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 Hudsonville, MI
9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Ely Lake Campground in Fennville offers dedicated equestrian sites specifically for horse camping within Allegan Forest. The campground maintains separate horse-friendly campsites with easy access to miles of bridle trails throughout the surrounding woodland. Vault toilets and water pumps serve the rustic camping areas, with no electricity or modern facilities available. Both tent and RV campers can accommodate their horses, though RV sites have size limitations due to tight interior roads. The beach and non-motorized lake provide additional recreation options after trail riding. Weekends can become crowded with equestrian campers during peak season, with some noise issues reported during holiday periods. Sites include fire pits and picnic tables, with ample tree cover for shade while camping with horses.
The extensive trail system surrounding Ely Lake provides multiple route options for horseback riding through the Allegan Forest. Equestrians should bring their own drinking water, as the pump water is often discolored and unsuitable for consumption. The campground remains open year-round, allowing for seasonal trail access across all four seasons. Duke Creek Campground offers another horse-friendly option with on-site horseback rides available for less experienced riders or those traveling without their own horses. Fort Custer Recreation Area also accommodates equestrian camping with designated areas for horses and access to additional riding trails. Horse owners report the trails are well-maintained with good footing for most of the season. Campsite reservations can be made online, though some sites allow first-come, first-served camping with payment via drop box.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Hudsonville (9)
1. 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 Availability2. 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 Availability3. 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 Availability4. 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!"
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. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday
"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."
"This is a great place to camp with young children, as there are many activities around the camp. It is family owned and operated and you can tell- warm and friendly."
7. 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. Equestrian Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. White River Campsite #1
"We explored the area while camping at nearby Pines Point campground."
Drive Time
- 12 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 43 min from Muskegon, MI
- 47 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 1 hr 6 min from Battle Creek, MI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Hudsonville, MI
2 Photos of 9 Hudsonville Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hudsonville, MI
102 Reviews of 9 Hudsonville 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.
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.
- EEllen S.Traveler
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.
- KKaren O.Traveler
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.Guide
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!
Guide to Hudsonville
Ely Lake Campground in Fennville features rugged, rustic equestrian sites within the wooded Allegan Forest. Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Hudsonville, Michigan, this horse-friendly camping area sits at an elevation of around 650 feet above sea level. The campground operates without electricity, modern bathrooms, or running water, requiring visitors to plan for self-sufficient camping.
What to do
Horseback riding on designated trails: At Fort Custer Recreation Area, equestrians can access multiple trail systems. "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," notes Janet N. who visited the park.
Non-motorized lake activities: The small lakes around horse campgrounds near Hudsonville provide tranquil recreation opportunities. "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," writes James K. about Ely Lake.
Exploring forest trails: Most equestrian areas offer extensive woodland trails. At Scalley Lake Park Campground, "Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!" according to Nolyn S., making it ideal for calm rides and post-ride relaxation.
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: Many horse campgrounds remain open throughout winter. "I have been camping here a couple years. It is open year round. All rustic sites, horses welcomed, vault toilets, and water pumps," states Ellen S. about Ely Lake Campground.
Privacy between sites: Equestrian campers appreciate the secluded nature of many sites. At Fort Custer Recreation Area, Hannah shares, "We just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!"
On-site riding options: Some locations offer guided experiences. At Duke Creek Campground, "The best part about it was the on site horseback rides!" according to Cheyanne P., making it suitable for those traveling without their own horses.
What you should know
Water supply limitations: The water from pump systems at equestrian campgrounds may not be drinkable. "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," advises James K. about Ely Lake.
Site payment methods: Several horse campgrounds use self-registration systems. "Pay for site by money drop in tube so bring your check book," mentions Ellen S. about payment procedures at Ely Lake.
Weekend noise levels: Some equestrian areas experience increased noise on weekends. "I went here one holiday weekend, that was my 1st mistake. I ended up being kept awake by the drunks screaming at their kids," warns j L., demonstrating why midweek visits might offer more tranquility.
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra toilet supplies: Basic facilities may run low on essentials. "One word of advise is to bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings," recommends Suzi K. from White River Campsite, highlighting the rustic nature of equestrian camping.
Horse viewing opportunities: Children who enjoy horses can watch riders on trails. "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," notes James K.
Swimming options after rides: Many equestrian campsites include water access for cooling off. At Double RR Ranch RV Resort, Joanie C. shares, "There is a river to explore and we always get a riverfront site. Rivers are just fun for fishing, throwing stones, canoeing."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Large rigs face challenges at most equestrian campgrounds. "Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the 'roads' inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels," warns TheSydliks about Ely Lake.
Generator requirements: Due to lack of hookups, power planning is essential. "Solar is a negative due to tree cover," notes TheSydliks, explaining why quiet inverter generators are often necessary at horse-friendly campgrounds.
Dump station congestion: When staying at established equestrian campgrounds with facilities, expect waiting times. At Fort Custer Recreation Area, Bob B. cautions, "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Hudsonville, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hudsonville, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hudsonville, MI is Ely Lake Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Hudsonville, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hudsonville, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Hudsonville, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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