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Best Equestrian Camping near Rockford, MI

32 Reviews

Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite in Big Rapids provides camping access specifically designed for groups traveling with horses. Located within the Manistee National Forest, this campground features designated areas for horse trailers, picnic tables, and fire rings where riders can gather after trail excursions. The facility accommodates multiple riders and their mounts while offering direct access to extensive bridle paths. Timbers Edge Campground attracts equestrians with its proximity to forest riding trails and adequate space for horse trailer parking. Most campers visit on weekends for horseback riding opportunities, with the campground serving as a popular staging area for trail riders exploring the surrounding wooded terrain.

Manistee National Forest trail systems connect to several equestrian-friendly campgrounds, allowing riders to access miles of designated bridle paths directly from their campsites. Horse owners typically bring their own feed and portable corrals, as permanent horse facilities are limited at most locations. The riding trails traverse varied terrain through forest landscapes, with some routes following scenic river corridors. Duke Creek Campground offers scheduled horseback rides suitable for inexperienced riders and children, making it appropriate for families wanting horse experiences without bringing their own animals. Reservations are recommended for equestrian group sites, especially during peak riding seasons from spring through fall when trail conditions are optimal. Campers with horses should check specific campground policies regarding manure management and designated trailer parking areas.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Rockford, Michigan (10)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Rockford, MI

2 Photos of 10 Rockford Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Rockford, MI

32 Reviews of 10 Rockford Campgrounds

  • J
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Ely Lake Campground

    Beautiful rustic sites with loud parties at night

    Ely Lake Campground is a County campground in Allegan Michigan. All of the sites are rustic. Here are the bullet points:

    • There are no bathrooms, just pit toilets. 
    • There is no electricity. 
    • There is a hand pump for water, although I would recommend bringing your own drinking water because the water from the hand pump is very discolored.
    • Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table.
    • They don't sell firewood, but you can by some in town on your way in.
    • There is a beach.
    • You can make reservations online ahead of time, or show up and find an empty site (but bring cash or check to pay because its a drop box).
    • They have equestrian trails and sites.

    First the positives: It is a beautiful rustic campground. We stayed on the side with sites 49-73 (specifically site 50) which has larger more secluded sites than the other side of the Lake. The Lake is for non-motorized recreational use so it is mostly used for kayaking and canoeing and fishing. There is about a 1 mile trail that you can walk around the exterior of the Lake, however it is ill defined in some places so just keep your eyes peeled for yellow markers on the trees (which are everywhere so you wont get lost).

    This place also attracts a lot of equestrian campers and they have trails specifically for horseback riding. So if you have kids that love horses, you may see some on the weekends. 

    The negatives: It is a wonderful experience until about 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday night. This place attracts a rowdy crowd and in the evenings (apparently there is no where else for the locals to have a rager). There is loud music , people yelling, fireworks going off and… not very much sleep. And I am not just talking about a few people with their music on -- it was someone blasting their sub-woofer with electronic dance music until 4:45 AM. It was really disappointing because otherwise the experience was positive. Luckily my kids are all deep sleepers so I was the only one who had to sit up all night.

    They clean the bathrooms daily from what I can tell, but otherwise the campground is not maintained. There was trash around our site, and when you walk the trail about the lake you will see cigarette packets and beer bottles occasionally. Also along the trail were two massive hornet nests that really should have been removed by park management - but it's clear they don't ever maintain the trail. 

    If you're willing to overlook some garbage, and if the party people stay away you could have a wonderful camping trip. Allegan County has a beautiful natural resource here, but sadly it seems like it is being squandered, and wont last.

  • Suzi K.
    Oct. 22, 2020

    Ely Lake Campground

    Words Can't Describe

    This is always my go to campground! All natural camping with plenty of nice people! One word of advise is to bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings lol but are back up and running by mid afternoon. No showers and just outhouses but that's REAL camping right!!!? No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at it's purest! I have been coming to this lake to camp for over 40 years and I hope I have 40 more years left!!!

  • Becky P.
    May. 31, 2018

    Timbers Edge Campground

    Quiet Getaway!

    We stayed here during their Equestrian Weekends several years in a row, great hosts and large lots make this place a nice hidden gem!

  • Arron P.
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Hungerford Lake Campground

    Rustic camping at finest!

    Dispersed camping and camp sites available. There are horse staging areas and hiking trails. The lake is nice, small enough for a kayak/ no motor boat, nice.

  • S
    May. 8, 2019

    Timbers Edge Campground

    Nice for horses and hunting

    I went in November. Most campers were there on the weekend. Pit toilets, a pond, hot showers but shower room unheated, no dump station,nice size lots. A lot of horses and hunters. Price was good for electric and water. Nice for dog walking. Friendly managers. No cell service

  • E
    Apr. 19, 2018

    Ely Lake Campground

    Great Rustic Campground

    I have been camping here a couple years. It is open year round. All rustic sites, horses welcomed, vault toilets, and water pumps. Pay for site by money drop in tube so bring your check book. The lake is great for kayaking. Miles of trails to wander and discover.

  • Joanie C.
    Mar. 18, 2023

    Double RR Ranch RV Resort

    Lots to do

    There is a river to explore and we always get a riverfront site. Rivers are just fun for fishing, throwing stones, canoeing. There is a campstore, Firepits, large trees, they do hayrides for kids, too. We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids. It is close to a town to get take out food if it rains. There are some larger vacation lodges to rent that ars nestled away in the woods, and a bunkhouse with rentals. My husband liked the golf course that came with renting spot. Seen lots of wildlife. Very relaxing time in our pop up not too far from Grand Rapids.

  • Becky J.
    Mar. 22, 2025

    Ely Lake Campground

    Great Primitive Camping

    Lived in Michigan for most of my life and frequently visited and camped here as a youth. This is primarily a primitive campground with porto- pottys. Usually pretty clean. Located in the Allegan forest. Very quiet and nice that it has a lake for swimming in the summer.

  • Carol M.
    Jul. 3, 2018

    Duke Creek Campground

    Very nice

    Right across the road from Michigan's Adventure amusement park

Guide to Rockford

Horse camping in Michigan offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian activities, perfect for those looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities

  • At Duke Creek Campground, you'll find electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, making it convenient for both horses and campers.
  • Silver Creek County Park provides rustic camping with picnic tables and fire pits, ideal for a cozy evening after a day of riding.
  • Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite offers reservable sites specifically designed for horse camping, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your equine companions.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy miles of riding trails at Silver Creek County Park, where you can explore both the park and adjacent state land.
  • Double RR Ranch RV Resort features trail rides through scenic landscapes, perfect for families and inexperienced riders.
  • Experience the tranquility of Hungerford Lake Campground, where you can enjoy kayaking and fishing in a peaceful setting after a day of horseback riding.

Tips for equestrian camping near Rockford, Michigan

  • Make sure to bring your own high line for horses at Silver Creek County Park, as each equestrian site is equipped with poles for tying.
  • At Duke Creek Campground, be prepared for a busy atmosphere on weekends, but enjoy the spacious sites that allow for a comfortable stay.
  • Always check for seasonal activities and events at Double JJ Resort, as they often host special equestrian weekends and family-friendly activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rockford, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rockford, MI is Duke Creek Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rockford, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Rockford, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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