Best Equestrian Camping near Holland, MI

Ely Lake Campground in Allegan County, Michigan serves as an equestrian camping destination with horseback riding trails throughout the property. The campground offers primitive camping with sites that accommodate horses and riders seeking an unplugged experience in the Allegan Forest. No electric hookups or running water are available at the horse sites, though hand pumps provide water access for horses and campers. The completely natural setting provides miles of designated equestrian trails through wooded terrain. Weekend evenings sometimes feature noisy activities from other campers that might disturb horses sensitive to loud sounds or music.

Horseback riders access trail networks directly from their campsites with numerous connecting paths throughout the area. The trails encircle Ely Lake and extend into the surrounding forest, offering varied terrain for different riding experiences. Horse camping areas require self-registration with payment via drop box (cash or check only), and no advance reservation system exists for equestrian sites during off-peak seasons. The campground remains open year-round for horse camping, allowing equestrians to experience seasonal trail variations. No motor vehicles are permitted on the lake, creating a peaceful environment for horses and riders. Riders should bring their own drinking water, as the hand pump water appears discolored and may not be suitable for consumption.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Holland, Michigan (6)

    1. Ely Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    Fennville, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 686-9088

    $18 / night

    "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."

    2. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    17 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-0818

    "Super convenient from St Joe’s up to Holland.

    Overall we may look for a campground closer to Saugatuk as we loved that area if not we would totally stay here again it has everything you need."

    "Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did."

    3. Fort Custer Recreation Area

    44 Reviews
    Augusta, MI
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 731-4200

    "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."

    4. Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins

    6 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8534

    "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"

    5. Duke Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Springs, MI
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 696-2115

    "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!"

    6. Double RR Ranch RV Resort

    1 Review
    Belding, MI
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 794-0520

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Holland, MI

2 Photos of 6 Holland Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Holland, MI

83 Reviews of 6 Holland Campgrounds


  • J
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Ely 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.

  • Suzi K.
    Oct. 22, 2020

    Ely 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.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    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.
    May. 20, 2019

    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.

  • Bethany W.
    Jul. 21, 2021

    Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    Nice sites, great KOA

    The KOA had a lot going for it. Our site was spacious and we didn’t even have the patio sites. We had a pull through with full hook ups. KOA was nice and clean. Staff was super helpful.

    It had a great pool and splash area. Also blueberry patches. There were plenty of amenities and activities if you are looking for that. We used it as a good place to leave and go to beaches and attractions. Super convenient from St Joe’s up to Holland.

    Overall we may look for a campground closer to Saugatuk as we loved that area if not we would totally stay here again it has everything you need.

  • E
    Apr. 19, 2018

    Ely Lake Campground

    Great Rustic Campground

    I have been camping here a couple years. It is open year round. 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.

  • K
    May. 17, 2019

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Huge and has so much to offer

    Wow! 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!

  • Bryce J.
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Surprisingly nice beach area.

    Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!

    Never over-crowded, tons of trails, and very nice paddle board, kayak, and canoe rentals! The lake at the state park is outlined by trails and features a small island to paddle around!

  • Jill T.
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    AWESOME

    So far this is the nicest KOA ever. Beautifully landscaped sites are very, very nice. Many sites with cement patios and grills. There's cabins and yurts too. Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did. We were here twice this year!


Guide to Holland

Horse camping in Michigan offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and enjoy the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At Silver Creek County Park, you'll find well-marked equestrian trails and spacious sites equipped with high lines for your horses.
  • Duke Creek Campground features horseback riding opportunities along with a large pool and playground for family fun.
  • Double RR Ranch RV Resort offers riverfront sites and organized trail rides, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced riders.

Equestrian campgrounds include unique features

Tips for equestrian camping near Holland, Michigan

  • When visiting Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, be sure to reserve a site with a paved patio for added comfort during your stay.
  • At Duke Creek Campground, plan your visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Make the most of your stay at Silver Creek County Park by bringing your own high line for your horse, as each equestrian site is equipped for easy setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Holland, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Holland, MI is Ely Lake Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Holland, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Holland, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.