Equestrian camping near Glen Arbor, Michigan offers access to extensive trail systems across northern Michigan's forested terrain. The region features a network of state forest campgrounds with facilities specifically designed for horse riders. Most horseback camping areas in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited to no services during winter months due to snowfall and cold temperatures.
What to do
Trail riding along Shore to Shore Trail: Riders can access the 220-mile Shore to Shore Trail system from several equestrian campgrounds. At Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, campers note the connection to riverside paths: "We stayed at the trail camp it is quiet with no hookups. You can take as much space as you need and there is access to the river," reports Gemma G.
Fishing opportunities: Many horse-friendly campgrounds provide river or lake access for fishing. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down," notes Gemma G. about Scheck's Place. Lake Dubonnet offers additional fishing opportunities where "rustic, cheap, horse friendly" camping provides "plenty of forest and lake to explore," according to Dalton B.
Stargazing: The region's darker skies create excellent night viewing conditions. As Judy B. describes Scheck's Place State Forest Campground: "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."
What campers like
Spacious sites for trailers: The equestrian sites provide ample room for horse trailers and equipment. At Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground, "The campsites are all flat and quite large, being that they are meant to accommodate people with a horse trailer, and there are numerous hitching posts throughout the campground," notes reviewer Evi L.
Water access: Campers appreciate the mix of equestrian facilities with water recreation. One Turtle Lake Campground visitor mentions, "Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites."
Freedom to choose spots: Unlike numbered sites at standard campgrounds, many equestrian areas offer flexible setup. Emily V. observed at Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp: "Trail camp but no horses the night I was there. Lots of open space, spots aren't really numbered."
What you should know
Self-registration system: Most horse campgrounds operate on a self-serve basis. As Kate K. notes about Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp: "Self registration for $15 per night."
Basic facilities only: Equestrian camping typically means rustic amenities. "Outhouses near each circle, spickit with really good water, hiking trails, boat launch" are the extent of facilities at Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp according to Caryssa R., who adds that "campsites themselves have lots of space, privacy and a fire pit."
Seasonal operation: Horse campgrounds generally operate from spring through fall. Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground runs "May 1 to Labor Day," while most others close by mid-October as noted in their seasonal information.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Families can combine horse camping with swimming and paddling. At Turtle Lake Campground, "There is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too," mentions Trish S.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation facilities. Ann D. notes Turtle Lake Campground "provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground. The bathrooms were redone and are very nice!"
Island exploration: For a unique family adventure, Lake Dubonnet offers kayaking to nearby islands. Caryssa R. mentions "a nearby island you can kayak to and let the dogs roam free! (Mine sure loves it)."
Tips from RVers
Larger rig considerations: RVers with horse trailers should check site accommodations. The Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds provides "electric on all sites, both water and electric on some sites and a dump station," according to Lorie F., making it suitable for larger setups.
Hookup availability: While most horse campgrounds are rustic, some offer partial hookups. The Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds has "Power 50/30 were fine. Water is a shared spigot on most sites, but some sites have water. There is a good dump station. Sites are level," notes Jim.
Off-season planning: RVers should note varying seasonal dates when planning trips. Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds operates "May 16 to October 19" but as Lorie F. points out, "Campground is closed July 28th - August 11th" during fair season.
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