Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground
4.6721 reviewsElk Hill Group Equestrian Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(989) 732-5485
What Campers Say
4.67
Top-Rated
Based on 21 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."
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.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
Weather and SeasonsWhile 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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine guiding your horse through dense stands of hardwoods and conifers, where rolling terrain opens onto pristine river corridors perfect for watering your stock on warm afternoons. This secluded corner of Pigeon River Country State Forest sits in the heart of Michigan's elk range, where you might catch a glimpse of these majestic animals while exploring the extensive network of horse trails that wind through the wilderness. The heavily forested landscape creates an authentic backcountry atmosphere that feels worlds away from civilization.
Geological RegionPigeon River Country State Forest (northern Lower Peninsula)
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Campsite details
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsCampground 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
24
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 87%
Wind: 11.1 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsRemoteness and rough gravel/forest roads to reach the site; insect issues (horse and deer flies) in summer; some concern about forest clear cutting reported by a reviewer; trail markers can be hard to follow in places.
Campground Map
Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground
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)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
21 reviews
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 21 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 21 reviewsShow more
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 21 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"A definite must ride camp."; "Hidden gem for nature and horse enthusiasts."; "Great primitive camping."
Based on 21 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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