7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
McKinley Horse Trail Campground north of Mio permits equestrians to camp with their horses in a rustic, spacious setting within the Huron National Forest. The campground connects directly to trail systems through surrounding forest lands with access for horse trailers. No horse corrals are provided, but riders can use designated tie-out areas with poles designed specifically for securing horses. Vault toilets are available, but the campground lacks drinking water, showers, and electrical hookups. Local riders note the campground is rarely crowded, offering privacy and solitude for equestrian campers. The surrounding land provides more riding opportunities than most visitors can explore in a single stay, with trails extending throughout the national forest.
Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground offers primitive horse camping with vault toilets and fire rings, operating seasonally from April through November. The small camp area includes an open field specifically for equestrian activities and access to forest trails. Campground facilities remain minimal with no drinking water or electrical hookups available. Recent logging has significantly altered the surrounding landscape according to visitors. Cell service is unavailable throughout the area with no Verizon signal reported. The South Branch Trail Camp provides another horse-friendly option with picnic tables and fire rings, though it maintains similar primitive facilities. The Luzerne Express Campground offers more amenities for horse camping including pens available at reasonable rates, allowing campers to access trails in the Huron National Forest directly from their sites.
"Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some."
from $40 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular."
"Sites are reasonably priced around$25-30/night. The park is very dog-friendly, which we appreciated.
Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront. "
"Love this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around."
"This place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to."
"The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate."
"I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas."
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
GuideIt was logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 "sites" and an open field for equestrian activities.
Very secluded. Nothing of interest in the nearby area.
Looks to be seldom used.
No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal.
RangerThe Luzerne Express Campground is literally all you need in one spot. The whole place is incredibly accommodating. Friendly, helpful staff. There is an array of sites available plus RV’s and Cabins for rent so winter camping here is a blast. The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV’s. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate. Walk right off the campground into the Huron National Forest.
RangerThis campground is not my favorite, although my husband did not mind staying there. One of the reasons it is not my favorite is because the bathrooms were disgusting. I do not think that they were cleaned the entire four days we were there. They were super-hot and dirty. Another reason I did not care for the campground is because while we were there, my cousin’s dog was taken to doggy jail! We went on a kayaking trip down the Au Sable river and were gone a couple of hours. My cousin has a big dog that was tied to the tree. The dog had water, but must have knocked it over. The weather was not hot, it was in the low 70’s. My uncle’s site was right next door and he was watching the dog. My uncle was preparing dinner and went into the camper to grab what he needed to grill hamburgers and hot dogs. While he was making hamburger patties someone must have walked by and saw that the dog’s water was empty (because the dog knocked it over), that person went to the park attendant and they called animal control. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle said he was in the camper for about 20 mins making patties and getting food ready to grill outside. Apparently, it is not actually animal control that came to get him, it was a person down the street that takes the animals to his home on the weekend when animal control is not open. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle was frantic and walked around the entire campground and then went to the front desk. The lady was so rude to my uncle. My uncle is a very nice and funny man and he was just beside himself! My cousin came back from the kayaking trip and my uncle told him what happened. My cousin went to the man’s house that took the dog and had to pay $80 to get him out! It was quite the ordeal. My uncle felt bad because he wasn’t out there the entire time with the dog, but he wasn’t gone that long and it wasn’t that hot outside. My uncle would have seen that the water was empty and would have refilled it. The sites are HUGE and there are some trees, but I would not camp here again. That situation left a bad taste in my mouth and the bathrooms not being cleaned during our stay put me over the edge.
ScoutThis place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to. Highly reccomend for anyone looking to camp without ANY ammentities. Access is 4x4 only winter months.
TravelerThis is one of the worst campgrounds I have ever been to. The bathrooms and showers close at 10pm, and the restrooms themselves are nasty, the showers cost $2 (in quarters) for 6 minutes of lukewarm water, the locals are hostile to unfamiliar faces, and to top it off, the rental ATVs and dirt track to ride them on is o ly separated from the campsites by a board fence, so expect to hear all kinds of small engines zipping by at all hours. The RV trailers for rental are all used trailers circa 1995 and "refurbished", which entails a quick coat of interior paint and laminate flooring screwed to the floors with drywall screws. Guests who have rented the RV trailers are instructed to not use the showers in their trailers. Absolutely not worth the money, would rate 0 stars if I could. If you are looking for a camping experience that puts you in the heart of upper Michigan redneck territory, this is the place for you. If you want a good experience, look elsewhere.
TravelerI stayed here a few times in September 2022. The weather was really rainy but the lake is pretty and Oscoda has a lot of hiking and places to hang up a hammock and relax. (The campsite is about 10 minutes from town.)
Labor Day weekend was crazy and my neighbors had a really difficult time staying in their designated site - one family next to me really liked to put their trash on a tree within my site. People just seemed a little unfriendly and territorial - it seemed like they didn’t know what to do with a younger solo woman camper. Unrelated, a guy was shouting a song about cocaine around 11pm, drinking with his buddies. Just kind of weird vibes even though there were a million kids. It didn’t really feel like homey, family vibes.
The second time I was there I was told I could not car camp. The lady who was working didn’t seem to care but my last night an older male worker waited at the entrance until I returned and loudly announced my site number and said I wasn’t allowed to car camp (I usually don’t get frustrated with older people when they yell because I assume they may be hard of hearing, but it seemed a little unsafe to announce where I would be sleeping.) I asked if hammock camping was ok and he became gruffer and told me his boss wanted to kick me off the campground - which seemed to imply a possible punishment if I kept asking questions. Ironically, I was asking these questions because I didn’t have a tent but was still trying to comply. I just felt uncomfortable after that and left, spending my last night somewhere else.
Showers are ok - they’re coin operated and cleaned every few days.
The scenery is pretty but it doesn’t work for me if I can’t car camp and if there’s no cell service to work. As mentioned, weird vibes as a solo female camper too. Adult activities - like a dance party or movies - take place after dark. I can’t imagine how being in a dark forest with strangers would feel safe, let alone fun, when there is alcohol and it seems likely there are other substances too. No really where my interests lie.
But if you have an RV you might have a different experience - or if you’re looking for a party during a holiday weekend. It might also be worth a try if you’re camping as a group.
GuideLots of things to do in this area! The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular.
ScoutGot lucky enough to snag a week-long stay on a waterfront site(401) the last week of July and thoroughly enjoyed our stay! We had very nice neighbors and had a great week of relaxing.
Pros:
Website booking process was very easy. Sites are reasonably priced around$25-30/night.
The park is very dog-friendly, which we appreciated.
Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront.
Trash pickup if you leave it by your site marker. Nice and quiet during the week.
Delicious hard ice cream served from the store.
Nice walks down"The Point". Beautiful views.
Cons:
Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords.
The large store is mostly empty. No souvenir style items.
Trash everywhere..mini booze bottles, wrappers, cigarette butts.
Bathrooms are clean, but very outdated and run down.
Showers run on tokens/quarters and do not have a temperature control.
Equestrian camping near Prescott, Michigan offers riders access to extensive trail systems throughout the Huron National Forest. The region features a mix of sandy soil and northern hardwood forests at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for horse trails. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging in the mid-70s°F.
Trail riding excursions: The surrounding Huron National Forest provides extensive riding opportunities directly accessible from many equestrian campgrounds. At 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR, "It's never busy here... There's trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well" according to Lexi G.
ATV adventures: Some areas permit motorized trail use alongside equestrian activities. Luzerne Express Campground offers diverse recreational options as noted by Judy B.: "The area is a trail riders Mecca. From horseback riding to ATV's. There are horse pens available at the campground for overnight horse camping as well at a very reasonable rate."
Winter camping: For those seeking off-season adventures, some facilities remain accessible year-round. Juan A. notes about McKinley Horse Trail Campground: "This place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to. Access is 4x4 only winter months."
Privacy and seclusion: Many equestrian campers appreciate the solitude found at less-developed sites. A visitor to McKinley Horse Trail Campground shares: "Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to."
Lakeside locations: Several campgrounds offer water access alongside equestrian facilities. Gordon B. notes about Oscoda County Park: "Nice quiet and relaxing right on the lake. A small playground for the kids. Any size rv will fit."
Nearby attractions: The region offers activities beyond just horse trails. Max O. recommends: "Love this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around. Right in the heart of Mio, and if you're in the area be sure to check out 'the bakery' (Amish bakery that is unbelievably delicious)."
Rustic facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds offer minimal amenities. At South Branch Trail Camp, Sean R. notes: "Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some."
Variable site conditions: Recent forest management activities have impacted some camping areas. A visitor to Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground reports: "It was logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 'sites' and an open field for equestrian activities. Very secluded. Nothing of interest in the nearby area."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable throughout much of the region. The same reviewer notes about Walsh Road: "No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children alongside equestrian areas. Gordon B. mentions Oscoda County Park has "a small playground for the kids" alongside other amenities.
Beach options: Waterfront sites provide additional activities for family members. Rachel S. notes about Old Orchard Park Campground: "I have been coming to this campground for many years. I bring my whole family! Very family and pet friendly. It has a playground and a small beach."
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, particularly in spring and fall. Michael A. shares: "Camped here in early fall. The area around here is beautiful with lots of sights and trails."
Site access considerations: Many equestrian campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. Gordon B. notes about Oscoda County Park: "Any size rv will fit. Shows require tokens if you wish to use them. The staff are pleasant and helpful. Free Wifi cover is limited, cellphone coverage is ok."
Hookup locations: Electric and water hookups may require additional equipment. Tracey R. mentions at Old Orchard: "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords."
Waste disposal: Come prepared with portable waste containers as dump stations are limited. Most equestrian-focused campgrounds lack sanitary dump facilities, though some nearby parks like Oscoda County Park offer this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Prescott, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Prescott, MI is South Branch Trail Camp Group Site with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Prescott, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Prescott, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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