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
from $25 - $50 / night
from $8 / night
ScoutGreat spot, easy to get to. Could only find two pull off spots which are both relatively small, and only one has a fire pit in good condition so you’d need to build back up the other a bit. Very convenient spot that met all my needs
ScoutPerfect spot to pull off and camp for the night or weekend! Big pull in area where we stayed for the night, there was one other person but we stopped once we noticed the fresh tracks and didn’t go any further back. Perfect overnight spot.
TravelerThis was a great campsite, bathroom was super nice, the owners came and said hi to everyone and gave advice on where to visit in the area. Super relaxed environment and very clean, also the water from the pump actually tastes pretty good. Not rusty at all.
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.
ScoutAwesome
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
ScoutSolid spot. About 10min from Munising.
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.
ScoutClean, sites are level . 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. Host is friendly . Trees need some time to grow larger to provide any shade if anybody looking for a campsite with shade. Reasonable good space in between sites.
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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