Ortonville Equestrian Campground in the Ortonville Recreation Area offers rustic camping for horse owners with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The campground consists of both main camping areas and a staging area specifically designed for equestrian use. Sites accommodate trailers and provide adequate space for horses. Trail systems throughout the recreation area connect riders to diverse terrain and landscapes. Most campsites provide direct access to horseback riding trails that wind through wooded areas. The campground maintains basic facilities but lacks modern amenities such as showers or electric hookups.
Located approximately 42 miles from Smiths Creek, the equestrian trail network provides access to two lakes and several miles of bridle paths. Horse owners should prepare for rustic conditions as the campground does not offer water hookups, sewer connections, or shower facilities. Vault toilets are maintained throughout the camping season. The trails surrounding the campground are well-maintained and suitable for various skill levels. Visitors report seeing abundant wildlife during trail rides including deer in the early morning and evening hours. Riders should check trail conditions before arrival as seasonal weather can affect accessibility. The campground typically attracts equestrians seeking a more primitive camping experience with direct trail access rather than resort-style amenities. Bring all necessary supplies including water for horses as on-site water sources are limited.
"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."
"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."
$22 / night
"Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store."
"An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible."
"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.."
"Large play areas, dog run, basketball court, lots of walking trails, and family friendly."
"The location is pretty great, off the beaten path but, within 30 minutes of major stores and conveniences. "
"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."
LegendThe 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.
GuideVery nice sites. Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails. Nice big lake. Only drawback is you must drive to the lake or hike 1.8 miles through the woods on a trail to get there. No camp store. Equestrian trails and I hear they have a remote control airplane field and shooting range.
GuideThis 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..
ScoutA very quiet campground. The sites are spread out and only 2 vehicles per site are allowed. The East campground is more open and had 3 small cabins that can be rented. The West camping is more wooded and isolated. An extensive horse back riding trail system and MTB trails are easily accessible.
TravelerThis 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.
TravelerClean campground and well maintained. Two different loops to choose from for camping. Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive.
TravelerWonderful place for a quick get away. Park is clean. Beach is a 1.8 mile hike from the East loop in the campground but is well worth the walk. (Trail is not stroller/wagon friendly) If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad. Extensive mountain biking trails and the lake is open to boating, kayaking, and other water sports. Park offers lots of private sites! We stayed in site 118 and could not see neighboring sites! The site was very spacious and offered picnic table, fire ring, paved pad, and electrical hook up. (hook up in this specific site was considerably far away.)
ScoutAlways 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.
GuideThis 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.
Ortonville Equestrian Campground serves riders seeking trail access with basic facilities for horses and riders. Located in Ortonville Recreation Area, the campground accommodates horse trailers with space designed specifically for equestrian camping. The area maintains 3,500 acres of natural terrain approximately 42 miles northwest of Smiths Creek. Winter temperatures average 24-35°F while summer ranges from 60-85°F, creating varied trail conditions throughout the year.
Trail riding access: The campground connects to multiple trail systems suitable for various experience levels. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, riders appreciate the diversity of terrain. "This is one of the best areas for hiking and biking and kayaking and swimming," notes Christine A. about the trail variety.
Explore multiple lakes: Two lakes within Ortonville Recreation Area offer fishing and water activities. At Oakland County Addison Oaks, "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," according to Richard T.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning rides often provide opportunities to spot deer, rabbits, and birds. Karen C. from Addison Oaks County Park shares, "We saw deer and rabbit. Our spot #18 I felt was spacious and not too close to the people next to us and trees behind us."
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian campers value the separation and natural screening between campsites. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "The campground is my FAVORITE in Oakland County. The sites aren't super far away from each other but there are trees between sites so from most of the sites you can't really see your neighbors," Sarah P. explains.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic conditions, restrooms and common areas receive consistent maintenance. At Covenant Hills Camp, visitors find "Clean and cautious due to Covid as necessary. Definitely recommend to families w kids that are on the conservative side," according to Tammy P.
Fire rings and picnic tables: Standard at most equestrian sites, these amenities support the camping experience. Mary H. at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area reports, "The site was very spacious and offered picnic table, fire ring, paved pad, and electrical hook up."
Limited water sources: Bring containers for horse water as on-site options may be restricted. At Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "Only drawback is the distance from the lake. The lake is not within walking distance, you would need to drive," notes Renee R.
Weather impacts: Seasonal changes affect trail conditions significantly. Spring often brings muddy sections while summer may feature dry, dusty paths.
Moderate to difficult terrain: Some trails include hills and challenging sections. Christie V. from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area describes it as a "Hidden Gem. Very nice sites. Wooded and up north feel. Great hiking and world class mountain bike trails."
Trail difficulty levels: Assess route difficulty before bringing children on horseback. At Addison Oaks County Park, Tim & Nancy C. found "26 miles of bike trails and hiking. Many in park are paved. Also a disc golf course. Sites in our area were spacious."
Activities beyond riding: Plan additional recreation options. Addison Oaks County Park offers "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," according to Wendy K.
Bug protection: Insects can be abundant, especially in warmer months. Kristina J. warns at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, "There are tons of mosquitoes and ticks, so make sure you bring bug spray. Also make sure that all food and garbage is secure at night, the raccoons have no fear."
Extension cords required: Some electric sites have hookups positioned far from parking pads. "If you are hoping to hook up to electrical, bring extension cords; some hook ups are exceptionally far away from the designated RV parking pad," advises Mary H. from Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.
Campsite selection: Equestrian sites vary significantly in size and suitability for different rigs. At Covenant Hills Camp, "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," reports Andrew H.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven ground when setting up. Sarah O. notes about Covenant Hills Camp, "I wouldn't say rustic but the sites can be a bit hard to get into. They don't level out very well."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Smiths Creek, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Smiths Creek, 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 Smiths Creek, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Smiths Creek, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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