Courtney Lake Campground features accessible equestrian camping sites in the Ottawa National Forest near Watersmeet. The campground includes horse-friendly campsites with ample space for trailers and tents. Campers report that the equestrian section has well-maintained areas for horses, though no permanent corrals are provided. The campground maintains a rustic atmosphere with basic amenities including vault toilets and water pumps located across from campsites. Sites are spacious and clean, providing adequate room for both camping equipment and horse management. Tent and RV camping are both accommodated, though no electric or sewer hookups are available for RVs.
The 5-6 foot wide equestrian trail at Courtney Lake is well-groomed and connects riders to the broader Ottawa National Forest trail system. Riders appreciate the maintained width that allows for safe passing on horseback. The trail network provides access to remote forest areas with limited cell service, creating a truly immersive wilderness experience. Camping fees are reasonable at $14 daily with discounts available for senior pass holders. The access road is paved, unlike many other national forest campgrounds in the area, making trailer access more manageable. The campground typically remains quiet during weekdays with increased activity on weekends. Horse owners should be prepared for seasonal mosquitoes common throughout the region.
$40 - $47 / night
"Private sites, large, forested, near hiking trails and clean bathrooms. Fall colors are spectacular here! Eagle River is close by with charming shops and friendly locals."
"There are only a few sites and most are drive through. There is a beach on a 39-acre lake. I highly recommend this place! https://www.vilaswi.com/lodging/camping/torch-lake-campground-and-rv-park/"
$22 / night
"I didn't camp in the equine section, but would love to bring a horse. The trail is well groomed and 5 to 6 ft wide. I will be back, and recommend this place to friends including equine friends."
"Access road off highway is paved, unlike many other national forest campgrounds. Some sites are very spacious and/or on waterfront."
ScoutThe sites are large, clean, and quiet. I didn't camp in the equine section, but would love to bring a horse. The trail is well groomed and 5 to 6 ft wide. I will be back, and recommend this place to friends including equine friends.
ScoutPrivate sites, large, forested, near hiking trails and clean bathrooms. Fall colors are spectacular here! Eagle River is close by with charming shops and friendly locals.
ScoutUsually fairly quiet. Access road off highway is paved, unlike many other national forest campgrounds. Some sites are very spacious and/or on waterfront.
Mosquitos are terrible in season, but that’s not unexpected for the area.
GuideThis place is fairly new and in excellent condition. It is well maintained. There are only a few sites and most are drive through. There is a beach on a 39-acre lake. I highly recommend this place! https://www.vilaswi.com/lodging/camping/torch-lake-campground-and-rv-park/
ScoutStayed at Courtney lake CG while bear hunting nearby. Very quiet during the week with some campers coming in on the weekend. Water and toilets were available directly across from the campsite. Was a relaxing two weeks with no disturbances. Price was $14/day, but with Senior Pass cost was $7/day. Very reseasonable.
TravelerThis is a great campground to get away too. Everything was clean and well kept. Host were great.
TravelerWe tented on lot 7 during the second week of June. It was very quiet. I was lucky to find this gem and you will only have spotty phone service at best. My dog had more fun than I did and we did a lot of hiking.
ScoutOut of the way. Very private. Camped all the way in the back with only a few others in the campground. Would definitely be back to tent camp here.
Courtney Lake Campground in Mass City, Michigan features an equestrian section with well-groomed trails approximately 5 to 6 feet wide, ideal for horse riding. The campground maintains large, clean sites suitable for both standard camping and those bringing horses. The trail system is well-maintained and accessible directly from the campground, allowing riders to explore the surrounding Ottawa National Forest. Campers report the equestrian area is spacious enough to accommodate horse trailers with ample room for setup. The campground remains open from May through October with basic amenities including drinking water, pit toilets, and a sanitary dump station, though hookups are not available.
Located within the western Upper Peninsula, Courtney Lake offers direct access to extensive horseback riding trails through diverse forest terrain. The campground's waterfront location provides horses with natural water access after rides. Sites remain fairly private and quiet, especially during weekdays, making this location suitable for extended stays with horses. Several camping options accommodate different preferences, from waterfront tent sites to areas specifically designed for horse owners. Trailer parking areas are generous, allowing for easy maneuvering. The paved access road off the highway makes this campground more accessible than many other national forest equestrian sites in the region. Mosquitoes can be problematic during peak season, so appropriate protection for both riders and horses is recommended. The reasonable camping fees ($14/day with discounts for senior pass holders) make this a cost-effective option for horse camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Watersmeet, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Watersmeet, MI is Torch Lake Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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