12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground offers a designated trail camp area ideal for equestrians exploring the Boardman River region. The equestrian section features an open layout where horse owners can claim ample space without designated site numbers, perfect for setting up temporary corrals or highlines. Vault toilets and hand pump water are available for both campers and horses. The self-registration system operates on a first-come, first-served basis with cash payment required. Horses can access the Boardman River directly from camp, providing a convenient water source after trail rides. Equestrians particularly value the privacy and spaciousness of the sites, which accommodate trucks with horse trailers. The campground connects directly to the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail system, making it a popular overnight stop for long-distance riders traversing the state.
The Michigan Shore to Shore Trail provides extensive riding opportunities from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, another horse-friendly option in the region. This rustic campground maintains separate horse camping areas with access to water and trail networks throughout the surrounding state forest. Riders often use these campgrounds as waypoints while completing the cross-state equestrian route. Lake Dubonnet's equestrian section offers easy access to water for horses and clean restroom facilities, though occasional ATV traffic passes through the area. Both campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with Lake Dubonnet offering sites at $15 per night. The unpaved access roads accommodate horse trailers but can become muddy after heavy rains, requiring careful navigation during wet weather. Horse manure management follows standard forest camping protocols with proper disposal away from water sources and campsites.
"The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people)."
"I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."
"Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir."
"We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
"Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."
"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."
"The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."
"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
"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."
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
RangerWe stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground. This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean. The campground seemed to have a lot if unnecessary traffic.
TravelerThere are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.
The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).
The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.
There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.
The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.
There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.
TravelerI like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It’s a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers (my particular interest). The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area). Large wooded sites. Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS.
Negatives: can be noisy at times with the ATVs and also large camping groups. But for the most part I’ve found ppl to be respectful. A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected.
Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain.
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.
GuideCant count how many times i've been here. Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir. Rustic, cheap, horse friendly, out house, and pleanty of forest and lake to explore.
GuideTurtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade. We will definitely be staying here again! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites.
GuideThis is a great horse camp. Have camped here many times. Pump water and river for horses. Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty.
ScoutFamily friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rapid City, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rapid City, MI is Scheck's Place State Forest Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rapid City, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Rapid City, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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