Jami M.
Guide
GuideIonia State Recreation Area
Great get away
Clean, family friendly, beautiful. Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses.
Equestrian Camping near Okemos, MI
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Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground provides equestrian trails for horseback riding alongside its standard camping facilities, making it one of the top-rated horse camping destinations near Okemos, MI. The park features miles of designated horse trails that wind through wooded areas and around Lake Ovid. Campsites accommodate RVs and tents with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings on asphalt pads. The campground does not have dedicated horse corrals, but riders can access the extensive trail system directly from the camping area. Trail riders note the well-maintained paths that connect throughout the 2,600-acre park property, making it possible to enjoy full-day rides without leaving park boundaries.
Trails at Sleepy Hollow connect to various natural areas and accommodate multiple user groups including hikers and mountain bikers alongside equestrians. Horse owners should bring their own containment systems as the park does not provide stalls or corrals. The DNR patrols the trails regularly, ensuring rules are followed and trails remain in good condition. Water access for horses is available at various points throughout the trail system. Campers should bring extension cords for electrical hookups as many sites have power posts located at considerable distances from the camping pads. Reservations are recommended six months in advance, especially for popular summer and fall weekends when the park hosts special events. The beach and main recreational facilities are approximately half a mile from the campground area.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Okemos (15)
1. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
"What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. "
"Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name!"
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability2. Bishop Lake Campground — Brighton Recreation Area
"Campground Review: Bishop Lake is a great campground located in the middle of the Brighton Rec Area. The upper and lower campgrounds are both modern, with every site including electric."
"Great family place with paved and dirt biking/hiking trails. Very nice beach with grass and sand. There are 2 areas of inflatables, one of them is for the little kids 48 in. and under."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability3. Sugarloaf Campground — Waterloo Recreation Area
"Lots of trails within reach and a horse riding stable if that is your thing. Heard lots of wolves, saw lots of tracks but no animals. I’d like to go back in the spring and hike around some more!"
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net."from $38 - $43 / night
Check Availability4. Hell Creek Ranch & Campground
"As an added plus a horse barn (Heavenly Horse Stables) right on property offering riding lessons, trail rides and meet and greets with their houses and other barn animals, my daughter wanted to move here"
"Direct connections to the Waterloo Pinckney trail system. Near Hell, Michigan and Chelsea, Michigan. Large pool in season. Priced reasonably."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability5. Eaton County Fairgrounds
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
6. Ionia State Recreation Area
"Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses."
"There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. "
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability7. Seven Lakes State Park 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.)"
"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. "
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability8. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
"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 $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability9. Highland Recreation Area Campground
"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."
from $20 - $186 / night
Check Availability10. Waterloo Recreation Area Cabins — Waterloo Recreation Area
from $100 - $160 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 13 min from Lansing, MI
- 41 min from Flint, MI
- 42 min from Jackson, MI
- 49 min from Ann Arbor, MI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Okemos, MI
1 Photos of 15 Okemos Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Okemos, MI
144 Reviews of 15 Okemos Campgrounds
- Joshua E.
TravelerIonia State Recreation Area
Great activities for outdoors lovers
Ionia has so many great outdoor activities for almost anyone. There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. The beach is fantastic especially for little kids who might not be the best swimmers ready for Lake Michigan or lakes with lots of boats and waves to deal with. Nice and sandy and a nice store and ice cream shop at the beach.
The campground itself is very nice, but you may find the activities are a short drive away from your site to get there. The sites are all a little bit shallow especially if you have a larger travel trailer you may find it a bit tight. There is a great variety of shaded and sunny sites. There is only one bathroom for the campground so it can be a bit busy and it could probably use an update.
Mary T.
LegendSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
I know another great Michigan State Park
What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. I would advise if you want to camp there on a weekend to make reservations well in advance. We stay here because there are only 2 campgrounds in the Lansing East Lansing Area this being one of them and the other does not have all full hook ups and charges more. When we visit our daughter at Michigan State University this is the place we stay, 20 - 30 minutes into the University depending upon the traffic.
It has large wooded sites only electric but you can fill up the water at the dump station. Each site has a picnic table and Fire ring. Each campsite has a asphalt pad. They sell fire wood at the campground office. Bring what you need or you can go into St. johns to the Kroger or Walmart. they have 2 main camping loops with 2 loops in each of the main loops and a shower restroom in each main loop. The restrooms are very clean and kept up. I love the showers hot water and for me that is hot and great pressure, I could shower all day. Sure beats our shower in the RV.
The State Park is on Ovid Lake and it is a beautiful lake, great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayak, and swimming. they have a shelter for you if you have a big party.
They also have a group campsite and a picnic area for large groups. d You can also bring your horses go to the Equestrian area and unload and get on the trail.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards. They also have a great play ground for the kids and a fishing pier. Bring Bikes or just hike on the trails and head down to the beach.
- Kristina P.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
ok
quiet campground during the day, short drive to the beach, biking and equestrian trails available. loud around the restroom at night, cleaning crew came through at 10 pm.
- KKaren P.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Sleepy, as i call it...
Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name! Offers many species of fish for catching!! There are fishing docks, ONE IS NOT VERY ACCESSIBLE TO NON AMBULATORY PERSONS !!! THIS ONE'S IN THE CAMP AREA! The path is nicely groomed. The bea h is a long way from the parking lot a d there is no beach access from camp. The park is usually a clean family place...but for really young children or elderly persons it may. Ot be your first choice. I live nearby and have camped there zillions of times. I love it and shower bouses in camp are clean! Friendly staff a d they ate SERIOUS about quiet time! Bug spray required !!
Christie V.GuidePontiac Lake Recreation Area
Hidden Gem
Very 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.
David F.GuideSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Nature is where it's at
I frequent this park if I am camping or not. decent disc gof course and access to Lake Ovid is great, miles of trails to hike/bike/ride horses. Hosts are very friendly and is always a joy to talk with the rangers
- JJacob B.
ScoutSleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Best hiking trails within 1gour drive of the state capital
Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital
fishing ,boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails,
Geocaching available.
- NNick W.Guide
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground
Disappointing
This was our last stop on a trip where we camped in 6 different Michigan State Parks. This may be an older camp or the DNR was trying to save money when it was built. Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension. We tried several lots and couldn’t reach any of the outlets. We finally met a couple who saId they had extensions at the office. So, we finally got set up with an extension cord from the camp office and decided to walk to the beach. Our site was adjacent to the path leading to the beach so we figured we could use a little walk. The path led to another path that led to a parking lot for the beach. After crossing the parking lot we still had to cross a large yard/park that finally opened onto the beach on this small lake. It was all very scenic, but we weren’t expecting a major hike to get to the beach. Showers are nice. They also have a neat ice cream vending machine that I had to check out for scientific purposes only. For a Michigan state park we were quite disappointed.
Guide to Okemos
Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground is located near Laingsburg, Michigan, about 18 miles northwest of Okemos. The 2,600-acre park sits on gently rolling terrain with Lake Ovid as its centerpiece. Winter temperatures in the region average 24°F while summer averages 71°F, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season for equestrians and other outdoor enthusiasts.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground offers excellent fishing options for multiple species. "Fishing is good here for some largemouth bass, and huge blueguils," notes Michael P., who uses the park for day trips. The 410-acre Lake Ovid provides ample space for anglers seeking a productive day on the water.
Extensive trail networks: Trail riders can access miles of multi-use paths throughout the recreation areas near Okemos. Highland State Recreation Area features "extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding" according to Jennifer H., who appreciates the diverse trail system. The recreation area includes options for equestrian camping with direct trail access from camping areas.
Swimming beaches: Most parks in the area maintain swimming areas with varying amenities. "Nice beach but you have to walk a short distance to get there," says Ricky C. about Sleepy Hollow State Park. The beaches typically have designated swimming zones and some include additional recreational features for families.
What campers like
Private campsites: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area receives praise for its site layout and vegetation. "This campground is my FAVORITE in Oakland County. The sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors," explains Sarah P. This natural separation creates a more peaceful equestrian camping experience near Okemos.
Clean facilities: Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern maintains well-kept facilities according to campers. "The camp sites were nice, there was a nice swimming area in crystal clear water and a beautiful bathhouse," reports Kevin C., highlighting the campground's commitment to cleanliness. Regular maintenance keeps shower houses and restrooms in good condition.
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings create an authentic outdoor experience. "The natural scenery is STUNNING with fields of flowers and trees. We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!" shares Adrienne C. about Highland State Recreation Area. These natural elements enhance the horse camping experience with scenic trail views.
What you should know
Electrical access challenges: Extension cords are essential at many campgrounds. Nathan V. notes about Sleepy Hollow, "Be sure to bring at least 100 feet of extension chord if you want electricity, because the power ports are not as accessible from some areas." This is consistent across multiple parks offering electrical hookups.
Distance to amenities: Beaches and main facilities often require transportation. "The park is very large, so it is always good to have a vehicle able to drive to the trails and beach," advises Nathan V. At Pontiac Lake, Mary H. shares, "Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk. (Trail is not stroller/wagon friendly)."
Weather considerations: Seven Lakes State Park Campground and other area campgrounds require preparation for varying conditions. "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you," advises Edward C., highlighting the need for proper equipment. Summer months can bring significant insect activity while spring often results in muddy conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Bishop Lake Campground provides water recreation options beyond swimming. "Such a cool place to enjoy with the kids, we had a blast at Jump Island!" exclaims Jillian E., referring to the inflatable water park. "You can also just swim at the lake- nice area with shade trees beach and nice lake water," adds Beth G.
Playground access: Multiple parks feature playgrounds for children. "The campground does not have dedicated horse corrals, but riders can access the extensive trail system directly from the camping area." Mary O. notes about Bishop Lake Campground: "Big playground and nice bathrooms." These play areas provide entertainment options when not on horseback trails.
Site selection: Choose sites based on shade and location for best results with children. "Site 71 wasn't the most private but still nice. The spots are all pretty private due to trees and vegetation," says Sam H. about Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Look for sites near but not directly on pathways for convenience while maintaining some privacy.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electrical connections vary between parks. "We did go for a short paddle on (C) Ovid Lake, but again, no shade and HOT. I can't recall why we didn't go swimming?" reports Amy D. about Sleepy Hollow, noting the lack of shade required running air conditioning which "was putting a strain on their electrical equipment."
Site specifications: Pay attention to site dimensions and surface types. "Campsites are decent sized, can fit probably 3 four person tents per site, which includes a concrete firepit and picnic table," explains Nathan V. about Sleepy Hollow. At Pontiac Lake, sites feature "paved pad, and electrical hook up" according to Mary H., which works well for RVs requiring stable parking surfaces.
Reservation timing: Popular equestrian camping parks near Okemos fill quickly during peak seasons. Stephanie C. advises for Sleepy Hollow: "Every year they put together an awesome Halloween trick or treat weekend, but be sure to book the day of six months before because otherwise you will not get a site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Okemos, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Okemos, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Okemos, MI is Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Okemos, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Okemos, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Okemos, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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