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 Kentwood, MI
9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Ely Lake Campground provides equestrian trails and dedicated horse camping sites within the Allegan Forest. The campground accommodates equestrian visitors with spacious sites designed for horse trailers and camping equipment. Many riders appreciate the miles of well-maintained bridle trails that wind through the forest setting, offering varied terrain for all experience levels. The campground maintains multiple vault toilets throughout the property, though drinking water is limited to hand pumps that sometimes produce discolored water that campers should filter. No electrical hookups or shower facilities are available, making this a true rustic horse camping option where horses and humans alike can disconnect from modern conveniences.
Fort Custer Recreation Area features designated areas for horses with trail access directly from the campground. Located between Augusta and Battle Creek, the recreation area offers extensive multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding that connect to nearby state land. Trailer parking is available near the equestrian camping section, providing easy access to the trail system. The campground remains open year-round, allowing equestrians to experience seasonal trail conditions from spring wildflowers to fall foliage. Campers note the large, tree-covered sites provide good separation and natural shade for horses during summer months. The recreation area also offers modern amenities including showers, electric hookups, and potable water, making it suitable for both tent campers and RVers traveling with horses.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Kentwood (9)
1. 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 Availability2. 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"
3. 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 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. 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."
6. 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 Availability7. Equestrian Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Eaton County Fairgrounds
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
9. White River Campsite #1
"We explored the area while camping at nearby Pines Point campground."
Drive Time
- 8 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 45 min from Muskegon, MI
- 48 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 1 hr 3 min from Battle Creek, MI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Kentwood, MI
2 Photos of 9 Kentwood Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Kentwood, MI
89 Reviews of 9 Kentwood 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 Kentwood
Equestrian camping near Kentwood, Michigan provides riders with direct trail access on varied terrain. The Allegan State Game Area encompasses over 50,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest and pine plantations where several campgrounds offer designated equestrian sites. Winter temperatures in the region average 24°F, while summer averages reach 71°F, creating distinct seasonal riding experiences from frost-hardened trails to softer summer conditions.
What to do
Trail riding at Ely Lake: Explore the extensive bridle trails that connect with the wider Allegan Forest network. "Miles of trails to wander and discover," notes Ellen S. about Ely Lake Campground, where riders appreciate the natural setting.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at non-motorized lakes where the quiet surroundings enhance the experience. "The lake is great for kayaking," mentions Ellen S., while other campers note that nearby lakes allow trolling motors for a different fishing experience.
Beach access: Cool off at swimming areas available at several equestrian-friendly campgrounds. "There is a beach," reports James K., making it possible to enjoy water activities between trail rides at Ely Lake.
Winter camping: Experience the trails in different seasons with year-round access at select locations. "It is open year round," confirms Ellen S., allowing equestrians to enjoy frost-hardened trails during colder months.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Find privacy between equestrian sites with natural buffers. "We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet! We love it here already with only being here twice!" shares Hannah about Fort Custer Recreation Area, where site 51 is "extremely secluded."
Natural water features: Enjoy riverside camping with opportunities for multiple water activities. "There is a river to explore and we always get a riverfront site. Rivers are just fun for fishing, throwing stones, canoeing," explains Joanie C. about Double RR Ranch RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing: Observe native species in their natural habitat during rides. "Seen lots of wildlife," mentions Joanie C., highlighting the natural encounters possible while exploring trails.
Rustic experience: Appreciate the simplicity of traditional camping. "Nothing changed, just good ole wilderness camping!" says James C. about Ely Lake, emphasizing the unchanged nature of the area over decades.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Be prepared to filter water at some locations. "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.
Weekend noise levels: Some equestrian campgrounds experience increased activity on weekends. "This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings... There is loud music, people yelling, fireworks going off," warns James K., suggesting midweek stays for those seeking quieter conditions.
Facility limitations: Understand the rustic nature of facilities at certain locations. "Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water," explains TheSydliks about Ely Lake Campground, adding "no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill."
Road conditions: Some access roads to equestrian camping areas require careful navigation. "The roads inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels," cautions TheSydliks.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Plan for children who may not ride horses. "We had a blast! Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day!" exclaims Becky P. about Duke Creek Campground.
Beginner trail rides: Book appropriate rides for inexperienced riders. "We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids," says Joanie C., highlighting accessibility for all skill levels.
Wildlife education: Use animal sightings as teaching moments. "Seen lots of wildlife," notes Joanie C., offering natural learning opportunities for children.
Backup plans: Have alternatives ready when weather changes. "It is close to a town to get take out food if it rains," suggests Joanie C., emphasizing the importance of contingency planning with children.
Tips from RVers
Generator requirements: Plan for power needs at rustic sites. "Can run your generator (inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover," advises TheSydliks about Ely Lake campground.
Alternative accommodations: Consider cabin options when traveling with horses. "There are some larger vacation lodges to rent that are nestled away in the woods, and a bunkhouse with rentals," mentions Joanie C. about Double RR Ranch RV Resort.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential lines at limited facilities. "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long," warns Bob B. about Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Budget-friendly options: Find affordable alternatives with basic amenities. "Only $20 nightly, full hookup, nice wooded sites," reports Northstorm T. about Eaton County Fairgrounds, adding "The manager will stop by to collect your $20."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Kentwood, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kentwood, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kentwood, MI is Ionia State Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Kentwood, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kentwood, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Kentwood, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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