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 Jenison, MI
9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Ely Lake Campground in Allegan County provides rustic horse camping with equestrian facilities and trails designed for horseback riding. The campground features dedicated horse campsites with space for trailers and easy access to the surrounding trail network. Miles of equestrian trails wind through the Allegan Forest, allowing riders to explore the natural landscape. The sites are primitive with no electricity or running water, only vault toilets and hand pumps for basic needs. Riders particularly appreciate the well-maintained trails that loop around the lake and extend into the forest. The campground accommodates both overnight horse camping and day use for trail riding.
The White River special area within Manistee National Forest offers dispersed camping options suitable for equestrians seeking a more secluded experience. Access is available via 160th Avenue south of Arthur Road, with roads generally passable for vehicles pulling horse trailers though somewhat rough in sections. Trail riders can connect directly to forest trails from their campsites without additional travel. The area provides basic camping without amenities - no corrals, water facilities or electrical hookups are available, so equestrians must bring their own portable corrals or high-line equipment. The forest environment offers natural shade for horses during summer months. Daily trail rides through the river area showcase the diverse terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities that attract equestrians to the region.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Jenison (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. 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!"
4. 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"
5. 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 Availability6. 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."
7. 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."
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
- 10 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 41 min from Muskegon, MI
- 52 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 1 hr 10 min from Battle Creek, MI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Jenison, MI
2 Photos of 9 Jenison Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Jenison, MI
103 Reviews of 9 Jenison 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 Jenison
Equestrian camping near Jenison, Michigan offers access to miles of forest trails with varied terrain for all skill levels. The region's sandy soil provides good drainage during spring and fall seasons when rainfall is most common. Local parks maintain separate equestrian camping areas with regulations designed to minimize environmental impact and provide separation between horse campers and other recreationists.
What to Do
Trail Riding at Ely Lake: The campground features well-maintained horseback riding trails that wind through the Allegan Forest. "Miles of trails to wander and discover," writes Ellen S. about Ely Lake Campground. This area is perfect for half-day or full-day rides with natural water sources available.
Lake Activities: Non-motorized lakes provide peaceful recreation options while camping. "The lake is great for kayaking," notes Ellen S. about Ely Lake, giving riders a chance to rest while enjoying water activities. Many equestrian campers bring kayaks or canoes to complement their riding experience.
Wildlife Viewing: The diverse forests near Jenison provide excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Seen lots of wildlife," reports Joanie C. about Double RR Ranch RV Resort, which offers riverside trail rides suitable for beginners and those wanting to cross shallow water sections.
What Campers Like
Secluded Camping: Equestrian campers appreciate privacy between sites. "We just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!" shares Hannah about Fort Custer Recreation Area, which offers alternative trails when the White River area is crowded.
Natural Settings: The region's forested environment creates ideal camping conditions. "The site was a decent size and had a lot of shade, which was nice," Sue M. mentions about Fort Custer Recreation Area. This natural shade benefits both horses and riders during summer heat.
Year-Round Access: Some horse campgrounds near Jenison remain open beyond traditional camping seasons. "It is open year round," notes Ellen S. about Ely Lake Campground, allowing equestrians to experience trails during different seasons when mosquitoes are less prevalent and temperatures more comfortable for horses.
What You Should Know
Limited Amenities: Prepare for rustic conditions at equestrian sites. "Keyword: RUSTIC," reminds TheSydliks about Ely Lake Campground, explaining "no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water."
Road Conditions: Access to some horse camping areas requires careful driving. "The road seems a bit sketchy but should be okay for most vehicles," Kendra H. notes about White River Campsite #1, suggesting equestrians scout access routes before bringing horse trailers.
Water Quality Concerns: Bring drinking water for yourself and horses. "I would recommend bringing your own drinking water because the water from the hand pump is very discolored," advises James K. about Ely Lake Campground, a common consideration at primitive horse camping areas.
Tips for Camping with Families
Beginner-Friendly Trail Rides: Look for guided experiences for novice riders. "We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids," shares Joanie C. about Double RR Ranch RV Resort, making it suitable for mixed-experience groups.
Alternative Activities: Choose campgrounds with options for non-riders. "There is a river to explore and we always get a riverfront site. Rivers are just fun for fishing, throwing stones, canoeing," notes Joanie C., highlighting how Double RR Ranch offers alternatives when family members need breaks from riding.
Safety Planning: Bring navigation tools for trail riding with children. "It's in a forest, so bring a compass if you plan to do some hiking," advises Vegan T. about White River Campsite #1, a tip equally applicable when trail riding with younger family members in unfamiliar areas.
Tips from RVers
Site Selection: Choose equestrian campgrounds that accommodate larger rigs. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," notes VB S. about Fort Custer Recreation Area, important information for RVers bringing horses.
Generator Requirements: Understand power options at primitive horse camps. "Can run your generator (inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover," explains TheSydliks about Ely Lake Campground, essential for RVers needing power for horse-related equipment.
Campground Layout: Consider maneuverability when bringing horse trailers. "The 'roads' inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels," warns TheSydliks about Ely Lake, suggesting careful planning for RV and trailer combinations at equestrian campsites.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Jenison, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Jenison, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Jenison, MI is Ely Lake Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Jenison, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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