Equestrian campgrounds near Higgins Lake, Michigan offer access to extensive trail systems through the Huron National Forest. Most horse-friendly sites are primitive campgrounds located within state forest land at elevations between 1,100-1,300 feet. Trail riders can find tie-out facilities with designated areas for trailers and vehicle parking at several locations within a 30-mile radius of Higgins Lake.
What to do
Trail riding access: McKinley Horse Trail Campground provides direct entry to forest trails with room for larger trailers. According to Juan A., it's "amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to."
River activities: Scheck's Place State Forest Campground offers both horse camping and water recreation. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down. There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect," notes Gemma G. The campground provides access to the Boardman River for canoeing and kayaking.
Multi-use trails: Horse riders and ATV enthusiasts share trail systems at Luzerne Express Campground & RV. Judy B. mentions, "The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV's. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate. Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest."
What campers like
Secluded sites: 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR offers quiet horse camping opportunities without crowds. Lexi G. states, "It's never busy here. I don't have horses but I've seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There's trails in the surrounding areas."
Basic amenities: Despite their rustic nature, many horse camps provide necessary facilities. Lydia T. describes Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground as "A rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8." Most equestrian sites include toilet facilities and designated camping areas separate from horse areas.
Open fields for horses: Several equestrian campgrounds feature open areas specifically for horses. At Scheck's Place, campers appreciate the flexibility: "You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people)," according to Gemma G., who adds, "There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most horse campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Walsh Road Equestrian campground is open April through November, with primitive facilities. DJ W. notes the condition of the surrounding land: "It was logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 'sites' and an open field for equestrian activities."
Cell service challenges: Remote horse camping areas often lack connectivity. At Walsh Road, "No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal," reports DJ W. Many equestrian campgrounds in the Higgins Lake region have limited or no cell coverage.
Shared space considerations: Manton Trails RV Park accommodates various user groups. Sarah S. mentions, "Great campground, larger sites, pull thru sites available. Low rates even on holidays." Horse campers should be prepared to share trails with other recreational users.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Families with children can combine horse camping with water activities. Jay F. says Scheck's Place "meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It's a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers... The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians."
Fairground alternatives: Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds provides more developed facilities when rustic horse camping becomes challenging. Lorie F. notes, "They have electric on all sites, both water and electric on some sites and a dump station. There's a bathhouse with limited individual showers."
Varied activities: Horse-friendly campgrounds often provide multiple recreation options. Valerie C. says Manton Trails offers "Lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing….. so much more. Very clean, very kind and helpful staff!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When bringing horse trailers and RVs, site selection becomes critical. At Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground, non-equestrian campers should stay in designated sites 1-8, while horse campers have separate areas.
Hookup limitations: Most horse campgrounds near Higgins Lake have minimal or no hookups. Gordon B. suggests Oscoda County Park as an alternative: "At the moment they have 50 or 20 amp power, so you will need a 15 or 50 adapter to use 30 amp service. No water at camp sites, but they have a water fill station."
Larger rig considerations: Horse trailer and RV combinations require specific accommodations. Luzerne Express Campground provides designated horse pens and space for overnight horse camping at reasonable rates, making it practical for those traveling with horses and larger vehicles.
