Best Equestrian Camping near Jerome, MI
Waterloo Recreation Area is the only state park near Jerome, Michigan offering equestrian-friendly camping options. The 21,000-acre recreation area includes Sugarloaf Modern Campground with select sites accommodating horse trailers and camping vehicles. Equestrians typically utilize the park's modern campground while accessing the extensive trail system. The campground features electric hookups, drinking water, sanitary dump stations, modern restrooms with showers, and picnic tables at each site. Most sites are relatively open with scattered shade trees, which provides adequate space for horse trailers but limited privacy between campsites. No dedicated horse corrals are available on-site, so campers must bring portable corrals or tie-out systems for their animals. Sites 60-72 are better suited for tent camping as they lack level surfaces for larger trailers.
The park maintains over 40 miles of bridle paths through the Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation Area, connecting to a larger trail system. Horse trails wind through rolling woodland terrain, wetlands, and open meadows. Trail maps are available at the park office to help riders navigate the extensive network. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer evenings, particularly in wooded sections of the trails. The nearby Waterloo Equestrian Center offers additional riding opportunities, including guided trail rides for visitors without horses. Campground reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends and fall color season when the park hosts special events. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with limited winter accommodations available in rustic cabins. Some rustic cabin options require a quarter-mile hike from parking areas, making them unsuitable for those camping with horses.
