5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp near Interlochen provides rustic camping with accommodations for horses along the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail. The campground features separate camping areas for equestrians and non-equestrians, with multiple sites that accommodate both tents and small RVs. Water access is available via hand pumps, and vault toilets serve the camping areas. The trail camp lacks electrical hookups and showers, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration. Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and trash collection. Equestrians appreciate the easy access to water for their horses.
The Shore to Shore Trail system connects Lake Dubonnet to other horse-friendly campgrounds in the region, including Scheck's Place State Forest Campground near Traverse City. Scheck's Place offers a dedicated trail camp area where equestrians can take as much space as needed and access the Boardman River. Both campgrounds operate seasonally, generally from May through October, with Lake Dubonnet open until mid-October and Scheck's Place closing October 15. The trail system allows for multi-day rides between campgrounds. Trail traffic sometimes includes ATVs and mountain bikers, so riders should be prepared to encounter other recreational users. Several reviewers note that despite the occasional traffic, most visitors are respectful of equestrian activities.
"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."
"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"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."
"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
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.
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.
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
GuideTrail camp but no horses the night I was there. Lots of open space, spots aren’t really numbered. A couple nice hike/bike trails spur off the campground. Lots of traffic in the area through the night (ORV and mudding trucks). Bathrooms are nice. Only a few water front spots.
RangerThis campground is in some lower ground, with a beautiful river running though it. It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy. We were here for a night as we were traveling on the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail, the overall experience was excellent!
Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp near Interlochen features separate camping areas for horseback riders across a 120-acre wooded setting at the northwest shore of Lake Dubonnet. Located within the Pere Marquette State Forest, the campground connects to over 40 miles of bridle trails that wind through dense northern Michigan forests. Sites accommodate both primitive tent camping and smaller recreational vehicles under 25 feet, with most sites situated within walking distance of the water.
Explore the waterways: Lake Dubonnet offers calm paddling conditions ideal for kayakers and canoeists. "I've solo camped here a few times and it's great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation. There is a boat launch right near by, but most of the sites have their own path right down to the water," notes Kate K. about Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp.
Visit nearby islands: The lake features several accessible islands that make perfect day trip destinations. "Lake Dubonnet has a nearby island you can kayak to and let the dogs roam free! (Mine sure loves it)," reports Caryssa R. about the campground's water access options.
Ride the Shore to Shore Trail: Equestrians can connect to the extensive Michigan Shore to Shore Trail system. At Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, "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," shares Gemma G.
Float the Boardman River: The river access at several horse campgrounds near Lake Leelanau provides tubing opportunities. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down," mentions Gemma G. about the waterway at Scheck's Place.
Affordable pricing: State forest campgrounds maintain reasonable rates with self-registration systems. "Self registration for $15 per night," confirms Kate K. about the cost structure at Lake Dubonnet.
Natural swimming areas: While not all lakes permit swimming, campers appreciate the water access. At Turtle Lake Campground, "They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade," according to Chris R.
Wildlife encounters: The region's lakes and forests support diverse animal populations. "When my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times. A bit of a surprise to see their size!" reports Allison H. about her family's experience at Turtle Lake.
Trail variety: Multiple user groups share the trail systems. "There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect," notes Gemma G. about the network at Scheck's Place State Forest Campground.
Mixed recreational use: Trail systems accommodate multiple user types simultaneously. "The campground seemed to have a lot of unnecessary traffic," notes Judy B. about her experience at Lake Dubonnet. Similarly, at Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, "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," reports Jay F.
Basic amenities: Sites typically include minimal infrastructure. "Rustic style camping which includes a picnic table and fire pit and there are a few vault toilets throughout the area," describes Kate K. about Lake Dubonnet's facilities.
Seasonal closures: Most equestrian campgrounds in northern Michigan operate on limited schedules. "Campground is closed July 28th - August 11th," notes Lorie F. about Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, which operates from mid-May through mid-October.
Water access varies: Not all waterfront campsites have direct swimming access. "Great like camp ground. No swimming but pretty lake with lots of lilipads and sunken tree," explains Tracie S. about Lake Dubonnet's water features.
Choose sites with proximity to facilities: When camping with children, location matters. "This campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground. The bathrooms were redone and are very nice!" recommends Ann D. about Manton Trails RV Park.
Pack water toys: Lakes provide entertainment value beyond swimming. "Lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing," reports Valerie C. about the recreational options at Manton Trails.
Consider campground layout: Site spacing affects the family camping experience. "What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt," notes Ann D. about Turtle Lake's grassy sites, though she cautions, "The thing I didn't particularly like is how close you are to other sites. You are practically on top of each other."
Visit during weekdays: Popular equestrian camps near Lake Leelanau experience higher weekend occupancy. "First come first serve sites, but it's a super awesome place to go when everything else is booked," advises James H. about Lake Dubonnet's availability patterns.
Check access road conditions: Forest service roads leading to equestrian campgrounds may challenge larger rigs. "I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City," notes Jay F. about the access to Scheck's Place.
Verify site dimensions: Many equestrian campgrounds limit RV size. "We have a 28.6ft 5th wheel and had not problem getting in and parked!" confirms Valerie C. about her experience at Manton Trails.
Plan for limited hookups: Most horse-friendly campgrounds offer minimal services. "Power 50/30 were fine. Water is a shared spigot on most sites, but some sites have water. There is a good dump station. Sites are level. No landscaping," describes Jim about the setup at Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds.
Consider site drainage: Low-lying campsites may collect water after rainfall. "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," advises Jay F. from his experience at Scheck's Place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lake Leelanau, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lake Leelanau, MI is Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lake Leelanau, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Lake Leelanau, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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