Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp sits within the wooded terrain of northern Michigan, approximately 25 miles southwest of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The campground operates from May through October when overnight temperatures typically range from 45°F to 60°F. Unlike many equestrian camping areas, Lake Dubonnet features a separate trail camp section with designated areas for riders accessing the Shore to Shore Trail system.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Dubonnet: Launch directly from access points near campsites to explore the lake's islands and lily pad fields. "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," notes Kate K. about Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp.
Explore nearby islands: Paddle to accessible islands for day trips. "Beautiful lake with cool islands! Campsites are large and fairly separated!" according to Thomas H., while another camper mentions there's "even a nearby island you can kayak to and let the dogs roam free!"
Hiking forest trails: Access multiple trail networks directly from camp areas. "A couple nice hike/bike trails spur off the campground," reports Emily V. The Scheck's Place State Forest Campground offers "many miles of trails in the state forest" according to Anna B., making it popular with day hikers.
River activities: The Boardman River runs alongside some horse campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down," notes Gemma G. from Scheck's Place, which serves as "a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers."
What campers like
Accessible water sources: Most equestrian camping areas provide convenient drinking water. "Outhouses near each circle, spickit with really good water," appreciates Caryssa R., while another camper at Marzinski Horse Trail Campground notes it has "a water pump (meant for horses)."
Spacious camping areas: Horse-friendly sites offer extra space for trailers and animals. "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," explains a reviewer at Marzinski.
First-come flexibility: Many equestrian sites operate without reservation requirements. As James H. points out, Lake Dubonnet offers "first come first serve sites, but it's a super awesome place to go when everything else is booked."
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, toilets and water sources are well-maintained. "This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean," writes Judy B., while another camper at Turtle Lake Campground appreciates that "the shower stalls were individual and clean."
What you should know
Limited swimming options: Not all lakes permit swimming activities. "Great like camp ground. No swimming but pretty lake with lots of lilipads and sunken tree," notes Tracie S. about Lake Dubonnet.
Variable site organization: Some horse campgrounds lack clearly defined site numbers. "Lots of open space, spots aren't really numbered," explains Emily V., and at Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, "Some sites are electric only, some include water."
Vehicle traffic considerations: Some horse areas experience non-equestrian traffic. "The campground seemed to have a lot if unnecessary traffic," mentions Judy B., while at Lake Dubonnet, another camper reports "Lots of traffic in the area through the night (ORV and mudding trucks)."
Seasonal limitations: Most equestrian facilities close after summer. According to campground information, Marzinski Horse Trail Campground operates only "May 1 to Labor Day," while other horse campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes extend through mid-October.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Lake-based campgrounds offer child-friendly recreation options. At Turtle Lake, Ann D. notes "there is a small lake that is fun for short kayak/canoe rides and fishing," adding "when my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times."
Playground access: Some campgrounds include built-in entertainment. "This campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground," mentions Ann D. at Turtle Lake.
Proximity to attractions: Consider camping locations relative to regional points of interest. Jason C. recommends Turtle Lake because it's "Close to traverse city and sleeping bear dunes!" while Manton Trails RV Park offers "Lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing."
Pet-friendly options: Many equestrian campgrounds welcome family dogs alongside horses. One camper at Turtle Lake notes the "area was filled with campers and RV's and everyone was SO friendly and the place was full of dog lovers."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites at equestrian campgrounds vary in proximity. At Turtle Lake, Ann D. cautions "the thing I didn't particularly like is how close you are to other sites. You are practically on top of each other."
Power access options: Electric service varies between campgrounds. Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds provides "electric on all sites, both water and electric on some sites and a dump station," while Manton Trails RV Park has "Low rates even on holidays" with full hookup options.
Length limitations: Consider vehicle size restrictions when booking equestrian campsites. At Marzinski Horse Trail Campground, one camper notes the sites accommodate larger rigs: "The campsites are all flat and quite large, being that they are meant to accommodate people with a horse trailer."
Overnight RV parking: Some facilities offer overnight options without full hookups. "We stayed here in our van and it was just what we needed. I wish we had a place to dump our grey water, but otherwise it was an easy drive in and had fresh water," reports Tobi W.
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