8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several horse-friendly campgrounds serve equestrians near Williamsburg, Michigan. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground features a dedicated trail camp section where riders can claim as much space as needed for horses and equipment. The campground provides access to the Boardman River and connects to the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail. Horses can be secured at tie-out poles specifically designed for equestrian use. The self-registration system allows campers to select their preferred location within the trail camp area, which rarely fills to capacity.
Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp offers another option for horse camping with access to miles of forest trails. The campground accommodates horses in a separate equestrian area away from the main camping loops. Vault toilets and hand pump water stations serve both the regular camping area and the horse section. The trail camp connects to multiple hiking and riding paths through the surrounding state forest. Unnecessary traffic occasionally passes through the campground area, but most visitors report peaceful conditions for both horses and riders. The $15 per night self-registration fee makes this an affordable option for equestrians seeking rustic camping with trail access.
"The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people)."
"I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."
"Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir."
"We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
"Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."
"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas."
"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
RangerWe stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground. This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean. The campground seemed to have a lot if unnecessary traffic.
TravelerThere are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.
The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).
The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.
There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.
The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.
There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.
TravelerI like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It’s a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers (my particular interest). The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area). Large wooded sites. Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS.
Negatives: can be noisy at times with the ATVs and also large camping groups. But for the most part I’ve found ppl to be respectful. A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected.
Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain.
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
GuideCant count how many times i've been here. Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir. Rustic, cheap, horse friendly, out house, and pleanty of forest and lake to explore.
GuideTurtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade. We will definitely be staying here again! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites.
ScoutFamily friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too.
ScoutQuiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups
GuideTrail camp but no horses the night I was there. Lots of open space, spots aren’t really numbered. A couple nice hike/bike trails spur off the campground. Lots of traffic in the area through the night (ORV and mudding trucks). Bathrooms are nice. Only a few water front spots.
Equestrian camping near Williamsburg, Michigan offers access to miles of wooded trails through state forest land. The area sits at approximately 800-1,000 feet elevation with terrain characterized by rolling hills, mature hardwood forests, and river valleys. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with occasional rainfall that can affect trail conditions.
Kayaking and canoeing: Explore the Boardman River near Scheck's Place State Forest Campground. "Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest. Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system," notes Anna B. The river offers gentle currents ideal for tubing and beginner paddling.
Stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at several campgrounds. "This campground is in some lower ground, with a beautiful river running though it. It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy," shares Judy B. about her experience at Scheck's Place.
Fishing and wildlife viewing: Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp offers fishing opportunities in a shallow, lily pad-covered lake. "Great like camp ground. No swimming but pretty lake with lots of lilipads and sunken tree. Nice hiking trail," explains Tracie S. The area has an abundance of turtles, fish, and waterfowl.
Privacy and spaciousness: Horse campers appreciate the ample room at designated equestrian areas. "You can take as much space as you need and there is access to the river. We will be going back again next month," reports Gemma G. about Scheck's Place Trail Camp.
Affordability: Most state forest campgrounds operate with self-registration systems and reasonable fees. Kate K. notes about Lake Dubonnet: "Self registration for $15 per night." This pricing makes extended stays more feasible for those traveling with horses.
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, campgrounds maintain serviceable amenities. "Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp has the basic rustic camping necessities. Outhouses near each circle, spickit with really good water, hiking trails, boat launch and even a nearby island you can kayak to," shares Caryssa R.
Limited occupancy: Even during peak seasons, the equestrian camping areas rarely reach capacity. "There is hardly ever a lot of people. The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru," explains a camper about the trail camp section.
Vault toilets only: 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR and other horse-friendly sites offer basic facilities. "It's never busy here. I don't have horses but I've seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There's trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets," mentions Lexi G.
Variable site conditions: Some camping areas can experience weather-related issues. "A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected," advises Jay F. Select elevated sites when possible, especially during spring and fall.
Kid-friendly water activities: Shallow lake edges and gentle river sections offer safe places for children. "I absolutely love this campground. I've camped there twice this summer and each time I enjoy it... even a nearby island you can kayak to and let the dogs roam free! (Mine sure loves it)," says Caryssa R.
Plan for insects: The wooded environment means mosquitoes and ticks are common from late spring through early fall. Pack appropriate repellents and check children and pets regularly after trail rides or hikes.
Pack extra clothing: Turtle Lake Campground and surrounding areas can experience significant temperature swings. "What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt. While I understand that comes with the territory of camping, this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground," shares Ann D.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds lack water and electrical connections. "Rustic means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS," explains Jay F. Plan to operate on battery power or generators where permitted.
Accessibility considerations: Not all horse camping areas accommodate larger rigs. "Large sites, amazing hosts, does charge for a band for kids to do activities like jumping pad etc. this includes a bike rental and golf but was an added charge," notes Lindsey S. about Gaylord KOA, which offers more amenities but is farther from dedicated horse trails.
Seasonal availability: Most horse-friendly campgrounds operate from late spring through mid-fall. "May 1 to October 15" is the typical season for Scheck's Place, with similar timeframes for other nearby campgrounds. Call ahead if planning early spring or late fall trips as water systems may be winterized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Williamsburg, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Williamsburg, MI is Scheck's Place State Forest Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Williamsburg, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Williamsburg, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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