Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

Star4.68
25 reviews
Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground
Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

935 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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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

4.68

Top-Rated

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."

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Campground Map

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

45.1827, -84.4191

Driving directionsLocated about 14 miles east of Vanderbilt via Sturgeon Valley Road, Twin Lakes Road and Osmun Road; access is on forest roads.
Accessible via Sturgeon Valley Road, Twin Lakes Road and Osmun Road; portions are gravel and can be rough with limited signage.
Nearby places
Vanderbilt — about 14 miles (camp is east of Vanderbilt)

Best Time to Camp at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

While the campground welcomes visitors throughout the year, winter transforms this destination into a true wilderness experience. Seasonal forest roads and the campground itself remain unplowed during snowy months, so winter adventurers should come prepared for rustic conditions and check road accessibility before heading out. Spring through fall offer the most reliable access for groups looking to explore this equestrian paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Trails, river access and group equestrian use make summer a prime season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in MI

In elk range with hardwoods; fall colors and wildlife viewing likely excellent.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Trails and river corridors usable; spring conditions may be muddy but good for wildlife and riding.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but roads and campground unplowed—appeals to wilderness-oriented visitors only.

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

About Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

Nestled deep in Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest, Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground welcomes organized riding groups to experience true backcountry adventure. This rustic wooded retreat accommodates up to 100 campers and five equestrian groups, offering essential amenities including vault toilets, hand-pump water, and a sheltering central pavilion where stories are shared after long days on the trail.
Rustic, equestrian group campground: a single large group site designed for horse groups and trail riders rather than numbered individual campsites.
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Amenities available

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.
HikingTrails are described as well kept and extensive; some users report trail markers can be hard to follow in places.
FishingReviewers mention fishing at nearby secluded lakes and river access from the campground area.
Wildlife viewing
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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.

Weather at Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

Reviews

4.7
25 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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...
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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...
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Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A definite must ride camp."; "Hidden gem for nature and horse enthusiasts."; "Great primitive camping."
Based on 25 reviews
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Last updated February 2, 2026
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