Equestrian Camping near St. Clair, MI

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    Ortonville Equestrian Campground in Ortonville Recreation Area provides rustic camping specifically for horse owners. The campground features fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets with sites designed to accommodate horses and their trailers. Equestrian campers have access to both a main camping area and a separate staging area for day-use riders. The campground connects directly to the park's trail system, allowing riders to access routes directly from their campsites. While the facilities are basic with no electric hookups or showers, the campground's primary appeal is its direct trail access and horse-friendly design. The sites are spacious enough for vehicles with horse trailers. The campground remains popular among equestrians despite its rustic nature, with many visitors noting the convenience of camping with horses where they can ride.

    The trail system at Ortonville Recreation Area offers varied terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels. Trails wind through wooded areas and open fields, providing diverse riding experiences throughout the seasons. Water is available for horses, though riders should confirm seasonal availability before arrival. The campground operates year-round, allowing for four-season equestrian camping opportunities. Riders frequently encounter wildlife including deer along the trails. The park maintains separate trail sections for different user groups, helping to minimize conflicts between horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers. Campsite reservations are recommended during peak riding seasons as the equestrian campground fills quickly, especially during summer weekends and fall color season. The park's location provides convenient access for riders from surrounding communities while still offering a natural setting for trail riding experiences.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near St. Clair (4)

      1. Addison Oaks County Park

      4.5(13)34mi from St. ClairRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      2. Oakland County Addison Oaks

      4.5(4)34mi from St. ClairRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      3. D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)

      5.0(1)39mi from St. ClairTents, Cabins

      "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.."

      4. Equestrian Campground — Ortonville Recreation Area

      4.0(1)47mi from St. ClairRVs, Tents

      "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."

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near St. Clair, MI

    19 Reviews of 4 St. Clair Campgrounds


    • Kate K.
      Aug. 24, 2019

      Equestrian Campground — Ortonville Recreation Area

      2 Great Lakes & A Horse Camp

      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. 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.

    • Walker L.
      Jul. 28, 2018

      D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scout Use Only)

      Very Large Scout Ranch

      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..

    • K
      Aug. 20, 2019

      Addison Oaks County Park

      Peaceful

      This 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.

    • C
      Sep. 2, 2021

      Addison Oaks County Park

      A little slice of wilderness in the siburbs

      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. Nice updated playgrounds for the kids, trails to bike, planned activities on weekends. Only wish there was a swimming lake, but alas, only for fishing and canoeing.

    • Broccoli Boss B.
      Sep. 15, 2020

      Addison Oaks County Park

      Modern and quiet

      This is a great family campground. I’ve only stayed in section D with my tent. It is heavily wooded and I don’t see my neighbors in section D. Cell phone tower is close by. We especially enjoy the intermediate level mountain bike trails. Showers are hot. Lots of deer to see at dusk.

    • Tim & Nancy C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 18, 2020

      Addison Oaks County Park

      Friendly? Spacious lots of activities

      We stayed in area A in a water/electric site. It was a Boo Fest weekend. Lots of socially distanced activities for the kids and a scavenger hunt (finding clues on signs in park to solve a mystery). There 26 miles of bike trails and hiking. Many in park are paved. Also a disc golf course. Sites in our area were spacious.

      Park was clean, guests well behaved, staff helpful. We will be back

    • Kate K.
      Mar. 20, 2021

      Oakland County Addison Oaks

      Great Local Campground and Trails

      Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating. The campground is RV and tent friendly and offers fire pits/ picnic tables. The trails are well maintained and heavily trafficked.

    • Wendy K.
      Aug. 3, 2018

      Addison Oaks County Park

      Modern and submerged in nature!

      Tons of trails for hiking and biking. They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean.

    • R
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Oakland County Addison Oaks

      Excellent camping

      This is the second time staying in these campgrounds in two weeks. Both times stayed in the more wilderness area D with lots of trees and sites for tents or back-in trailers. 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. Sites have electricity and water and are well spaced out.


    Guide to St. Clair

    Ortonville Equestrian Campground serves riders with specialized facilities designed for those traveling with horses. The campground accommodates vehicles with horse trailers and provides direct access to the trail system within Ortonville Recreation Area. Located about 30 miles northwest of St. Clair, this rustic destination features vault toilets, spacious sites, and fire rings at each campsite. The area maintains separate trails for different user groups with over 15 miles of routes specifically designated for horseback riding.

    What to do

    Trail riding opportunities: Ortonville Recreation Area offers multi-use trails through diverse terrain. According to Kate K., "The lakes and launches are very nice and there are some great trail systems through the area," making it ideal for day trips or overnight equestrian camping.

    Disc golf activities: Addison Oaks County Park features an extensive disc golf course for visitors seeking alternative recreation. Joe S. notes, "I enjoyed the trails, disc golf and overall wonderful Park staff! Extremely clean and well-kept."

    Water recreation: Many nearby parks offer boating and fishing opportunities on their lakes. At Oakland County Addison Oaks, Kate K. reports, "Addison Oaks is a campground that features hiking and mountain biking trails, campground, cabins, disc golf course, and a lake for boating."

    What campers like

    Spacious campsites: Campers appreciate sites with adequate separation between neighbors. Karen C. from Addison Oaks County Park shares, "Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not too close to the people next to us and trees behind us. We had privacy and it was quiet."

    Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. Karen C. continues, "We saw deer and rabbit," which enhances the outdoor experience for many visitors.

    Maintained trail systems: The well-kept trails receive positive feedback from regular campers. Richard T. from Oakland County Addison Oaks notes, "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."

    What you should know

    Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. D-bar-A Scout Ranch maintains specific use restrictions and seasonal availability, while Addison Oaks operates from "May 1 - Oct 17," according to availability information.

    Facility limitations: Equestrian campgrounds typically offer basic amenities. Walker L. describes D-bar-A Scout Ranch as having "cabins, rustic camping, tent sites, lakes, horses to ride," though facilities vary by location and intended use.

    Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. Gary E. from Oakland County Addison Oaks states, "Very convenient now also with online booking," suggesting advance planning is recommended.

    Tips for camping with families

    Organized activities: Oakland County Addison Oaks offers structured recreation options for children. Tim & Nancy C. recall, "It was a Boo Fest weekend. Lots of socially distanced activities for the kids and a scavenger hunt (finding clues on signs in park to solve a mystery)."

    Playground access: Several parks maintain play areas for younger visitors. Wendy K. mentions, "They have kids activities on the weekends, a lake for swimming, great playgrounds and everything is really clean."

    Educational opportunities: Nature programs and learning experiences enhance family trips. Tim O. describes Oakland County Addison Oaks as "family friendly, very clean and maintained. Bike and boat rental, children's playground and activities."

    Tips from RVers

    Site specifications: Ortonville State Recreation Area provides information about site dimensions and access. Kate K. notes the equestrian area has "a campground and a staging area. Rustic vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings."

    Hookup availability: Campers should verify utilities before arrival. Ron E. from Addison Oaks County Park explains, "Cement pads, water, and electric. Loop C is spacious with some trees."

    Campground layout: Understanding the organization of camping areas helps with site selection. Tim & Nancy C. share, "We stayed in area A in a water/electric site," providing context for the campground's structure and amenities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near St. Clair, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near St. Clair, 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 St. Clair, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near St. Clair, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.