Oops S.
Scout
ScoutEly Lake Campground
Fun during the summer
Has a lake very wooded and private wooded trails
Equestrian Camping near Hartford, MI
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Ely Lake Campground in Fennville, Michigan welcomes equestrians with its horse-friendly rustic sites, open year-round. The campground features miles of trails for horseback riding and dedicated areas where horses are permitted to camp alongside their owners. The natural setting with significant tree cover creates a secluded environment for trail riding, though it limits solar power options for campers. Vault toilets and water pumps serve as the only facilities at this primitive campground. Daily trail rides connect campers to miles of forest paths through the surrounding state land.
Located approximately 25 miles from Hartford, this rustic campground offers no electricity, running water, or modern facilities, making it one of the most authentic horse camping options in western Michigan. The extensive trail system allows riders to explore natural landscapes while the lake provides a peaceful setting for non-motorized activities. Sites vary in size from small tent areas to spaces that can accommodate moderately-sized horse trailers, though the narrow interior roads make navigation challenging for larger rigs. The campground follows a self-registration system with payment deposited in a drop tube. Many riders consider the natural setting ideal for horses, with ample space for temporary containment and access to natural water sources while exploring the trail network.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Hartford (6)
1. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday
"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."
2. Ely Lake Campground
"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
Check Availability3. 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 Availability4. Potato Creek State Park Campground
"Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean. Bath houses are always clean!"
"There is a nice prairie area to walk around in, and an easy to ride pave bike trail. We watched the osprey nest one year for several hours."
from $20 - $90 / night
Check Availability5. Elkhart County Fairgrounds
"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."
6. Equestrian Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 29 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 35 min from Niles, MI
- 44 min from South Bend, IN
- 54 min from Elkhart, IN
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hartford, MI
133 Reviews of 6 Hartford Campgrounds
- C
Christine B.
RangerEly Lake Campground
Cute lake for kayaking
Nice small lake for swimming and kayaking Lots of nice hiking
- JJodie C.
TravelerFort Custer Recreation Area
Family campground
Large campground, many nice paved sites, about half 50 amp, no rustic sites. Most all sites are pretty secluded with growth between them. Bring your mosquito spray!
- SScott B.Ranger
Potato Creek State Park Campground
Nice park
Lots to do here. Swim, bike, trails, kids parks, good camp store. Towns near the park. You can rent bikes and canoes. Our site #55 was big but 3”dip drivers side and 12” dip back to front.
Cat L.ScoutPotato Creek State Park Campground
Great mid spring camping
Swimming, boating, fishing…this was a perfect weekend. The campground and park were easy to navigate and the DNR staff was very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend.
Gerard E.
LegendPotato Creek State Park Campground
Early Camp
April 19-21, 2026 Site 231 Level with gravel pad, large pad for ground mat. Good fire pit and 4 person picnic table. The park is greening up quickly and people were carrying bags of morels out of the woods. Our Apex Nano is 21’ long and fit well with our RAM 1500. One tree for partial shade, open end lots and you will feel the breeze. Would be a good spot with friends back to back at site 199. Cellular was 2 bars 5G with T-Mobile Electric was 20,30 and 50amp
MickandKarla W.LegendElkhart County Fairgrounds
Better Stay than the Last
We followed our RV Trip Wizard GPS directions straight to the fairgrounds, and since we had stayed here before, we knew to use the second entrance. Because it was a Sunday, our welcome packet was waiting outside the 4-H office where check-in normally takes place. After entering through the gate, we took a right and then another right at the end of the road to reach the Northwest campground (CG), where we backed into recommended site 450 with full hookups. The campground can also be accessed by turning right on the gravel road just before the 4-H office. We tested the fairgrounds’ Wi-Fi, which is unsecured with no password, and at 11.9 Mbps download the connection was usable for basic email and web browsing. We instead used our T-Mobile Home Internet and saw download speeds around 180 Mbps. The Northwest campground area is wide open, so satellite internet would not be an issue. In front of the restroom and shower building there is a fenced horseshoe area along with a basketball court. Train tracks run near the fairgrounds, and trains operate day and night, though the noise level was tolerable for us. Take a short drive to Shipshewana and stop at Yoder’s Meat& Cheese Co., then wander next door to Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes. Head upstairs to the Red Bud Gift Shop& Coffee Tea Cafe, home of the Super Pretzel Sandwich. The sandwich is pressed inside a warm, soft pretzel and loaded with ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. One sandwich is easily enough for two people and worth the stop. Customer service with reservations and cleanliness were big improvements. We’ve stayed in Elkhart and Goshen many times, and this campground is one of the better options in the area.
Joel K.
GuideFort Custer Recreation Area
MTB camp and bike (again)
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.
We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding. The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.
All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.
Bob B.TravelerFort Custer Recreation Area
A return to my childhood
I camped here countless times throughout my childhood. It was nice returning. I brought back great memories and it struck a balance of staying up with the times but still leaving most to nature.
Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long.
Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT.
Don’t miss out on the great finishing and hiking. A great plus is still seeing kids rise actual bikes!
Guide to Hartford
Ely Lake Campground offers primitive equestrian camping near Hartford, Michigan, approximately 25 miles away in Fennville. Located within the Allegan State Forest, this year-round campground spans across sandy soil terrain with significant woodland coverage. The campground features two distinct camping areas divided by the lake, with the sites numbered 49-73 offering more seclusion than other sections.
What to do
Trail riding exploration: The extensive trail network provides multiple options for horseback riding through the Allegan Forest. "Miles of trails to wander and discover," mentions Ellen S. about Ely Lake Campground.
Non-motorized water activities: The lake at Ely Lake prohibits motorized boats, making it ideal for peaceful paddling. "The lake is great for kayaking," notes Ellen S., providing a tranquil alternative to busier lakes in the region.
Walking the perimeter trail: A roughly one-mile walking path circles the lake. James K. explains, "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."
Mountain biking adventures: For those seeking more challenging trails, Fort Custer Recreation Area offers dedicated mountain biking paths. "Endless hiking trails and two lakes where you can fish, swim, and boat," says Bob B. about Fort Custer Recreation Area.
What campers like
Authentic wilderness experience: The rustic setting appeals to those seeking primitive camping conditions. "This is a wonderful rustic campground. We stayed on the side with sites 49-73 which has larger more secluded sites than the other side of the Lake," shares James K. about Ely Lake Campground.
Reliable water access: Despite limited facilities, the campground maintains water pumps for basic needs. TheSydliks notes, "Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water. There is a dumpster available in the busier parts of the season but this campground is open year round."
Peaceful lake environment: The non-motorized lake restriction creates a quieter camping experience. "The Lake is for non-motorized recreational use so it is mostly used for kayaking and canoeing and fishing," explains James K.
Family-friendly activities: For families seeking more amenities while still enjoying the outdoors, Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offers structured recreation. Jill P. mentions, "Friendly staff, lots of kid activities. Nice pool, clean campground. Barrel train ride is a lot of fun for the whole family."
What you should know
Truly rustic conditions: Facilities are minimal at Ely Lake. "Keyword: RUSTIC... no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator (inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover," TheSydliks explains.
Weekend noise concerns: The campground atmosphere changes dramatically on weekends. James K. warns, "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... There is loud music, people yelling, fireworks going off and... not very much sleep."
Self-registration process: Arrival procedures are basic without staffed check-in. "Pay for site by money drop in tube so bring your check book," advises Ellen S.
Water quality issues: The hand pumps may produce discolored water. James K. recommends, "I would recommend bringing your own drinking water because the water from the hand pump is very discolored."
Tips for camping with families
Choose midweek visits: To avoid the potentially rowdy weekend crowds, schedule family trips during weekdays when the campground is quieter and more family-friendly.
Pack all essentials: With no stores nearby, bring everything you'll need. TheSydliks advises, "No playground. Just the beach and the trails," so pack games and activities to keep children entertained.
Consider alternative campgrounds: Families wanting more amenities might prefer Potato Creek State Park Campground, where Jason S. notes, "Hiking, biking swimming, fishing, what more could you ask for. We love it here."
Plan for bathroom limitations: With only vault toilets available, prepare children for primitive facilities. "Bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings," suggests Suzi K.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: The campground's layout limits the size of RVs that can comfortably access sites. 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."
Power management: With no electrical hookups, RVers must plan accordingly. "Solar is a negative due to tree cover," notes TheSydliks, suggesting generators as an alternative power source.
Proximity to facilities: When selecting a site, consider the walking distance to vault toilets. James K. explains, "Our site was on the far end of a loop. This meant a longer walk to the restrooms and showers."
Camping alternatives: For RVers requiring more amenities, Fort Custer Recreation Area offers electric-only hookups and a dump station. VB S. confirms, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Hartford, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hartford, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hartford, MI is Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday with a 4.7-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Hartford, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hartford, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Hartford, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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