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Ortonville Equestrian Campground features rustic campsites specifically designed for visitors traveling with horses. The campground serves as both an overnight destination and staging area for trail riders, with sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets provide basic sanitation facilities, while the absence of electrical hookups and shower facilities maintains the primitive camping experience. Trail systems throughout the area connect riders to two nearby lakes, offering scenic riding opportunities through varied terrain. The equestrian-focused campground is popular among horse owners who appreciate direct access to trails without having to trailer horses between rides.
Located within Ortonville Recreation Area, the equestrian trails wind through wooded sections and open meadows, creating diverse riding experiences for all skill levels. Trailer parking accommodates various sizes, with spacious pull-through areas that allow for easy maneuvering of horse trailers. The campground's rustic nature attracts riders seeking an authentic outdoor experience, though campers should prepare for primitive conditions with no drinking water hookups available on site. Riders frequently note the well-maintained trail system and appreciate the crystal-clear lakes accessible via horseback. The campground operates year-round, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities from spring wildflowers to fall foliage. Horse owners should bring their own water and feed storage, as no on-site provisions for horses are available beyond the camping and staging areas.
"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"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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 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."
"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.."
"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 $17 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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. "
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.
LegendWhat 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.
Travelerquiet 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.
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.
TravelerQuietly 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 !!
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.
GuideI 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
ScoutFun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital
fishing ,boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails,
Geocaching available.
GuideThis 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.
Ortonville Recreation Area contains 142 acres of dense hardwood forest at elevations between 1,020 and 1,040 feet above sea level. This terrain creates natural habitat corridors for white-tailed deer and wild turkeys frequently spotted along the trail systems. The area receives approximately 32 inches of annual precipitation, making late summer through early fall the optimal camping season with reduced rainfall and moderate temperatures.
Trail riding access points: The equestrian trails at Highland State Recreation Area connect to multiple staging areas where riders can prepare their horses. The trail system includes varied terrain suitable for different skill levels. "There's a quiet lake perfect for unwinding after a long day or to get a nice rinse off," notes Adrienne C., who also mentions encountering "a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail."
Mountain biking options: Riders can explore over 20 miles of dedicated biking trails at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, just 14 miles southwest of Ortonville. "This is one of the best areas for hiking and biking and kayaking and swimming," reports Christine A. The trail system includes technical sections with rock gardens and root features.
Water activities: Seven Lakes State Park Campground offers clear, clean water suitable for kayaking and swimming across multiple lakes. "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," shares Andy B. The park maintains boat launches on several of the lakes with no-wake restrictions enforced.
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently praise the natural screening at horse campgrounds near Ortonville, Michigan. At Highland State Recreation Area, Jennifer H. notes, "Extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around." This gives riders ample space to set up corrals and secure horses overnight without disturbing neighbors.
Lake access: The equestrian trail system connects to several lakes where riders can rest and water their horses. "Lovely little no wake lake perfect for swimming, fishing or paddling," says Jennifer H. about Highland Recreation Area. These water features provide natural watering spots for horses during day rides from the equestrian campground.
Varied terrain: The equestrian camping areas near Ortonville feature diverse topography for different riding experiences. Brett B. describes Highland State Recreation Area as having "an almost magical feel to it. It's private, quiet, and full of wildlife." The trail system includes both flat, easy sections and more challenging inclines.
Limited amenities: Equestrian campgrounds maintain rustic conditions by design. Kate K. explains that at Ortonville Equestrian Campground, you'll find "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)." Riders should prepare for self-sufficient camping.
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-October), sites fill quickly at most equestrian campgrounds. Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekend dates. Some locations like Seven Lakes State Park require reservations up to six months in advance for equestrian sites.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for sharing the trails with local wildlife. Kristina J. warns, "There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray. Also make sure that all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear." Proper food storage containers are essential, especially when camping with horses and feed.
Accessible activities: Bishop Lake Campground offers family-friendly amenities near equestrian trails. "Nice lakes for swimming and can take your pet as well! Big playground and nice bathrooms," recommends Mary O. Families can alternate between riding days and swimming days.
Educational opportunities: Arrange a visit to the Haven Hill historic site within Highland Recreation Area where children can explore ruins while learning local history. Adrienne C. describes it as "the Ford family summer getaway spot back in the 1930's... There's still many of the walls and a beautiful fireplace remains!"
Weather preparedness: The equestrian camping region experiences significant seasonal variation. Maggie M. advises about Seven Lakes State Park, "Do make sure you bring plenty of bug netting/spray/gear if you come in the summer, the bugs are brutal." Pack appropriate gear for unexpected weather shifts common in southeastern Michigan.
Trailer parking conditions: Addison Oaks County Park offers accommodations suited for horse trailers with living quarters. "Sites in our area were spacious," notes Tim & Nancy C. The park maintains wide turning radiuses and pull-through sites that accommodate larger equestrian rigs up to 45 feet.
Electrical considerations: For RVs with living quarters, extension cords may be necessary at some sites. Mary H. warns about Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "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." This is especially relevant for equestrian campers with living quarter trailers.
Leveling challenges: Many equestrian camping sites have natural, ungraded surfaces. Edward C. notes about Seven Lakes State Park, "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you." RVers should bring adequate leveling equipment, particularly for larger horse trailers with living quarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ortonville, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ortonville, MI is Pontiac Lake Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ortonville, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Ortonville, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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