Equestrian camping near Rapid City, Michigan offers direct access to over 100 miles of interconnected trails through state forests. The area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with sandy soil conditions that drain well after rain. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with cooler nights even during peak season.
What to do
River access for tubing: Scheck's Place State Forest Campground provides direct Boardman River access. "Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest. Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system," notes Anna B. who appreciates the quiet canoe camping opportunities.
Kayaking on Lake Dubonnet: Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp offers multiple water access points. "Great like camp ground. No swimming but pretty lake with lots of lilipads and sunken tree. Nice hiking trail," shares Tracie S. Kate K. adds, "Most of the sites have their own path right down to the water. Rustic style camping which includes a picnic table and fire pit."
Stargazing: The open areas at some campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing. "It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy," notes Judy B. about Scheck's Place. Light pollution is minimal throughout the area, especially at the more remote trail camps.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Pigeon River State Forest Campground offers secluded camping areas. "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site," writes Paul C. Aaron T. suggests, "The sites are all great! Camp along the river if you can."
Clean facilities: Turtle Lake Campground maintains well-kept shower buildings. "The shower stalls were individual and clean, the area was filled with campers and RV's and everyone was SO friendly," reports Lindsey G. Ann D. adds, "The bathrooms were redone and are very nice!"
Trail connectivity: Horse trails link directly to campsites. "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," writes Lindsey G. about Turtle Lake Campground. The North Country Trail also passes through portions of the Pigeon River State Forest.
What you should know
Payment systems: Most state forest campgrounds require cash. "Self registration for $15 per night," explains Kate K. about Lake Dubonnet. At Scheck's Place, Anna B. notes you need to "Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system."
Cell service limitations: Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds offers camping with better connectivity than forest sites. Aaron T. advises about remote areas, "Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away. Bring a map/gps because there is not cell service."
Water access varies: Some sites have shared water sources. Lon L. notes at Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, "Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups." At Lake Dubonnet, Caryssa R. mentions, "Outhouses near each circle, spickit with really good water."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly terrain: Chandler Hill Campground offers family-focused amenities. "We've camped here for two years in a row and we LOVE it! Everyone is so friendly. Camp sites are nicely spread out and our 4 kids have a ball. They just updated their playground area as well!" shares Holly K.
Water safety considerations: Swift currents require supervision. Paul C. warns about Pigeon River, "The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn't recommend for 6 and under."
Activities for varied interests: Some sites accommodate non-equestrian recreation. Dalton B. notes about Lake Dubonnet, "Rustic, cheap, horse friendly, out house, and pleanty of forest and lake to explore." Chris R. adds about Turtle Lake, "They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Gaylord KOA accommodates larger rigs but with limitations. Ray & Terri F. report, "We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 107 for 3 days in mid July. This is a relatively large CG, just under 100 wooded sites, which are reasonably spaced for a private CG."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require equipment for leveling. "Our site had a fair bit of slope side to side, which I mentioned to the person that led us to our site. He said they'd look into it," notes Ray & Terri F. about Gaylord KOA.
Hookup availability: Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds offers partial hookups. Ron S. notes, "Some sites are electric only, some include water. Not busy and quiet." Jim adds, "Power 50/30 were fine. Water is a shared spigot on most sites, but some sites have water. There is a good dump station."
