor payment system, with riders dropping money in a collection box before selecting their site. Equestrians appreciate the relative privacy, as the campground rarely gets crowded, with typically only one or two people with horses present during most visits.
The trail network connecting to Scheck's Place provides extensive riding opportunities through Michigan's northern forests. Vault toilets and a hand pump well for water are available, though no electric hookups or shower facilities exist at this primitive camping area. The campground's location about 30 minutes from Traverse City makes it accessible while maintaining a secluded forest setting. Horse trails intersect with the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail, offering extended riding routes. The river access provides a convenient water source and recreation opportunity, with some campers enjoying tubing down the river after riding. The campground's layout accommodates both overnight equestrians and those passing through on longer trail rides, making it a versatile base for horse camping adventures in northern Michigan.
"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
"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"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"Watch the sunset from your tent on top of a 40 foot over lake MI."
"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
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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.
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
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.
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 opportunities abound in northern Michigan's forested landscapes. About 30 miles from Ellsworth, the Pigeon River State Forest offers camping near Michigan's elk herd, with over 100,000 acres of wilderness and marked horse trails. The area receives approximately 33 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush conditions for the extensive trail networks connecting several horse-friendly campgrounds.
Trail riding access: At Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, riders can explore numerous connecting forest paths. "Rustic, cheap, horse friendly, out house, and pleanty of forest and lake to explore," notes camper Dalton B. The trail system includes water crossings and varied terrain.
River tubing: After a day of riding, cool off in the nearby rivers. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down," writes Gemma G. about the trail camp at Scheck's Place State Forest Campground. The Boardman River provides gentle currents suitable for casual floating.
Overnight trail experiences: Some equestrians use these camps as waypoints on longer journeys. Lake Dubonnet welcomes horse travelers, as Judy B. explains: "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."
Spacious sites: Horse campers appreciate the open layouts. "You can take as much space as you need and there is access to the river," notes a review from Sturgeon Valley Campground, highlighting how sites accommodate trailers without cramped conditions.
Quiet atmosphere: Most equestrian campgrounds maintain a peaceful environment. Anna B. describes Scheck's Place as a "Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest... when we were there not busy at all." This low-density camping experience gives horses and riders room to relax.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. According to Judy B., Lake Dubonnet is "fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy." Riders often gather around campfires after sunset to enjoy the stars.
Self-service payment: Many equestrian camps operate on honor systems. At Scheck's Place, "You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want," explains Gemma G.
Limited amenities: Prepare for primitive conditions. "Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS," warns Jay F. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground. Most horse camps offer only basic facilities.
Seasonal considerations: Plan for varying weather conditions. "Beware of the bugs! Also, there is no cell service," cautions Halie C. about Pigeon River. Spring brings mud and insects, while fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer pests.
Water activities: Combine horse camping with water recreation. Kate K. recommends Pigeon River State Forest: "So pretty here! So much to explore and not heavily trafficked at all... Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings."
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Some locations cater better to families with children. Turtle Lake Campground provides more amenities for mixed activities. "They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade," writes Chris R., adding they "have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites."
Safety considerations: Be cautious with children around water features. Paul C. advises about 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."
Site selection: For those bringing horse trailers with living quarters, choose appropriate spots. Lydia T. notes about Pigeon River: "You can pick sites on the river or back by the woods... I've seen people tenting and I've seem people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large rvs."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian sites are primitive, but some offer limited services. At Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, Lon L. reports: "Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups." This makes longer stays more comfortable for those with living-quarter trailers.
Leveling requirements: Many forest campgrounds have uneven terrain. Jay F. mentions that at Lake Dubonnet, "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." Bring leveling blocks and choose sites on higher ground when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ellsworth, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ellsworth, MI is Chandler Hill Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Ellsworth, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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