Ortonville Equestrian Campground in the Ortonville Recreation Area provides rustic accommodations for riders exploring the park's trail systems. The campground accommodates only tent and RV camping with limited amenities. Toilets are available, but no electric hookups, showers, or water hookups are provided at the sites. Fires are permitted with trash collection available throughout the grounds. The campground operates year-round but requires visitors to bring their own water and manage without sanitary dump facilities. Trail riders note the well-maintained equestrian paths connect to broader recreation area trails.
Access to the campground is exclusively via drive-in entry, with the park located approximately 45 miles northwest of Saginaw. The Ortonville Recreation Area trail system offers varied terrain suitable for different riding experience levels. Water access for horses is limited, so riders should bring portable water containers for their animals. While pets are not allowed at the equestrian campground, this policy helps maintain a focus on horse-related activities without potential conflicts with other animals. Picnic tables are provided at each campsite, though sites are not reservable and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground's year-round operation allows for seasonal riding opportunities, with autumn trail rides particularly popular for viewing fall colors.
"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. "
$25 - $101 / night
"What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. "
"Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name!"
"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. "
"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.."
"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."
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.
LegendWhat can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. I would advise if you want to camp there on a weekend to make reservations well in advance. We stay here because there are only 2 campgrounds in the Lansing East Lansing Area this being one of them and the other does not have all full hook ups and charges more. When we visit our daughter at Michigan State University this is the place we stay, 20 - 30 minutes into the University depending upon the traffic.
It has large wooded sites only electric but you can fill up the water at the dump station. Each site has a picnic table and Fire ring. Each campsite has a asphalt pad. They sell fire wood at the campground office. Bring what you need or you can go into St. johns to the Kroger or Walmart. they have 2 main camping loops with 2 loops in each of the main loops and a shower restroom in each main loop. The restrooms are very clean and kept up. I love the showers hot water and for me that is hot and great pressure, I could shower all day. Sure beats our shower in the RV.
The State Park is on Ovid Lake and it is a beautiful lake, great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayak, and swimming. they have a shelter for you if you have a big party.
They also have a group campsite and a picnic area for large groups. d You can also bring your horses go to the Equestrian area and unload and get on the trail.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards. They also have a great play ground for the kids and a fishing pier. Bring Bikes or just hike on the trails and head down to the beach.
Travelerquiet campground during the day, short drive to the beach, biking and equestrian trails available. loud around the restroom at night, cleaning crew came through at 10 pm.
TravelerQuietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name! Offers many species of fish for catching!! There are fishing docks, ONE IS NOT VERY ACCESSIBLE TO NON AMBULATORY PERSONS !!! THIS ONE'S IN THE CAMP AREA! The path is nicely groomed. The bea h is a long way from the parking lot a d there is no beach access from camp. The park is usually a clean family place...but for really young children or elderly persons it may. Ot be your first choice. I live nearby and have camped there zillions of times. I love it and shower bouses in camp are clean! Friendly staff a d they ate SERIOUS about quiet time! Bug spray required !!
GuideI frequent this park if I am camping or not. decent disc gof course and access to Lake Ovid is great, miles of trails to hike/bike/ride horses. Hosts are very friendly and is always a joy to talk with the rangers
ScoutFun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital
fishing ,boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails,
Geocaching available.
GuideThis was our last stop on a trip where we camped in 6 different Michigan State Parks. This may be an older camp or the DNR was trying to save money when it was built. Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension. We tried several lots and couldn’t reach any of the outlets. We finally met a couple who saId they had extensions at the office. So, we finally got set up with an extension cord from the camp office and decided to walk to the beach. Our site was adjacent to the path leading to the beach so we figured we could use a little walk. The path led to another path that led to a parking lot for the beach. After crossing the parking lot we still had to cross a large yard/park that finally opened onto the beach on this small lake. It was all very scenic, but we weren’t expecting a major hike to get to the beach. Showers are nice. They also have a neat ice cream vending machine that I had to check out for scientific purposes only. For a Michigan state park we were quite disappointed.
GuideAwesome campground, horse trails available, volleyball nets, beach, and trails! Don’t get too rowdy however because the DNR constantly patrols the area.
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..
Ortonville Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horseback riders within the 5,400-acre Ortonville Recreation Area. Located about 45 miles northwest of Saginaw, Michigan, the campground sits at approximately 1,050 feet elevation in an area characterized by rolling hills and hardwood forests. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with summer highs averaging in the 80s, creating varied seasonal riding conditions throughout the year.
Horseback riding trails: Access miles of dedicated equestrian paths ranging from beginner-friendly flat terrain to more challenging hills. "The lakes and launches are however very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area," notes one visitor to Ortonville Equestrian Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Cast for largemouth bass and bluegills in nearby lakes. A visitor to Sleepy Hollow State Park reports, "Fishing is good here for some largemouth bass, and huge blueguils. Lots of traffic being so close to City, but good day excursion."
Hiking and nature observation: Explore interconnected trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "Seven Lakes has a great hike that takes you all around the lake, as well as smaller loops. You can find challenging hikes or an easy path," shares a camper from the area.
Peaceful atmosphere: Many equestrian campers appreciate the dedicated horse-focused environment without pets. At Seven Lakes State Park, visitors enjoy "beautiful park. Sites and facilities are well maintained," with another noting its "woodland getaway with no flash and really nice sites."
Water activities: Multiple lakes provide swimming and boating options. "Sand Lake was our spot and the water was breath taking - it's a small pond really, but great for kayaking. Crystal clear, clean water, a good public beach," reports a family who visited the area.
Well-maintained facilities: Regular upkeep makes for comfortable stays. At Covenant Hills Camp, campers note "They take very good care of this campground" and another mentions it's "Clean and cautious due to Covid as necessary."
Extension cords needed: Some electrical hookups may be far from campsites. A Sleepy Hollow camper advises, "Be sure to bring at least 100 feet of extension chord if you want electricity, because the power ports are not as accessible from some areas."
Limited amenities: Most equestrian campgrounds prioritize trail access over luxury facilities. "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)."
Weather considerations: Michigan's variable weather affects trail conditions. "I just visited yesterday and although there was ice, due to warmer conditions today the trails were a bit muddy. Overall pleasant hike," shares a visitor to D-bar-A Scout Ranch.
Bring portable water containers: Horse watering stations may be limited, requiring campers to bring their own water solutions for their animals during trail rides.
Pack insect protection: Prepare for seasonal bug activity. "Do make sure you bring plenty of bug netting/spray/gear if you come in the summer, the bugs are brutal," warns a Seven Lakes visitor.
Choose kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's programs. "Lots to do for kids," notes a Covenant Hills camper, while another mentions "lots of things to do. climbing wall, zip line, swimming, fishing alot of pike."
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, an RVer noted, "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you."
Limited big rig access: Many equestrian-focused campgrounds have space constraints. "The sites are decently sized with most being easily gotten into with an RV," reports a camper, but others mention limitations for larger vehicles at some locations.
Seasonal planning: Weather significantly impacts equestrian camping experiences. "Our site had 'private' access and our boys just played in the water for three days," shares a summer visitor, while others recommend fall visits for foliage viewing on trail rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Saginaw, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Saginaw, MI is Covenant Hills Camp with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Saginaw, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Saginaw, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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