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Scheck's Place State Forest Campground features a dedicated trail camp section that accommodates equestrians, providing ample space for horses and riders. The trail camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-registration system. Horse owners can select sites with enough room for their trailers and equipment, and the campground includes vault toilets and hand pump water. The open layout allows campers to choose spots with adequate space for their horses, and tie-out poles are available for securing animals. Sites remain uncrowded even during peak season, with most visitors reporting they encounter only one or two other horse campers during their stay. Campground data and reviews near Rapid River, Michigan is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
The Boardman River runs adjacent to Scheck's Place, offering horses water access and riders scenic views during their stay. Multiple trails throughout the surrounding state forest provide extensive riding opportunities for equestrians of all experience levels. The campground's location offers convenient access to the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail, popular among long-distance riders. Horse owners appreciate the flexibility to set up their camp according to their specific needs rather than being confined to numbered sites. The trail camp section remains separate from the main campground, allowing equestrians privacy and appropriate space for their animals. While primitive in amenities, the lack of hookups and modern facilities is offset by the peaceful setting and direct trail access that makes this location particularly suitable for overnight horse camping trips.
"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"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."
"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"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."
"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."
"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"
"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.
LegendA horse campground located directly on trails. Rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8
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.
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.
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.
Scheck's Place Trail Camp serves as a central hub for equestrian camping near Rapid River, Michigan. Located in the state forest system, this area features a dedicated equestrian section with vault toilets and hand pump water access. Most trail riders report consistent water quality from the pumps year-round, with minimal service interruptions even during dry summer months. The camp's proximity to the Boardman River provides horses with natural water access alternatives.
River activities: At Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, the Boardman River offers water recreation beyond horse watering. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down," notes Gemma G. The gentle current makes it suitable for casual floats during summer months.
Stargazing opportunities: The open layout of equestrian camping areas creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. "It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy," reports Judy B. Light pollution remains minimal throughout the year.
Mountain biking access: The surrounding state forest contains multiple trail systems suitable for different skill levels. "Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest," mentions Anna B., highlighting the multi-use nature of the trails that accommodate both horses and bikes.
Privacy and space: The trail camp's layout allows for customized camping arrangements. "You can take as much space as you need and there is access to the river," states Gemma G. This flexibility proves particularly valuable for equestrians with varying trailer sizes.
Natural swimming spots: Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp offers additional water recreation opportunities. "There is a nearby island you can kayak to and let the dogs roam free," shares Caryssa R. These secluded water features provide alternatives to the main lakes during busy weekends.
Self-registration convenience: Most equestrian camps in the area operate with simple payment systems. "Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system," advises Anna B. This arrangement allows for late-night arrivals without reservation concerns.
Limited facilities: The equestrian areas prioritize space over amenities. "Rustic means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water," explains Jay F. at Pigeon River State Forest Campground. Campers should prepare accordingly with lighting solutions and water containers.
Cell service limitations: Most forest campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "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," advises Aaron T.
Weather considerations: Some sites may experience drainage issues during heavy rainfall. "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," warns Jay F. Selecting slightly elevated sites improves camping conditions during wet periods.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers frequent animal sightings. "Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings," mentions Kate K. when describing Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds. Morning hours typically yield the most wildlife activity.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation facilities. "They just updated their playground area as well," notes Holly K. about Chandler Hill Campground. These features provide alternative activities when not trail riding.
Site selection for children: Choose locations with appropriate water access based on age. "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," cautions Paul C.
Site sizing considerations: While primarily designed for horses, many equestrian areas accommodate larger RVs. "I've seen people tenting and I've seem people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large rvs," explains Lydia T. about Manton Trails RV Park. This flexibility allows for various camping setups.
Power availability: Most equestrian sites lack electrical hookups. "Nice people. Some sites are electric only, some include water. Not busy and quiet," reports Ron S. RVers should plan accordingly with alternative power sources or generator restrictions.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps typically feature gravel surfaces. "Sites not paved and entrance roads not paved!!!" notes Neil at the Gaylord KOA. This terrain consideration affects larger rigs and trailers, particularly after rainfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rapid River, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rapid River, MI is Gaylord KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rapid River, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Rapid River, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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