Horse campgrounds near Moran, Michigan offer limited equestrian-specific facilities despite the region's extensive trail networks. While dedicated horse corrals are scarce, several campgrounds accommodate equestrians who bring their own containment systems. The Upper Peninsula camping season typically runs from May through October, with most facilities closing during winter months due to harsh weather conditions.
What to do
Visit Tahquamenon Falls: The falls are accessible via paved trails from Rivermouth Modern Campground, making it suitable for all ability levels. "Beautiful scenery and trails to the falls. The trails are paved so its an easy walk," notes Susan C., though she mentions cellular service is unavailable in this area.
Explore Lake Superior shoreline: Located approximately 20-30 minutes from the main Tahquamenon Falls area, riverside campsites provide unique wetland access. According to Cody S., "The campground is nestled in the trees along the Tahquamenon River near the rivermouth of Lake Superior... There is river access along the back of the campground for fishing or enjoying the beautiful wetlands."
Watch Great Lakes shipping: Soo Locks Campground in Sault Ste. Marie provides direct views of passing freighters. "You get to see the ships go by day and night," reports Megan A., who has visited for over 15 years. The campground sits directly on the St. Mary's River shipping channel.
What campers like
Dark sky viewing: St. James Township Campground on Beaver Island sits within a designated dark sky area. Mike M. reports, "Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I've seen the aurora multiple times." The campground sits atop a 40-foot bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
Central location for day trips: Newberry Campground serves as a strategic base for exploring regional attractions. David N. notes it provides an "Easy drive to the falls, nice clean grounds, and right next to ATV trails." The campground's location allows visitors to access multiple Upper Peninsula destinations within reasonable driving distances.
Heated pool facilities: Summer visitors appreciate Newberry Campground's heated pool for family recreation. Cherry mentions, "Very nice camp ground, central location for upper peninsula activities. Very nice heated pool." Another visitor noted the pool was "SUPER warm" during their early-season visit.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Campsite proximity differs greatly between campgrounds and even within the same facility. At Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Lee D. advises, "Sites were generous in size but the interior ones did not have any privacy separation... Try and snag an outside site for more privacy."
Seasonal weather impacts: Heavy rain can create challenging conditions in low-lying areas. Stacia R. encountered difficulties: "Due to recent heavy rains our site was under several inches of water... We would have needed a houseboat." Always check weather forecasts before your trip.
Limited equestrian facilities: None of the primary campgrounds near Moran feature dedicated horse corrals or stabling. Horse campers must transport their animals to nearby state forest trails rather than accessing them directly from campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with recreation options: Several facilities offer family-oriented amenities. Hannah at Newberry Campground reports, "There's a playground a pool for kids. Large wooded sites and friendly staff." This campground maintains a game room in addition to outdoor facilities.
Consider fall color camping: St. James Township Campground provides dramatic scenery for fall visits. Casey B. recommends you can "Watch the sunset from your tent on top of a 40 foot over lake MI," creating memorable experiences for family photography and nature appreciation.
Plan for busy periods: Popular areas become crowded during peak season. Emma W. observed at Tahquamenon Falls: "It was super crowded everywhere we went... The falls were awesome, just wish that it was less packed." Consider weekday visits or shoulder seasons for a less congested experience.
Tips from RVers
Limited pull-through availability: Soo Locks Campground offers functional but compact sites in an urban setting. Moose C. describes it as "Right on the river. Close to town. It's not pretty, just functional," which accurately sets expectations for RVers seeking convenience over scenic surroundings.
Water access considerations: Some campgrounds lack full hookups despite accommodating RVs. Tom at Tahquamenon Falls notes, "There is a water fill station on the way into the campground," but mentions the absence of direct water hookups at sites. RVers should arrive with full fresh water tanks.
Size restrictions at waterfront sites: Kelli V. found at Newberry Campground that "The pull-through sites are SMALL! If you happen to have a neighbor, you share campfire and picnic table space." Larger RVs should call ahead to confirm site dimensions before booking.
