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Equestrian Camping near Mattawan, MI

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    Fort Custer Recreation Area near Augusta accommodates equestrians with several miles of designated horse trails circling the outer perimeter of the park. The campground features spacious sites with natural vegetation providing privacy between camping spots. While the campground does not offer dedicated horse corrals, the recreation area permits horses on specific trails. The park encompasses three lakes, extensive trail systems for multiple uses, and modern bathroom facilities with showers. Electric hookups are available at all campsites, though water hookups are not provided. The large sites can accommodate horse trailers, with a sanitary dump station available for RVs. The trail system at Fort Custer is well-marked and maintained, accommodating hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders in separate designated areas.

    Located approximately 15 miles from Mattawan, Fort Custer's equestrian trails offer varied terrain through wooded areas. Riders access the horse trails from designated parking areas separate from the main campground. The trail system provides clear signage indicating which paths permit horses and which are reserved for other recreational users. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to intermediate with relatively flat terrain and some gentle hills. Horse owners must bring their own water containers for animals as water sources along the trails are limited. The recreation area remains open year-round, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities, though trail conditions vary with weather. Many riders note the peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained paths that make Fort Custer a reliable destination for day rides, though overnight horse camping requires standard sites without specialized equine amenities.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Mattawan (4)

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      1. Fort Custer Recreation Area

      4.3(44)24mi from MattawanRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      2. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

      4.7(17)25mi from Mattawan97 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did."

      "This is a great place to camp with young children, as there are many activities around the camp. It is family owned and operated and you can tell- warm and friendly."

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      3. Ely Lake Campground

      4.2(10)25mi from Mattawan73 sitesRVs, Tents

      "No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails."

      "All rustic sites, horses welcomed, vault toilets, and water pumps. Pay for site by money drop in tube so bring your check book. The lake is great for kayaking. Miles of trails to wander and discover."

      from $17 / night

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      4. Elkhart County Fairgrounds

      3.5(8)44mi from MattawanRVs, Tents

      "Overall Rating: 4 for access to the area, very clean facilities, and not too many campers thus time of year.
      Price 2024: $35 for water/electric only."

      "A little close to your neighbors but the way the sites are angled you had plenty of room. Very friendly people. Easy in and out."

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mattawan, MI

    79 Reviews of 4 Mattawan Campgrounds

    • J
      Sep. 11, 2020

      Ely Lake Campground

      Beautiful rustic sites with loud parties at night

      Ely Lake Campground is a County campground in Allegan Michigan. All of the sites are rustic. Here are the bullet points:

      • There are no bathrooms, just pit toilets. 
      • There is no electricity. 
      • There is a hand pump for water, although I would recommend bringing your own drinking water because the water from the hand pump is very discolored.
      • Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table.
      • They don't sell firewood, but you can by some in town on your way in.
      • There is a beach.
      • You can make reservations online ahead of time, or show up and find an empty site (but bring cash or check to pay because its a drop box).
      • They have equestrian trails and sites.

      First the positives: It is a beautiful rustic campground. We stayed on the side with sites 49-73 (specifically site 50) which has larger more secluded sites than the other side of the Lake. The Lake is for non-motorized recreational use so it is mostly used for kayaking and canoeing and fishing. There is about a 1 mile trail that you can walk around the exterior of the Lake, however it is ill defined in some places so just keep your eyes peeled for yellow markers on the trees (which are everywhere so you wont get lost).

      This place also attracts a lot of equestrian campers and they have trails specifically for horseback riding. So if you have kids that love horses, you may see some on the weekends. 

      The negatives: It is a wonderful experience until about 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday night. This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings (apparently there is no where else for the locals to have a rager). There is loud music , people yelling, fireworks going off and… not very much sleep. And I am not just talking about a few people with their music on -- it was someone blasting their sub-woofer with electronic dance music until 4:45 AM. It was really disappointing because otherwise the experience was positive. Luckily my kids are all deep sleepers so I was the only one who had to sit up all night.

      They clean the bathrooms daily from what I can tell, but otherwise the campground is not maintained. There was trash around our site, and when you walk the trail about the lake you will see cigarette packets and beer bottles occasionally. Also along the trail were two massive hornet nests that really should have been removed by park management - but it's clear they don't ever maintain the trail. 

      If you're willing to overlook some garbage, and if the party people stay away you could have a wonderful camping trip. Allegan County has a beautiful natural resource here, but sadly it seems like it is being squandered, and wont last.

    • Suzi K.
      Oct. 22, 2020

      Ely Lake Campground

      Words Can't Describe

      This is always my go to campground! All natural camping with plenty of nice people! One word of advise is to bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings lol but are back up and running by mid afternoon. No showers and just outhouses but that's REAL camping right!!!? No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at it's purest! I have been coming to this lake to camp for over 40 years and I hope I have 40 more years left!!!

    • Diana M.
      Jun. 13, 2018

      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! 🐕🐶

    • Janet N.
      May. 20, 2019

      Fort Custer Recreation Area

      Something for everyone

      MMichigan State park with large sites and lots of privacy.  $25per night with electric.  Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking,  horses and mountain bikes. Roads quiet and could easily ride your road bike to nearby bike paths. I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky.

    • K
      May. 17, 2019

      Fort Custer Recreation Area

      Huge and has so much to offer

      Wow! Three lakes, hiking, biking and horse trails, showers, camp host and super quiet this past week while there. Not many campers, but everyone there seemed pleasant and were quiet. Deep sites, electric if you so desire, firepit and tables. I use a tent. Driving from the west through Augusta is a treat...so pretty. Civilization not far at all. Fishing, beach, play areas and an amusement park for mountain bikers! No alcohol. Will return!

    • E
      Apr. 19, 2018

      Ely Lake Campground

      Great Rustic Campground

      I have been camping here a couple years. It is open year round. All rustic sites, horses welcomed, vault toilets, and water pumps. Pay for site by money drop in tube so bring your check book. The lake is great for kayaking. Miles of trails to wander and discover.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 23, 2017

      Elkhart County Fairgrounds

      Typical Fairgrounds Camping Experience

      I have camped here a couple of times while visiting northern Indiana to have repairs done on my RV. Overall, I like this campground where for $30/night you can get a 50 amp full hook-up site or $23/night a 30 amp and water site. If you plan on staying longer weekly and monthly rates are really good. The campground sits in the middle of the county fairgrounds so there is usually something going on – either a fair, concert, horse event, or an RV rally. Depending on what time of year you are here and part of the week, the campground could be very crowded or very empty. The nice thing is the people in the office let you pick whatever site you want and don’t assign one to you. There are 275 full hook-up sites with 50 amp full hook-up and 30 amp water & electric only. There are no fires allowed and some sites don’t have picnic tables but you can request one and they will bring it to your site.

      There is very little shade and during my last visit the late September fall temperatures climbed to nearly 90 degrees and was brutal. This campground is better suited for RVs than tents but you are permitted to tent camp. Bathrooms and showers are scattered about and I was amazed at always how clean they (and the grounds as a whole) are. They do offer WiFi which worked pretty well in non-peak hours like early morning but was not reliable and sometimes frustrating. Since many sites have a clear view of the sky, you most likely will get satellite television reception and a dozen or so antenna channels.

      One of the things I like about this park is the vast expanse of grounds to wander about walking my dog. There is a trail system just outside of the park that allows you miles and miles of walking and biking trails. Downtown Goshen is less than two miles away and has some great restaurants (including Venturi Pizza, Maple Indian Cuisine – which has an awesome buffet, and Goshen Brewing Company). The Saturday farmers market is great with lots of produce, breads, meats, cheeses, and crafts.

      The last time I visited coincided with the Mennonite Relief Fund which was a big fund raiser for their charity that packed the grounds with stuff for sale, food, and activities. It was fun to be there during the event but it meant the campground and grounds were packed.

      Now for the bad about this campground. It is located right next to very busy train tracks that operate 24/7 and blow their horns quite often. They were really annoying in the middle of the night. Sites are close together so if it is crowded and you have a neighbor, you will be right on top of them. There is no shade which can be very miserable.

      Pros:

      · Price - $30/night for a 50 amp full hook-up site

      · Nearby downtown stores and restaurants

      · Sites are not assigned so you can pick where you want to camp

      · Grassy patios

      · Large grounds to meander around

      · Nearby biking/walking trail

      Cons:

      · Very noisy from nearby trains operated at all hours

      · Few trees for shade or privacy

      · Some sites are very tight and close to your neighbor

      · Can be very crowded

      · WiFi provided but not reliable

    • Bryce J.
      Jul. 10, 2019

      Fort Custer Recreation Area

      Surprisingly nice beach area.

      Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!

      Never over-crowded, tons of trails, and very nice paddle board, kayak, and canoe rentals! The lake at the state park is outlined by trails and features a small island to paddle around!

    • Jill T.
      Aug. 30, 2021

      Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

      AWESOME

      So far this is the nicest KOA ever. Beautifully landscaped sites are very, very nice. Many sites with cement patios and grills. There's cabins and yurts too. Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did. We were here twice this year!

    Guide to Mattawan

    Fort Custer Recreation Area offers dedicated equestrian trails and camping options approximately 15 miles from Mattawan, Michigan. The area provides multiple trail systems across relatively flat terrain with some gentle hills, making it suitable for riders of different experience levels. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to intermediate with clear signage designating which paths permit horses.

    What to do

    Lake activities: Fort Custer Recreation Area encompasses three lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat," mentions Bob B. The recreation area maintains a swimming beach at one of the lakes.

    Mountain biking: The extensive trail network includes dedicated mountain biking paths separate from equestrian routes. "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," notes Joel K., highlighting the quality of the biking trails.

    Blueberry picking: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offers unique seasonal activities. "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!" reports Cindy B.

    What campers like

    Site privacy: Many campsites at Fort Custer feature natural buffers between sites. "We just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!" writes Hannah about Fort Custer's wooded sites.

    Family-friendly amenities: Covert/South Haven KOA caters specifically to families with children. "Good spots for RV/pull behind/tents. Clean facilities and only a 20 min drive from South Haven's beautiful beaches!" says Hannah S. The campground also features a heated pool and organized activities.

    Night sky viewing: Janet N. appreciates the natural darkness at Fort Custer: "I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky." This creates ideal conditions for stargazing when weather permits.

    What you should know

    Rustic options available: Ely Lake Campground provides a more primitive experience for those seeking basic equestrian camping near Mattawan. "No electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water," explains TheSydliks, noting that the campground is "open year round."

    Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels on weekends. James K. reports about Ely Lake: "It is a wonderful experience until about 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday night. This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings."

    Water and sewer connections: Electric hookups are common but water and sewer connections vary by campground. At Fort Custer, VB S. notes: "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station." Plan accordingly if traveling with an RV requiring full hookups.

    Tips for camping with families

    Activity planning: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offers structured recreation for children. "We camp here every year with our family since it is perfectly halfway between us, in Michigan, and my family in Chicago. The kids love the activities and the pool," shares Lisa P.

    Bug preparation: Pack insect repellent, especially during summer months. Cathy Y. warns about Fort Custer: "lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent." This is particularly important when camping with children who may be sensitive to insect bites.

    Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming areas, but facilities vary. At Ely Lake Campground, Becky J. appreciates that "it has a lake for swimming in the summer," though the swimming area is less developed than at other campgrounds in the region.

    Tips from RVers

    Dump station planning: At Fort Custer Recreation Area, RVers should anticipate potential wait times. "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long," advises Bob B., suggesting campers plan accordingly, especially during busy weekends.

    Site sizing: Most campgrounds accommodate various RV sizes, but access roads may present challenges. Regarding Ely Lake, TheSydliks cautions: "Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the 'roads' inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels."

    Electrical service: Fort Custer provides electrical hookups at campsites, which is important for RVers requiring power. "Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. It was overcast upon arrival only to have the sun shine down the next day. We soon found out that there was enough clearing in the treetops to give our camp full sun for most of the day," notes Art S., highlighting the importance of considering sun exposure for solar panels and comfort.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mattawan, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mattawan, MI is Fort Custer Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Mattawan, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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