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Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp serves tent campers with horses near Johannesburg, Michigan. This rustic campground provides direct access to equestrian trails through the Pigeon River State Forest. Vault toilets are available, but no drinking water is provided on site. Campsites include fire rings and picnic tables. The campground was previously affected by logging operations, which substantially altered the landscape. Fires are permitted at designated sites. The campground includes an open field area designated for equestrian activities.
The Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground in Atlanta offers separate camping areas for horse owners and non-equestrian campers, with sites 1-8 designated for general camping. Located within Michigan's state forest system, this rustic facility operates seasonally from May to October. The campground connects directly to horse trails through the surrounding forest. Drinking water is available on site, and the campground can accommodate larger vehicles. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with trash collection provided. Vault toilets serve the camping area. Trail riders note the campground's convenient location provides direct access to miles of wooded riding paths throughout the state forest system.
"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."
"The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
"Sinkhole trails within walking distance, beautiful lake with some nice fish. I believe it is a no wake lake so it doesn’t get too wild."
"Love this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around."
"The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate."
"I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas."
GuideIt was logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 "sites" and an open field for equestrian activities.
Very secluded. Nothing of interest in the nearby area.
Looks to be seldom used.
No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal.
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
LegendA horse campground located directly on trails. Rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8
RangerThe Luzerne Express Campground is literally all you need in one spot. The whole place is incredibly accommodating. Friendly, helpful staff. There is an array of sites available plus RV’s and Cabins for rent so winter camping here is a blast. The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate. Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest.
TravelerEntire camp is rustic with well pumps throughout, also all restrooms are vault toilets. Sinkhole trails within walking distance, beautiful lake with some nice fish. I believe it is a no wake lake so it doesn’t get too wild.
RangerThis campground is not my favorite, although my husband did not mind staying there. One of the reasons it is not my favorite is because the bathrooms were disgusting. I do not think that they were cleaned the entire four days we were there. They were super-hot and dirty. Another reason I did not care for the campground is because while we were there, my cousin’s dog was taken to doggy jail! We went on a kayaking trip down the Au Sable river and were gone a couple of hours. My cousin has a big dog that was tied to the tree. The dog had water, but must have knocked it over. The weather was not hot, it was in the low 70’s. My uncle’s site was right next door and he was watching the dog. My uncle was preparing dinner and went into the camper to grab what he needed to grill hamburgers and hot dogs. While he was making hamburger patties someone must have walked by and saw that the dog’s water was empty (because the dog knocked it over), that person went to the park attendant and they called animal control. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle said he was in the camper for about 20 mins making patties and getting food ready to grill outside. Apparently, it is not actually animal control that came to get him, it was a person down the street that takes the animals to his home on the weekend when animal control is not open. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle was frantic and walked around the entire campground and then went to the front desk. The lady was so rude to my uncle. My uncle is a very nice and funny man and he was just beside himself! My cousin came back from the kayaking trip and my uncle told him what happened. My cousin went to the man’s house that took the dog and had to pay $80 to get him out! It was quite the ordeal. My uncle felt bad because he wasn’t out there the entire time with the dog, but he wasn’t gone that long and it wasn’t that hot outside. My uncle would have seen that the water was empty and would have refilled it. The sites are HUGE and there are some trees, but I would not camp here again. That situation left a bad taste in my mouth and the bathrooms not being cleaned during our stay put me over the edge.
RangerWhile it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls. Full coin laundry was helpful too! They had kids activities over the 4thof July weekend, and our kid loved it. The KOA is about a 5 min drive to Otsego Lake and the state park, where there's a nice beach and easy lake access. There's also a newly paved bike trail right by the lake for you to log some miles on. Nearby towns of Gaylord and Boyne provided us with plenty to do, and only a couple hours to get to Sleeping Bear sand dunes. We thought this place was worth the expense- big, flat, level sites with fire pit and full hook up. Nice pine trees and plenty of space for kids to play. Did not like the additional fee for kid to get wrist band for jump pillow and mini gold, but did it anyways.
ScoutThis place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to. Highly reccomend for anyone looking to camp without ANY ammentities. Access is 4x4 only winter months.
TravelerThis is one of the worst campgrounds I have ever been to. The bathrooms and showers close at 10pm, and the restrooms themselves are nasty, the showers cost $2 (in quarters) for 6 minutes of lukewarm water, the locals are hostile to unfamiliar faces, and to top it off, the rental ATVs and dirt track to ride them on is o ly separated from the campsites by a board fence, so expect to hear all kinds of small engines zipping by at all hours. The RV trailers for rental are all used trailers circa 1995 and "refurbished", which entails a quick coat of interior paint and laminate flooring screwed to the floors with drywall screws. Guests who have rented the RV trailers are instructed to not use the showers in their trailers. Absolutely not worth the money, would rate 0 stars if I could. If you are looking for a camping experience that puts you in the heart of upper Michigan redneck territory, this is the place for you. If you want a good experience, look elsewhere.
Johannesburg, Michigan sits in the heart of the northern Lower Peninsula amid the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The surrounding forest spans 105,000 acres, offering some of Michigan's best horse trail systems. Located at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the area experiences significant snowfall from December through March, limiting camping options during winter months.
Elk viewing opportunities: Near Pigeon River State Forest Campground, campers can spot Michigan's only wild elk herd. "Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings. If you can manage to find this place, you will love it!" notes Kate K.
River activities: The Sturgeon River offers excellent kayaking options with several access points. "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak," reports Sue R. about Sturgeon Valley Campground.
Trail system access: The region features extensive multi-use trails. "The Shingle Mill Pathway (a roughly 10 mile loop trail) runs right through the campgrounds which is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking," says Halie C. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
ATV rentals: Several campgrounds provide direct trail access for off-road vehicles. "Recommend the on site ATV rental lots of trails to ride," mentions Brad F. about Chandler Hill Campground.
Seclusion and quiet: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. "This KOA was well kept and clean... the only thing keeping from 5 stars in my opinion is the lack of grass, but I also love all the trees," notes Christine D. about Gaylord KOA.
Water proximity: Sites along rivers are particularly popular. "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones," advises Paul C.
Horse-friendly facilities: The dedicated equestrian campgrounds provide specialized amenities. "It's never busy here. I don't have horses but I've seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it," mentions Lexi G. about 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR.
Swimming options: Beyond rivers, the area offers unique swimming locations. "Sinkhole trails within walking distance, beautiful lake with some nice fish. I believe it is a no wake lake so it doesn't get too wild," explains Vaughn S. about Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground.
Cell service limitations: Be prepared for connectivity issues. "No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal," warns Dj W. about Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground.
Water access varies: Not all waterfront campgrounds have direct site access. "You can launch your boat and beach it near the campground and your campsite but no direct access that we saw," notes Nicole V. about Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground.
Trail conditions: Some trails require preparation for specific challenges. "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days. The only problem with this hike was the insane amount of ticks," warns Ian R.
Campsite selection timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "During the week, the CG was only about 1/3 full, but completely filled up on the weekend," observes Ray & Terri F. about Gaylord KOA.
Playground access: When camping with children, consider sites with recreational facilities. "They just updated their playground area as well!" shares Holly K. about Chandler Hill Campground.
Safety considerations: River sites require extra vigilance. "The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn't recommend for 6 and under," cautions Paul C.
Activity planning: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation options. "They had kids activities over the 4th of July weekend, and our kid loved it," mentions Kim L. about Gaylord KOA.
Supply logistics: The remote location requires advance planning. "Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away," advises Aaron T. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain. "Our site had a fair bit of slope side to side, which I mentioned to the person that led us to our site. He said they'd look into it," shares Ray & Terri F.
Equestrian camping logistics: For those bringing horses to campgrounds near Johannesburg, Michigan, specific sites are designated. "A horse campground located directly on trails. Rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8," explains Lydia T. about Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground.
Size considerations: While many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs, site dimensions vary. "You can pick sites on the river or back by the woods. There are vault toilets and a well for water. The Shingle Mill Pathway runs through the campground. Each site comes with fire pit and picnic table. I've seen people tenting and I've seem people with large fifth wheels," notes Lydia T. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "At the moment they have 50 or 20 amp power, so you will need a 15 or 50 adapter to use 30 amp service. No water at camp sites, but they have a water fill station," explains Gordon B. about Oscoda County Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Johannesburg, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Johannesburg, MI is Gaylord KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Johannesburg, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Johannesburg, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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