Best Equestrian Camping near Gulliver, MI

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.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Gulliver, Michigan (8)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Gulliver, MI

28 Reviews of 8 Gulliver Campgrounds


  • Y
    Oct. 15, 2020

    Newberry Campground

    Close to falls, Hot Showers, Nice folks!

    We stayed here on the very last night they were open this season. 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. It was a bit pricey for camping $40 for a pop up truck camper with only electric and water. 

    They have hot showers that were clean and looked taken care of. They have a  playground, playroom and a pool. None of this was open during our visit but I imagine in the summer it is all going strong and the kids have a blast. My one complaint was it is pretty close to the road and during a heavy tourist season it could probably be pretty loud.

  • Ben L.
    Aug. 24, 2020

    Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Awesome Site

    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. Totally legit dispersed camp site. Will definely be going back. Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day. It is the end of the road though so no one was driving to fast and it didn't cause any issues.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping

    Easy to find

    Was 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.

  • D
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Newberry Campground

    Great spot, easy drive to falls

    Easy drive to the falls, nice clean grounds, and right next to ATV trails

  • Richie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Jack Pine Lodge and Campground

    My literal home away from home during my travels.

    I have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds. I found this place on a whim years ago... and now JackPine has a special place in my heart.

    When I need to truly rest my bones, this is my go to in this neck of the woods.

    Clean and warm cabins, modern and rustic campsites, bathhouse, a super cool bar, cold beer, great food and nothing but exceptional and friendly staff. Not to mention... WIFI throughout the property. When you go to the bar- be sure to grab a JackPine Burger and fries.

    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2020

    Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

    My nightmare

    The site only gives you coordinates that are actually an hour away from the site. There is no real address to get there. We pulled in pretty late, had a rough long drive so we got to where we thought it was at around 11:30 pm. Then we can’t find the site, so we go to the website and it gives us strange directions to somewhere an hour away. As we drove out there, we lost all service, were on dirt roads and we were miles past any signs of civilization. We started to get a strange feeling but we trekked on. Suddenly it gets very foggy and spooky looking and we all debate turning back, but still we keep going. Finally, we turn onto the road that it is on, just a ways down, and the stop sign is filled with bullet holes however we haven’t seen a single sign of people out there. We keep going and finally decide this all seems like an elaborate ploy to lure campers in and kill them. We decide to turn around and end up in some weird abandoned summer camp, still around thirty minutes left on the road to get to the actual site.  We decide there are far too many creepy signs pointing towards this not being a good idea then as we leave and get service back, we look up the site and realize there are zero reviews at all. The site doesn’t exist on google except for these camping sites, with the same two photos only on every site and zero reviews. As we are driving away, we get an email at one am saying “hello your site is still empty, please enjoy your stay” as if there was someone waiting for us at the site even though it was a remote site with no formal check in. How did they know we were not at the site yet? And what are the chances they email us right as we turn around? I’m glad we didn’t end up staying, we all had a horrible gut feeling and I suggest no one else stay here either. Nothing about it seemed legit or safe.

  • C
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Newberry Campground

    Quiet Family Oriented camping

    Very nice camp ground, central location for upper peninsula activities. Very nice heated pool. Campsites are a bit close to each other but otherwise very nice.

  • S
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Isolated

    Long 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

  • Kelli V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Newberry Campground

    Ok as a pit-stop

    We arrived on a Friday evening. We had a pull through site and a cabin booked. The pull-through sites are SMALL! (Cabins were basic.) If you happen to have a neighbor, you share campfire and picnic table space. Luckily enough, this place doesn’t seem like it’s ever THAT busy. There wasn’t much for the kids to do. They are all 11 and older and the playground was less than appealing to them. The pool was just recently opened and was SUPER warm. they also had a little game room and store. The first night we were there, a cabin-renter up the hill and his wife were arguing loudly and seem to be regulars at this place. While it provided entertainment in the otherwise quiet and boring campground- it was a little off putting when he started driving his truck through the pull through site next to us frequently like a mad-man. We eventually put stuff in the site to prevent this. The one staff member was friendly. We did venture out to see the falls, it was busy but worth the trip.


Guide to Gulliver

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 8 equestrian camping locations near Gulliver, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.