The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Equestrian Camping near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

27 Reviews

Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead provides free tent and RV camping options along with toilet facilities in the Hiawatha National Forest region of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This horse-friendly campground offers drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access points making it accessible for equestrians with various transportation needs. While no designated horse corrals are present, the spacious layout accommodates trailers and provides room for portable containment systems. Located approximately 30 minutes from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the campground serves as a strategic base camp for riders exploring the extensive trail networks throughout the national forest. Campground data is regularly updated on The Dyrt.

Direct access to the Hiawatha National Forest trail system makes this location particularly valuable for horse enthusiasts seeking extended riding opportunities. The forest service maintains these trails with adequate width for horse passage and features natural water sources along several routes. Riders should bring their own containment systems as no permanent corrals or high-lines are provided. The campground layout accommodates horse trailers with adequate turning radius and parking spaces. The forest setting offers natural shade for horses and campers alike, with the surrounding wilderness providing miles of scenic riding terrain. The forest roads connecting to the campground can accommodate trucks with horse trailers, though drivers should proceed cautiously on unpaved sections during wet conditions.

Map showing campgrounds near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (7)

Show More
Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Contest

Enter to Win

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

27 Reviews of 7 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Campgrounds

  • Y
    Oct. 15, 2020

    Newberry Campground

    Close to falls, Hot Showers, Nice folks!

    We stayed here on the very last night they were open this season. The staff was very friendly and they actually had campsites that were more private then almost all the Michigan state parks we have stayed at. It was a bit pricey for camping $40 for a pop up truck camper with only electric and water. 

    They have hot showers that were clean and looked taken care of. They have a  playground, playroom and a pool. None of this was open during our visit but I imagine in the summer it is all going strong and the kids have a blast. My one complaint was it is pretty close to the road and during a heavy tourist season it could probably be pretty loud.

  • Ben L.
    Aug. 24, 2020

    Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Awesome Site

    Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem. Totally legit dispersed camp site. Will definely be going back. Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day. It is the end of the road though so no one was driving to fast and it didn't cause any issues.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping

    Easy to find

    Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway. Sites are fairly spacious but don’t have any of the hookups or amenities mentioned on the site profile - some do have rudimentary fire pits though. There are 3 sites in total. Ground is flat enough to comfortably tent camp. Camp in early September, bugs were minimal. At times the night was eerily silent, at other times I heard dirt bikes and tractor trailers in the distance, also heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice.

  • D
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Newberry Campground

    Great spot, easy drive to falls

    Easy drive to the falls, nice clean grounds, and right next to ATV trails

  • Richie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Jack Pine Lodge and Campground

    My literal home away from home during my travels.

    I have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds. I found this place on a whim years ago... and now JackPine has a special place in my heart.

    When I need to truly rest my bones, this is my go to in this neck of the woods.

    Clean and warm cabins, modern and rustic campsites, bathhouse, a super cool bar, cold beer, great food and nothing but exceptional and friendly staff. Not to mention... WIFI throughout the property. When you go to the bar- be sure to grab a JackPine Burger and fries.

    I have traveled almost every corner of The Yoop. I have not found a campground (of the modern and resort nature) that nearly compares to this place. Not in quality of stay or the constant desire to return.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2020

    Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

    My nightmare

    The site only gives you coordinates that are actually an hour away from the site. There is no real address to get there. We pulled in pretty late, had a rough long drive so we got to where we thought it was at around 11:30 pm. Then we can’t find the site, so we go to the website and it gives us strange directions to somewhere an hour away. As we drove out there, we lost all service, were on dirt roads and we were miles past any signs of civilization. We started to get a strange feeling but we trekked on. Suddenly it gets very foggy and spooky looking and we all debate turning back, but still we keep going. Finally, we turn onto the road that it is on, just a ways down, and the stop sign is filled with bullet holes however we haven’t seen a single sign of people out there. We keep going and finally decide this all seems like an elaborate ploy to lure campers in and kill them. We decide to turn around and end up in some weird abandoned summer camp, still around thirty minutes left on the road to get to the actual site.  We decide there are far too many creepy signs pointing towards this not being a good idea then as we leave and get service back, we look up the site and realize there are zero reviews at all. The site doesn’t exist on google except for these camping sites, with the same two photos only on every site and zero reviews. As we are driving away, we get an email at one am saying “hello your site is still empty, please enjoy your stay” as if there was someone waiting for us at the site even though it was a remote site with no formal check in. How did they know we were not at the site yet? And what are the chances they email us right as we turn around? I’m glad we didn’t end up staying, we all had a horrible gut feeling and I suggest no one else stay here either. Nothing about it seemed legit or safe.

  • C
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Newberry Campground

    Quiet Family Oriented camping

    Very nice camp ground, central location for upper peninsula activities. Very nice heated pool. Campsites are a bit close to each other but otherwise very nice.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Isolated

    Long nice road with a few pull offs once you are close to the end there is one official site with a table and fire circle. Is first come first serve but if you keep driving down there are two different boat launches with room to park/camp. We stayed in our car just in case. NOTE! the camp site is closed for updates until the end of October apparently. No service with mint

  • Kelli V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Newberry Campground

    Ok as a pit-stop

    We arrived on a Friday evening. We had a pull through site and a cabin booked. The pull-through sites are SMALL! (Cabins were basic.) If you happen to have a neighbor, you share campfire and picnic table space. Luckily enough, this place doesn’t seem like it’s ever THAT busy. There wasn’t much for the kids to do. They are all 11 and older and the playground was less than appealing to them. The pool was just recently opened and was SUPER warm. they also had a little game room and store. The first night we were there, a cabin-renter up the hill and his wife were arguing loudly and seem to be regulars at this place. While it provided entertainment in the otherwise quiet and boring campground- it was a little off putting when he started driving his truck through the pull through site next to us frequently like a mad-man. We eventually put stuff in the site to prevent this. The one staff member was friendly. We did venture out to see the falls, it was busy but worth the trip.

Guide to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Horse camping near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, perfect for those looking to explore the stunning landscapes on horseback.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample facilities

  • Catchin' Crickets Campground provides essential amenities such as drinking water, picnic tables, and allows fires, making it a suitable choice for horse campers.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Jack Pine Lodge and Campground features spacious sites, electric hookups, and direct access to ORV trails, catering well to equestrian needs.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Newberry Campground is centrally located for various upper peninsula activities, including trails ideal for horseback riding, ensuring an exciting experience for equestrian enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring