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Scheck's Place State Forest Campground offers rustic horse camping along the Boardman River. This equestrian campground features a designated trail camp area separate from the main camping section where horse owners can claim ample space for their trailers and equipment. The campground provides tie-out poles specifically designed for securing horses while at camp. While no formal corrals are present, the open layout allows equestrians to set up portable paddocks or highlines as needed. Basic amenities include vault toilets, hand pump water, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-registration payment system. Campers can take as much space as needed in the trail camp section, making it ideal for those traveling with multiple horses and larger rigs.
The campground connects directly to the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail, providing extensive riding opportunities through the surrounding state forest. Equestrians enjoy access to miles of wooded trails ideal for day rides directly from their campsites. The nearby Boardman River offers water access for horses and excellent opportunities for riders who enjoy combining trail riding with river activities like tubing or fishing. This primitive setting remains quiet most of the time, rarely filling to capacity even during peak season. The natural environment with mature trees provides shade for horses while the open areas accommodate various camping setups. Four Mile Trail Camp DNR offers another horse-friendly option in the region, featuring similar rustic amenities including water pumps, vault toilets, and designated areas for securing horses to poles designed specifically for equestrian use.
"The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people)."
"I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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"We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."
"Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir."
"Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
"Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."
"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."
"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."
"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
RangerWe stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground. This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean. The campground seemed to have a lot if unnecessary traffic.
TravelerThere are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.
The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).
The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.
There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.
The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.
There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.
TravelerI like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It’s a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers (my particular interest). The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area). Large wooded sites. Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS.
Negatives: can be noisy at times with the ATVs and also large camping groups. But for the most part I’ve found ppl to be respectful. A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected.
Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain.
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.
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.
GuideCant count how many times i've been here. Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir. Rustic, cheap, horse friendly, out house, and pleanty of forest and lake to explore.
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.
GuideTurtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade. We will definitely be staying here again! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites.
GuideThis is a great horse camp. Have camped here many times. Pump water and river for horses. Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty.
Equestrian camping options dot the landscape around Kalkaska, Michigan, nestled in the northwestern Lower Peninsula at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. The region features a mix of sandy soil and dense forest stands, creating ideal terrain for horse trails that connect multiple campgrounds. Trail camps in this area typically operate from May through October, with some facilities closing during hunting season.
River access opportunities: Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp offers direct access to water activities alongside horse camping. "There is a boat launch right near by, but most of the sites have their own path right down to the water. Rustic style camping which includes a picnic table and fire pit and there are a few vault toilets throughout the area," notes Kate K., who adds that it's "great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation."
Trail riding: The Pigeon River State Forest Campground connects to extensive trail networks. "The Shingle Mill Pathway (a roughly 10 mile loop trail) runs right through the campgrounds which is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. The river is also great for fly fishing and floating down if you decide to bring a tube," explains Halie C.
Wildlife observation: Horse campgrounds near Kalkaska provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. "Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings. If you can manage to find this place, you will love it!" says Kate K. about exploring the Pigeon River area forest trails.
Private campsites: 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR offers secluded equestrian camping spaces. "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. There's trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets," reports Lexi G.
Water features: Many campers appreciate the rivers and lakes near equestrian facilities. "There is a small lake that is fun for short kayak/canoe rides and fishing. It's called Turtle Lake for obvious reasons- when my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times," shares Allison H.
Spacious layouts: Turtle Lake Campground provides room for horse trailers and equipment. "They have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites," notes Chris R., who adds that the campground is "very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy."
Seasonal considerations: Horse trails can become muddy during spring and after heavy rain. At Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, one camper advises, "A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected."
Payment systems: Most state forest campgrounds use self-registration. "Self registration for $15 per night," reports Kate K. about Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, while Anna B. reminds campers at another location to "bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system."
Water access restrictions: Some campgrounds limit swimming. "No swimming but pretty lake with lots of lilipads and sunken tree. Nice hiking trail," mentions Tracie S. about Lake Dubonnet.
Playground facilities: Chandler Hill Campground offers designated play areas for children. "We've camped here for two years in a row and we LOVE it! Everyone is so friendly. Camp sites are nicely spread out and our 4 kids have a ball. They just updated their playground area as well!" reports Holly K.
Water safety precautions: Rivers in the area can have strong currents. "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. I wouldn't recommend for 6 and under," cautions Paul C.
Campsite selection strategies: Choose sites based on family needs. "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," explains Lydia T.
Site dimensions: Manton Trails RV Park accommodates larger rigs. "We have a 28.6ft 5th wheel and had not problem getting in and parked! Management did an awesome job of spreading out guests until they were full!" shares Valerie C.
Cell service considerations: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. When camping near Gaylord, Ray & Terri F. report, "AT&T coverage fair, with 2 Bars of service that fluctuated between 5G and LTE, with speeds up to 4.3 MB/s. The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
Equestrian camping preparation: When bringing horses to equestrian facilities, check for specific amenities. "I've seen people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large rvs," notes Lydia T. about site options at Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kalkaska, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kalkaska, MI is Scheck's Place State Forest Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kalkaska, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Kalkaska, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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