Top Horse Camping near Onekama, MI

Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Onekama? Finding a place to camp in Michigan with your horse is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Onekama campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Onekama, MI (8)


Recent Equestrian Reviews In Onekama

37 Reviews of 8 Onekama Campgrounds


  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

    close to travese city and interlockin

    Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups

  • v
    Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
    Jun. 24, 2023

    Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    First time in our camper

    We thought this would be a good place for our first trip in our new to us 5th wheel! We have a 28.6ft 5th wheel and had not problem getting in and parked! Management did an awesome job of spreading out guests until they were full! Lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing….. so much more. Very clean, very kind and helpful staff!

  • evi L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
    Sep. 2, 2021

    Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

    Everything you need

    I only spent a night here while passing through, but it's a very nice campground that's specifically suited to equestrians. This established and well maintained campground is free, and you can stay up to two weeks. There's a well kept pit toilet, 21 established campsites w/ firerings, and even a water pump (meant for horses.) Only a few other campers on a Wednesday night, including some people with horses, and all have been friendly. The campsites are all flat and quite large, being that they are meant to accommodate people with a horse trailer, and there are numerous hitching posts throughout the campground. A great place overall.

  • Cameron
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

    My favorite free campsite out of the 8 I’ve been to

    So this place is awesome, big time. There’s picnic tables, fire rings, water available, a well maintained pit toilet, and 21 sites! The pine trees are amazing and the road in was super accessible. 20 min to town to restock with plenty of gas stations on the way.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    Jul. 29, 2021

    Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

    Awesomesauce

    Off the beaten path but has great rustic campsites with firepits and there are restrooms and fresh water close by in each circle we will be back

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    Primitive State Forest CG right on the Boardman River

    I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It’s a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers (my particular interest). The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area). Large wooded sites. Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS.

    Negatives: can be noisy at times with the ATVs and also large camping groups. But for the most part I’ve found ppl to be respectful. A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected.

    Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

    Good for RV Rally

    We stayed July 2021 for an RV rally. We had no building of shelter for community gatherings. But, weather cooperated and we had a great time.

    Power 50/30 were fine. Water is a shared spigot on most sites, but some sites have water. There is a good dump station. Sites are level. No landscaping.

    Lots of restaurants and attractions in Traverse City.

    We would stay again.

  • Sarah S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    Secluded Camping with Fun Events!

    Great campground, larger sites, pull thru sites available. Low rates even on holidays. Our first time there was 4th of July weekend, they have a large building for events....over the weekend they a concert! Live band and food truck....free to all campers and their friends! It was a great time and the owners and manager are very friendly. We will definitely be back there soon.

  • Jeff F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whiskey Creek Resort
    May. 23, 2021

    Whiskey Creek Resort

    Great UTV , motorcycle,horse riding

    General store ,fuel on site small lake, park has a hilly layout. New showers in camping area, meeting area at club house host are excellent.

  • Allison H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Mar. 1, 2021

    Turtle Lake Campground

    not the best, not the worst

    This campground is a good sized campground, but doesn't have much to do there.  There is a small lake that is fun for short kayak/canoe rides and fishing.  It's called Turtle Lake for obvious reasons- when my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times. A bit of a surprise to see their size! There are a lot of seasonal campers at this campground, so if that's your thing, this is definitely your place.

  • Manton  T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
    Feb. 17, 2021

    Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    Great Location-Friendly Staff

    Awesome Campground! Not a parking lot, lots of trees! We had a family, socially distant reunion with 6 sites. We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity.

    Very clean bath houses and campground is maintained well.

    Internet worked well using our hotspots, but, like all campgrounds, if you like being “in the woods;” internet is always a challenge. Most of our group had AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, the best service seemed to be Verizon in the morning and Sprint at night.

    We will be going back

  • Ann D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Turtle Lake Campground

    Nice and grassy

    What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt. While I understand that comes with the territory of camping, this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground. The bathrooms were redone and are very nice! The thing I didn’t particularly like is how close you are to other sites. You are practically on top of each other. There are trails and a beach area as well as equine camping.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Jul. 15, 2020

    Turtle Lake Campground

    Relaxing, current and fun

    I haven’t been camping in years and was very apprehensive about this. This place was absolutely the best place and probably has ruined me for camping life. The shower stalls were individual and clean, the area was filled with campers and RV’s and everyone was SO friendly and the place was full of dog lovers. I would highly recommend this place to check out and know I’ll be back again!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Jun. 20, 2020

    Turtle Lake Campground

    Camping for everyone!!

    Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade. We will definitely be staying here again! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Jun. 15, 2020

    Turtle Lake Campground

    One of our ur favorites

    This is one our favorite campgrounds that isn’t a state park. Clean, well kept, lots of trees. The lake is great for kayaking or small fishing boats. Office staff super nice. Small, but nice beach. We took my mom & nieces two years ago. Last year tried somewhere different and they asked to go back to Turtle Lake.

  • Thomas H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

    Great Place!

    Great place to stay! Pit toilets and pump water stations. Beautiful lake with cool islands! Campsites are large and fairly separated! Can’t wait to go back!

  • Caryssa R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    Aug. 5, 2019

    Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

    All You Need

    I absolutely love this campground. I’ve camped there twice this summer and each time I enjoy it. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp has the basic rustic camping necessities. Outhouses near each circle, spickit with really good water, hiking trails, boat launch and even a nearby island you can kayak to and let the dogs roam free! (Mine sure loves it) The campsites themselves have lots of space, privacy and a fire pit. This place is the bees knees. I’ll be back. :)

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    Jul. 28, 2019

    Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

    Love this little place

    Quiet, not populated, and beautiful views. I’ve solo camped here a few times and it’s great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation. There is a boat launch right near by, but most of the sites have their own path right down to the water. Rustic style camping which includes a picnic table and fire pit and there are a few vault toilets throughout the area. Self registration for $15 per night.

  • Emily V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    May. 27, 2019

    Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

    Fine for a night

    Trail camp but no horses the night I was there. Lots of open space, spots aren’t really numbered. A couple nice hike/bike trails spur off the campground. Lots of traffic in the area through the night (ORV and mudding trucks). Bathrooms are nice. Only a few water front spots.



Guide to Onekama

Camping near Onekama, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.

What to do:

  • Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes: This national lakeshore is a must-see. One camper mentioned, "The only thing I don't like are the pit toilets, but it's the tradeoff for no electricity or running water," highlighting the rustic charm of the area.
  • Hiking Trails: There are plenty of trails to hike, especially around the Platte River Campground. A visitor noted, "There's also a trail that connects the campground to Lake Michigan, about a 1.2-mile hike which was a nice little hike even in the rain."
  • Fishing and Boating: The Betsie River Campsite is popular for fishing. One review said, "This tiny little family-owned campground is one of our favorites... There are many places to put into the river."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cedar Campground said, "The bathrooms and showers are clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Northern Exposure Campground shared, "Staff was friendly. Campground was quiet and everyone who was around us was super nice and friendly."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Lake Michigan Recreation Area noted, "The dunes were amazing! A short walk from the camping loops, the dunes open to the amazing shore of Lake Michigan."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at D.H. Day Group Campground mentioned, "Most sites do not have lateral privacy."
  • No Beach Access at Some Campgrounds: The Orchard Beach State Park Campground has lost its beach access due to erosion. A visitor pointed out, "You must travel 4 miles away to Douglas Park to use a beach."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, are more rustic. One camper noted, "There is no cell service or wifi, so plan ahead and let people know you won’t be reachable."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: If you have kids, look for campgrounds with clean bathrooms and showers. A family at Indigo Bluffs RV Park said, "Nice campgrounds, clean restroom and showers."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Green Lake Rustic South mentioned, "The campground has a lot to offer... it does have campsites along the water."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially near water. A visitor at Platte River Campground noted, "Bugs: Not bad. However, biting flies near the sand."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cedar Campground mentioned, "Reservations were in Pine. Our site was under water."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Northern Exposure Campground appreciated the "electric hookups and water."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at Lake Michigan Recreation Area said, "Bring enough supplies for your stay unless you don’t mind a 1/2 hour drive to get resupplied."

Camping near Onekama, Michigan, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's good to know what to expect. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Onekama, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Onekama, MI is Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Onekama, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.