11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground provides essential facilities for equestrians traveling the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail. The campground features separate designated areas for horse camping with ample space for setting up temporary corrals or highlines. Riders appreciate the open layout that allows them to claim as much space as needed for their horses and equipment. The campground sits alongside the Boardman River, offering water access for horses after trail rides. Sites are primarily rustic with no hookups, featuring fire rings and access to vault toilets. The equestrian section remains quiet with minimal crowding even during peak seasons, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful horse camping experience.
Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp offers another option for horse enthusiasts in the region, with dedicated equestrian camping areas. Riders can access multiple forest trails directly from the campground, providing convenient loop options for day rides. Basic amenities include vault toilets and hand-pump water suitable for horses. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration and reasonable fees around $15 per night. Horse owners find the campground convenient for accessing the wider trail network through the surrounding state forest. Limited traffic and the secluded forest setting create an ideal environment for camping with horses, with ample parking for trailers and rigs. The nearby lake provides a scenic backdrop but is primarily used for kayaking rather than horse watering.
"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 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."
"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"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."
"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 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"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
"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"
"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."
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.
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.
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.
ScoutFamily friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too.
ScoutQuiet, 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
Equestrian camping near Kewadin, Michigan offers numerous options for trail riders and horse owners throughout the region. The area sits at approximately 650 feet above sea level with sandy, well-draining soil that's suitable for horses year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures that many equestrians prefer for trail riding activities.
Trail riding on Michigan Shore to Shore Trail: The 220-mile trail runs through several campgrounds in the region, connecting Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. At Pigeon River State Forest Campground, riders appreciate the variety of terrain. "I love this area so much! So much to explore and not heavily trafficked at all. NCT runs through the state forest, so dispersed camping all around," notes Kate K.
Fishing along riverside campsites: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds provide river access for fishing after a day on horseback. At Turtle Lake Campground, visitors enjoy diverse water activities. "This is one our favorite campgrounds that isn't a state park. Clean, well kept, lots of trees. The lake is great for kayaking or small fishing boats," explains Stacey R. The campground's name comes from its abundant turtle population.
Hiking and nature exploration: When not on horseback, campers can explore hiking trails throughout the region. The Shingle Mill Pathway offers excellent options for hikers and equestrians alike. "The Shingle Mill Pathway runs through the campground. Each site comes with fire pit and picnic table," explains Lydia T. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Quiet camping atmosphere: Horse owners particularly appreciate campgrounds with minimal crowds and noise. At 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR, "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," reports Lexi G.
River access for horses: Water access is essential for equestrians after long trail rides. Campers value riverside locations that allow horses to drink and cool down. "We stayed at the trail camp it is quiet with no hookups. You can take as much space as you need and there is access to the river. We will be going back again next month," notes Gemma G.
Spacious sites for equestrian setups: Horse camping requires more space than standard camping, and equestrian campers appreciate campgrounds that accommodate their needs. Regarding Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, Thomas H. reports, "Great place to stay! Pit toilets and pump water stations. Beautiful lake with cool islands! Campsites are large and fairly separated! Can't wait to go back!"
Registration and payment systems: Most equestrian campgrounds in the area operate on a self-registration basis. "Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest. Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system," advises Anna B.
Limited cell service: Many horse camping areas have minimal or no cell coverage. Aaron T. suggests, "Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away. Bring a map/gps because there is not cell service."
Seasonal considerations: Most equestrian campgrounds operate seasonally, typically closing by mid-October. "I love coming to Pigeon River not only because it is secluded and peaceful, but because there are so many things to do in the area," shares Halie C., adding, "Beware of the bugs!"
Kid-friendly activities: While primarily focused on horses, many campgrounds offer additional recreation for families. At Chandler Hill Campground, "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!" says Holly K.
Safety near water: When camping with children near water features, parents should take precautions. Paul C. advises, "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."
Insect protection: The region has significant mosquito and tick populations, especially near water. "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. The only problem with this hike was the insane amount of ticks," warns Ian R.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some equestrian campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs despite their rustic nature. Lydia T. notes, "I've seen people tenting and I've seem people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large rvs."
Water and electric considerations: Most horse-friendly campgrounds offer limited amenities. At Manton Trails RV Park, "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!" reports valerie C.
Dump station locations: Most equestrian campgrounds lack full hookups, so plan accordingly. "They have electric on all sites, both water and electric on some sites and a dump station. There's a bathhouse with limited individual showers," explains Lorie F. about nearby facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kewadin, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kewadin, 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 Kewadin, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Kewadin, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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