Equestrian camping near Holly, Michigan provides access to diverse trail systems across several recreation areas. The region sits within southeastern Michigan's glacial terrain, characterized by rolling hills, kettle lakes, and mixed hardwood forests. Winter temperatures typically range from 15-30°F, while summer months average 70-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Trail riding beyond Ortonville: Highland State Recreation Area offers additional trail systems for equestrians. One rider notes, "The natural scenery is STUNNING with fields of flowers and trees. We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!" The park maintains extensive trails for horseback riding with diverse terrain conditions.
Swimming with horses: At Highland State Recreation Area, natural water access points allow horses to cool off during rides. According to visitors, there's a "quiet lake perfect for unwinding after a long day or to get a nice rinse off." This provides a refreshing break for both riders and horses during hot summer months.
Historical exploration: While riding at Highland Recreation Area, equestrians can discover remnants of the area's past. A camper shares, "There's also Haven Hill deep in the woods on a trail. It was the Ford family summer getaway spot back in the 1930's and was shockingly burned down by a fire! There's still many of the walls and a beautiful fireplace remains!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area offers secluded campsites ideal for horse owners needing space. A camper describes, "The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation. Nice fire pit. Water hookup and dump on site." This natural separation helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere even when the campground is full.
Clean facilities: The campgrounds maintain good hygiene standards despite their rustic setting. At Pontiac Lake, visitors appreciate that "The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean with hot water." This makes longer stays more comfortable for equestrians spending multiple days exploring the trails.
Wildlife viewing: The areas surrounding Holly provide opportunities to observe local fauna. One Highland visitor mentions, "We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!" Deer, rabbits, and various bird species are commonly spotted from horseback throughout the region's trail systems.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate repellents when camping in wooded areas. A visitor to Pontiac Lake Recreation Area warns, "There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray. Also make sure that all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear." Protective clothing and horse fly sheets are recommended during peak seasons.
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campsites. At Highland Recreation Area, "The sites are very private and spacious in the primitive camping area." However, they may require leveling equipment for trailers and RVs, particularly after rainy periods.
Weather variability: Southeastern Michigan experiences significant seasonal changes. Spring and fall can bring sudden temperature shifts, making layered clothing essential. Summer temperatures typically peak in the 80s with moderate humidity, while winters can see temperatures below freezing.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Beyond horseback riding, Seven Lakes State Park Campground offers recreational options for children. A camper mentions, "Sand Lake was our spot and the water was breath taking - it's a small pond really, but great for kayaking. Crystal clear, clean water, a good public beach." This provides alternative activities for family members who don't ride.
Hiking options: For families with mixed interests, consider trails suitable for both hiking and riding. At Seven Lakes, "Seven Lakes has a great hike that takes you all around the lake, as well as smaller loops. You can find challenging hikes or an easy path." This allows family members to experience the same areas through different activities.
Camp setup planning: When camping with children and horses, site organization becomes essential. Many campgrounds have designated areas for trailer parking and corrals. A visitor to Seven Lakes notes, "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you." Proper planning ensures comfortable arrangement of both human and equine accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Hookup access: At Brighton Recreation Area, RV sites provide essential services but require planning. A camper shares, "Large campsite with trees, lit path to the bathroom, and easy access to hiking trails and raft/boat launch." However, some sites may have limited space for both truck and trailer parking.
Site selection strategy: Choose your site carefully based on specific needs. At Addison Oaks County Park, "Sites in our area were spacious. Park was clean, guests well behaved, staff helpful." For equestrians with larger rigs, researching site dimensions and accessibility beforehand prevents arrival complications.
Terrain considerations: Many campgrounds in the Holly region feature varied terrain that may challenge larger rigs. At Brighton Recreation Area, one camper cautions, "If it's rainy or muddy, you might want to think twice about entering the rustic camping area. We have a 4Runner, so it was no problem but a few little cars did slide around and have trouble on the hill by our site." Always check road conditions before arrival with horse trailers.
