Best Equestrian Camping near Watervliet, MI

Are you looking for a place to stay in Watervliet with your horse? Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find Michigan equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Watervliet, MI (5)

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Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Watervliet

117 Reviews of 5 Watervliet Campgrounds


  • Skip C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ely Lake Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Ely Lake Campground

    Hidden gem

    Been coming here since I was little, took a 25 year hiatus from camping. Went back there recently and loved it just like when I was a kid!

  • Rachel P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Custer Recreation Area
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Well Wooded but Buggy

    We just camped at the park this weekend, which was the opening weekend after the rebuild of the bath houses and some other improvements. First, we loved how wooded and beautiful the campground was. The spots were nice and secluded, and the whole place was very beautiful. There were a few things that we didn't enjoy. First, it was EXTREMELY buggy. If you weren't covered in Deep Woods bug spray the whole time, you were getting bit. Second, I don't feel that there were enough showers. There were 5 showers in each bathhouse, making 10 showers total for the entire campground. I found myself waiting in a line every time I wanted a shower. Lastly, I wish there was a walking trail that was more accessible from the campground itself.

  • SEO K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ely Lake Campground
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Ely Lake Campground

    Good Place If you play Super 9 game

    The place is very good. But the entertainment is fulfil when you play your favourite game. My favourite is Super 9 Game which I played in this game. The game is very unique and full of enjoy. Download it enjoy yourself. The game will refresh you. So, Try it now.

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Custer Recreation Area
    Jan. 15, 2024

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Really nice state park campground and rec area!

    This was our second trip to this property (1st was Sept 2021), and it was really nice.  We went Aug 25 - 27th (Friday - Sunday).  The property has something like 219 campsites, and that weekend every single one of them was full.  Noisy during the day with a few large groups and a LOT of kids, but they were quiet at night and it was not a problem.  Some of the campsites are very close together and it's hard to determine that from the map or choosing ahead of time.  The showers and bathrooms are fine, and I think they're being upgraded this season so I expect them to be quite nice for 2024 and beyond.  We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails which are very easily accessed from the campground.  We also took a trip into Battle Creek for a quick stop by CVS, so it's close and convenient for lost or forgotten items.   No problems with bugs or mosquitos, other than the normal for being a forested property. 

    On Saturday morning the camp host had coffee and donuts for a $1 donation.  And firewood was easily accessible on site. 

    Would not hesitate to stay here again.

  • Dan W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday
    Oct. 17, 2023

    Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    Had everything

    Sites weren’t too tight. Campstore had everything incredible ice cream and pizza that could be delivered to your site. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Perfect for kids activities. Close to adulting fun, food, and shops in South Haven.

  • Rick G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Potato Creek State Park Campground
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    Exploring South Bend/Elkhart Area

    We wanted to explore the “RV Capital of the World” and Notre Dame University while passing through. This park fit the bill. Arrived Thursday with the campground maybe 25% full. By Friday night it was full! Great spacing between sites and offers miles of hiking and biking trails. Verizon signal essentially nonexistent, but air TV reception not bad. Fresh water fill and dump stations were the best we’ve seen anywhere.

  • D B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Custer Recreation Area
    Aug. 22, 2023

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Shady campground

    Huge beautiful campground. Lots of privacy. Needs extra access to the Kalamazoo River for kayakers. Make a campground near the beach. Gas is too expensive to be driving two and a quarter miles one way to the beach. The dump station needed a serious update.

  • Z
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Custer Recreation Area
    Aug. 22, 2023

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Another amazing experience!!

    Another great camping experience, site 210 has an amazing trail that leads directly to the showers at one end and at the other path went directly to running water, plus only a couple of yards from a great walking trail.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Custer Recreation Area
    Aug. 10, 2023

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Nice place to camp

    Nice sites, very well organized for privacy. Trees and shrubs dividing sites. The lake is a couple miles away from campground, only 20 miles per hour if I recall. No alcohol permitted

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Potato Creek State Park Campground
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    1st time, will definitely be back.

    Our first time here with our pop-up. It's a beautiful park. So much nature to explore, so we'll have to come back again. Note that my four star rating is based on five stars being perfection, so I would still definitely recommend it.

    Our site was purposely located close to a bathhouse, but was not too close to have any bothersome noises. The bathhouse was a bit dated, but pretty clean. Individual stall showers with inner and outer curtains. Curtains could have been a bit longer, because the inner one allowed lots of spray into the outer "dry" part of the stall.

    Great playground on the east side of the first loop. Kids seem to play there for hours and enjoy riding bikes around the loops. Very well manicured grounds, including paths from the sites to the bathhouse.

    Nice little store that had a little bit of everything attendants were friendly. Firewood available. Cheaper outside the park, but don't mind supporting the park. Was open till 9PM even on Sunday.

    Beach was small, but seems adequate for the number of people there. Could use a little sand cleaning, but not bad. Swimming area roped off to keep boats out. Bathrooms have showers.

    Already planning our next visit!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Ely Lake Campground
    Jul. 9, 2023

    Ely Lake Campground

    Hidden gem

    Been coming here since 1969 when I was 4 yrs. old. Nothing changed, just good ole wilderness camping! Try to up there a couple times a year. Love it.

  • Cory W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ely Lake Campground
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Ely Lake Campground

    Off the grid camping

    Drive to a place where you are truly, disconnected from society. No cell phone service, no internet, no electricity, and no showers. But who needs any of that when you're camping.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Potato Creek State Park Campground
    Jun. 22, 2023

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    One of Our Favorites!

    We love Potato Creek! The paved bike trails are amazing. The sites are large and private. There are great and there is a good selection between shaded and sunny. With a selection of fun things to do (bike and boat rentals, hiking trails, a wonderful nature center, playgrounds) our family never runs out of things to do here.

  • Z
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Custer Recreation Area
    Jun. 15, 2023

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    One of the best places to camp in the area!!

    With plenty of space between each campsite, easy-to-locate bathrooms/water, and firewood available to purchase at the front office plus over 25 miles of hiking/mountain biking trails, plus more than one body of water to fish/swim in. It really is an ideal place to camp!!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Custer Recreation Area
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Great campground !

    Great place to camp, our first trip there was the weekend after the 4th of July. Wish we would have came here yrs ago! Great sites, all divided by trees for some privacy. Will go back

  • Jason H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Custer Recreation Area
    Apr. 24, 2022

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Convenient but Cramped

    I can see why this place is so popular with the camper crowd. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just cramped, a bit noisy, and there's alot of traffic. Alot.

    I was only taking my son for a night to try his hand at tenting and some hiking. The hiking was nice but not as challenging as some of the other places I've been.

    I prefer rustic, somewhat challenging, and a semblance of solitude. You won't get any of that here. But if you're a family, especially with younger kids or older folks, who want a safe place to get outdoors, this is the place. The restrooms, showers, playground, and easy groomed trails will be great for you.

    If you're like me, you'll likely be looking north.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Potato Creek State Park Campground
    Mar. 4, 2022

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    Good for basic camping

    Good for basic family or friend camping! We have stayed here loads of times over the years and we’ve always had fun. The only downsides are you are very close to the other campsites so it’s pretty noisy and bright!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Custer Recreation Area
    Dec. 11, 2021

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Awesome place

    Just bought our first camper this past summer and decided to take it to Ft. Custer to try it out! We absolutely loved this place. There are plenty of hiking trails and the fishing was great. Will definitely be back again!!!

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Potato Creek State Park Campground
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    Indiana state park

     We've camped here several times in the last 28 years, but not in a while. We decided it was time to go back! Love Potato Creek! 

    We stayed in site 96, which isn't the best site if it's hot. Not a lot of shade. It's hard to pick a "best" site. Loop A- sites 25, 39,41& 42. Loop B- sites 94, 98,& 104. Loop C- site 72. Loop D2- site 165. These are all good sites. Check the site description when you make your reservation. It should tell you if it's in full sun. Always be aware of the pit toilets & dumpsters. The sites aren't right on top of each other, but some have more room than others. 

    Each loop has a comfort station. Bathrooms & showers are surface clean. Typical state park clean. I shared my shower with a spider one night. Lots of webs & hair in the women's side. 

    There's a single playground that's more central to loops A B & C. There's a water fill up area for use before getting to the campground. The dump station is old, but usable. There's also a horseman's campground, Youth tent group camp& cabins for rent.



Guide to Watervliet

Horse camping in Michigan offers a unique opportunity for equestrians to enjoy the great outdoors while having their horses nearby. With a variety of campgrounds featuring horse-friendly amenities, riders can explore beautiful trails and enjoy nature.

Equestrian campgrounds include spacious sites and essential amenities

  • At Silver Creek County Park, you'll find rustic camping with ample space for both your rig and tent, plus facilities for your horses.
  • Fort Custer Recreation Area offers well-wooded sites that provide privacy and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway with your horse.
  • Ely Lake Campground features a rustic setting with basic amenities, making it a great choice for those looking to disconnect and enjoy nature with their equine companions.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like riding trails

  • Silver Creek County Park boasts miles of equestrian trails, allowing riders to explore both the park and adjacent state land.
  • At Fort Custer Recreation Area, you can access mountain biking trails that are also suitable for horseback riding, providing a variety of outdoor activities.
  • Ely Lake Campground is known for its wilderness camping experience, where you can ride through scenic landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Tips for equestrian camping near Watervliet, Michigan

  • When visiting Silver Creek County Park, remember to bring your own high line for your horses, as each equestrian site is equipped for this purpose.
  • At Fort Custer Recreation Area, plan your trip during the week to avoid large crowds, especially during peak seasons when the campground fills up quickly.
  • Be prepared for rustic conditions at Ely Lake Campground, as it offers limited amenities, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more back-to-nature experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Watervliet, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Watervliet, MI is Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday with a 4.7-star rating from 17 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Watervliet, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Watervliet, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.