Best Equestrian Camping near Nunica, MI

Ely Lake Campground provides accessible horse camping with designated equestrian sites and well-maintained trails. Located in the Allegan forest, this primitive campground features horse-friendly campsites alongside a network of riding paths throughout the surrounding woodland. Vault toilets and water pumps serve the basic needs of campers, while the absence of electricity maintains the authentic outdoor experience. The rustic atmosphere allows for genuine wilderness camping with horses, as multiple reviewers note they've been returning for decades due to the quality riding opportunities. Camping here requires self-sufficiency, as there are no shower facilities or hookups, and payment is handled through a drop box system requiring cash or check.

The extensive trail system surrounding Ely Lake connects riders to miles of scenic woodland paths ideal for day rides directly from the campground. Equestrians appreciate the peaceful lake setting where motors are prohibited, creating a tranquil environment for horses and riders alike. Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite, located near Big Rapids, offers another option for organized equestrian outings with dedicated group facilities for those traveling with multiple horses. The trails remain accessible year-round, though spring and fall typically provide the most comfortable riding conditions with fewer insects than summer months. Horse owners should bring all necessary feed and equipment as no on-site supply stores exist at these primitive locations. The natural setting and unpaved paths provide authentic trail riding experiences without the distractions of more developed recreation areas.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Nunica, Michigan (10)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Nunica, MI

2 Photos of 10 Nunica Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Nunica, MI

32 Reviews of 10 Nunica Campgrounds


  • J
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Ely Lake Campground

    Beautiful rustic sites with loud parties at night

    Ely Lake Campground is a County campground in Allegan Michigan. All of the sites are rustic. Here are the bullet points:

    • There are no bathrooms, just pit toilets. 
    • There is no electricity. 
    • There is a hand pump for water, although I would recommend bringing your own drinking water because the water from the hand pump is very discolored.
    • Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table.
    • They don't sell firewood, but you can by some in town on your way in.
    • There is a beach.
    • You can make reservations online ahead of time, or show up and find an empty site (but bring cash or check to pay because its a drop box).
    • They have equestrian trails and sites.

    First the positives: It is a beautiful rustic campground. We stayed on the side with sites 49-73 (specifically site 50) which has larger more secluded sites than the other side of the Lake. The Lake is for non-motorized recreational use so it is mostly used for kayaking and canoeing and fishing. 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 (which are everywhere so you wont get lost).

    This place also attracts a lot of equestrian campers and they have trails specifically for horseback riding. So if you have kids that love horses, you may see some on the weekends. 

    The negatives: 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 (apparently there is no where else for the locals to have a rager). There is loud music , people yelling, fireworks going off and… not very much sleep. And I am not just talking about a few people with their music on -- it was someone blasting their sub-woofer with electronic dance music until 4:45 AM. It was really disappointing because otherwise the experience was positive. Luckily my kids are all deep sleepers so I was the only one who had to sit up all night.

    They clean the bathrooms daily from what I can tell, but otherwise the campground is not maintained. There was trash around our site, and when you walk the trail about the lake you will see cigarette packets and beer bottles occasionally. Also along the trail were two massive hornet nests that really should have been removed by park management - but it's clear they don't ever maintain the trail. 

    If you're willing to overlook some garbage, and if the party people stay away you could have a wonderful camping trip. Allegan County has a beautiful natural resource here, but sadly it seems like it is being squandered, and wont last.

  • Suzi K.
    Oct. 22, 2020

    Ely Lake Campground

    Words Can't Describe

    This is always my go to campground! All natural camping with plenty of nice people! One word of advise is to bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings lol but are back up and running by mid afternoon. No showers and just outhouses but that's REAL camping right!!!? 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. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at it's purest! I have been coming to this lake to camp for over 40 years and I hope I have 40 more years left!!!

  • Becky P.
    May. 31, 2018

    Timbers Edge Campground

    Quiet Getaway!

    We stayed here during their Equestrian Weekends several years in a row, great hosts and large lots make this place a nice hidden gem!

  • Arron P.
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Hungerford Lake Campground

    Rustic camping at finest!

    Dispersed camping and camp sites available. There are horse staging areas and hiking trails. The lake is nice, small enough for a kayak/ no motor boat, nice.

  • S
    May. 8, 2019

    Timbers Edge Campground

    Nice for horses and hunting

    I went in November. Most campers were there on the weekend. Pit toilets, a pond, hot showers but shower room unheated, no dump station,nice size lots. A lot of horses and hunters. Price was good for electric and water. Nice for dog walking. Friendly managers. No cell service

  • E
    Apr. 19, 2018

    Ely Lake Campground

    Great Rustic Campground

    I have been camping here a couple years. It is open year round. 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.

  • Joanie C.
    Mar. 18, 2023

    Double RR Ranch RV Resort

    Lots to do

    There is a river to explore and we always get a riverfront site. Rivers are just fun for fishing, throwing stones, canoeing. There is a campstore, Firepits, large trees, they do hayrides for kids, too. We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids. It is close to a town to get take out food if it rains. There are some larger vacation lodges to rent that ars nestled away in the woods, and a bunkhouse with rentals. My husband liked the golf course that came with renting spot. Seen lots of wildlife. Very relaxing time in our pop up not too far from Grand Rapids.

  • Becky J.
    Mar. 22, 2025

    Ely Lake Campground

    Great Primitive Camping

    Lived in Michigan for most of my life and frequently visited and camped here as a youth. This is primarily a primitive campground with porto- pottys. Usually pretty clean. Located in the Allegan forest. Very quiet and nice that it has a lake for swimming in the summer.

  • Carol M.
    Jul. 3, 2018

    Duke Creek Campground

    Very nice

    Right across the road from Michigan's Adventure amusement park


Guide to Nunica

Horse camping in Michigan offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, perfect for those looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • Duke Creek Campground provides electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, making it a convenient choice for horse campers.
  • Silver Creek County Park features rustic camping with well-maintained equestrian trails and ample space for setting up tents or trailers.
  • Double RR Ranch RV Resort offers a camp store and fire pits, along with riverfront sites that enhance the camping experience.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At Timbers Edge Campground, horse-friendly facilities include large lots and access to trails, although the campground has received mixed reviews regarding management.
  • Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite is designed specifically for horse camping, featuring reservable sites and picnic tables for a comfortable stay.
  • Ely Lake Campground allows pets and offers a rustic experience, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature with their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Double JJ Resort features horseback riding and water parks, making it a fun destination for families and horse enthusiasts alike.
  • Hungerford Lake Campground provides access to hiking trails and a serene lake, ideal for kayaking and enjoying the outdoors after a day of riding.
  • White River Campsite #1 offers a more rustic experience with opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nunica, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nunica, MI is Duke Creek Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Nunica, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Nunica, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.