Is Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground?

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground is open Open year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground?

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground?

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground?

Popular activities at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

4.32

25 reviews

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

935 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR Set up a cancellation alert

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

935 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR Set up a cancellation alert

Get Directions

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(989) 732-5485

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 25 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"Most user reviews are highly positive (many 5‑star entries), praising trails, the equestrian focus, peaceful wooded setting and primitive backcountry character. Reviewers note well‑kept trails and river access but mention rustic facilities and remote, rough access roads."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

45.1827, -84.4191

Nearby places

Vanderbilt — about 14 miles (camp is east of Vanderbilt)

Best Time to Camp at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run 45–60°F, nights drop to 25–40°F, and northern Michigan foliage peaks in early October. Trails stay comfortable for long rides, mosquitoes and horseflies disappear after the first hard frost, and wildlife viewing improves as deer and elk become more active. Summer brings heavy pressure from horse flies and deer flies. Multiple reviewers flag insects as a significant issue. Winter access is unreliable; seasonal roads and the campground itself remain unplowed. Wear blaze orange during fall hunting seasons.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MI

Fall delivers the best conditions; foliage peaks early October and trails are comfortable for rides.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter

About Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground sits deep in Pigeon River Country State Forest, Michigan's largest state forest tract and the heart of the state's elk range. The campground accommodates organized riding groups with tie-up areas, manure bunkers, loading ramps, and river access for watering stock. A covered pavilion anchors the camping area. Access roads are rough gravel, and facilities are primitive. Vault toilets and a hand pump that may require a generator.

Rustic, equestrian group campground: a single large group site designed for horse groups and trail riders rather than numbered individual campsites.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run 45–60°F, nights drop to 25–40°F, and northern Michigan foliage peaks in early October. Trails stay comfortable for long rides, mosquitoes and horseflies disappear after the first hard frost, and wildlife viewing improves as deer and elk become more active. Summer brings heavy pressure from horse flies and deer flies. Multiple reviewers flag insects as a significant issue. Winter access is unreliable; seasonal roads and the campground itself remain unplowed. Wear blaze orange during fall hunting seasons.

Natural Features and SceneryDense hardwood and conifer forest rolls through this remote section of northern Lower Peninsula backcountry. The campground sits at 935 feet elevation, surrounded by extensive horse trail networks that wind through wooded terrain and connect to river corridors where riders water their horses. Elk, deer, and grouse move through the area, especially active during fall. The heavily forested landscape creates genuine backcountry atmosphere, though some recent clear-cut logging has altered portions of the surrounding forest.

Geological RegionPigeon River Country State Forest (northern Lower Peninsula)

Scenic ViewsWooded forest setting with river corridors and secluded trail scenery; opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk in the broader Pigeon River Country area.

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Amenities available

Rustic, single large group equestrian campground with vault toilets, a hand‑pump water source, a covered picnic pavilion, fire rings and horse tie‑up areas. No electrical, water or sewer hookups and no on‑site camp store or laundry.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Equestrian‑focused group camping with direct access to multi‑use and horse trails in Pigeon River Country State Forest. Additional activities documented by sources and reviews include hiking, hunting access to surrounding state land, river access for watering/cooling horses, and opportunities for fishing.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampground provides access to state lands open to hunting (observe hunting regulations and maintain 450 feet clearance from occupied dwellings for firearm hunting). Remote gravel roads, limited services, and rustic facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water) mean users must be self-sufficient.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Weather at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

25 reviews

Recommended

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Most user reviews are highly positive (many 5‑star entries), praising trails, the equestrian focus, peaceful wooded setting and primitive backcountry character. Reviewers note well‑kept trails and river access but mention rustic facilities and remote, rough access roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Well‑maintained and extensive horse trails; peaceful, wooded setting; strong equestrian amenities (tie‑up areas, manure bunkers, ramps and river access); good group space and a covered picnic...

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect protection, plan to be self‑sufficient (no hookups or camp store), bring water or a generator to operate the hand pump as needed, and prepare for gravel/rough roads. Trip leaders should...

Based on 25 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

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4.1

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Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Pigeon River State Forest Campground sits along the Pigeon River in Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest, about 14 miles northeast of Vanderbilt. The campground has 14 first-come, first-served sites with vault toilets, hand-pump well water, and not much else. Managed by Otsego Lake State Park with a 15-day maximum stay.