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Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead offers free horse camping near Manistique, MI, with toilet facilities available for riders and their horses. Forest roads provide ample trailer parking near established camping spots. The facility accommodates tent and RV camping, with space specifically configured for vehicles with horse trailers. Most visitors find cell service surprisingly reliable for a remote horse camp, with Verizon and T-Mobile connectivity reported at the trailhead area. Access is available through drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in routes, making it versatile for different transportation needs.
The Hovey Lake area connects riders to extensive trail networks throughout the Hiawatha National Forest. Trails range from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes through diverse UP terrain. Campsites are positioned near water access points, providing natural water sources for horses after trail rides. Camping spots accommodate both small and larger rigs, though no designated horse corrals are provided on site. The campground remains quiet with minimal traffic, typically seeing only a couple vehicles pass through daily even during peak season. While the site lacks amenities like showers or hookups, the combination of free camping and direct trail access makes it popular with self-contained equestrian campers looking for a rustic experience.
"I have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds."
"This campground is very close to trailhead. Well maintained, decent wifi. Don't expect any Verizon cell coverage here. Sites are nice and large, staff is friendly and the bar has good food"
from $33 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Went all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away."
"Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin."
"Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway."
"There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days."
from $8 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The staff was very friendly and they actually had campsites that were more private then almost all the Michigan state parks we have stayed at."
"Easy drive to the falls, nice clean grounds, and right next to ATV trails"
"Watch the sunset from your tent on top of a 40 foot over lake MI."
RangerWent all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away. Thought the skeeters were insane, but this time of year, it's to be expected.
GuideWe stayed here on the very last night they were open this season. The staff was very friendly and they actually had campsites that were more private then almost all the Michigan state parks we have stayed at. It was a bit pricey for camping $40 for a pop up truck camper with only electric and water.
They have hot showers that were clean and looked taken care of. They have a playground, playroom and a pool. None of this was open during our visit but I imagine in the summer it is all going strong and the kids have a blast. My one complaint was it is pretty close to the road and during a heavy tourist season it could probably be pretty loud.
ScoutGreat site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem. Totally legit dispersed camp site. Will definely be going back. Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day. It is the end of the road though so no one was driving to fast and it didn't cause any issues.
TravelerWas slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway. Sites are fairly spacious but don’t have any of the hookups or amenities mentioned on the site profile - some do have rudimentary fire pits though. There are 3 sites in total. Ground is flat enough to comfortably tent camp. Camp in early September, bugs were minimal. At times the night was eerily silent, at other times I heard dirt bikes and tractor trailers in the distance, also heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice.
TravelerI have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds. I found this place on a whim years ago... and now JackPine has a special place in my heart.
When I need to truly rest my bones, this is my go to in this neck of the woods.
Clean and warm cabins, modern and rustic campsites, bathhouse, a super cool bar, cold beer, great food and nothing but exceptional and friendly staff. Not to mention... WIFI throughout the property. When you go to the bar- be sure to grab a JackPine Burger and fries.
I have traveled almost every corner of The Yoop. I have not found a campground (of the modern and resort nature) that nearly compares to this place. Not in quality of stay or the constant desire to return.
ScoutEasy drive to the falls, nice clean grounds, and right next to ATV trails
ScoutThe site only gives you coordinates that are actually an hour away from the site. There is no real address to get there. We pulled in pretty late, had a rough long drive so we got to where we thought it was at around 11:30 pm. Then we can’t find the site, so we go to the website and it gives us strange directions to somewhere an hour away. As we drove out there, we lost all service, were on dirt roads and we were miles past any signs of civilization. We started to get a strange feeling but we trekked on. Suddenly it gets very foggy and spooky looking and we all debate turning back, but still we keep going. Finally, we turn onto the road that it is on, just a ways down, and the stop sign is filled with bullet holes however we haven’t seen a single sign of people out there. We keep going and finally decide this all seems like an elaborate ploy to lure campers in and kill them. We decide to turn around and end up in some weird abandoned summer camp, still around thirty minutes left on the road to get to the actual site. We decide there are far too many creepy signs pointing towards this not being a good idea then as we leave and get service back, we look up the site and realize there are zero reviews at all. The site doesn’t exist on google except for these camping sites, with the same two photos only on every site and zero reviews. As we are driving away, we get an email at one am saying “hello your site is still empty, please enjoy your stay” as if there was someone waiting for us at the site even though it was a remote site with no formal check in. How did they know we were not at the site yet? And what are the chances they email us right as we turn around? I’m glad we didn’t end up staying, we all had a horrible gut feeling and I suggest no one else stay here either. Nothing about it seemed legit or safe.
ScoutVery nice camp ground, central location for upper peninsula activities. Very nice heated pool. Campsites are a bit close to each other but otherwise very nice.
ScoutLong nice road with a few pull offs once you are close to the end there is one official site with a table and fire circle. Is first come first serve but if you keep driving down there are two different boat launches with room to park/camp. We stayed in our car just in case. NOTE! the camp site is closed for updates until the end of October apparently. No service with mint
Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead provides free dispersed camping options on forest roads with direct access to extensive trail networks throughout the Hiawatha National Forest. Located approximately 30 miles northwest of Manistique, this area connects to several hundred miles of equestrian trails crossing diverse Upper Peninsula terrain. The region experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers with temperatures typically ranging from 65-80°F during peak camping season.
Trail riding excursions: Multiple trail networks branch out from the Hovey Lake area, allowing riders to explore the diverse landscape of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite offers additional riding opportunities nearby. According to one camper, "Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day. It is the end of the road though so no one was driving to fast."
Swimming spots for horses: After trail rides, several natural water access points provide places where horses can cool down. At Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping, one visitor noted that the location is "Just off M-28, down the right side road a bit you will see campfire remnants and a spot where people tend to park on the left."
Wildlife viewing: The remote location offers opportunities to observe native wildlife in their natural habitat. One camper at Hickey Marsh shared, "I heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice."
Solitude and quiet: The remote nature of equestrian camping areas near Manistique provides a peaceful experience away from crowds. At Swan Lake Campsites, campers appreciate the distance from populated areas which minimizes noise and light pollution.
Natural setting: The forested surroundings create a true wilderness experience. As one Ironjaw Lake visitor described, "We were lucky, we went pre-season. We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves. It was gorgeous."
Cell service reliability: Despite the remote location, connectivity is better than expected. At Hickey Marsh, a camper reported, "cell service with Verizon was shockingly good," making it possible to stay connected while enjoying the wilderness experience.
Seasonal considerations: The peak season for equestrian camping near Manistique typically runs May through September. Jack Pine Lodge and Campground operates seasonally, with one camper noting, "In the middle of the National Forest, smack in the middle of the UP. Everything is about 45 minutes away, but you'll get an amazing night sky and great camping hosts."
Trailer logistics: Forest roads leading to dispersed camping areas can be narrow but generally accommodate horse trailers. At Ironjaw Lake, a camper advised, "If you keep driving down there are two different boat launches with room to park/camp."
Insect preparation: During summer months, biting insects can be prevalent. A Jack Pine visitor warned, "This year, the gnats were just about unbearable, but no fault of the campground (welcome to the UP)."
Bathroom considerations: While most dispersed camping areas have basic toilet facilities, they lack running water. At St. James Township Campground, visitors can find more substantial facilities. One camper shared their experience: "I have camped at St James numerous times, typically for 5-8 days... My favorite thing to do is paddle my kayak out into the bay, anchor up, and sit for hours in the gentle waves reading a book."
Educational opportunities: The area provides natural learning experiences about forest ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Hickey Marsh campers report seeing various wildlife tracks and hearing nocturnal animals.
Safety precautions: Always bring emergency supplies and inform others of your location when camping in remote areas. An Ironjaw Lake visitor cautioned, "NOTE! The camp site is closed for updates until the end of October apparently. No service with mint."
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose sites carefully as some dispersed areas have limited turning radius. A camper at Newberry Campground advised, "We had a pull through site...The pull-through sites are SMALL! If you happen to have a neighbor, you share campfire and picnic table space."
Self-contained camping: Most equestrian camping areas near Manistique lack hookups, requiring RVers to be fully self-contained. At Hickey Marsh, a visitor confirmed, "Just want an overnight stay and are self contained it's perfect. We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger."
Road conditions: Forest service roads can be rough in places. Plan your route carefully and consider recent weather conditions. Jack Pine Lodge offers better accessibility, with one camper noting, "Most sites have water/sewage and 30 or 50amp service."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Manistique, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Manistique, MI is Jack Pine Lodge and Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Manistique, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Manistique, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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