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Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead provides primitive camping with dedicated areas for horse trailers in the Hiawatha National Forest. This free camping area features vault toilets and accommodates both tents and RVs with horses. The site allows pets and campfires while offering multiple access options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in entry points. No drinking water, hookups, or dedicated horse corrals are available on site. Trail riders must bring all necessary supplies as no amenities such as picnic tables, firewood or trash service are provided. The campground connects directly to horse-friendly trails throughout the forest.
Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Munising, this equestrian campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the extensive trail system through the Hiawatha National Forest. Riders access multiple interconnected trails suitable for day rides of varying difficulties. No reservations are required at this dispersed site, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The open layout accommodates horse trailers with ample parking space, though without formal stalls or corrals. Campers should practice standard horse camping etiquette by properly managing manure and following Leave No Trace principles. The surrounding forest roads provide additional riding opportunities beyond the marked equestrian trails. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, so proper insect protection is recommended for both riders and horses.
"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."
"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."
"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
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Check Availabilityfrom $8 / night
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LegendWent 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.
Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead provides dispersed camping options specifically designed for equestrian users in the Hiawatha National Forest. Located on forested land approximately 30 miles southwest of Munising, this free camping area offers dedicated parking for horse trailers with vault toilets but no drinking water or hookups. The site connects directly to an extensive trail network throughout the forest with relatively flat terrain making it suitable for riders of varying experience levels. Most trails remain open from May through October, though spring conditions can be muddy and require appropriate footwear for both humans and horses.
Trail riding excursions: Campers at Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite have access to multiple interconnected forest trails. "We were lucky, we went pre-season. We did have to clear a bunch of down trees to get down the road but we had the site and the lakes to ourselves. It was gorgeous," writes Willow M., highlighting the benefits of early-season visits.
Lake fishing opportunities: Several small lakes within 5-10 miles of the horse trails offer fishing potential. Ben L. notes about Ironjaw Lake: "Great site located between two lakes. Because the access to both lakes is near the camp site, we did encounter vehicles driving by, maybe 2 a day."
Wildlife viewing: The surrounding forest provides habitat for deer, small mammals, and various bird species. Kevin D. from Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping reports: "I 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."
Relative seclusion: The dispersed nature of equestrian camping areas near Trenary offers privacy not found at more developed sites. "We 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," shares Tim about Hickey Marsh.
Cell connectivity: Despite the remote forest setting, some areas maintain surprisingly good connectivity. Amy Y. notes: "This is a great spot, very private and easy to access. T-Mobile cell services was very good."
Direct trail access: Jack Pine Lodge and Campground, while more developed than the equine trailhead, offers trail riding amenities. "Great campground! It has direct trail access from the property, and they provide a free ORV hand washing station and air for tires," writes Erika P., highlighting features relevant to all trail users including equestrians.
Bug protection essential: Insects can be problematic during summer months, particularly for both riders and horses. Amy Y. warns: "I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited. Would still recommend for a quick stop over."
Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be confusing without proper maps or GPS. "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," advises Ben L. about finding dispersed sites.
Limited amenities: Catchin' Crickets Campground offers more facilities but at a cost. Arash F. explains: "I was charged $45 for a site with electricity. A site without is $35 or at least this is what I was asked to pay." By comparison, the equine trailhead is free but lacks most amenities.
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings mud, summer brings insects, and fall offers cooler weather with fewer bugs. Weather conditions affect trail quality significantly throughout the season.
Safety protocols: Establish clear rules for children around horses and wildlife. Keep food secured properly to prevent attracting animals.
Entertainment options: Pack cards, games, and activities for evenings as the area has limited entertainment options beyond outdoor recreation.
Site selection: Look for level ground away from horse areas if camping with small children. Hunter W. notes about Hickey Marsh: "Just off M-28, down the right side road a bit you will see campfire remnants and a spot where people tend to park on the left. No signage and only saw 2 pre used spots."
Water planning: Bring adequate drinking water for extended stays as no potable water is available at most dispersed sites. Plan for 1 gallon per person per day minimum.
Size limitations: Most forest roads near horse campgrounds have limited turning radius. Naomi L. advises about Hickey Marsh: "We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger."
Alternative options: Jack Pine Lodge and Campground offers more RV-friendly accommodations while still providing trail access. Lora H. notes: "The U.P. has so much to offer if you're into the great outdoors. Jack Pine is a small campground in the Hiawatha National Forest."
Generator considerations: Most dispersed camping areas have no restrictions on generator use, but observe quiet hours and be mindful of nearby campers.
Ground assessment: Check site conditions before attempting to position larger rigs, especially after rain. Forest roads can become rutted and soft during wet periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Trenary, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Trenary, MI is Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Trenary, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Trenary, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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