Jami M.
Guide
GuideIonia State Recreation Area
Great get away
Clean, family friendly, beautiful. Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses.
Equestrian Camping near Hastings, MI
9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Fort Custer Recreation Area permits horseback riding on designated trails with separate routes for equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers. The park features miles of trails suitable for horses, with connections between several lakes and wooded areas. Riders can access different difficulty levels of terrain throughout the 3,000-acre recreation area. The park allows pets and horses in appropriate areas, though no dedicated horse corrals are provided. Campsites are spacious with natural vegetation dividing sites, creating a sense of privacy even when the campground is busy. Electric hookups are available at campsites, with modern shower facilities and restrooms centrally located. The large sites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking spaces.
The equestrian trail system loops around the outer perimeter of Fort Custer, providing longer riding opportunities away from hikers and mountain bikers. Water access points for horses are available at several locations throughout the trail system. Riders should be aware that the trails can become muddy after rain, and bug spray is essential during summer months when mosquitoes are prevalent. The trail surface varies from sandy to packed dirt with some moderate hills. Three lakes within the recreation area provide scenic views during rides, with designated spots where horses can safely approach the water. The park remains open year-round, allowing for winter riding opportunities when weather permits. Horse owners must clean up after their animals and follow all posted trail regulations to preserve access for future equestrians.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Hastings (9)
1. Fort Custer Recreation Area
"The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶"
"Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes."
from $21 - $108 / night
Check Availability2. Ionia State Recreation Area
"Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses."
"There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. "
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability3. Equestrian Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
from $20 / night
Check Availability4. Eaton County Fairgrounds
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
5. Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins
"Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!"
"The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here"
6. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
"What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. "
"Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name!"
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability7. Double RR Ranch RV Resort
"We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids. It is close to a town to get take out food if it rains."
8. Ely Lake Campground
"No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails."
"All rustic sites, horses welcomed, vault toilets, and water pumps. Pay for site by money drop in tube so bring your check book. The lake is great for kayaking. Miles of trails to wander and discover."
from $17 / night
Check Availability9. Duke Creek Campground
"Right across the road from Michigan's Adventure amusement park"
"Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day! We should have reserved an entire week!"
Drive Time
- 30 min from Battle Creek, MI
- 38 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 47 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 48 min from Lansing, MI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Hastings, MI
2 Photos of 9 Hastings Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hastings, MI
119 Reviews of 9 Hastings Campgrounds
- JJames K.
TravelerEly Lake Campground
Beautiful rustic sites with loud parties at night
Ely Lake Campground is a County campground in Allegan Michigan. All of the sites are rustic. Here are the bullet points:
- There are no bathrooms, just pit toilets.
- There is no electricity.
- There is a hand pump for water, although I would recommend bringing your own drinking water because the water from the hand pump is very discolored.
- Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table.
- They don't sell firewood, but you can by some in town on your way in.
- There is a beach.
- You can make reservations online ahead of time, or show up and find an empty site (but bring cash or check to pay because its a drop box).
- They have equestrian trails and sites.
First the positives: It is a beautiful rustic campground. We stayed on the side with sites 49-73 (specifically site 50) which has larger more secluded sites than the other side of the Lake. The Lake is for non-motorized recreational use so it is mostly used for kayaking and canoeing and fishing. There is about a 1 mile trail that you can walk around the exterior of the Lake, however it is ill defined in some places so just keep your eyes peeled for yellow markers on the trees (which are everywhere so you wont get lost).
This place also attracts a lot of equestrian campers and they have trails specifically for horseback riding. So if you have kids that love horses, you may see some on the weekends.
The negatives: It is a wonderful experience until about 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday night. This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings (apparently there is no where else for the locals to have a rager). There is loud music , people yelling, fireworks going off and… not very much sleep. And I am not just talking about a few people with their music on -- it was someone blasting their sub-woofer with electronic dance music until 4:45 AM. It was really disappointing because otherwise the experience was positive. Luckily my kids are all deep sleepers so I was the only one who had to sit up all night.
They clean the bathrooms daily from what I can tell, but otherwise the campground is not maintained. There was trash around our site, and when you walk the trail about the lake you will see cigarette packets and beer bottles occasionally. Also along the trail were two massive hornet nests that really should have been removed by park management - but it's clear they don't ever maintain the trail.
If you're willing to overlook some garbage, and if the party people stay away you could have a wonderful camping trip. Allegan County has a beautiful natural resource here, but sadly it seems like it is being squandered, and wont last.
- Joshua E.Traveler
Ionia State Recreation Area
Great activities for outdoors lovers
Ionia has so many great outdoor activities for almost anyone. There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. The beach is fantastic especially for little kids who might not be the best swimmers ready for Lake Michigan or lakes with lots of boats and waves to deal with. Nice and sandy and a nice store and ice cream shop at the beach.
The campground itself is very nice, but you may find the activities are a short drive away from your site to get there. The sites are all a little bit shallow especially if you have a larger travel trailer you may find it a bit tight. There is a great variety of shaded and sunny sites. There is only one bathroom for the campground so it can be a bit busy and it could probably use an update.
Mary T.
LegendSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
I know another great Michigan State Park
What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. I would advise if you want to camp there on a weekend to make reservations well in advance. We stay here because there are only 2 campgrounds in the Lansing East Lansing Area this being one of them and the other does not have all full hook ups and charges more. When we visit our daughter at Michigan State University this is the place we stay, 20 - 30 minutes into the University depending upon the traffic.
It has large wooded sites only electric but you can fill up the water at the dump station. Each site has a picnic table and Fire ring. Each campsite has a asphalt pad. They sell fire wood at the campground office. Bring what you need or you can go into St. johns to the Kroger or Walmart. they have 2 main camping loops with 2 loops in each of the main loops and a shower restroom in each main loop. The restrooms are very clean and kept up. I love the showers hot water and for me that is hot and great pressure, I could shower all day. Sure beats our shower in the RV.
The State Park is on Ovid Lake and it is a beautiful lake, great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayak, and swimming. they have a shelter for you if you have a big party.
They also have a group campsite and a picnic area for large groups. d You can also bring your horses go to the Equestrian area and unload and get on the trail.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards. They also have a great play ground for the kids and a fishing pier. Bring Bikes or just hike on the trails and head down to the beach.
- Kristina P.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
ok
quiet campground during the day, short drive to the beach, biking and equestrian trails available. loud around the restroom at night, cleaning crew came through at 10 pm.
- KKaren P.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Sleepy, as i call it...
Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name! Offers many species of fish for catching!! There are fishing docks, ONE IS NOT VERY ACCESSIBLE TO NON AMBULATORY PERSONS !!! THIS ONE'S IN THE CAMP AREA! The path is nicely groomed. The bea h is a long way from the parking lot a d there is no beach access from camp. The park is usually a clean family place...but for really young children or elderly persons it may. Ot be your first choice. I live nearby and have camped there zillions of times. I love it and shower bouses in camp are clean! Friendly staff a d they ate SERIOUS about quiet time! Bug spray required !!
Suzi K.
ScoutEly Lake Campground
Words Can't Describe
This is always my go to campground! All natural camping with plenty of nice people! One word of advise is to bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings lol but are back up and running by mid afternoon. No showers and just outhouses but that's REAL camping right!!!? No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at it's purest! I have been coming to this lake to camp for over 40 years and I hope I have 40 more years left!!!
- Diana M.Traveler
Fort Custer Recreation Area
Perfect for families
The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶
- Janet N.Scout
Fort Custer Recreation Area
Something for everyone
MMichigan State park with large sites and lots of privacy. $25per night with electric. Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes. Roads quiet and could easily ride your road bike to nearby bike paths. I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky.
Guide to Hastings
Fort Custer Recreation Area offers multiple camping and horseback riding options near Hastings, Michigan. Located in Augusta, about 30 miles northeast of Hastings, the park spans 3,000 acres with dedicated equestrian trails separated from hiking and mountain biking routes. The climate features four distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 80°F and winters that can drop below freezing, affecting trail conditions for riders.
What to do
Horseback riding on designated trails: Fort Custer Recreation Area provides dedicated equestrian paths that circle the outer perimeter. According to Bob B., "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat" make this location versatile for riders looking to combine water activities with trail riding.
Mountain biking: Fort Custer's trail system includes sections specifically designed for mountain bikers. Joel K. notes, "We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer. We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite."
Swimming and fishing: Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground features a lake for cooling off after trail rides. "Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital... fishing, boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails," mentions Jacob B., highlighting the diversity of water-based activities available.
Disc golf courses: Several parks in the Hastings area offer disc golf opportunities for campers seeking alternative activities. At Sleepy Hollow, the course provides a change of pace from traditional camping activities, with Nathan V. noting the park is "very large, so it is always good to have a vehicle able to drive to the trails and beach."
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: At Fort Custer State Park, campers appreciate the natural buffers between sites. Art S. mentions, "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors. I didn't expect to find something this interesting as an alternate to original plans but it worked out nicely."
Night sky viewing: Several campgrounds offer excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Janet N. observes at Fort Custer, "I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky."
Variety of camping options: Ely Lake Campground provides rustic sites for those seeking a more primitive experience. James K. explains, "It is a beautiful rustic campground. We stayed on the side with sites 49-73 (specifically site 50) which has larger more secluded sites than the other side of the Lake."
Horse-friendly amenities: Equestrian campers appreciate the dedicated facilities at multiple parks. Ellen S. notes that at Ely Lake, "All rustic sites, horses welcomed, vault toilets, and water pumps. Pay for site by money drop in tube so bring your check book. The lake is great for kayaking. Miles of trails to wander and discover."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity increases significantly during summer months. Cathy Y. warns about Fort Custer: "lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent."
Trail conditions: Weather affects trail quality throughout the equestrian areas. At Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins, Nolyn S. describes it as an "Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!"
Electrical limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted electrical access. VB S. notes about Fort Custer: "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station."
Campsite selection strategy: Some sites offer more privacy or better access to trails. Hannah notes, "We've stayed at both sites listed. 161 you do have neighbors pretty close, but we just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Duke Creek Campground offers numerous activities for children. Becky P. enthusiastically shares: "Your kids will LOVE this place-we had a blast! Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day!"
Beach access: Several parks feature swimming beaches perfect for families. At Sleepy Hollow, Nathan V. explains that "Campsites are decent sized, can fit probably 3 four person tents per site, which includes a concrete firepit and picnic table."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides chances to observe local animals. Brad B. mentions that at Ely Lake Campground, "Perfect unplugged campground with no electric, vault toilets. Beach front and small boat launch - no motors. We love it in the spring and fall."
Water safety precautions: Lakes in the region vary in swimming conditions. Nora M. notes about Scalley Lake: "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Eaton County Fairgrounds offers economical options with basic services. Northstorm T. explains: "Only $20 nightly, full hookup, nice wooded sites. This is a fairgrounds RV and tent park. Very peaceful when there are no ongoing events."
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have restrictions on larger rigs. At Duke Creek, Diane O. notes it's "family owned dog friendly. Kids have activities hay rack rides and train rides heated pool tent and travel trailer some pull thrus all in all nice place."
Dump station logistics: Several parks have limited sanitation facilities. Nick W. cautions about Sleepy Hollow: "Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension."
Extension cord requirements: Electrical hookups may require additional equipment. Amy D. shares about Sleepy Hollow: "The park needs to upgrade the electrical system as this was putting a strain on their electrical equipment."
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Hastings, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hastings, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hastings, MI is Fort Custer Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 45 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Hastings, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hastings, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Hastings, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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