6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Pokagon State Park Campground and Hell Creek Ranch & Campground provide horse-friendly camping options near Hillsdale, Michigan. Both locations accommodate riders with designated trail access and facilities that support equestrian needs. Pokagon State Park features on-site horse stables where visitors can arrange guided trail rides through the wooded terrain. The campsites remain well-maintained with ample space for vehicles with horse trailers. Hell Creek Ranch maintains several camping loops within reasonable distance of the horse facilities. The trails at these locations are regularly groomed and vary in difficulty, making them suitable for beginner to intermediate riders.
Fort Custer Recreation Area contains over 25 miles of trails through diverse terrain including forests, marshlands, and open meadows. Riders access three lakes while traversing the property's extensive equestrian routes. The trails remain open from April through October, with some seasonal closures based on ground conditions. Waterloo Recreation Area, located approximately 35 miles from Hillsdale, offers additional trail riding opportunities with connections to the DTE Energy Foundation Trail system. Campers report well-marked trails with adequate space at trailheads for trailer parking. All locations require current negative Coggins tests for horses, and some implement weed-free hay policies to protect the natural environment. Reservation requirements vary by season with peak summer months requiring advance booking.
"Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric)."
"This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it."
from $20 - $480 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Lots of trails within reach and a horse riding stable if that is your thing. Heard lots of wolves, saw lots of tracks but no animals. I’d like to go back in the spring and hike around some more!"
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net."
"As an added plus a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here"
"Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
GuideEquestrian trails and campgrounds are popular here. Horse rides sold on site. There is a nice hotel that sometimes hosts events actually located in the park. Come tobagginging and ice fishing in the winter and then pamper yourself in the hotel, or visit in the summer and have a beach day or easy hike with the family. Great spot for Pokémon Go because of the available cell service.
TravelerPokagon State Park has an excellent state park campground. Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric). Many sites are flat (good for tent camping) while others are slightly rolling hills (helps breakup the sites a bit). There is a lot to do in the park including many trails, horse riding (horse stable on site), and lake swimming on a nicely improved beach. Only cons are no full hook up and the fire rings/grills could be improved.
TravelerThis is an extremely large campground. About seventy-five percent of the sites are electric. We stayed in Site 255, which was not electric (booked last minute). This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it. However, Site 269 (next to Site 277) afforded great privacy and was large; among the non-electric sites this was the best I saw. I did not survey the electric sites, but I’m sure the site matters a lot. Non-electric sites are $20.00, plus a $9.00 park entrance fee.
There are numerous walking trails, along with horse and bike trails. Additionally, there are boat rentals, horseback rides, pony rentals, swimming, nature center, and a restaurant at the inn.
This is a family oriented park. Extended family groupings are very common. Nevertheless, people and their children are well behaved.
I would recommend this campground for two days or more. A one day stay will mean you probably won’t see much of this wonderful park. The only reason I gave it a four was that even in mid-September it was packed.
TravelerThe 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! 🐕🐶
ScoutMMichigan 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.
ScoutWhat started as a little get away turned into not wanting to leave! A swimming pool and playground with basketball court to keep my kids entertained and clean facilities convinced me I had made the right choice. As an added plus a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here. Other perks to this campground: Openings to Pinckney State trails right on property and all sorts of lakes, parks and small town downtown areas for food and shopping nearby, H.C.R.C. was a hidden gem.
TravelerThere are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do
LegendThis state park was established in 1925, so almost 100 years old. The campground must be the original layout. There's a maze like quality to it. The roads are narrow & you may be driving off the road for a big rig.
Some sites are level, some aren't. Some can accommodate larger rigs, most can't. Check the site descriptions carefully & to be doubly sure, call the office & ask.
There's water stations that look very old. They have wooden, shingled roofs. There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!
There's 5 loops to the main campground.
100 loop is small & closer to the lake than the other loops. It's the loop we chose this time.
The sites are on the small side. There's 3 campsites that are close to the lake. 115, which is a larger site. 117 & 119 which have clear views of the lake. 117 is more a tent or popup site & is small. 119 is the best of the bunch. A large pad & a large site. There's no privacy bushes. These sites have a view of the lake with trees & brush & are on a ridge overlooking the lake. They aren't ON the lake.
On either side of 117 & 119 are 2 trails that lead to the lake. There's benches & a dock to tie up your boat.
The rest of the sites are a mixed bag. Some are level, some have an incline. If you have a big rig, be aware that the road to the 100 campsites branches into one way. Leading into the campsites, the road is narrow & has a ravine on one side!
200 Loop is non electric
300 Loop is the biggest loop & seems like the best bet for larger rigs. As stated above, some sites are better than others. There's a uniformity here that's missing from the other loops.
Stay away from sites 393& 395!!! These sites are literally right on top of the dump station! As always watch for pit toilets near the sites.
400 loop is a smaller loop next to the 200 loop. There's only one shower house for both loops. Avoid site 444 & probably site 454. These sites are VERY close to the dump station.
500 loop is also smaller& has some nice sites tucked by themselves in the trees. There seems to be more privacy brush on this loop with SOME sites.
512 is close to the shower house. 511 & 513 were somewhat secluded.
If you have a boat you want to tie up at the dock, go for the 100 loop. If you can't get it, be aware there's no parking near the trails to the lake. You can park by the bathhouse & walk.
The shower & restrooms are atrocious!!! Worst looking buildings since Spring Mill SP! Dirty & need an entire overhaul. In fact, raze the buildings & build new ones! They're "cleaned" once a day. Suuuuuure they are. There was actual poop on the door of one of the women's toilet stalls the whole time I was there. Mold & spiders& dirt in the corners. Looks like the last upgrade was in the 50s.
TravelerWow! Three lakes, hiking, biking and horse trails, showers, camp host and super quiet this past week while there. Not many campers, but everyone there seemed pleasant and were quiet. Deep sites, electric if you so desire, firepit and tables. I use a tent. Driving from the west through Augusta is a treat...so pretty. Civilization not far at all. Fishing, beach, play areas and an amusement park for mountain bikers! No alcohol. Will return!
Equestrian camping options near Hillsdale, Michigan provide riders with direct trail access across various terrain types. Located in the southern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, this area features a mix of rolling hills, wetlands, and deciduous forests at elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet. Spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate temperatures and fewer insects compared to the humid summer months when temperatures regularly reach the upper 80s.
Trail riding at Hell Creek Ranch: Connect directly to the Waterloo-Pinckney trail system with over 40 miles of marked riding paths. "Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan," notes Jason F., who appreciates the easy access to state park trails from Hell Creek Ranch & Campground.
Swimming and beach activities: Several equestrian campgrounds offer water recreation after riding. "There is a nice sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net," writes Mike B. about Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern, where riders can cool off after trail days.
Horseback lessons for beginners: Some sites offer riding instruction for novices. Ashley S. mentions the "horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals" at Hell Creek Ranch.
Mountain biking on multi-use trails: Fort Custer provides extensive trail networks open to both horses and bikes. "We loved our site as it's close to the trails for riding. The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites," shares Joel K. about their mountain biking experience at Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Private sites with natural spacing: Many equestrian campgrounds feature sites with good separation. "Campground was what we needed for squirrel hunting, however, it is very open and not very private," notes Sarah P. about Waterloo, indicating campers should choose sites strategically if seeking privacy.
Clean facilities after dusty trail rides: Campground cleanliness ranks high in camper satisfaction. "The big pool and bathrooms were immaculate, with surrounding patio furniture sanitized nightly," shares Lisa D. about Hell Creek Ranch, adding the camp host "NEVER stopped working."
Lake access for horse watering and swimming: Multiple water features provide essential resources for riders. Janet N. appreciates the "several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach" at Fort Custer Recreation Area, which accommodates both riders and horses.
Well-maintained trail systems: Groomed, marked trails receive positive feedback. "There's 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded. There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc," writes Amy K. about Pokagon State Park Campground.
Seasonal mosquito intensity: Bug activity varies significantly by season and location. "Lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent," warns Cathy Y. about Fort Custer's open areas during summer months.
Limited water/sewer hookups at some sites: Infrastructure varies between equestrian campgrounds. "No water hookups on site," notes Martin W. about Waterloo Sugarloaf, explaining why water management is important for longer stays.
Fairground alternatives during peak season: When dedicated horse campgrounds fill up, fairgrounds offer backup options. The Eaton County Fairgrounds provides "camping here during Eaton county fair and a couple other events. The campsites are in a wooded area which makes it look like an actual campground," according to Lydia T.
Site availability and advance booking: Popular horse campgrounds fill quickly during prime seasons. "This campground was adding new spots so there were lots of piles of dirt. Not many trees, nice pool, dirt roads," shares EMG about Hell Creek Ranch, indicating ongoing expansion to meet demand.
Horse-friendly playgrounds and activities: Many sites offer activities beyond riding. "There is a swimming pool and playground with basketball court to keep my kids entertained," explains Ashley S. about Hell Creek Ranch's family amenities.
Trail difficulty ratings for young riders: Choose appropriate trails based on rider experience. "Spent 4 nights and 5 days camping with my husband and 2 kids. We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground," shares Kim S. from Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern.
Group camping options for horse clubs: Some locations accommodate riding groups with special areas. "We've used this campground as a get-together place for our family reunion for the past 7 years," notes Kamdyn E. about Hell Creek Ranch, mentioning their "group accommodations" that work well for family gatherings.
Budget-friendly activities near camp: Affordable options exist near horse camps. "Camp host, 'Lightening' is a friendly and helpful guy who NEVER stopped working. The price we paid was W/E $30/night. Cannot beat that for a fun getaway on a budget!" explains Lisa D. about Hell Creek Ranch's value.
Large rig accessibility varies by campground: Not all equestrian sites accommodate bigger trailers. "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven," notes J C. about Pokagon State Park, suggesting careful site selection for combined horse trailer and RV setups.
Dump station timing matters: Limited facilities can create congestion at peak checkout times. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," explains VB S. about Fort Custer's infrastructure limitations.
Electric-only hookups common at state parks: Plan water usage accordingly when staying at state facilities. "Only electric hookups, but good for a short weekend," mentions Kristen S. about the setup at Pokagon State Park.
Seasonal site differences: Choose campsites based on season and weather patterns. "It had a more modern layout that could accommodate many campers. My only complaint, and the reason that I'll have a hard time talking my wife into going back was the mosquitoes were pretty bad the evening that we were there," shares Kevin C. about his experience at Waterloo Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hillsdale, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hillsdale, MI is Pokagon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hillsdale, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Hillsdale, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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