Ionia State Recreation Area
Great get away
Clean, family friendly, beautiful. Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses.
8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Double RR Ranch RV Resort near Stanton offers trailrides on horses through shallow river areas, making it especially suitable for inexperienced riders and children. The riverfront campground accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins with full hookups including 50-amp electric service, water, and sewer connections. Campers have access to showers, restrooms, and a sanitary dump station. The resort permits pets and provides picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Campfire wood is available for purchase at the on-site market. The campground operates seasonally from May 1 through October 7 with advanced reservations recommended.
Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite in Big Rapids serves as a designated staging area for horseback riding in the Manistee National Forest. Located approximately 35 miles northwest of Stanton, this primitive campground connects to extensive trail networks through forested terrain. The Hungerford Lake area features dispersed camping with horse staging areas and hiking trails suitable for day rides. Reservations are required for the equestrian group site, which includes picnic tables and fire rings but lacks drinking water, electric hookups, and modern restroom facilities. Unlike standard camping areas, the equestrian campsite prohibits alcohol consumption. Sleepy Hollow State Park also accommodates horseback riders with miles of equestrian trails, though horse corrals are not provided at campsites.
"Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses."
"There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. "
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability"Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!"
"The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here"
"We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids. It is close to a town to get take out food if it rains."
"Right across the road from Michigan's Adventure amusement park"
"Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day! We should have reserved an entire week!"
"What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. "
"Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name!"
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here during their Equestrian Weekends several years in a row, great hosts and large lots make this place a nice hidden gem!"
"A lot of horses and hunters. Price was good for electric and water. Nice for dog walking. Friendly managers. No cell service"
from $75 / night
Check AvailabilityClean, family friendly, beautiful. Take a walk through the equestrian to check out the horses.
Ionia has so many great outdoor activities for almost anyone. There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. The beach is fantastic especially for little kids who might not be the best swimmers ready for Lake Michigan or lakes with lots of boats and waves to deal with. Nice and sandy and a nice store and ice cream shop at the beach.
The campground itself is very nice, but you may find the activities are a short drive away from your site to get there. The sites are all a little bit shallow especially if you have a larger travel trailer you may find it a bit tight. There is a great variety of shaded and sunny sites. There is only one bathroom for the campground so it can be a bit busy and it could probably use an update.
What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks. I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do. I would advise if you want to camp there on a weekend to make reservations well in advance. We stay here because there are only 2 campgrounds in the Lansing East Lansing Area this being one of them and the other does not have all full hook ups and charges more. When we visit our daughter at Michigan State University this is the place we stay, 20 - 30 minutes into the University depending upon the traffic.
It has large wooded sites only electric but you can fill up the water at the dump station. Each site has a picnic table and Fire ring. Each campsite has a asphalt pad. They sell fire wood at the campground office. Bring what you need or you can go into St. johns to the Kroger or Walmart. they have 2 main camping loops with 2 loops in each of the main loops and a shower restroom in each main loop. The restrooms are very clean and kept up. I love the showers hot water and for me that is hot and great pressure, I could shower all day. Sure beats our shower in the RV.
The State Park is on Ovid Lake and it is a beautiful lake, great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayak, and swimming. they have a shelter for you if you have a big party.
They also have a group campsite and a picnic area for large groups. d You can also bring your horses go to the Equestrian area and unload and get on the trail.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards. They also have a great play ground for the kids and a fishing pier. Bring Bikes or just hike on the trails and head down to the beach.
quiet campground during the day, short drive to the beach, biking and equestrian trails available. loud around the restroom at night, cleaning crew came through at 10 pm.
Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name! Offers many species of fish for catching!! There are fishing docks, ONE IS NOT VERY ACCESSIBLE TO NON AMBULATORY PERSONS !!! THIS ONE'S IN THE CAMP AREA! The path is nicely groomed. The bea h is a long way from the parking lot a d there is no beach access from camp. The park is usually a clean family place...but for really young children or elderly persons it may. Ot be your first choice. I live nearby and have camped there zillions of times. I love it and shower bouses in camp are clean! Friendly staff a d they ate SERIOUS about quiet time! Bug spray required !!
I frequent this park if I am camping or not. decent disc gof course and access to Lake Ovid is great, miles of trails to hike/bike/ride horses. Hosts are very friendly and is always a joy to talk with the rangers
We stayed here during their Equestrian Weekends several years in a row, great hosts and large lots make this place a nice hidden gem!
Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital
fishing ,boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails,
Geocaching available.
This was our last stop on a trip where we camped in 6 different Michigan State Parks. This may be an older camp or the DNR was trying to save money when it was built. Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension. We tried several lots and couldn’t reach any of the outlets. We finally met a couple who saId they had extensions at the office. So, we finally got set up with an extension cord from the camp office and decided to walk to the beach. Our site was adjacent to the path leading to the beach so we figured we could use a little walk. The path led to another path that led to a parking lot for the beach. After crossing the parking lot we still had to cross a large yard/park that finally opened onto the beach on this small lake. It was all very scenic, but we weren’t expecting a major hike to get to the beach. Showers are nice. They also have a neat ice cream vending machine that I had to check out for scientific purposes only. For a Michigan state park we were quite disappointed.
Equestrian camping near Stanton, Michigan offers several options within the Manistee National Forest region. The area features predominantly sandy soil with mixed pine and hardwood forests at approximately 900 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights creating ideal conditions for campfires and outdoor activities.
Horseback riding day trips: Hungerford Lake area provides designated staging areas with direct access to forest trails. "Dispersed camping and camp sites available. There are horse staging areas and hiking trails. The lake is nice, small enough for a kayak/ no motor boat, nice," notes Arron P. about Hungerford Lake Campground.
Golf and riverside activities: Some campgrounds combine multiple recreation options in one location. At Double RR Ranch RV Resort, campers appreciate the variety. "My husband liked the golf course that came with renting spot. Seen lots of wildlife. Very relaxing time in our pop up not too far from Grand Rapids," shares Joanie C.
Disc golf and hiking: Outdoor enthusiasts can access multiple trail systems. "Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital. Fishing, boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails, Geocaching available," explains Jacob B. about recreational options at Sleepy Hollow State Park.
Private accommodations: Cabins provide alternative lodging for those without camping equipment. "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here," says Nora M. about Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins.
Kid-friendly activities: Scheduled events keep younger campers entertained. "Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day! We should have reserved an entire week!" exclaims Becky P. about Duke Creek Campground.
Nature immersion: The region offers opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy natural settings. "Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!" reports Nolyn S. about Scalley Lake Park, highlighting the tranquil environment many campers seek.
Electrical hookup limitations: Some campgrounds have inconvenient power arrangements. "Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension," warns Nick W. about Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground.
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian campgrounds operate with limited schedules. Double RR Ranch RV Resort runs from May 1 through October 7, while Scalley Lake Park operates May 1 to October 1, making advance planning essential.
Campground rules: Regulations vary significantly between locations. The Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite notably prohibits alcohol consumption, unlike standard camping areas in the region.
Activity planning: Schedule enough time to enjoy all available amenities. "The facilities were spotless, there is a store, gated entrance, nice shady lots, friendly staff, everything was perfect, we can't wait to go back!" shares Becky P. about Duke Creek Campground's family-friendly environment.
Beach access consideration: Factor in walking distances to water recreation. "Nice beach but you have to walk a short distance to get there. Bathrooms are clean, paved roads and grass sites," advises Ricky C. about Sleepy Hollow State Park.
Seasonal events: Look for special weekend programming. "Every year they put together an awesome Halloween trick or treat weekend, but be sure to book the day of six months before because otherwise you will not get a site," recommends Stephanie C. from Sleepy Hollow State Park.
Extension cord requirements: Pack additional electrical equipment. "We finally got set up with an extension cord from the camp office," notes Nick W. about Sleepy Hollow State Park, highlighting the need to prepare for potentially distant hookups.
Site selection for shade: Consider sun exposure when booking. "Our site backed up to trees and I can't recall seeing our neighbors to the left or right. Because we didn't get any shade from the nearby trees we had to run the ac," explains Amy D. from Sleepy Hollow State Park.
Campsite spacing: Some locations offer more privacy than others. "Neighbors right on top of you. Dirtbikes n 4 wheelers flying around causing dust n access noise. Premium Sites might be the way to go though," suggests Aaron Y. about Timbers Edge Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stanton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stanton, MI is Ionia State Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Stanton, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Stanton, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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