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Ortonville Equestrian Campground in Ortonville Recreation Area provides rustic camping with direct access to horse trails. The campground features vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings specifically designed for equestrians traveling with horses. Trailer parking is available at both the campground and staging area, making it convenient for horse owners to unload and prepare for trail rides. Most campsites accommodate both horses and camping equipment, though the facilities remain primitive compared to more developed equestrian campgrounds. The campground itself is primarily designed for equestrian use rather than general recreation, with amenities focused on the needs of those traveling with horses. The rustic nature of the facilities appeals to serious trail riders seeking an authentic outdoor experience with their horses.
Trails at Ortonville Recreation Area connect riders to two lakes and an extensive network of equestrian paths through the natural area. Riders can access multiple trail loops directly from the campground, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads each day. The trail system offers varied terrain through wooded areas and open fields, providing diverse riding experiences for different skill levels. Horse owners should bring their own water containers as drinking water for horses is limited at the campground. The trails are well-maintained but can become muddy after rainfall, potentially affecting riding conditions. Trail maps are available at the campground entrance, showing connections to the broader trail network. No reservation is required for the staging area, though the campground sites may fill quickly during peak riding season and weekends.
"The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit."
"Always a great local retreat away from our hectic daily life. Don’t have to travel far to find some nature. Most sites generously sized, hookups available, clean restrooms."
"Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating."
"The grounds are huge with bike/hike trails, a lake and a disc golf course. Mountain biking seems to be very popular there are dirt trails off the paved hiking loop."
"Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store."
"An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"This is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn.."
"There are over 20 sites, about half of which are located lake side (not directly on the lake, but there are little paths that lead you there and you can somewhat see the water from these sites.)"
"Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. "
"Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity!"
"This is one of our family's favorite close to home sites. Extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around. Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding."
"The campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings."
"Large play areas, dog run, basketball court, lots of walking trails, and family friendly."
"The location is pretty great, off the beaten path but, within 30 minutes of major stores and conveniences. "
"Friendly staff, clean park, close to supermarkets and other food locations. RV repair and sales nearby. I got lucky and woke up to a horse and dog competition at no extra cost to me."
"Nice campgrounds easy to get around and my children loved it"
LegendThe campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground itself isn’t really much to write home about (unless you have horses that is). The lakes and launches are however very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area.
GuideVery nice sites. Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store. Equestrian trails and I hear they have a remote control airplane field and shooting range.
TravelerFriendly staff, clean park, close to supermarkets and other food locations. RV repair and sales nearby. I got lucky and woke up to a horse and dog competition at no extra cost to me.
LegendThis is a typical fairground campground with open grassy areas for campsites surrounded by barns and tracks. The fairgrounds is located just off I-94 which makes for easy entrance and exit to the campground, but, means there is lots of road noise. Close by are plenty of stores, restaurants, gas stations, etc. In fact, there is a gap in the fence that runs around the fairgrounds allowing you to walk to a Walmart, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, and more.
We arrived without a reservation and the women in the office was very helpful providing a map with all available sites during our stay and letting us choose which one we wanted. One of the first things you notice is that a number of people are here long-term so we went to the back area hoping it would be quieter and less crowded. A number of the campsites are “buddy” sites meaning your patio opens to your neighbors so be careful which one you pick. This is pretty undesirable when the neighbor is a total stranger so we chose a site where we didn’t have anyone next to us.
They offer 50 amp full hook-up sites, 50 amp/water, and 30 amp/water sites with pull-thru and back-in options. There is a dump station located in the middle of the park which is easy to get to. The roads are wide and a lack of trees makes this campground accessible for any size RV. The sites are level but some lack grassy making the patio pretty dusty or muddy. Unfortunately, where we were was pretty muddy just after a light rain. This campground works best for RV’s and not tents. For tenters there is a designated section that is set in a corner of the park with large trees for shade but not much privacy between you and others. A water spigot is in the tent area and there was one picnic table. The camp office sells firewood but we only saw two fire pits in the whole park. Be aware that noise from the interstate and nearby train tracks may make for a restless night. Bathrooms are centrally located in the campground and were old and tired but relatively clean. On-site laundry is available.
Apparently, management is having some issues with campers not obeying some of the rules. One of the sad things about this campground is that campers have to be reminded to clean up after their dogs. Apparently, it is such an issue that we got a letter stating that if you don’t pick up your dogs poop you would be asked to leave. How sad is that? There is free WiFi which worked pretty well. Upon checking in, we had to sign a piece of paper stating that we would not download copyrighted material or stream movies or we would be asked to leave.
My favorite aspect of this campground is that they had a community garden that you were welcome to pick from. We got tomatoes, Swiss chard, peppers, broccoli, and more. Overall, this campground was fine for the few nights we were here and close to the attractions we wanted to visit. We never felt unsafe even though it was close to major cities. We chose this campground because we wanted to go to Ann Arbor and Dearborn and it was a very convenient location.
Pros:
· Good location if you want to visit Ann Arbor and Dearborn
· Close to interstate for easy access
· Long, level sites that will fit any RV
· Community garden you can pick from vegetables
· Stores and restaurants are nearby (some within walking distance)
Cons:
· Lots of road noise from I-94
· No trees for shade or privacy
· Would not recommend for tent camping
· Many campers are long-term
· “Buddy” campsites with patios facing each other
GuideThis is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn..
ScoutA very quiet campground. The sites are spread out and only 2 vehicles per site are allowed. The East campground is more open and had 3 small cabins that can be rented. The West camping is more wooded and isolated. An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible.
TravelerThis was our first time camping. The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit. Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not to close to the people next to us and trees behind us. We had privacy and it was quiet. The people we did talk to were all very friendly. We heard the showers were decent but we used our own. I would stay again.
ScoutThis is a fabulous campground! There are over 20 sites, about half of which are located lake side (not directly on the lake, but there are little paths that lead you there and you can somewhat see the water from these sites.) There is a boat launch on one end of campground and the amazing beach on the other. The water is clear and warm (perfect lake for swimming) and there is both sand and grassy areas on the fairly large beach. The beach also offers picnic tables and benches. The only negative aspect I can see about this campground is that the sites are right on top of each other, so if you have a loud group or a generator next to you, it is noisy. But most campgrounds have sites set real close together, so you will find this pretty much everywhere. Def camp here! About an hours drive from a Pictured Rocks National Park. There are no showers or running water. Camp hosts were very nice, helpful, & welcoming.
LegendVibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites.
Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets.
Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about.
General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring.
Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places.
Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord.
Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.
Ortonville Equestrian Campground connects riders directly to an extensive network of horse trails throughout the Ortonville Recreation Area. The facility includes vault toilets and camping sites with fire rings designed specifically for those traveling with horses. Several campsites accommodate both horses and camping equipment, though amenities remain basic. The trail system features varying terrain through forests and fields, suitable for different riding abilities. Drinking water for horses is limited, so visitors should bring their own containers. Trail conditions can become muddy after rainfall, and maps showing the broader trail network are available at the entrance.
Trail riding opportunities: The equestrian trails at Ortonville Equestrian Campground offer connections to two lakes and diverse terrain. "The lakes and launches are however very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area," notes Kate K., who visited the area.
Mountain biking excursions: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area features world-class mountain bike trails within a short drive from New Haven. A visitor named Christie V. shares, "Very nice sites. Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake."
Kayaking and paddling: Lakes near Seven Lakes State Park Campground provide clear water for paddling enthusiasts. Andy B. describes, "Sand Lake was our spot and the water was breath taking - it's a small pond really, but great for kayaking. Crystal clear, clean water, a good public beach."
Private, secluded sites: Many horse campgrounds near New Haven, Michigan feature wooded areas that create separation between campsites. At Highland State Recreation Area, Brett B. found, "This rustic campground is obviously well-tended and has an almost magical feel to it. It's private, quiet, and full of wildlife."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural areas surrounding New Haven's equestrian camping spots support diverse wildlife. At Highland State Recreation Area, one camper noted, "We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail! There's a quiet lake perfect for unwinding after a long day."
Well-maintained facilities: Despite being rustic, many equestrian campgrounds receive regular attention. Jennifer H. commented about Highland Recreation Area, "Extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around. Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding."
Limited amenities: Equestrian campgrounds typically offer basic facilities compared to standard campgrounds. At Ortonville Recreation Area, facilities include "Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings" according to Kate K.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds near New Haven close or limit operations during winter months. At Wayne County Fairgrounds, Mike M. discovered, "I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season."
Reservation requirements: Some equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Ortonville Recreation Area has a staging area that requires no reservation, but campground sites can become unavailable during weekends and busy riding periods.
Activity planning: Addison Oaks County Park offers structured events for children. Wendy K. mentions, "They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean."
Site selection for privacy: When camping with children near horse facilities, look for sites with natural barriers. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Mary H. advises, "Park offers lots of private sites! We stayed in site 118 and could not see neighboring sites! The site was very spacious."
Unplugged experience: Some equestrian campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Highland Recreation Area, Tammy P. observed, "No cell/internet service but that was perfect!! Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity!"
Site leveling: When bringing an RV to horse-friendly campgrounds near New Haven, prepare for uneven terrain. At Seven Lakes State Park, Edward C. cautions, "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you."
Utility connections: At some equestrian campsites, hookups may be positioned far from parking pads. Mary H. at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area notes, "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad."
Access considerations: Horse campgrounds often have specific requirements for larger vehicles. Ortonville Equestrian Campground provides trailer parking at both the campground and staging area, making it convenient for horse owners with larger rigs to unload and prepare for trail riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New Haven, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near New Haven, MI is Addison Oaks County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near New Haven, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near New Haven, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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