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Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead accommodates tent and RV camping near Skandia with direct access to horseback riding trails. This free camping area is designed for equestrian use, featuring vault toilets and sites accessible by vehicle, hiking, or walking. The campground allows pets, making it suitable for campers traveling with both horses and dogs. Camping spots are arranged to accommodate horse trailers with ample parking areas. While no formal horse corrals are available, the trailhead serves as a starting point for riding routes through the surrounding Hiawatha National Forest.
The Hovey Lake area provides access to an extensive network of equestrian trails that wind through the Upper Peninsula wilderness. Horse owners can find water sources for their animals at natural features throughout the trail system. Sites at neighboring Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite complement the equestrian options in the region, located between two lakes with multiple pull-out spots for dispersed camping along the forest road. Trail riding opportunities extend throughout the Hiawatha National Forest, connecting to various water features and scenic overlooks. Most dispersed sites in the area remain open year-round, though spring conditions may require clearing fallen trees to access certain camping locations. Horse trailer parking requires advance planning as some sites have limited turnaround space for larger rigs.
"Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway."
"There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days."
"Went all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away."
"Great site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin."
"I have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds."
"This campground is very close to trailhead. Well maintained, decent wifi. Don't expect any Verizon cell coverage here. Sites are nice and large, staff is friendly and the bar has good food"
from $33 - $55 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $8 / night
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RangerWent all the way to the back and got a lakeside spot down the other side of the hill from the main site. Nice and tucked away. Thought the skeeters were insane, but this time of year, it's to be expected.
ScoutGreat site located between two lakes. In response to the previous review, your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS (in our case Google Maps) and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem. Totally legit dispersed camp site. Will definely be going back. Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day. It is the end of the road though so no one was driving to fast and it didn't cause any issues.
TravelerWas slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway. Sites are fairly spacious but don’t have any of the hookups or amenities mentioned on the site profile - some do have rudimentary fire pits though. There are 3 sites in total. Ground is flat enough to comfortably tent camp. Camp in early September, bugs were minimal. At times the night was eerily silent, at other times I heard dirt bikes and tractor trailers in the distance, also heard a pack of coyotes at one point and pretty sure I heard some sort of padfooted animal walk by my site once or twice.
TravelerI have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am more one to frequent rustic and secluded campgrounds. I found this place on a whim years ago... and now JackPine has a special place in my heart.
When I need to truly rest my bones, this is my go to in this neck of the woods.
Clean and warm cabins, modern and rustic campsites, bathhouse, a super cool bar, cold beer, great food and nothing but exceptional and friendly staff. Not to mention... WIFI throughout the property. When you go to the bar- be sure to grab a JackPine Burger and fries.
I have traveled almost every corner of The Yoop. I have not found a campground (of the modern and resort nature) that nearly compares to this place. Not in quality of stay or the constant desire to return.
ScoutThe site only gives you coordinates that are actually an hour away from the site. There is no real address to get there. We pulled in pretty late, had a rough long drive so we got to where we thought it was at around 11:30 pm. Then we can’t find the site, so we go to the website and it gives us strange directions to somewhere an hour away. As we drove out there, we lost all service, were on dirt roads and we were miles past any signs of civilization. We started to get a strange feeling but we trekked on. Suddenly it gets very foggy and spooky looking and we all debate turning back, but still we keep going. Finally, we turn onto the road that it is on, just a ways down, and the stop sign is filled with bullet holes however we haven’t seen a single sign of people out there. We keep going and finally decide this all seems like an elaborate ploy to lure campers in and kill them. We decide to turn around and end up in some weird abandoned summer camp, still around thirty minutes left on the road to get to the actual site. We decide there are far too many creepy signs pointing towards this not being a good idea then as we leave and get service back, we look up the site and realize there are zero reviews at all. The site doesn’t exist on google except for these camping sites, with the same two photos only on every site and zero reviews. As we are driving away, we get an email at one am saying “hello your site is still empty, please enjoy your stay” as if there was someone waiting for us at the site even though it was a remote site with no formal check in. How did they know we were not at the site yet? And what are the chances they email us right as we turn around? I’m glad we didn’t end up staying, we all had a horrible gut feeling and I suggest no one else stay here either. Nothing about it seemed legit or safe.
ScoutLong nice road with a few pull offs once you are close to the end there is one official site with a table and fire circle. Is first come first serve but if you keep driving down there are two different boat launches with room to park/camp. We stayed in our car just in case. NOTE! the camp site is closed for updates until the end of October apparently. No service with mint
GuideThis campground is very close to trailhead. Well maintained, decent wifi. Don't expect any Verizon cell coverage here. Sites are nice and large, staff is friendly and the bar has good food
ScoutWe only found 2 pull in sites and took the first one. We were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it. There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days.
ScoutJust want an overnight stay and are self contained it’s perfect. We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn’t go much bigger.
Dispersed camping near Skandia offers access to the Hiawatha National Forest, which encompasses over 880,000 acres of public land in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest features mixed hardwoods, pine plantations, and wetland areas at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet. Winter temperatures frequently drop below 0°F while summer days typically reach 75-80°F with cool evenings.
Fishing opportunities: The Hiawatha National Forest contains numerous lakes and streams for anglers. Ben L. found "great sites located between two lakes" at Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite, making it ideal for fishing multiple bodies of water.
Trail riding: The Upper Peninsula offers extensive trail networks for various vehicles. At Jack Pine Lodge and Campground, Erika P. notes it "has direct trail access from the property, and they provide a free ORV hand washing station and air for tires," making it convenient for off-road enthusiasts.
Winter recreation: When snow covers the region, trails transform for different activities. Simone N. describes Jack Pine Lodge as being "in the middle of the National Forest, smack in the middle of the UP" where "everything is about 45 minutes away, but you'll get an amazing night sky."
Solitude and seclusion: Many dispersed camping areas offer privacy away from crowds. At Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping, Tim reported, "There was only 1 car drive by in 2 days," highlighting the quiet nature of these sites.
Lake access: Waterfront camping spots provide recreational opportunities. Willow M. described Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite as "gorgeous" where they "had the site and the lakes to ourselves," though noting they "did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road."
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies throughout the area. Amy Y. found that "T-Mobile cell services was very good" at Hickey Marsh, while Lora H. noted at Jack Pine Lodge that "there was no Verizon signal" but "they do have decent wifi throughout the campground."
Site limitations: Many dispersed sites have restrictions on vehicle size. Naomi L. explains that Hickey Marsh is perfect if you "just want an overnight stay and are self contained," noting, "We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger."
Seasonal challenges: Weather and insects can affect camping experiences. Amy Y. warns that "the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited" Hickey Marsh, despite it being "a great spot, very private and easy to access."
Navigation difficulties: Finding some dispersed sites can be challenging. Ben L. suggests that for Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite, "your best directions will come from locating the site on your GPS and dropping a pin. That took us straight to the location no problem."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Skandia, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Skandia, MI is Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Skandia, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Skandia, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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