4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Luzerne Express Campground & RV provides designated horse camping options near Gladwin, Michigan with reasonable overnight rates for equestrians. Horse pens allow riders to keep their mounts secure while staying at the campground. Visitors can access the Huron National Forest trail system directly from the property, making it convenient for trail riders to explore the surrounding wilderness areas. The campground accommodates various camping preferences with tent sites, RV hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping options. Amenities include drinking water, electric hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets. The campground is known for its array of accommodations and trail access that appeals specifically to the horseback riding community. Horse owners note the reasonable rates for overnight equine accommodations.
4-Mile Trail Camp DNR offers a quieter alternative for equestrian camping with designated tie-out areas designed specifically for horses. This tent-only campground features basic amenities including vault toilets, water pumps, picnic tables, and fire rings. The surrounding area provides access to numerous bridle trails through Michigan's northern forests. The campground rarely reaches capacity, making it a reliable option for last-minute horse camping trips. Located near Grayling, the site serves as a gateway to numerous trail systems that wind through the region's diverse terrain. Trail riders appreciate the uncrowded atmosphere and direct forest access. The simple facilities meet essential needs while providing an authentic outdoor experience for equestrians exploring the Gladwin region's extensive trail networks.
"Love this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around."
"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."
"The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate."
"Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some."
from $40 - $100 / night
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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.
RangerThe Luzerne Express Campground is literally all you need in one spot. The whole place is incredibly accommodating. Friendly, helpful staff. There is an array of sites available plus RV’s and Cabins for rent so winter camping here is a blast. The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate. Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest.
RangerThis campground is not my favorite, although my husband did not mind staying there. One of the reasons it is not my favorite is because the bathrooms were disgusting. I do not think that they were cleaned the entire four days we were there. They were super-hot and dirty. Another reason I did not care for the campground is because while we were there, my cousin’s dog was taken to doggy jail! We went on a kayaking trip down the Au Sable river and were gone a couple of hours. My cousin has a big dog that was tied to the tree. The dog had water, but must have knocked it over. The weather was not hot, it was in the low 70’s. My uncle’s site was right next door and he was watching the dog. My uncle was preparing dinner and went into the camper to grab what he needed to grill hamburgers and hot dogs. While he was making hamburger patties someone must have walked by and saw that the dog’s water was empty (because the dog knocked it over), that person went to the park attendant and they called animal control. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle said he was in the camper for about 20 mins making patties and getting food ready to grill outside. Apparently, it is not actually animal control that came to get him, it was a person down the street that takes the animals to his home on the weekend when animal control is not open. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle was frantic and walked around the entire campground and then went to the front desk. The lady was so rude to my uncle. My uncle is a very nice and funny man and he was just beside himself! My cousin came back from the kayaking trip and my uncle told him what happened. My cousin went to the man’s house that took the dog and had to pay $80 to get him out! It was quite the ordeal. My uncle felt bad because he wasn’t out there the entire time with the dog, but he wasn’t gone that long and it wasn’t that hot outside. My uncle would have seen that the water was empty and would have refilled it. The sites are HUGE and there are some trees, but I would not camp here again. That situation left a bad taste in my mouth and the bathrooms not being cleaned during our stay put me over the edge.
TravelerThis is one of the worst campgrounds I have ever been to. The bathrooms and showers close at 10pm, and the restrooms themselves are nasty, the showers cost $2 (in quarters) for 6 minutes of lukewarm water, the locals are hostile to unfamiliar faces, and to top it off, the rental ATVs and dirt track to ride them on is o ly separated from the campsites by a board fence, so expect to hear all kinds of small engines zipping by at all hours. The RV trailers for rental are all used trailers circa 1995 and "refurbished", which entails a quick coat of interior paint and laminate flooring screwed to the floors with drywall screws. Guests who have rented the RV trailers are instructed to not use the showers in their trailers. Absolutely not worth the money, would rate 0 stars if I could. If you are looking for a camping experience that puts you in the heart of upper Michigan redneck territory, this is the place for you. If you want a good experience, look elsewhere.
TravelerBathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some.
GuideLove this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around. Right in the heart of Mio, and if you're in the area be sure to check out "the bakery" (Amish bakery that is unbelievably delicious)
ScoutI love the Oscoda Koa campground.... Such a laid back place..and I love the Au Sable River.
TravelerAt the moment they have 50 or 20 amp power, so you will need a 15 or 50 adapter to use 30 amp service. No water at camp sites, but they have a water fill station. Nice quiet and relaxing right on the lake.a small playground for the kids. Any size rv will fit. Shows require tokens if you wish to use them. The staff are pleasant and helpful. Free Wifi cover is limited, cellphone coverage is ok.
ScoutGreat camping,my family loved it
Equestrian camping near Gladwin, Michigan offers access to over 200 miles of marked trails through mixed hardwood and pine forests. The region experiences seasonal variations with warm summers averaging 75-85°F and cold winters where temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Trail systems typically connect to state forests and parks, allowing riders to explore diverse terrain ranging from sandy flatlands to gentle rolling hills.
Trail riding excursions: Riders can access extensive trail networks from South Branch Trail Camp Group Site, which serves as a strategic base for day trips. "Site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs," notes Sean R., highlighting the spacious campsites that accommodate trailers.
Explore riverside terrain: The Au Sable River provides scenic riding opportunities with multiple water crossings and elevation changes. According to Max O. from Oscoda County Park, "you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around. Right in the heart of Mio, and if you're in the area be sure to check out 'the bakery' (Amish bakery that is unbelievably delicious)."
Off-season camping: Winter camping options exist for hardy equestrians seeking solitude. The area maintains select trails year-round, though riders should verify access and conditions before traveling. "There is an array of sites available plus RV's and Cabins for rent so winter camping here is a blast," mentions Judy B. about local accommodations.
Spacious equestrian sites: Horse owners appreciate the dedicated facilities that accommodate their animals. At 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR, Lexi G. reports, "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."
Direct forest access: Many campgrounds provide immediate entry to trail systems without requiring horse trailer transportation. "Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest," explains Judy B., highlighting the convenience for riders staying at area facilities.
Uncrowded conditions: Even during peak seasons, horse camping areas rarely reach capacity. "It's never busy here," confirms Lexi G. about 4-Mile Trail Camp, making it reliable for last-minute trips when other camping options fill up.
Bathroom facilities vary: Comfort stations range from primitive to modern depending on the campground. Gordon B. notes at Oscoda County Park, "Shows require tokens if you wish to use them. The staff are pleasant and helpful. Free Wifi cover is limited, cellphone coverage is ok."
Water access considerations: Some sites lack direct water hookups. "No water at camp sites, but they have a water fill station," explains Gordon B., recommending campers fill containers upon arrival.
Site selection matters: Choose locations based on your horse's needs and your camping style. Shaded sites provide relief during summer months while open areas allow better supervision of animals. "The sites are HUGE and there are some trees," mentions Stephanie C., though her overall experience was mixed.
Playground access: Several equestrian-friendly campgrounds include recreation areas for children. Max O. recommends checking out local attractions: "Right in the heart of Mio, and if you're in the area be sure to check out 'the bakery' (Amish bakery that is unbelievably delicious)."
Teaching opportunities: Horse camps provide educational settings for children to learn animal care. Family-friendly trails with shorter loops cater to younger riders, while more experienced equestrians can tackle challenging terrain.
Pack accordingly: Temperature fluctuations require layered clothing options, even in summer. "The weather was not hot, it was in the low 70's," notes Stephanie C. from Luzerne Express Campground & RV, illustrating the region's variable conditions.
Electrical considerations: Check amperage compatibility before arrival. Gordon B. advises, "At the moment they have 50 or 20 amp power, so you will need a 15 or 50 adapter to use 30 amp service."
Site dimensions: Most equestrian campgrounds accommodate standard RVs with additional space for horse trailers. "Any size rv will fit," confirms Gordon B. about local options.
Facility limitations: Understand service restrictions before booking. "Guests who have rented the RV trailers are instructed to not use the showers in their trailers," reports Geo D., suggesting campers should verify amenity access when making reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gladwin, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gladwin, MI is Oscoda County Park with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gladwin, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Gladwin, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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