Equestrian camping near Genesee, Michigan offers access to over 20 miles of trail systems across multiple recreation areas. The terrain features a mix of glacial moraine landscapes with elevations ranging from 850 to 1,050 feet. Most equestrian trails remain open from April through October, though spring conditions often create muddy sections requiring careful navigation.
What to do
Trail riding through varied terrain: At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, riders can access "extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports. Park offers lots of private sites!" The trail system connects to two small lakes within a 3.8-mile circuit.
Lake access for horses: Seven Lakes State Park Campground provides water access points where horses can cool down after rides. One camper noted, "The campground has a private lake that's good for swimming and fishing. The sites are decently sized with most being easily gotten into with an RV. Plenty of hiking/biking trails easily accessed from the campground."
Overnight camping with horse accommodations: Most equestrian campers at Ortonville bring portable corrals or use high-lines for securing horses. According to a visitor, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Bishop Lake Campground offers vegetative screening between many sites. A regular visitor mentioned, "The sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors."
Well-maintained facilities: Riders appreciate that Covenant Hills Camp maintains clean amenities. As one camper shared, "They take very good care of this campground.. Lots to do for kids!" Another mentioned it has "Large sites, all full hookup. Plenty of onsight activities on the weekend."
Trail quality and accessibility: The equestrian trails near Genesee feature mostly compacted surfaces suitable for horses of all experience levels. At Pontiac Lake, a rider commented, "This campground is my FAVORITE in Oakland County. The sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors."
What you should know
Recreation passports required: Entry to state recreation areas requires a Michigan Recreation Passport, available at park offices or when renewing vehicle registration for $12 annually.
Limited hook-ups at equestrian sites: Most horse-friendly camping areas offer only basic amenities. At Ortonville, expect vault toilets rather than modern facilities with showers or electricity.
Spring conditions: Trail conditions vary seasonally, with Addison Oaks County Park offering some of the most consistent riding. A visitor noted, "Modern and submerged in nature! 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."
Reservation requirements: During summer months, weekend reservations should be made 2-6 months in advance, especially for groups with multiple horses.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Beyond riding, families can enjoy swimming beaches and playgrounds at several parks. At Covenant Hills Camp, one camper reported, "Good, quiet campground (unless your on a site around the playground) lots to keep the kids busy, bonus ice cream store."
Guided experiences: Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground offers occasional ranger-led programs for young riders. A visitor shared, "I grew up camping at this campground and would recommend it. There 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."
Safety considerations: Keep children supervised around horses, especially at communal water areas. As one family noted at Seven Lakes, "Sand Lake was our spot and the water was breath taking - it's a small pond really, but great for kayaking. Crystal clear, clean water, a good public beach."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Most equestrian campgrounds have limited large-rig access. At Pontiac Lake, "Nice hike to the lake. Large sites and great biking area."
Power requirements: Bring extension cords of at least 50 feet. A Sleepy Hollow camper noted, "This may be an older camp or the DNR was trying to save money when it was built. Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension."
Water access points: Plan trailer positioning for optimal water hookup access, as spigots are often shared between multiple sites.
