River Park in Stephenson, Michigan offers horse-friendly camping about 45 miles northeast of Oconto Falls. Each campsite is situated on a spacious, well-maintained plot with four total sites available. The park caters specifically to equestrians with fenced areas at uphill sites that keep horses secure overnight. Most sites are shaded with tree cover and separated by enough distance to provide a sense of privacy.
What to do
River exploration: The riverside sites at River Park provide direct water access. "Campsite 2 is amazing and has a path down to the river, which is so beautiful," notes Gwynn S. who adds that the site "includes a nice fire pit, long camping table, and trash can."
Kayaking on local waterways: Some campers bring watercraft to enjoy the rivers. One visitor at River Park mentioned, "We were able to kayak and fish along the river within view of our campsite." For more water activities, Chute Pond Park offers additional options where "you can rent out kayaks and little boats," according to Emily K.
Trail riding: The area provides multiple trail options for horseback riding. Short day-ride trails connect to larger systems. Pack appropriate riding gear and be prepared for terrain that varies from wooded paths to open meadows.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the separation between sites as a major benefit. At River Park, David K. notes, "Each site is a good distance away from the nearest one so you do feel more remote as you camp."
Natural water features: Bay Shore Park offers lake access with "very nice sunset views," according to Jill G. Many riders appreciate having water access for horses during hot summer days.
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic setting, visitors note the cleanliness of facilities. Eric S. mentions that at River Park, "Vault toilets were clean, centrally located and close to the hand pump well." This attention to maintenance makes the primitive camping experience more comfortable.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Facilities like water access may have limited availability in early spring. As one camper at High Cliff State Park notes, "Only gripe is the uncertain schedule they have for turning on water for the season. First week or two of may is a safe bet, but no promises."
Weather impacts: Rain can significantly affect camping conditions and horse trailer access. According to Cole M. at River Park, "I would not recommend this campground for anyone with a larger camper. I have a 38' long, 12'+ tall bumper pull and was scraping the roof on trees and struggled to get backed into the site."
Limited cell service: Be prepared for connectivity issues. As Cole M. mentions about River Park, "Cell service with Att is horrible too but we are camping."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Embarrass River Campground provides family-friendly amenities. Matthew J. notes, "Showers and flushable toilets up at the entrance. Brochures and local information available as well."
Child-friendly water activities: Families with children can enjoy water features at multiple parks. At Chute Pond Park, Pete W. describes a "nice swimming area and hiking trails. Slippery rock is a must see."
Safety considerations: Watch for site hazards when bringing children to equestrian camping areas. Gwynn S. warns, "There was a good amount of broken glass and some trash at site 2, so be careful if you have little ones or dogs."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: When bringing both an RV and horse trailer, choose sites with adequate space and accessibility. Consider sites located on higher ground to avoid mud issues after rain.
Hookup logistics: At Rustic Timbers Door County Camping, RVers found that "for full hook up sites the 300s are nice if you're looking for a more secluded/wooded spot," according to Kayla M. For equestrian camping, verify which sites can accommodate both RV and horse trailer.
Surface conditions: Gravel surfaces may be challenging for pets. As Kayla M. notes about one campground, "My only complaint is that with dogs it would have been nice to have some grass as the entire site was gravel to the tree line. We had to take our dogs to the field for potty as they refused to poop at our site."
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