12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
McKinley Horse Trail Campground accommodates equestrians with rustic amenities in a secluded forest setting. The campground provides access to miles of designated bridle paths through the Huron-Manistee National Forest, with sites specifically designed for horse trailers. Vault toilets serve as the only facility, with no drinking water, electric hookups, or shower facilities available on site. The surrounding area offers extensive trail riding opportunities with minimal crowds and maximum privacy. Sites are rarely busy, making this an ideal choice for riders seeking solitude. The terrain features 4x4 access during winter months, though standard vehicles can navigate during dry seasons.
Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground connects directly to Michigan's extensive horse trail system. Located near Grayling, this rustic campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Recent logging has cleared much of the vegetation, creating an open field environment for equestrian activities. Sites accommodate both riders and non-riders, with designated areas specifically for horses. The campground's secluded location ensures privacy but offers limited cell service. Trail access directly from campsites allows for immediate riding without trailering. Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground provides another option for horse owners, with sites 1-8 reserved for non-horse campers while other sites accommodate equestrians with their mounts. The campground sits directly on trails with drinking water and toilet facilities available.
"Love this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around."
"This place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to."
"The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate."
"Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some."
from $40 - $100 / night
Check Availability"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas."
"The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular."
"Sites are reasonably priced around$25-30/night. The park is very dog-friendly, which we appreciated.
Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront. "
"The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."
"The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."
GuideLove this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around. Right in the heart of Mio, and if you're in the area be sure to check out "the bakery" (Amish bakery that is unbelievably delicious)
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
GuideIt was logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 "sites" and an open field for equestrian activities.
Very secluded. Nothing of interest in the nearby area.
Looks to be seldom used.
No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal.
LegendA horse campground located directly on trails. Rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8
RangerThe Luzerne Express Campground is literally all you need in one spot. The whole place is incredibly accommodating. Friendly, helpful staff. There is an array of sites available plus RV’s and Cabins for rent so winter camping here is a blast. The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate. Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest.
RangerThis campground is not my favorite, although my husband did not mind staying there. One of the reasons it is not my favorite is because the bathrooms were disgusting. I do not think that they were cleaned the entire four days we were there. They were super-hot and dirty. Another reason I did not care for the campground is because while we were there, my cousin’s dog was taken to doggy jail! We went on a kayaking trip down the Au Sable river and were gone a couple of hours. My cousin has a big dog that was tied to the tree. The dog had water, but must have knocked it over. The weather was not hot, it was in the low 70’s. My uncle’s site was right next door and he was watching the dog. My uncle was preparing dinner and went into the camper to grab what he needed to grill hamburgers and hot dogs. While he was making hamburger patties someone must have walked by and saw that the dog’s water was empty (because the dog knocked it over), that person went to the park attendant and they called animal control. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle said he was in the camper for about 20 mins making patties and getting food ready to grill outside. Apparently, it is not actually animal control that came to get him, it was a person down the street that takes the animals to his home on the weekend when animal control is not open. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle was frantic and walked around the entire campground and then went to the front desk. The lady was so rude to my uncle. My uncle is a very nice and funny man and he was just beside himself! My cousin came back from the kayaking trip and my uncle told him what happened. My cousin went to the man’s house that took the dog and had to pay $80 to get him out! It was quite the ordeal. My uncle felt bad because he wasn’t out there the entire time with the dog, but he wasn’t gone that long and it wasn’t that hot outside. My uncle would have seen that the water was empty and would have refilled it. The sites are HUGE and there are some trees, but I would not camp here again. That situation left a bad taste in my mouth and the bathrooms not being cleaned during our stay put me over the edge.
ScoutThis place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to. Highly reccomend for anyone looking to camp without ANY ammentities. Access is 4x4 only winter months.
TravelerEntire camp is rustic with well pumps throughout, also all restrooms are vault toilets. Sinkhole trails within walking distance, beautiful lake with some nice fish. I believe it is a no wake lake so it doesn’t get too wild.
RangerWhile it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls. Full coin laundry was helpful too! They had kids activities over the 4thof July weekend, and our kid loved it. The KOA is about a 5 min drive to Otsego Lake and the state park, where there's a nice beach and easy lake access. There's also a newly paved bike trail right by the lake for you to log some miles on. Nearby towns of Gaylord and Boyne provided us with plenty to do, and only a couple hours to get to Sleeping Bear sand dunes. We thought this place was worth the expense- big, flat, level sites with fire pit and full hook up. Nice pine trees and plenty of space for kids to play. Did not like the additional fee for kid to get wrist band for jump pillow and mini gold, but did it anyways.
Equestrian camping near Mio, Michigan offers direct access to the Huron-Manistee National Forest's extensive trail system. Located at an elevation of approximately 900 feet above sea level, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm summers averaging 75-85°F and cold winters dropping below freezing. The region features primarily sandy soil conditions with mixed pine and hardwood forests dominating the landscape.
Trail riding opportunities: Riders at Luzerne Express Campground can access multiple trail systems. "Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest. The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV's," notes Judy B.
Swimming in natural areas: Explore the unique geological features near Pigeon River State Forest Campground. Kate K. mentions, "Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings. If you can manage to find this place, you will love it!"
Fishing excursions: Multiple fishing spots within 20 minutes of most campgrounds. "Nice quiet and relaxing right on the lake...a small playground for the kids," reports Gordon B. at Oscoda County Park, noting the lake fishing access.
Secluded camping spots: McKinley Horse Trail Campground offers true wilderness solitude. Juan A. notes, "This place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to."
Waterfront sites: The Pigeon River runs directly alongside select campsites. Paul C. recommends, "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones."
Local attractions: Old Orchard Park Campground serves as a base for regional exploration. Michael A. states, "The area around here is beautiful with lots of sights and trails. This park has a wide variety of individuals...the lake is beautiful (especially in the early morning)."
Cell service limitations: Many forest campgrounds have minimal connectivity. At Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground, Dj W. reports, "No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal."
Seasonal considerations: Most equestrian campgrounds operate from April/May through October/November. The terrain can become challenging in winter months, with Juan A. noting about McKinley Horse Trail Campground: "Access is 4x4 only winter months."
Bathroom facilities: Expect basic amenities at equestrian sites. At Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground, Lydia T. describes it as "A rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8."
Insect preparation: Pack insect repellent, especially during summer months. Halie C. warns about Pigeon River State Forest Campground: "The best place to camp is right on the river which is lovely to fall asleep to at night. Beware of the bugs!"
Water safety awareness: Monitor children near rivers. Paul C. cautions about Pigeon River, "The river ran along the edge of our site...but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn't recommend for 6 and under."
Recreation options: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's activities. At Gaylord KOA, Amanda C. reports, "Lots do do for kids. Loved it here. Definitely coming back."
Choose accommodations strategically: Consider family-specific sites. Lydia T. notes that at Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground, "Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8," which can be better for families without horses.
Budget for additional fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for activities. Kim L. observes at Gaylord KOA, "Did not like the additional fee for kid to get wrist band for jump pillow and mini golf, but did it anyways."
Site conditions: Many equestrian campgrounds have limited leveling. Ray & Terri F. note about their Gaylord KOA experience: "Our site had a fair bit of slope side to side, which I mentioned to the person that led us to our site."
Utility placement challenges: Check hookup locations before setting up. Tracey R. advises about Old Orchard Park Campground: "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords."
Seasonal availability: Most RV-friendly sites near Mio close for winter. According to Kim L. at Gaylord KOA, "We had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool," but most such amenities are unavailable during off-season.
Size considerations: Not all equestrian sites accommodate larger RVs. Gordon B. at Oscoda County Park states, "Any size rv will fit," but this varies significantly between campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mio, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mio, MI is Oscoda County Park with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mio, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Mio, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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