Best Equestrian Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan

Looking for the best horse camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

    1. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

    9 Reviews
    33 Photos
    77 Saves
    Interlochen, Michigan

    Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

    This rustic trail camp sits along the tranquil shores of Lake Dubonnet in Grand Traverse County, just five miles northwest of Interlochen via M-137, US-31, Gonder Road and Lake Dubonnet Trail.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground

    2. Turtle Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    4 Photos
    62 Saves
    Honor, Michigan
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • No image available

      3. Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

      4 Reviews
      13 Saves
      Grawn, Michigan
      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs

      $25 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

      4. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

      5 Reviews
      4 Photos
      35 Saves
      Kingsley, Michigan

      Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

      5. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

      3 Reviews
      7 Photos
      17 Saves
      Fife Lake, Michigan

      The Manton Trails RV Park& Campground has 146 sites, nestled on 80 acres and a campground surrounded by State land and close to the State’s Snowmobile/ORV Trail Head of the Manistee National Forest. Our bathhouse is clean, and our showers are hot. We are located 15 minutes north of Cadillac and 30 minutes SE of Traverse City. Manton Trails welcomes families, couples, and groups looking to relax, reconnect with family, and enjoy all the wonders of nature. The property also has event facilities that can be rented for group meetings, weddings, and activities. There are many canoe liveries near Manton Trails which provide an excellent nautical Manistee River experience for your family. If some of your party would prefer to stay within four walls rather than camping, they can reserve a room at the Manton Hotel located on the property.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs

      $25 - $55 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

      6. Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

      5 Reviews
      20 Photos
      44 Saves
      Manistee, Michigan

      Overview

      The Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground were developed for the horse enthusiasts, who enjoy riding through a forested quiet trail system. The Marzinski Horse Camp serves as the primary access location for the 18 miles of horse trail.__

      Recreation

      The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only. They are designed for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead. Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system clean. ___Pack it in, pack it out.___ Horse riders are asked not to access the Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when crossing adjacent county and forest roads.

      Facilities

      The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only. They are designed for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead. Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system clean. ___Pack it in, pack it out.___ Horse riders are asked not to access the Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when crossing adjacent county and forest roads.

      Natural Features

      The campground is located in a white pine stand and offers quiet and privacy between camp sites. The Marzinski Horse Trail passes through mostly mixed pine with some hardwood vegetation types. Topography is mostly flat forested land with some small openings.

      Nearby Attractions

      Sand Lake Recreation Area Udell Rollways Day Use and Disc Golf Course Pine Lake Campground

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group

    Recent Equestrian Reviews in Sleeping Bear Dunes

    34 Reviews of 6 Sleeping Bear Dunes Campgrounds


    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

      close to travese city and interlockin

      Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups

    • v
      Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
      Jun. 24, 2023

      Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

      First time in our camper

      We thought this would be a good place for our first trip in our new to us 5th wheel! We have a 28.6ft 5th wheel and had not problem getting in and parked! Management did an awesome job of spreading out guests until they were full! Lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing….. so much more. Very clean, very kind and helpful staff!

    • evi L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
      Sep. 2, 2021

      Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

      Everything you need

      I only spent a night here while passing through, but it's a very nice campground that's specifically suited to equestrians. This established and well maintained campground is free, and you can stay up to two weeks. There's a well kept pit toilet, 21 established campsites w/ firerings, and even a water pump (meant for horses.) Only a few other campers on a Wednesday night, including some people with horses, and all have been friendly. The campsites are all flat and quite large, being that they are meant to accommodate people with a horse trailer, and there are numerous hitching posts throughout the campground. A great place overall.

    • Cameron
      Camper-submitted photo from Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
      Aug. 5, 2021

      Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground

      My favorite free campsite out of the 8 I’ve been to

      So this place is awesome, big time. There’s picnic tables, fire rings, water available, a well maintained pit toilet, and 21 sites! The pine trees are amazing and the road in was super accessible. 20 min to town to restock with plenty of gas stations on the way.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
      Jul. 29, 2021

      Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

      Awesomesauce

      Off the beaten path but has great rustic campsites with firepits and there are restrooms and fresh water close by in each circle we will be back

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
      Jul. 25, 2021

      Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

      Primitive State Forest CG right on the Boardman River

      I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It’s a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers (my particular interest). The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area). Large wooded sites. Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS.

      Negatives: can be noisy at times with the ATVs and also large camping groups. But for the most part I’ve found ppl to be respectful. A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected.

      Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
      Jul. 18, 2021

      Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

      Good for RV Rally

      We stayed July 2021 for an RV rally. We had no building of shelter for community gatherings. But, weather cooperated and we had a great time.

      Power 50/30 were fine. Water is a shared spigot on most sites, but some sites have water. There is a good dump station. Sites are level. No landscaping.

      Lots of restaurants and attractions in Traverse City.

      We would stay again.

    • Sarah S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
      Jul. 9, 2021

      Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

      Secluded Camping with Fun Events!

      Great campground, larger sites, pull thru sites available. Low rates even on holidays. Our first time there was 4th of July weekend, they have a large building for events....over the weekend they a concert! Live band and food truck....free to all campers and their friends! It was a great time and the owners and manager are very friendly. We will definitely be back there soon.

    • Allison H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
      Mar. 1, 2021

      Turtle Lake Campground

      not the best, not the worst

      This campground is a good sized campground, but doesn't have much to do there.  There is a small lake that is fun for short kayak/canoe rides and fishing.  It's called Turtle Lake for obvious reasons- when my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times. A bit of a surprise to see their size! There are a lot of seasonal campers at this campground, so if that's your thing, this is definitely your place.

    • Manton  T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
      Feb. 17, 2021

      Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

      Great Location-Friendly Staff

      Awesome Campground! Not a parking lot, lots of trees! We had a family, socially distant reunion with 6 sites. We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity.

      Very clean bath houses and campground is maintained well.

      Internet worked well using our hotspots, but, like all campgrounds, if you like being “in the woods;” internet is always a challenge. Most of our group had AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, the best service seemed to be Verizon in the morning and Sprint at night.

      We will be going back

    • Ann D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
      Dec. 30, 2020

      Turtle Lake Campground

      Nice and grassy

      What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt. While I understand that comes with the territory of camping, this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground. The bathrooms were redone and are very nice! The thing I didn’t particularly like is how close you are to other sites. You are practically on top of each other. There are trails and a beach area as well as equine camping.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
      Jul. 15, 2020

      Turtle Lake Campground

      Relaxing, current and fun

      I haven’t been camping in years and was very apprehensive about this. This place was absolutely the best place and probably has ruined me for camping life. The shower stalls were individual and clean, the area was filled with campers and RV’s and everyone was SO friendly and the place was full of dog lovers. I would highly recommend this place to check out and know I’ll be back again!

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
      Jun. 20, 2020

      Turtle Lake Campground

      Camping for everyone!!

      Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade. We will definitely be staying here again! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
      Jun. 15, 2020

      Turtle Lake Campground

      One of our ur favorites

      This is one our favorite campgrounds that isn’t a state park. Clean, well kept, lots of trees. The lake is great for kayaking or small fishing boats. Office staff super nice. Small, but nice beach. We took my mom & nieces two years ago. Last year tried somewhere different and they asked to go back to Turtle Lake.

    • Thomas H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
      Aug. 20, 2019

      Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

      Great Place!

      Great place to stay! Pit toilets and pump water stations. Beautiful lake with cool islands! Campsites are large and fairly separated! Can’t wait to go back!

    • Caryssa R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
      Aug. 5, 2019

      Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

      All You Need

      I absolutely love this campground. I’ve camped there twice this summer and each time I enjoy it. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp has the basic rustic camping necessities. Outhouses near each circle, spickit with really good water, hiking trails, boat launch and even a nearby island you can kayak to and let the dogs roam free! (Mine sure loves it) The campsites themselves have lots of space, privacy and a fire pit. This place is the bees knees. I’ll be back. :)

    • Kate K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
      Jul. 28, 2019

      Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

      Love this little place

      Quiet, not populated, and beautiful views. I’ve solo camped here a few times and it’s great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation. There is a boat launch right near by, but most of the sites have their own path right down to the water. Rustic style camping which includes a picnic table and fire pit and there are a few vault toilets throughout the area. Self registration for $15 per night.

    • Emily V.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
      May. 27, 2019

      Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

      Fine for a night

      Trail camp but no horses the night I was there. Lots of open space, spots aren’t really numbered. A couple nice hike/bike trails spur off the campground. Lots of traffic in the area through the night (ORV and mudding trucks). Bathrooms are nice. Only a few water front spots.

    • Jason C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
      May. 5, 2019

      Turtle Lake Campground

      Family camping

      A very fun family campground. Open sites but easy access and large sites so you have your own space. We had a blast there. Close to traverse city and sleeping bear dunes!

    • Anna B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
      Apr. 29, 2019

      Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

      Quiet canoe camping

      Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest. Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system. Lots of shade and when we were there not busy at all.



    Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes

    Horse camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.

    Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

    Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

    Equestrian campgrounds include essential features

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sleeping Bear Dunes?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sleeping Bear Dunes is Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes?

      TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Sleeping Bear Dunes, with real photos and reviews from campers.