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Scheck's Place State Forest Campground includes separate camping areas for horseback riders and ATV enthusiasts, with spacious trail camp sites where equestrians can use as much space as needed for their horses and trailers. The dedicated equestrian section features wooden poles designed specifically for horse tie-outs, allowing riders to secure their animals while camping. Sites remain uncrowded even during peak seasons, with most equestrians reporting only one or two other horse trailers present during their stays. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets and drinking water from hand pumps. No electrical hookups or shower facilities are available at this rustic location. The trail camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-registration system where visitors deposit payment in a collection box.
Direct access to an extensive network of state forest trails makes this location popular with riders seeking longer excursions. The Boardman River runs alongside the campground, offering water access for horses and pleasant views for campers. While primarily serving equestrians, the trail system accommodates multiple recreational uses including mountain biking and hiking. Riders appreciate the relatively flat terrain surrounding the campground, making it suitable for various experience levels. The campground's proximity to Traverse City (approximately 30 minutes away) provides convenient access to supplies and services while maintaining a secluded forest setting. The 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR offers another horse-friendly option in the region with similar tie-out facilities and trail access, though it typically sees even less traffic than Scheck's Place. Both locations remain open seasonally, generally from May through October, though specific closing dates may vary based on weather conditions.
"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"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."
"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."
"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"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"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"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."
"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."
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.
GuideIt was logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 "sites" and an open field for equestrian activities.
Very secluded. Nothing of interest in the nearby area.
Looks to be seldom used.
No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal.
LegendA horse campground located directly on trails. Rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8
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.
RangerThe Luzerne Express Campground is literally all you need in one spot. The whole place is incredibly accommodating. Friendly, helpful staff. There is an array of sites available plus RV’s and Cabins for rent so winter camping here is a blast. The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate. Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest.
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.
Scheck's Place Trail Camp provides distinct camping areas for various outdoor enthusiasts near Mancelona, Michigan. Located within the Boardman River watershed at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, this state forest destination separates ATV enthusiasts from horseback riders to minimize user conflicts. The region experiences warm summers with temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F and moderate humidity, creating favorable conditions for extended trail rides.
Canoeing and kayaking the Boardman River: Access the river directly from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground for paddling adventures. "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," notes Anna B.
Explore extensive trail networks: Pigeon River State Forest Campground offers connected pathways for day trips. "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," shares Ian R., though he cautions about ticks during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple sites along the Boardman River provide access for anglers. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down," mentions a camper from Scheck's Place, highlighting additional recreational options beyond fishing.
Privacy and space: Campers appreciate the uncrowded setting at these horse-friendly destinations. "You can take as much space as you need and there is access to the river. We will be going back again next month," reports Gemma G. about Scheck's Place Trail Camp.
Stargazing conditions: The minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "This 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," shares Judy B.
Lake activities: Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp offers water recreation beyond river options. "Quiet, not populated, and beautiful views. I've solo camped here a few times and it's great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation," writes Kate K.
Rustic facilities only: Campgrounds feature basic amenities without modern conveniences. "Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS," explains Jay F. about state forest camping.
Self-registration system: Come prepared with cash for payment. "Drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want," advises a camper about the honor system at equestrian camping areas near Mancelona.
Seasonal considerations: 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR remains less crowded even during peak times. "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," notes Lexi G.
Potential flooding: Some campgrounds have drainage issues during heavy rain. "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," warns a reviewer.
Playground access: Turtle Lake Campground offers amenities for younger children. "What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt. While I understand that comes with the territory of camping, this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground," explains Ann D.
Supervised water activities: The Boardman River current can pose safety concerns. "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," cautions Paul C.
Alternative activities for kids: For families seeking organized recreation, some campgrounds provide structured events. "We have 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," shares a visitor to Manton Trails RV Park.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose level areas away from flood-prone sections. "We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 107 for 3 days in mid July. This is a relatively large CG, just under 100 wooded sites, which are reasonably spaced for a private CG," reports Ray & Terri F.
Utilities access: Plan for limited hookups at most state forest campgrounds. "Sites not paved and entrance roads not paved!!!" notes Neil about Gaylord KOA, highlighting the rustic conditions common to many area campgrounds.
Seasonal RV considerations: Most equestrian campsites accommodate horse trailers with living quarters. "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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mancelona, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mancelona, MI is Gaylord KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mancelona, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Mancelona, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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