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Ortonville Equestrian Campground provides rustic camping facilities specifically designed for horse owners. Located within the Ortonville Recreation Area, this popular equestrian campground includes both a main camping area and a separate staging area. The campground features vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings to accommodate overnight stays with horses. While the campground itself offers basic amenities, its primary appeal is for equestrians looking to access the extensive trail systems throughout the area. Trailer parking is available, and the layout is designed to accommodate vehicles with horse trailers. The campground maintains a rustic character with minimal facilities, focusing on providing access to riding opportunities rather than luxury accommodations. Sites can accommodate both tent camping and modest RVs, though no hookups are available. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Richmond, Michigan.
The trail system connecting to Ortonville Equestrian Campground provides excellent riding opportunities through varied terrain. Riders have access to multiple trail networks that wind through the recreation area, offering diverse scenery and riding experiences. The area features two lakes that add to the natural beauty of the surroundings and provide water sources. While the campground itself maintains a simple, rustic approach, its primary value comes from direct access to these riding trails. The natural setting offers a quiet experience away from more developed areas, allowing riders to enjoy nature with their horses. The campground's layout facilitates easy access to trails directly from camping sites, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads. This integration of camping and riding access makes Ortonville a practical choice for equestrians seeking a weekend getaway with direct trail access from their campsite.
"The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit."
"Always a great local retreat away from our hectic daily life. Don’t have to travel far to find some nature. Most sites generously sized, hookups available, clean restrooms."
"Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating."
"The grounds are huge with bike/hike trails, a lake and a disc golf course. Mountain biking seems to be very popular there are dirt trails off the paved hiking loop."
"Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store."
"An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"This is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn.."
"There are over 20 sites, about half of which are located lake side (not directly on the lake, but there are little paths that lead you there and you can somewhat see the water from these sites.)"
"Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about. "
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Large play areas, dog run, basketball court, lots of walking trails, and family friendly."
"The location is pretty great, off the beaten path but, within 30 minutes of major stores and conveniences. "
"Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity!"
"This is one of our family's favorite close to home sites. Extra large camp sites, lots of room for the kids to run around. Extensive trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding."
from $20 - $186 / night
Check Availability"The campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings."
from $20 / night
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LegendThe campground here is actually a quite popular equestrian campground. There is a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground itself isn’t really much to write home about (unless you have horses that is). The lakes and launches are however very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area.
GuideVery nice sites. Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store. Equestrian trails and I hear they have a remote control airplane field and shooting range.
GuideThis is another great scout ing campground with cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride, this is one HUGE camp ground for scouts to enjoy and learn..
ScoutA very quiet campground. The sites are spread out and only 2 vehicles per site are allowed. The East campground is more open and had 3 small cabins that can be rented. The West camping is more wooded and isolated. An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible.
TravelerThis was our first time camping. The park has a beautiful 2.5 mile trail around the lake that makes this campground great. We brought our own kayaks but they do rent boats. We saw deer and rabbit. Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not to close to the people next to us and trees behind us. We had privacy and it was quiet. The people we did talk to were all very friendly. We heard the showers were decent but we used our own. I would stay again.
ScoutThis is a fabulous campground! There are over 20 sites, about half of which are located lake side (not directly on the lake, but there are little paths that lead you there and you can somewhat see the water from these sites.) There is a boat launch on one end of campground and the amazing beach on the other. The water is clear and warm (perfect lake for swimming) and there is both sand and grassy areas on the fairly large beach. The beach also offers picnic tables and benches. The only negative aspect I can see about this campground is that the sites are right on top of each other, so if you have a loud group or a generator next to you, it is noisy. But most campgrounds have sites set real close together, so you will find this pretty much everywhere. Def camp here! About an hours drive from a Pictured Rocks National Park. There are no showers or running water. Camp hosts were very nice, helpful, & welcoming.
LegendVibe: Woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites.
Cleanliness: Sites are above average. Vault toilets are…vault toilets.
Facilities: Nothing flashy. Wish there was a few additional water filling points and that the dumpsters were all located near the camp entrance/exit. But really nothing to complain about.
General spots: Large, very well treed, gravel, picnic table and fire ring.
Privacy: Can see neighbors through sites, but better privacy than most places.
Our site: 39. Could drive circles around inside it. Even has a tree in the middle of it with room to drive all the way around it(not with a trailer). Depending where you set up your rig, you may need an extra long extension cord.
Noise: Quiet. Occasionally hear wolves howling. Cell signal(Verizon): 1 bar. No internet loads. Text messages will send and receive. Sometimes immediately, sometimes hours later. Other: Wish we had a chance to explore the lakes. Sounds like the swimming and fishing is good. Saw several kids on bikes toting rods.
GuideTenting at its finest... brother his wife and 5 kids my husband at the time and 4 kids reserved a group area and had a blast teaching and showing those who had never camped how fun it could be!! No cell/internet service but that was perfect!! Great time to unplug and just enjoy our surroundings and begin to learn our own creativity! Learned how to ensure food was safe and tucked away from coons along with the good ole fashion porta potties .... nothing Lysol can can’t fix there but with a total of 8 males (6 being under 18....) always have a can of Lysol when porta potties were in our future lol Definitely would go back when ready for a”rustic” camping event!
TravelerClean campground and well maintained. Two different loops to choose from for camping. Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive.
Ortonville Equestrian Campground is situated within the 5,400-acre Ortonville Recreation Area in southeastern Michigan. The terrain features a mix of rolling hills, oak forests, and prairie landscapes with two lakes—Big Fish Lake and Little Fish Lake—providing water access. Trail systems range from flat stretches to moderate inclines with approximately 15 miles of trails, primarily designed for equestrian use but available for hikers when not in use by riders.
Horseback riding on extensive trails: The main draw at Ortonville Equestrian Campground is access to the trail system designed specifically for equestrian use. "The area features two lakes that add to the natural beauty of the surroundings and provide water sources," notes a camper from Ortonville Equestrian Campground. Riders can access multiple trail networks that wind through varied terrain.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Both Big Fish Lake and Little Fish Lake offer fishing opportunities within the recreation area. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, about 20 miles southwest, visitors mention, "The lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports" and that it's "great for fishing."
Mountain biking and hiking: While horseback riding is primary, the region offers other trail-based activities. "Extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports," writes a visitor about nearby recreation options, with "great hiking and world class mountain bike trails" available at several parks within 30 minutes of Richmond.
Privacy between sites: Though Ortonville's camping area is rustic, the layout offers decent separation between sites. At Seven Lakes State Park Campground, 25 miles southwest, campers appreciate that "the sites we stayed in was set in the woods, so we really didn't have a problem with it," showing the value of natural barriers.
Natural setting with wildlife: The equestrian campground provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Highland State Recreation Area, a camper reports, "We ran up on a group of probably 70 wild turkeys on the trail!" This type of wildlife encounter is common in the broader region's parks.
Direct trail access: The convenience of camping with horses and having immediate trail access is significant. "The campground's layout facilitates easy access to trails directly from camping sites, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads," making it practical for weekend getaways.
Limited facilities: Ortonville Equestrian Campground maintains rustic amenities only. "Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings" are the extent of facilities, with no showers or electrical hookups available.
Two distinct areas: The equestrian campground includes "both a main camping area and a separate staging area" designed specifically for horse owners. The staging area provides space for preparing horses before trail rides.
Trailer accommodations: The campground is designed with "trailer parking available, and the layout is designed to accommodate vehicles with horse trailers." At Addison Oaks County Park, 15 miles south, one visitor notes their "spot #18 I felt was spacious and not too close to the people next to us," which is important when considering trailer space requirements.
Bring entertainment: With minimal facilities at equestrian campgrounds, families should pack activities. At Covenant Hills Camp, 35 miles north, a camper shares it's a "Great place to keep kids busy" with "Lots of things to do. climbing wall, zip line, swimming, fishing."
Pack extra supplies: Due to the rustic nature of equestrian camping near Richmond, families need to be self-sufficient. "Learned how to ensure food was safe and tucked away from coons along with the good ole fashion porta potties," advises a camper, highlighting the importance of proper food storage and sanitation supplies.
Visit nearby beaches: While the equestrian campground focuses on riding, families can plan day trips to nearby swimming areas. "The water is clear and warm (perfect lake for swimming) and there is both sand and grassy areas on the fairly large beach," writes a visitor about recreational options within 30 minutes.
Plan for modest accommodations: The equestrian campground can "accommodate both tent camping and modest RVs, though no hookups are available." RVers should prepare for dry camping conditions.
Consider alternative campgrounds for full hookups: If requiring more amenities while still accessing equestrian areas, consider staying at parks with better RV facilities. Oakland County Addison Oaks offers "Sites have electricity and water and are well spaced out," providing a more comfortable base while still being within driving distance to horse trails.
Level your rig: The terrain throughout the region tends to have slopes. "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you," advises a visitor, a consideration that applies to many campgrounds in the area including the equestrian sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Richmond, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Richmond, MI is Addison Oaks County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Richmond, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Richmond, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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