Ortonville Equestrian Campground provides specialized facilities for horse riders within the 5,400-acre Ortonville Recreation Area, located about 70 miles from St. Charles, Michigan. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 1,050 feet and features rolling terrain throughout the property. Temperatures range from winter lows near 15°F to summer highs averaging 83°F, with peak humidity during July and August.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The Ortonville trail system connects directly from the equestrian camping area with routes suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. Seven Lakes State Park Campground offers additional recreational options as noted by Alexxus S.: "My husband and i go here often as its only 15 minutes from our house and its one of my favorite parks we go to. Everyones friendly and its always super clean!"
Water recreation options: Multiple lakes provide fishing and paddling opportunities at Seven Lakes State Park Campground. According to Kate K., "This place has some great water so bring a boat, board, or kayak. Very popular for fishing and paddling. The campground isn't overly special but it's in a great location."
Hiking trails: The recreation areas surrounding equestrian campsites offer extensive hiking opportunities. At Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, Jacob B. notes it has the "Best hiking trails within 1 hour drive of the state capital" and mentions "fun backpacking trails" with "geocaching available."
What campers like
Lake accessibility: Many equestrian campers appreciate the nearby water features when not riding. Holly S. shares about Seven Lakes State Park: "The campground has a private lake that's good for swimming and fishing. The sites are decently sized with most being easily gotten into with an RV. Plenty of hiking/biking trails easily accessed from the campground."
Bathroom facilities: While Ortonville offers rustic facilities, other nearby campgrounds provide more amenities. Nathan V. comments about Sleepy Hollow State Park: "Bathrooms are well spaced between the campsites, and have showers along with some vending machines outside of them. Spigots are scattered throughout and are very accessible."
Winter camping options: For those interested in off-season equestrian camping near St. Charles, Michigan, Gary H. notes: "We spent 4 days in the sparsely-populated campground. Very quiet. Great for walking the dogs around Sand Lake and other park trails. Cool weather, as expected. Clean restrooms, older showers with sulphurous hot water."
What you should know
Electrical limitations: Unlike the Ortonville equestrian area which has no electrical hookups, some nearby campgrounds offer electricity but with limitations. Nick W. cautions about Sleepy Hollow: "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."
Site selection considerations: When choosing an equestrian campsite, consider proximity to facilities. At Covenant Hills Camp, Sarah O. advises: "Everyone is pretty packed in but nice shaded mature lots. I wouldn't say rustic but the sites can be a bit hard to get into. They don't level out very well."
Seasonal considerations: Trail conditions vary significantly throughout the year. For equestrian camping during fall months, Edward C. notes about Seven Lakes: "Sites tend to slope towards Sand Lake so have leveling blocks if that's important to you."
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: While Ortonville focuses on equestrian facilities, families seeking additional activities can find them nearby. About Covenant Hills Campground, C P. mentions: "Lots of things to do. climbing wall, zip line, swimming, fishing alot of pike, wooded lots very friendly."
Beach access: For family outings between trail rides, Andy B. shares about Seven Lakes: "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. Our site had 'private' access and our boys just played in the water for three days."
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings with horses, Holts RV Sites and Mobile Home Court provides options year-round. For special events, Heather M. describes another option: "We had a large group of families with varying ages and abilities. We used multiple different styles of cabins and a few RV sites, as well as various buildings for activities."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers bringing horses should note terrain challenges. At Sleepy Hollow, Amy D. reports: "Our site backed up to trees and I can't recall seeing our neighbors to the left or right. Because we didn't get any shade from the nearby trees we had to run the ac which is unusual for us in Michigan."
Extension cord requirements: For RVers requiring electrical hookups not available at Ortonville equestrian sites, Nathan V. recommends for Sleepy Hollow: "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."
Full hookup alternatives: When equestrian camping facilities lack certain amenities, nearby Covenant Hills Camp offers more services. ANDREW H. notes: "Large sites, all full hookup. Plenty of onsight activities on the weekend. Large play areas, dog run, basketball court, lots of walking trails, and family friendly."
