Jami M.
Guide
GuideIonia State Recreation Area
Great get away
Clean, family friendly, beautiful. Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses.
Equestrian Camping near Mason, MI
14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Waterloo Recreation Area offers limited horse camping options with rustic facilities near Mason, Michigan. The Southfork Rustic Cabin provides access to riding trails with solar lighting and wood stove heating, accommodating four people in bunk beds. The cabin requires a quarter-mile hike from the parking area and includes an outdoor vault toilet. Multiple trail networks connect throughout the 20,000-acre recreation area, providing extensive terrain for equestrians. Sites at Waterloo have electric hookups but lack water hookups directly at campsites, a consideration for those planning extended stays with horses.
The recreation area maintains miles of designated bridle paths through diverse wooded terrain. Trails connect to the park's numerous lakes and natural features, allowing for varied riding experiences throughout the seasons. Horse owners should note the modest $68 per night fee for the rustic cabin option, making it an economical choice for overnight trail access. The campground experiences significant mosquito activity during summer months, particularly in the evening hours. While most of Waterloo's main campground is designed for family camping with RVs and tents, the horse trails remain a draw for day-use riders and those utilizing the rustic cabin option for overnight equestrian access to the extensive trail system.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Mason (14)
1. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
"What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. "
"Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name!"
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability2. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"Lots of trails within reach and a horse riding stable if that is your thing. Heard lots of wolves, saw lots of tracks but no animals. I’d like to go back in the spring and hike around some more!"
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net."from $35 - $160 / night
Check Availability3. Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Campground Review: Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."
"Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability4. Eaton County Fairgrounds
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
"Very convenient off highway with easy check-in and very quiet during the weekend when there are no events at the Fairgrounds"
5. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
"As an added plus a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here"
"Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability6. Fort Custer Recreation Area
"The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶"
"Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes."
from $21 - $108 / night
Check Availability7. Ionia State Recreation Area
"Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses."
"There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. "
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability8. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
"Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store."
"An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability9. Seven Lakes State Park Campground
"There are over 20 sites, about half of which are located lake side (not directly on the lake, but there are little paths that lead you there and you can somewhat see the water from these sites.)"
"Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. "
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability10. Waterloo Recreation Area Cabins — Waterloo Recreation Area
from $100 - $108 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 11 min from Lansing, MI
- 24 min from Jackson, MI
- 47 min from Ann Arbor, MI
- 59 min from Battle Creek, MI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Mason, MI
1 Photos of 14 Mason Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mason, MI
187 Reviews of 14 Mason Campgrounds
- Joshua E.
TravelerIonia State Recreation Area
Great activities for outdoors lovers
Ionia has so many great outdoor activities for almost anyone. There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. The beach is fantastic especially for little kids who might not be the best swimmers ready for Lake Michigan or lakes with lots of boats and waves to deal with. Nice and sandy and a nice store and ice cream shop at the beach.
The campground itself is very nice, but you may find the activities are a short drive away from your site to get there. The sites are all a little bit shallow especially if you have a larger travel trailer you may find it a bit tight. There is a great variety of shaded and sunny sites. There is only one bathroom for the campground so it can be a bit busy and it could probably use an update.
Mary T.
LegendSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
I know another great Michigan State Park
What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. I would advise if you want to camp there on a weekend to make reservations well in advance. We stay here because there are only 2 campgrounds in the Lansing East Lansing Area this being one of them and the other does not have all full hook ups and charges more. When we visit our daughter at Michigan State University this is the place we stay, 20 - 30 minutes into the University depending upon the traffic.
It has large wooded sites only electric but you can fill up the water at the dump station. Each site has a picnic table and Fire ring. Each campsite has a asphalt pad. They sell fire wood at the campground office. Bring what you need or you can go into St. johns to the Kroger or Walmart. they have 2 main camping loops with 2 loops in each of the main loops and a shower restroom in each main loop. The restrooms are very clean and kept up. I love the showers hot water and for me that is hot and great pressure, I could shower all day. Sure beats our shower in the RV.
The State Park is on Ovid Lake and it is a beautiful lake, great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayak, and swimming. they have a shelter for you if you have a big party.
They also have a group campsite and a picnic area for large groups. d You can also bring your horses go to the Equestrian area and unload and get on the trail.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards. They also have a great play ground for the kids and a fishing pier. Bring Bikes or just hike on the trails and head down to the beach.
- Kristina P.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
ok
quiet campground during the day, short drive to the beach, biking and equestrian trails available. loud around the restroom at night, cleaning crew came through at 10 pm.
- KKaren P.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Sleepy, as i call it...
Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name! Offers many species of fish for catching!! There are fishing docks, ONE IS NOT VERY ACCESSIBLE TO NON AMBULATORY PERSONS !!! THIS ONE'S IN THE CAMP AREA! The path is nicely groomed. The bea h is a long way from the parking lot a d there is no beach access from camp. The park is usually a clean family place...but for really young children or elderly persons it may. Ot be your first choice. I live nearby and have camped there zillions of times. I love it and shower bouses in camp are clean! Friendly staff a d they ate SERIOUS about quiet time! Bug spray required !!
Christie V.GuidePontiac Lake Recreation Area
Hidden Gem
Very nice sites. Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store. Equestrian trails and I hear they have a remote control airplane field and shooting range.
- Diana M.Traveler
Fort Custer Recreation Area
Perfect for families
The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶
David F.GuideSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Nature is where it's at
I frequent this park if I am camping or not. decent disc gof course and access to Lake Ovid is great, miles of trails to hike/bike/ride horses. Hosts are very friendly and is always a joy to talk with the rangers
- JJacob B.
ScoutSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Best hiking trails within 1gour drive of the state capital
Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital
fishing ,boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails,
Geocaching available.
Guide to Mason
Waterloo Recreation Area extends across 20,000 acres near Mason, Michigan, with diverse terrain featuring oak-hickory forests and glacial formations. The recreation area sits within the 11,000-acre Waterloo-Pinckney Trail complex at elevations ranging from 850 to 1,100 feet. Camping options include both modern and rustic sites with variable mosquito activity depending on season and proximity to wetlands.
What to do
Biking and hiking trails: Sleepy Hollow State Park offers extensive trail networks for outdoor activities. "Best hiking trails within 1 hour drive of the state capital... fun backpacking trails... bike trails, horse and bike trails," notes Jacob B. about the park's accessibility from Mason.
Swimming in clean lakes: Take advantage of the spring-fed lakes at Brighton Recreation Area. "Large campsite with trees, lit path to the bathroom, and easy access to hiking trails and raft/boat launch," shares Brianna S. The recreation area maintains multiple swimming beaches with varying amenities.
Mountain biking specialty areas: Fort Custer Recreation Area maintains dedicated mountain bike trail systems. "We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer. We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite," writes Joel K., highlighting the campground's proximity to riding trails.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. "The sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors," explains Sarah P. The campground maintains natural vegetation barriers between most sites.
Lake access for fishing: Seven Lakes State Park provides opportunities for anglers. "Sand Lake was our spot and the water was breath taking - it's a small pond really, but great for kayaking. Crystal clear, clean water, a good public beach," notes Andy B. The park contains multiple connected lakes with various fish species.
Proximity to equestrian facilities: Horse enthusiasts camping near Mason appreciate Hell Creek Ranch Campground's location. "A horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals," explains Ashley S., highlighting additional equestrian options beyond Waterloo's facilities.
What you should know
Extension cord requirements: At several campgrounds, electrical hookups may be positioned inconveniently. At Sleepy Hollow State Park, "Be sure to bring at least 100 feet of extension chord if you want electricity, because the power ports are not as accessible from some areas," advises Nathan V.
Mosquito preparation: Insect activity varies widely by location and season. "The camping area sits on an inaccessible lake with a marsh area. When we rolled in the first thing we noticed was that everyone had screen houses set up," reports Ryan F. about Brighton Recreation Area's Murray Lake section.
Variable cell service: Connectivity can be limited at campgrounds around Mason. At Seven Lakes State Park, campers report: "Cell signal (Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many state parks provide recreational facilities for children. At Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern Campground, "Spent 4 nights and 5 days camping with my husband and 2 kids. We had fun and the kids had a blast. They rode bikes around the loop and loved swimming and the playground," shares Kim S.
Halloween camping events: For seasonal family fun, consider Sleepy Hollow State Park. "Every year they put together an awesome Halloween trick or treat weekend, but be sure to book the day of six months before because otherwise you will not get a site," recommends Stephanie C.
Beach proximity considerations: At Bishop Lake Campground, families should plan for beach access. "The beach was nice but you have to walk a trail to get to it from the campground or drive. Nice walking trails," notes Debra B. Many campgrounds require a drive or moderate hike to reach swimming areas.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup limitations: RVers should plan for water availability. At Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern, "Absolutely love this place. Only downfall is no water hookups on site," notes Martin W. Many campgrounds around Mason offer electricity but require filling water tanks upon arrival.
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. Seven Lakes State Park campers advise: "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you."
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly for sanitary facilities. "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long," warns a camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area. Morning checkout times typically create the longest waits at dump stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Mason, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mason, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mason, MI is Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Mason, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mason, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Mason, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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