Equestrian camping near Kingsley, Michigan offers direct access to the rolling hills and dense forests of the northwestern Lower Peninsula. The area sits within the Pere Marquette State Forest, containing over 300 miles of trails at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet. Trail camps remain operational from May through mid-October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak season.
What to do
Fishing access: Scheck's Place State Forest Campground offers opportunities for anglers along the Boardman River. "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.
Kayaking and canoeing: Water recreation options include paddling opportunities at multiple locations. "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. It's a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers," reports Jay F. about Scheck's Place.
Multi-use trails: Trail systems accommodate various outdoor activities beyond horseback riding. At Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, "A couple nice hike/bike trails spur off the campground. Lots of traffic in the area through the night (ORV and mudding trucks)," according to Emily V.
Island exploration: Some water access sites feature unique exploration opportunities. "Lake Dubonnet has the basic rustic camping necessities. Outhouses near each circle, spickit with really good water, hiking trails, boat launch and even a nearby island you can kayak to and let the dogs roam free," writes Caryssa R.
What campers like
Uncrowded experience: Most equestrian sites remain quiet even during busy periods. "There are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers. The other is the trail camp... 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," reports Gemma G.
Natural water features: Turtle Lake Campground provides additional water recreation options. "This is one our favorite campgrounds that isn't a state park. Clean, well kept, lots of trees. The lake is great for kayaking or small fishing boats. Office staff super nice. Small, but nice beach," writes Stacey R.
Night sky viewing: Some campgrounds offer optimal stargazing conditions due to their landscape. "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," notes Judy B. about her experience at Scheck's Place.
Water access for horses: Several campgrounds provide water features specifically beneficial for equestrians. "This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean. The campground seemed to have a lot if unnecessary traffic," writes Judy B. about Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground.
What you should know
Honor system payment: Most equestrian campgrounds use self-registration. "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," advises Anna B. about Scheck's Place.
Site selection strategy: Some campgrounds offer flexibility in choosing your space. "First come first serve sites, but it's a super awesome place to go when everything else is booked," shares James H. about Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp.
Weather considerations: Terrain can affect campsite conditions during inclement weather. "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 Jay F. about camping at Scheck's Place.
Wildlife encounters: Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds provides alternative camping with different amenities. "Nice people. Some sites are electric only, some include water. Not busy and quiet. Did not use bathhouse," notes Ron S.
Tips for camping with families
Easy kayaking options: Choose locations with beginner-friendly water features for children. "Great like camp ground. No swimming but pretty lake with lots of lilipads and sunken tree. Nice hiking trail," writes Tracie S. about Lake Dubonnet.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer developed recreational facilities. "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," shares Ann D. about Turtle Lake Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Manton Trails RV Park offers developed options for families seeking more amenities. "Lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing… so much more. Very clean, very kind and helpful staff!" says Valerie C.
Affordability: Cost-conscious options exist for overnight stays. "Quiet, simple.. Just with nature...Site was clean, across street you can buy firewood...Was a pleasant 2 night's....From site to the nearest store 15-20 min away," notes Mario F. about Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in privacy levels across campgrounds. "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," reports Chris R.
Water and electric options: Hook-up availability varies significantly between horse-friendly campgrounds. "Large sites, amazing hosts, does charge for a band for kids to do activities like jumping pad etc. this includes a bike rental and golf but was an added charge," notes Lindsey S. about Gaylord KOA.
Rig size limitations: Some equestrian campgrounds accommodate larger trailers better than others. "The campsites are all flat and quite large, being that they are meant to accommodate people with a horse trailer, and there are numerous hitching posts throughout the campground," explains Evi L. about Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground.
Seasonal access: Road conditions affect campground accessibility. "We thought this would be a good place for our first trip in our new to us 5th wheel! 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!" shares Valerie C. about Manton Trails RV Park.
