Equestrian Camping near Grand Blanc, MI

Ortonville Equestrian Campground provides rustic accommodations for trail riders within Ortonville Recreation Area, located 20 miles northeast of Grand Blanc, Michigan. The campground features picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets with direct access to the trail network. Trail conditions vary throughout the seasons with 15 miles of dedicated equestrian pathways connecting to two lakes within the 5,400-acre recreation area. Horse camping facilities include trailer parking and designated areas for tethering horses.

What to do

Horseback trail riding: The Ortonville Recreation Area trail system offers miles of scenic routes for equestrians. "The lakes and launches are very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area. Riders can access the surrounding natural areas year-round, though trail conditions vary seasonally," notes Kate K.

Mountain biking and hiking: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area provides extensive trail networks. "World class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there," writes Christie V. The recreation area also features an equestrian trail system separate from the mountain biking paths.

Swimming and fishing: Seven Lakes State Park offers water recreation options on multiple 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. Our site had 'private' access and our boys just played in the water for three days," shares Andy B.

What campers like

Private campsites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feel of sites at Highland State Recreation Area. "The sites are very private and spacious in the primitive camping area. The natural scenery is STUNNING with fields of flowers and trees. We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail," reports Adrienne C.

Family activities: Covenant Hills Camp offers numerous recreational options. "Lots of things to do - climbing wall, zip line, swimming, fishing a lot of pike. Wooded lots, very friendly," explains C.P. The campground provides both traditional campsites and cabin accommodations.

Equestrian accommodations: Horse owners value the dedicated facilities at Ortonville Equestrian Campground. The campground includes staging areas with trailer parking and designated spaces for horse tethering. Vault toilets serve the basic needs of campers while the natural setting appeals to riders seeking direct trail access.

What you should know

Seasonal conditions: Trails around equestrian camping areas near Grand Blanc can become muddy after rainfall. Spring often brings challenging riding conditions while summer and fall generally offer drier trails. Water crossings throughout the trail systems may become impassable during wet periods.

Bug preparation: Bishop Lake Campground and surrounding areas experience significant insect activity. "There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray. Also make sure that all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear," advises Kristina J.

Campsite privacy varies: Site selection impacts your camping experience in this region. "Very nice sites. Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails," says Christie V. about Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, while another camper notes of Bishop Lake: "The campground is nice with good access to bikes, trails, water, beach. Unfortunately the sites are on top of each other and very loud."

Tips for camping with families

Beach activities: Seven Lakes State Park offers family-friendly swimming. "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," explains Holly S.

Kid-friendly programming: Seasonal activities enhance family camping experiences. "Lots of onsight activities on the weekend. Large play areas, dog run, basketball court, lots of walking trails, and family friendly," notes ANDREW H. about Covenant Hills Camp.

Trail exploration with children: Highland State Recreation Area provides accessible nature experiences. "Extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around. Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Lovely little no wake lake perfect for swimming, fishing or paddling," shares Jennifer H.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose level spots at Seven Lakes State Park. "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you," advises Edward C. The park accommodates RVs with designated pads, though some sites require additional equipment for proper leveling.

Hook-up locations: Be prepared with extension cords at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad," suggests Mary H.

Campsite access: Consider your equipment size when selecting horse camping locations. The Ortonville Equestrian Campground accommodates standard horse trailers but has limitations for larger rigs. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area offers more accommodating sites for those with larger trailers, noting that "Park is clean. Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk."