Arron P.
Guide
GuideHungerford Lake Campground
Rustic camping at finest!
Dispersed camping and camp sites available. There are horse staging areas and hiking trails. The lake is nice, small enough for a kayak/ no motor boat, nice.
Equestrian Camping near Lake, MI
5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Hungerford Lake Campground and Timbers Edge Campground provide equestrian opportunities in the Lake, Michigan area. Hungerford features dispersed camping and designated campsites with horse staging areas for riders. The rustic setting includes pit toilets and access to a small lake suitable for kayaking without motorboats. Timbers Edge offers electric hookups, water access, showers, and larger lots specifically designed to accommodate horses and trailers. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. The campground maintains sanitary dump facilities and trash collection. Camping areas accommodate both tent and RV setups while catering to equestrian needs. Hunters frequently utilize these facilities during season.
Manistee National Forest offers additional horse-friendly options including the Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite located on Forest Road 5134. Trail access connects directly to riding routes throughout the region. The Condon Lakes West Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area provides secluded camping with picnic tables and toilet facilities between May and October. Horse owners typically bring temporary containment systems as permanent corrals are limited. Camping areas remain quiet with abundant wildlife sightings. Riders should note that some locations like Manton Trails RV Park feature dedicated trails but may have different horse accommodation policies. Most equestrian campgrounds in the region offer convenient trailer parking near campsites. Weather conditions and seasonal closures affect trail accessibility, particularly during hunting seasons and early spring.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Lake (5)
1. Hungerford Lake Campground
2. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
"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 Availability3. Timbers Edge Campground
"We stayed here during their Equestrian Weekends several years in a row, great hosts and large lots make this place a nice hidden gem!"
"A lot of horses and hunters. Price was good for electric and water. Nice for dog walking. Friendly managers. No cell service"
4. Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite
from $75 / night
Check Availability5. Manistee National Forest Condon Lakes West Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area
"Got here around 1730 on a Sunday. Have the whole place to myself. Not bad getting into, signal is poor. Lots of wildlife."
Drive Time
- 40 min from Midland, MI
- 54 min from Bay City, MI
- 1 hr 4 min from Saginaw, MI
- 1 hr 26 min from Traverse City, MI
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Lake, MI
9 Reviews of 5 Lake Campgrounds
- Becky P.
RangerTimbers Edge Campground
Quiet Getaway!
We stayed here during their Equestrian Weekends several years in a row, great hosts and large lots make this place a nice hidden gem!
- SSharon S.
ScoutTimbers Edge Campground
Nice for horses and hunting
I went in November. Most campers were there on the weekend. Pit toilets, a pond, hot showers but shower room unheated, no dump station,nice size lots. A lot of horses and hunters. Price was good for electric and water. Nice for dog walking. Friendly managers. No cell service
- Marta B.Scout
Timbers Edge Campground
Owner very rude and disrespectful
Run down campground with rude disrespectful owner. We were attacked over something that was so trivial...a few hoof prints by our trailer where we we told to park. Horses did not dig or paw. She drove up to us and complained that they tore up her grass, which wasn't true. There was no grass to begin with, it was moss. Our ponied stood quietly tied to trailer as we saddled up and then when we came back from our rife and unsaddled. We were with them the entire time....it was a short day ride with a friend who was camping there. Woman never asked or told us to picket. Normal function for horseman is to ride from trailer. I Just couldn't believe it. Told woman we understood and would be leaving and wouldn't be back. She kept running her mouth. I told her to drop it and that again, we would leave and would not be back. Kept running her mouth, and Id had enough and told her to shut up.
Manton T.
TravelerManton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
Great Location-Friendly Staff
Awesome Campground! Not a parking lot, lots of trees! We had a family, socially distant reunion with 6 sites. 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.
Very clean bath houses and campground is maintained well.
Internet worked well using our hotspots, but, like all campgrounds, if you like being “in the woods;” internet is always a challenge. Most of our group had AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, the best service seemed to be Verizon in the morning and Sprint at night.
We will be going back
- D
Dexter V.GuideManistee National Forest Condon Lakes West Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area
Pretty quiet
Got here around 1730 on a Sunday. Have the whole place to myself. Not bad getting into, signal is poor. Lots of wildlife.
- Aaron Y.Traveler
Timbers Edge Campground
Don't do it!
Neighbors right on top of you. Dirtbikes n 4 wheelers flying around causing dust n access noise. Premium Sites might be the way to go though.
Sarah S.ScoutManton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
Secluded Camping with Fun Events!
Great campground, larger sites, pull thru sites available. Low rates even on holidays. Our first time there was 4th of July weekend, they have a large building for events....over the weekend they a concert! Live band and food truck....free to all campers and their friends! It was a great time and the owners and manager are very friendly. We will definitely be back there soon.
- vvalerie C.Scout
Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
First time in our camper
We thought this would be a good place for our first trip in our new to us 5th wheel! 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! Lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing….. so much more. Very clean, very kind and helpful staff!
Guide to Lake
Equestrian camping opportunities in the Lake, Michigan area extend beyond the main developed facilities, with numerous dispersed options available throughout Manistee National Forest. The region features a mix of designated horse trails and primitive camping areas that accommodate riders and their mounts. Camping elevations range from 800-1200 feet above sea level across the region's rolling terrain.
What to do
Trail riding access: At Manton Trails RV Park, visitors can access nearby horse trails while enjoying amenities for both horses and riders. "Great campground, larger sites, pull thru sites available. Low rates even on holidays," notes camper Sarah S., who also mentions the campground hosts special events including concerts with live bands and food trucks.
Fishing opportunities: Many campsites in the region provide access to small lakes and ponds suitable for fishing. At Manistee National Forest Condon Lakes, camper Dexter V. reports, "Lots of wildlife. Got here around 1730 on a Sunday. Have the whole place to myself." The semi-primitive area allows fishing without motorized boats.
Wildlife observation: The secluded nature of equestrian camping areas creates excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Hunters often use these campgrounds during season, but they remain accessible to non-hunters year-round with proper planning. The forest service maintains these areas for multiple recreational uses with minimal development.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Timbers Edge Campground receives praise for its accommodations for horses and riders. Becky P. shares, "We stayed here during their Equestrian Weekends several years in a row, great hosts and large lots make this place a nice hidden gem!" The campground layout provides adequate space for trailers and horses.
Quiet atmosphere: The remote locations of many equestrian camping areas create a peaceful environment. Sharon S. notes about Timbers Edge, "Nice for dog walking. Friendly managers. No cell service." This remoteness appeals to campers seeking a break from connectivity.
Family activities: Campsites often include recreational options beyond horseback riding. At Hungerford Lake Campground, Arron P. describes, "Rustic camping at finest! Dispersed camping and camp sites available. There are horse staging areas and hiking trails. The lake is nice, small enough for a kayak/no motor boat, nice." This combination of activities accommodates family members with different interests.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most equestrian camping areas operate seasonally, with limited or no winter access. Condon Lakes West Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area operates from May to October, requiring campers to plan accordingly during shoulder seasons.
Facility variations: Campground amenities vary significantly across the region. At Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite, facilities remain minimal with picnic tables but no toilets, water, or other services. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and follow proper waste management protocols.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds allow reservations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This creates different planning needs depending on your chosen location. Contact the Manistee National Forest office for current reservation policies as they may change seasonally.
Campsite selection: Campers report significant differences between standard and premium sites at some locations. Aaron Y. cautions about Timbers Edge, "Neighbors right on top of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Lake, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lake, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lake, MI is Hungerford Lake Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Lake, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lake, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Lake, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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