Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead provides free primitive camping with horse-friendly accommodations near Gulliver, Michigan. This dispersed camping area connects to horse trails in the Hiawatha National Forest, offering basic amenities including vault toilets. The trailhead provides access for horse trailers and offers multiple entry points to wilderness areas suitable for trail riding. Multiple access types are available including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in options, accommodating both tent and RV campers with horses. The camping area remains relatively quiet even during peak season, allowing for a more secluded equestrian camping experience.
Located within the Hiawatha National Forest, the equine trailhead connects to an extensive network of bridle paths suitable for day rides or longer excursions. Trail riders should note the campsite is accessible via forest roads, with no water hookups or other amenities available for horses. Campers must bring water for both themselves and their animals, as drinking water is not provided on site. The area permits campfires, making evening relaxation possible after trail riding. Pets are allowed at the campsite, complementing the horse-friendly environment. Since the site operates on a free, first-come basis without reservations, equestrians should arrive early during summer weekends to secure space for both camping equipment and horse trailers.
"I have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds."
"This campground is very close to trailhead. Well maintained, decent wifi. Don't expect any Verizon cell coverage here. Sites are nice and large, staff is friendly and the bar has good food"
from $33 - $55 / night
"Went all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away."
"Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin."
"Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway."
"There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days."
"The staff was very friendly and they actually had campsites that were more private then almost all the Michigan state parks we have stayed at."
"Easy drive to the falls, nice clean grounds, and right next to ATV trails"
"Watch the sunset from your tent on top of a 40 foot over lake MI."
from $25 - $50 / night
from $8 / night
"Horses allowed"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
ScoutGreat spot, easy to get to. Could only find two pull off spots which are both relatively small, and only one has a fire pit in good condition so you’d need to build back up the other a bit. Very convenient spot that met all my needs
ScoutPerfect spot to pull off and camp for the night or weekend! Big pull in area where we stayed for the night, there was one other person but we stopped once we noticed the fresh tracks and didn’t go any further back. Perfect overnight spot.
TravelerThis was a great campsite, bathroom was super nice, the owners came and said hi to everyone and gave advice on where to visit in the area. Super relaxed environment and very clean, also the water from the pump actually tastes pretty good. Not rusty at all.
LegendWent all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away. Thought the skeeters were insane, but this time of year, it's to be expected.
ScoutAwesome
ScoutLong nice road with a few pull offs once you are close to the end there is one official site with a table and fire circle. Is first come first serve but if you keep driving down there are two different boat launches with room to park/camp. We stayed in our car just in case. NOTE! the camp site is closed for updates until the end of October apparently. No service with mint
ScoutSolid spot. About 10min from Munising.
TravelerWas slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway. Sites are fairly spacious but don’t have any of the hookups or amenities mentioned on the site profile - some do have rudimentary fire pits though. There are 3 sites in total. Ground is flat enough to comfortably tent camp. Camp in early September, bugs were minimal. At times the night was eerily silent, at other times I heard dirt bikes and tractor trailers in the distance, also heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice.
ScoutI have camped at St James on Beaver Island numerous times, typically for 5-8 days. Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I’ve seen the aurora multiple times. My favorite thing to do is paddle my kayak out into the bay, anchor up, and sit for hours in the gentle waves reading a book.
Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead offers free dispersed camping in a quiet section of the Hiawatha National Forest near Gulliver, Michigan. The trailhead serves as a primary access point for equestrians exploring the forest's extensive trail system. Located at approximately 850 feet elevation, the area experiences typical Upper Peninsula weather patterns with warm summers and significant snowfall in winter months.
Trail riding opportunities: The equestrian trails around Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead connect to the broader Hiawatha National Forest trail system, allowing for various route options. Riders can access multiple loop trails suitable for day trips or longer excursions through mixed hardwood forests.
Fishing access: The nearby Swan Lake Campsites area provides fishing opportunities for those wanting to combine equestrian camping with angling. Swan Lake holds bass, northern pike, and panfish, with shoreline accessible from several points near camping areas.
ATV and snowmobile riding: During winter months, the region transforms into a snowmobile destination. "Great campground! Book early to get a spot. It's clean, quiet and caters to riders... There is direct trail access from the property, and they provide a free ORV hand washing station and air for tires," notes Erika P. about Jack Pine Lodge and Campground, which is approximately 25 miles from Hovey Lake.
Secluded atmosphere: Unlike other horse campgrounds near Gulliver, Michigan, Hovey Lake maintains a quiet environment. "The sites were nice enough, but the seasonal campers spread out a bit," mentions Kristen L. about her stay at Jack Pine Lodge, highlighting how space distribution affects camping experience.
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides opportunities to observe deer, small mammals and various bird species. "I heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice," shares Kevin D. about his stay at Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping, revealing the active wildlife in the region.
Dark skies for stargazing: The minimal light pollution around equestrian camping areas near Gulliver creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I've seen the aurora multiple times," notes Mike M. about St. James Township Campground, describing similar night sky viewing potential found throughout the region.
Limited amenities: Prepare to be self-sufficient when visiting equestrian trailheads around Gulliver. "Just want an overnight stay and are self contained it's perfect. We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger," explains Naomi L. about Hickey Marsh, reflecting constraints similar to Hovey Lake.
Seasonal conditions: The area experiences significant seasonal variations. Spring can bring muddy conditions on trails, while summer often has biting insects. "I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited. Would still recommend for a quick stop over," advises Amy Y. about her experience camping in the region.
Navigation challenges: Forest roads leading to horse campgrounds can be confusing without proper directions. "Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem," suggests Ben L. about Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite.
Site selection: When bringing children to equestrian camping areas, choose sites with natural boundaries. "I love that the campsites are not on top of each other and there are trees between the neighboring campsite. They cut tree branches to clean open spots for RVs," describes Erika P. about Jack Pine Lodge.
Activity alternatives: While horse trails are the main attraction, have backup plans for non-riders. "There is a playground a pool for kids. Large wooded sites and friendly staff," notes Hannah about Newberry Campground, which offers more developed facilities about an hour's drive from Hovey Lake.
Timing considerations: School breaks can bring more visitors to equestrian campgrounds. "We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves. It was gorgeous. There is a permitted site (May-Sept) at the end but multiple pull out spots for dispersed camping along the forest road," shares Willow M. about visiting Ironjaw Lake pre-season.
Rig size limitations: Horse trailer camping requires careful consideration of vehicle size. "We were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it," mentions Tim about Hickey Marsh, providing context for what size rigs can access similar forest campsites.
Parking constraints: Equestrian campgrounds typically have limited designated spaces for larger rigs. "Clean, sites are level. Trees need some time to grow larger to provide any shade if anybody looking for a campsite with shade. Reasonable good space in between sites," notes Arash F. about Catchin' Crickets Campground, highlighting considerations applicable to most camping areas in the region.
Resource planning: Plan for water needs of both people and horses. "I have traveled almost every corner of The Yoop. I have not found a campground (of the modern and resort nature) that nearly compares to this place. Not in quality of stay or the constant desire to return," shares Richie C. about the amenities at Jack Pine Lodge, contrasting with more primitive options like Hovey Lake where visitors must bring all needed supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gulliver, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gulliver, MI is Jack Pine Lodge and Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gulliver, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Gulliver, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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