9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
McKinley Horse Trail Campground offers rustic equestrian camping in a secluded setting within Huron National Forest near Mio. This primitive campground provides direct access to extensive horse trails with no size restrictions for trailers or rigs. The large camping area accommodates tents and RVs in an open, undeveloped setting surrounded by forest land. Basic vault toilets are available, but the site lacks other amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, or shower facilities. Horse owners can secure their animals using tie-outs to poles specifically designed for this purpose. The surrounding area offers more land to roam than most visitors can explore during a single stay.
Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground provides minimal facilities for horse campers between Grayling and Rose City. The campground features an open field for equestrian activities alongside six primitive campsites. Recent logging has significantly altered the landscape, removing much of the forest cover. While secluded and quiet, the site lacks water, electric, and shower facilities, offering only basic vault toilets. Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground, located near Atlanta, provides additional options with drinking water available and sites large enough for big rigs. Access roads at equestrian campgrounds in this region are typically unpaved and may require 4x4 vehicles during winter months. No cell service is available at many of these remote horse camping locations, particularly with Verizon carriers.
"Love this park, right down the street from our family cabin and you get the best views of the Au Sauble river for miles around."
"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."
"Bathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some."
from $40 - $100 / night
Check Availability"This place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to."
"The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular."
"Sites are reasonably priced around$25-30/night. The park is very dog-friendly, which we appreciated.
Nice large, woodsy, level lots. Many are waterfront. "
"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."
"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
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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
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.
RangerThis campground is not my favorite, although my husband did not mind staying there. One of the reasons it is not my favorite is because the bathrooms were disgusting. I do not think that they were cleaned the entire four days we were there. They were super-hot and dirty. Another reason I did not care for the campground is because while we were there, my cousin’s dog was taken to doggy jail! We went on a kayaking trip down the Au Sable river and were gone a couple of hours. My cousin has a big dog that was tied to the tree. The dog had water, but must have knocked it over. The weather was not hot, it was in the low 70’s. My uncle’s site was right next door and he was watching the dog. My uncle was preparing dinner and went into the camper to grab what he needed to grill hamburgers and hot dogs. While he was making hamburger patties someone must have walked by and saw that the dog’s water was empty (because the dog knocked it over), that person went to the park attendant and they called animal control. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle said he was in the camper for about 20 mins making patties and getting food ready to grill outside. Apparently, it is not actually animal control that came to get him, it was a person down the street that takes the animals to his home on the weekend when animal control is not open. My uncle came out of the camper and the dog was gone. My uncle was frantic and walked around the entire campground and then went to the front desk. The lady was so rude to my uncle. My uncle is a very nice and funny man and he was just beside himself! My cousin came back from the kayaking trip and my uncle told him what happened. My cousin went to the man’s house that took the dog and had to pay $80 to get him out! It was quite the ordeal. My uncle felt bad because he wasn’t out there the entire time with the dog, but he wasn’t gone that long and it wasn’t that hot outside. My uncle would have seen that the water was empty and would have refilled it. The sites are HUGE and there are some trees, but I would not camp here again. That situation left a bad taste in my mouth and the bathrooms not being cleaned during our stay put me over the edge.
ScoutThis place is amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to. Highly reccomend for anyone looking to camp without ANY ammentities. Access is 4x4 only winter months.
RangerWhile 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. Full coin laundry was helpful too! They had kids activities over the 4thof July weekend, and our kid loved it. The KOA is about a 5 min drive to Otsego Lake and the state park, where there's a nice beach and easy lake access. There's also a newly paved bike trail right by the lake for you to log some miles on. Nearby towns of Gaylord and Boyne provided us with plenty to do, and only a couple hours to get to Sleeping Bear sand dunes. We thought this place was worth the expense- big, flat, level sites with fire pit and full hook up. Nice pine trees and plenty of space for kids to play. Did not like the additional fee for kid to get wrist band for jump pillow and mini gold, but did it anyways.
TravelerThis is one of the worst campgrounds I have ever been to. The bathrooms and showers close at 10pm, and the restrooms themselves are nasty, the showers cost $2 (in quarters) for 6 minutes of lukewarm water, the locals are hostile to unfamiliar faces, and to top it off, the rental ATVs and dirt track to ride them on is o ly separated from the campsites by a board fence, so expect to hear all kinds of small engines zipping by at all hours. The RV trailers for rental are all used trailers circa 1995 and "refurbished", which entails a quick coat of interior paint and laminate flooring screwed to the floors with drywall screws. Guests who have rented the RV trailers are instructed to not use the showers in their trailers. Absolutely not worth the money, would rate 0 stars if I could. If you are looking for a camping experience that puts you in the heart of upper Michigan redneck territory, this is the place for you. If you want a good experience, look elsewhere.
TravelerThe owners were constantly driving around and correcting people. Rules are okay but they were over the top. They would even stop and just stare at our site while we sat outside.. it was very odd. Also not kept up at all. The playground was old and my 30 lb dog slipped out from under the “dog park” fence because it was so high off the ground where they were allowed to be unleashed, luckily we got her and she’s ok.
Equestrian camping near Rose City, Michigan offers access to extensive trail systems within the Huron National Forest. Located in the northeastern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the region features predominantly sandy soil with mixed hardwood forests at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons often bring overnight temperatures that drop below 40°F.
Trail riding opportunities: Luzerne Express Campground connects directly to Huron National Forest trails where riders can explore without leaving the property. According to Judy B., "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."
Kayaking trips: Old Orchard Park Campground provides access to the AuSable River for water adventures. Tracey R. mentions, "Nice walks down 'The Point'. Beautiful views." Many visitors combine camping with river activities, as Becky K. notes, "The large campground is crowded in summer months and you have to buy tokens to take a shower, but the views and access to the River are spectacular."
Explore nearby attractions: When staying at Oscoda County Park, take time to visit local points of interest. Max O. recommends, "If you're in the area be sure to check out 'the bakery' (Amish bakery that is unbelievably delicious)." The park offers convenient access to the AuSable River and is centrally located for exploring the Mio area.
Secluded forest settings: McKinley Horse Trail Campground provides genuine off-grid camping experiences with minimal development. Juan A. describes it as "amazing if you just like to get away from everything. Surrounded by Huron and rarely many people there. Tons of privacy and more land to roam than you'll be able to."
Large open camping areas: The equestrian campgrounds typically feature spacious sites that accommodate horse trailers. Lexi G. observed at 4-Mile Trail Camp that "It's never busy here. 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."
Family-friendly environments: Some campgrounds in the area cater specifically to families with children. Rachel S. shared about Old Orchard Park Campground: "I have been coming to this campground for many years. I bring my whole family! Very family and pet friendly. It has a playground and a small beach. There are many options to stay here!"
Limited amenities at horse camps: Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground offers minimal facilities with just basic vault toilets. Dj W. reports, "It 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."
Cell service limitations: Many remote horse camping sites lack reliable connectivity. Dj W. notes about Walsh Road, "No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal." This is common throughout the more remote equestrian campgrounds in the region.
Shower facilities vary: When available, shower facilities at developed campgrounds often require payment. Gordon B. observed at Oscoda County Park, "Shows require tokens if you wish to use them. The staff are pleasant and helpful. Free Wifi cover is limited, cellphone coverage is ok."
Choose developed campgrounds with amenities: Gaylord KOA offers family-friendly facilities about an hour from Rose City. Christine D. notes, "This KOA was well kept and clean. Great bathrooms and showers, pool, playground." Amanda C. adds, "Lots do do for kids. Loved it here."
Consider seasonal factors: Kim L. shares about Gaylord KOA, "We had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. The KOA is about a 5 min drive to Otsego Lake and the state park, where there's a nice beach and easy lake access. There's also a newly paved bike trail right by the lake for you to log some miles on."
Pack for weather changes: Spring and fall camping in the Rose City area can bring significant temperature swings. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common, particularly in July and August, requiring appropriate rain gear and shelter options for children and horses alike.
Site selection considerations: When bringing an RV to Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground, note the designated non-equestrian areas. Lydia T. points out, "Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8." This separation helps maintain order between different camping groups.
Access road conditions: Many equestrian campgrounds have unpaved access roads that may be challenging in wet conditions. Juan A. warns about McKinley Horse Trail Campground, "Access is 4x4 only winter months," which applies to many horse camping sites in the region.
Hookup limitations: Most equestrian campgrounds near Rose City have minimal or no hookups. Gordon B. advises about Oscoda County Park, "At the moment they have 50 or 20 amp power, so you will need a 15 or 50 adapter to use 30 amp service. No water at camp sites, but they have a water fill station."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rose City, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rose City, MI is Oscoda County Park with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rose City, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Rose City, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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