Best Equestrian Camping near Mackinaw City, MI

Pigeon River State Forest Campground offers primitive sites for horse owners located within Michigan's largest elk range. The campground provides rustic accommodations for both tent and RV campers along the Pigeon River with vault toilets and drinking water available. Trail riders access the Shingle Mill Pathway directly from the campground, connecting to a network of trails throughout the 105,000-acre forest. The campground remains relatively secluded, with no cell service in the area, creating a peaceful environment for equestrians seeking remote riding opportunities.

The extensive trail system surrounding Pigeon River State Forest Campground connects riders to numerous dispersed camping options throughout the forest. Horseback riders frequently report elk sightings while exploring the forest's trail network. The campground operates seasonally from April to October, with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Water access for horses is available at the river that runs alongside several campsites. Horse owners should note that the nearest supplies are located over 20 minutes away in nearby towns, requiring advanced planning for feed and other equestrian needs. The North Country Trail also passes through the state forest, providing additional riding routes through Michigan's northern wilderness.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Mackinaw City, Michigan (5)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mackinaw City, MI

15 Reviews of 5 Mackinaw City Campgrounds


  • V
    Jun. 11, 2019

    Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground

    Been going here since I was a kid, still love it.

    Entire camp is rustic with well pumps throughout, also all restrooms are vault toilets. Sinkhole trails within walking distance, beautiful lake with some nice fish. I believe it is a no wake lake so it doesn’t get too wild.

  • Nicole V.
    May. 27, 2024

    Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground

    Big lake but no direct water sites

    Peaceful and quiet and close to the sinkhole pathway. Clean bathrooms and large mostly private sites. You can launch your boat and beach it near the campground and your campsite but no direct access that we saw.

  • Paul C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    Quiet and secluded

    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.

  • I
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    Great overnight backpacking

    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. If you hike about 6 miles the first day, you’ll find a nice dispersed campsite on the west side of grass lake. The only problem with this hike was the insane amount of ticks.

  • Sue R.
    Mar. 20, 2022

    Sturgeon Valley Campground

    Kayaking/Camping ; MI to TN

    Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN

  • Casey B.
    Jun. 27, 2021

    St. James Township Campground

    Best Scenery below the bridge

    Watch the sunset from your tent on top of a 40 foot over lake MI.

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Chandler Hill Campground

    Nice and quiet

    Nice campground. The hosts were very nice. Clean pool. Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride

  • Kate K.
    Jul. 28, 2019

    Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    So pretty here!

    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. There are a few rustic campgrounds, but we usually just stay at one of the dispersed sites because most of them have a sweet set up. Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings. If you can manage to find this place, you will love it!

  • Halie C.
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    Great place to camp, bike, and hike!

    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. The Shingle Mill Pathway (a roughly 10 mile loop trail) runs right through the camgrounds 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. The best place to camp is right on the river which is lovely to fall asleep to at night. Beware of the bugs! Also, there is no cell service.


Guide to Mackinaw City

Pigeon River State Forest Campground features 19 rustic campsites nestled within Michigan's premier elk range. Located approximately 60 miles southeast of Mackinaw City, this equestrian-friendly destination offers primitive camping with river frontage options. Visitors seeking horse campgrounds near Mackinaw City, Michigan can access over 80 miles of bridle trails throughout the 105,000-acre forest.

What to do

Kayaking and fishing: Sturgeon Valley Campground provides direct river access for paddlers. "River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak," notes Sue R., who recommends exploring the nearby Sturgeon River.

Mountain biking: The extensive trail system offers varied terrain for cyclists. "The Shingle Mill Pathway (a roughly 10 mile loop trail) runs right through the campgrounds which is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking," explains Halie C. from Pigeon River State Forest Campground.

Dark sky viewing: Beaver Island offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I've seen the aurora multiple times," shares Mike M. from St. James Township Campground. The island's remote location makes it ideal for northern lights viewing during periods of solar activity.

What campers like

Riverside camping: The sound of running water enhances the camping experience. "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site," states Paul C., though he cautions, "the current is strong so beware if you have little ones."

Secluded atmosphere: Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground offers peaceful surroundings. "Peaceful and quiet and close to the sinkhole pathway. Clean bathrooms and large mostly private sites," reports Nicole V., noting that while the lake is sizable, there are "no direct water sites."

Trail access: Dispersed camping options abound throughout the region. "NCT runs through the state forest, so dispersed camping all around. There are a few rustic campgrounds, but we usually just stay at one of the dispersed sites because most of them have a sweet set up," shares Kate K.

What you should know

Limited services: Pack everything you need before arrival. "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," advises Aaron T. from Chandler Hill Campground.

Bug activity: The region's wooded areas host significant insect populations. "The only problem with this hike was the insane amount of ticks," warns Ian R. about the Shingle Mill Pathway. Proper insect repellent and daily tick checks are essential, especially during spring and summer months.

Water safety: Rivers in the area can present hazards. Paul C. specifically warns about 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."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Sturgeon Valley Campground offers family-friendly amenities. At nearby Chandler Hill, one visitor notes, "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!"

Lake activities: Shoepac Lake provides recreational opportunities with less current than rivers. Vaughn S. reports, "Beautiful lake with some nice fish. I believe it is a no wake lake so it doesn't get too wild," making it suitable for families with younger children.

Site selection: Choose appropriate campsites based on family needs. "You can pick sites on the river or back by the woods," explains Lydia T., noting that at Pigeon River, "Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large RVs."

Tips from RVers

Site accommodations: RV campers should research site specifications. At Pigeon River State Forest Campground, Lydia T. observes: "I've seen people tenting and I've seen people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large RVs."

Seasonal considerations: Most equestrian camping facilities and horse campgrounds near Mackinaw City operate seasonally. Brad F. from Chandler Hill Campground recommends visiting during peak season for the best experience: "The hosts were very nice. Clean pool. Recommend the on site ATV rental lots of trails to ride."

Campground amenities: Kat S. notes the practical benefits of Pigeon River's layout: "Great campground. Small in overall size for more peaceful, enjoyable quietness. Sites along the River. Clean and well taken care of by DNR."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mackinaw City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mackinaw City, MI is Pigeon River State Forest Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mackinaw City, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Mackinaw City, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.