Oops S.
Scout
ScoutEly Lake Campground
Fun during the summer
Has a lake very wooded and private wooded trails
Equestrian Camping near Portage, MI
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Fort Custer Recreation Area near Augusta, Michigan accommodates equestrians with designated horse trails throughout the 3,000-acre park. The campground features spacious, wooded sites with electrical hookups and modern bathroom facilities. Horse owners can access several miles of marked equestrian trails that wind through diverse terrain including forests and open meadows. The trails are well-maintained and provide adequate space for riders and horses to navigate comfortably. Multiple reviewers note the trails are clearly marked and designed with horses in mind, with good footing and appropriate width for safe riding.
Located approximately 30 minutes from Portage, Fort Custer offers separate trail systems for different user groups, minimizing conflicts between equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers. Horse trailers can be parked at designated areas with easy access to the trail system. The recreation area remains open year-round, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities through changing landscapes. Water access is available at several points throughout the trail system for horses. The park requires Michigan Recreation Passports for entry and riders should check with park management regarding any specific equestrian policies or seasonal trail closures. Trail maps are available at the park office showing the horse-designated routes and parking areas.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Portage (7)
1. Fort Custer Recreation Area
"The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶"
"Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes."
from $21 - $108 / night
Check Availability2. Pokagon State Park Campground
"Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric)."
"This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it."
from $20 - $480 / night
Check Availability3. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday
"Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did."
"This is a great place to camp with young children, as there are many activities around the camp. It is family owned and operated and you can tell- warm and friendly."
4. Ely Lake Campground
"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."
"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."
from $17 / night
Check Availability5. Elkhart County Fairgrounds
"Overall Rating: 4 for access to the area, very clean facilities, and not too many campers thus time of year.
Price 2024: $35 for water/electric only.""A little close to your neighbors but the way the sites are angled you had plenty of room. Very friendly people. Easy in and out."
6. Eaton County Fairgrounds
"Confidently located a mile outside of Charlotte, with all the conviences of restraunts, walmart, Meijer etc."
"Very convenient off highway with easy check-in and very quiet during the weekend when there are no events at the Fairgrounds"
7. Equestrian Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
from $20 / night
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Drive Time
- 8 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 26 min from Battle Creek, MI
- 57 min from Elkhart, IN
- 59 min from Niles, MI
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Portage, MI
1 Photos of 7 Portage Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Portage, MI
143 Reviews of 7 Portage Campgrounds
Michael M.
GuidePokagon State Park Campground
Simple stop
We used Pokagon State Park as a two-night stopover on our way home from Northern Michigan, and overall, it was a good option for a short stay.
We stayed in Site 109, which was tucked away and felt fairly isolated from the rest of the campground. In early spring or late fall, I imagine the site would have a nice view of the lake, but in August the tree cover was too thick to see much of it.
The gravel pad was reasonably level, but we needed a couple inches of leveling blocks to get the RV sitting flat. There wasn’t really much of a grassy area at the site for the dogs, but we were able to walk them easily just down the road.
We brought our bicycles, which was a great way to explore the park. We rode around to the nature center, equestrian facility, and beach, and enjoyed being able to see more of the park without having to drive everywhere.
One thing that surprised us was the single dump station for the entire campground. Since none of the sites have full hookups, I would imagine the line could get ridiculously long after a busy weekend.
Overall, we’d stay here again, but probably only as a one- or two-night layover rather than a longer destination stay. Site 109 worked well for us because of its privacy and quiet location.
- Tom O.Guide
Pokagon State Park Campground
Lots to Do
A very large campground with lots to do. Spacious site. Charges a vehicle fee along with campground fee. Sites in loop 1 are gravel and mostly not level. Lots of noise from motor boats on the lake during the day.
- ttammy I.Scout
Pokagon State Park Campground
Stay away from loop 6
I love this state park. My kids wanted to Join us a week or to our. Site 507 and 509 were available. Do not stay there. The sewer smell was so bad we did not want to leave our trailer. If that was our first trip we would never returned
- RRobert S.Scout
Eaton County Fairgrounds
Charlotte campground
Very convenient off highway with easy check-in and very quiet during the weekend when there are no events at the Fairgrounds
- AAngela B.Scout
Pokagon State Park Campground
Great site/ DNR presence too much
Great site, however, DNR drives by every five minutes. The primitive bathroom facilities are absolutely horrid, the newer ones up the road from site 238 are beautiful.
- CChristine B.
RangerEly Lake Campground
Cute lake for kayaking
Nice small lake for swimming and kayaking Lots of nice hiking
- JJodie C.
TravelerFort Custer Recreation Area
Family campground
Large campground, many nice paved sites, about half 50 amp, no rustic sites. Most all sites are pretty secluded with growth between them. Bring your mosquito spray!
Kaley A.GuidePokagon State Park Campground
Nice park from what I could see
This is the second time I’ve been to this park. Neither time was I able to really see the park (kids), so that is the only reason I have it a 4.
I really liked our campsite. We were in the middle of a circle drive and had the whole inner circle to ourselves, which was nice for the kids to play. It was a HUGE campsite with a fairly long back in driveway. The site was slopped, especially close to the power source. It was a bit annoying for us as tent campers but not so much that I wouldn’t rent this site again.
We weren’t all that far from water, the bathhouse, and trash services as well as a natural water spring and a trail to hike.
Guide to Portage
Fort Custer Recreation Area offers extensive horse camping options with 3,000 acres of terrain near Portage, Michigan. The park's trail system includes separate paths for equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers, reducing potential conflicts on the trails. The recreation area features sandy soil that drains well after rain, making it suitable for year-round equestrian activities.
What to do
Lake activities: At Pokagon State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy multiple no-wake lakes for peaceful water recreation. "There are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do," notes Becky N. about the Pokagon State Park Campground.
Blueberry picking: Covert/South Haven KOA features blueberry fields throughout the property. According to Cindy B., "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!" The Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday is about 14 miles from South Haven's beaches and downtown shopping.
Hiking trails: The trail system at Ely Lake Campground offers natural surroundings for walking. "Miles of trails to wander and discover," says Ellen S. about this rustic option. The Ely Lake Campground also features a lake trail marked with yellow tree indicators.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Fort Custer Recreation Area offers private camping spots away from crowds. Hannah ⚡ reports, "We just stayed at site 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!" This sense of privacy enhances the camping experience at Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Swimming options: Campers appreciate the beach areas at several campgrounds near Portage. At Ely Lake, Suzi K. mentions, "There is a beach. They have horse campsites and trails. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at it's purest!"
Family-friendly amenities: The Covert/South Haven KOA provides numerous structured activities for children. Lisa P. explains, "The kids love the activities and the pool and my family who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!"
What you should know
Rustic camping conditions: Some campgrounds near Portage offer very basic facilities. At Ely Lake Campground, TheSydliks explains, "Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator(inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover. Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water."
Weekend noise levels: Popular campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. James K. notes about Ely Lake, "This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings... There is loud music, people yelling, fireworks going off and... not very much sleep."
Seasonal considerations: The Eaton County Fairgrounds campground operates seasonally. According to Northstorm T., it's "Only $20 nightly, full hookup, nice wooded sites" and is "Very peaceful when there are no ongoing events." The campground is open from May 1 to October 1.
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety: Pokagon State Park offers numerous recreation options for children. Amy K. says, "There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc. Tons of picnic areas and pavilions; would be a great spot for a family reunion."
Bug protection: Fort Custer Recreation Area can have insects during certain seasons. Cathy Y. advises, "Lots need mowing so lots of bugs, bring insect repellent." This simple preparation can make a significant difference in comfort.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming spots for kids. Janet N. describes Fort Custer as having "Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites are common at Fort Custer. VB S. points out, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station." Plan accordingly if you need additional utilities.
Site selection: Choose sites based on shade and access needs. Art S. notes about Fort Custer, "Our site was on the far end of a loop. This meant a longer walk to the restrooms and showers. On the other hand, we were right across from an access trail to the blue hiking trail."
Dump station lines: During busy periods at some campgrounds, waits can occur. Bob B. shares his experience: "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long. Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Portage, MI?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Portage, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Portage, MI is Fort Custer Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 45 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Portage, MI?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Portage, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Portage, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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