This peaceful, wooded group campground has a maximum capacity for 100 individuals and can accommodate up to 5 different equestrian groups at one time. This campground is intended for those group camping with horses. The group rate is $6 per person with a minimum of 10 people. Amenities include vault toilets, firepits, a water pump that requires a 5,000 watt generator, picket posts and manure bunkers. There is also a large group fire circle and picnic shelter available. The campground is located 14 miles east of Vanderbilt via East Sturgeon Valley Road, Witness Tree Road and Twin Lakes Road. Options for those camping with horses are limited in the Pigeon River Country State Forest so equestrians heavily rely on this campground for use. If you are not camping with horses, please consider staying in another state forest campground.
Shore-to-Shore Trail
The state forest campground is a stop along the Shore-to-Shore Trail, a 420-mile trail system open to hiking and horseback riding, that stretches east-west from Empire to Oscoda with two additional northern and southern spur trails. The Michigan Trail Riders Association assists with maintenance of the trail.
Reservations Required
Group reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance by calling Otsego Lake State Park at 989-732-5485. Please have dates, payment information and the number of people staying each night prior to calling. If a group is planning a ride that will use multiple campgrounds along the Shore-to-Shore Trail, they should contact the Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727 x. 6006.
Ride on designated trails only
The DNR, PRC Equestrian Council and the PRC Advisory Council are working together to provide increased equestrian access within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The goal is to provide safe trail riding that protects the environment while enhancing trail experiences. Illegal riding sets those efforts back. Please take the time to plan your rides using only trails open to equestrian use. Maps outlining those trails are available from the PRC Headquarters and posted in the campground. Pigeon River Country Equestrian Trail Map
This campground is maintained with the help of Michigan Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of America.
These rustic campgrounds offer stunning river and lakefront settings, perfect for fishing, boating, and paddling. Here's what you can expect:
A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.
View state forest campground rates. operating dates & amenities
Find more info on state forest campgrounds.
This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.
A covered pavilion is centrally located in the rustic campground and includes picnic tables.
This rustic campground is open all year; however, the campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.
