04 reviewsPrice
$6/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$6/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp
45.0447, -84.4077
Equestrian groups riding the Shore-to-Shore Trail will get exactly what this place was built for: direct trail access, room for up to 100 riders and horses, and summer conditions in the mid-60s to low-80s°F. At $6 per person with a 10-person minimum, the price is hard to argue wi
Solo campers and non-equestrian hikers are technically allowed on the Shore-to-Shore Trail but this camp is designed around horse groups, no showers, no hookups, and the water pump requires a 5,000-watt generator you'd have to haul in yourself. Winter access means unplowed season
Official information for Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
This rustic group camping area is designed for equestrian campers riding 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. Located in the beautiful Pigeon River Country this peaceful, secluded campground is the perfect oasis for equestrian campers. This group campground has a maximum capacity of 100 individuals and can accommodate tents and small trailers. Amenities include vault toilets and water from a submersible pump, which requires a 5000-watt generator to run. This campground is gated. The campground is located 14 miles east of Gaylord via M-32 East, Wilkinson Road, Marquardt Road, Sparr Road and Johnson Crossing Grade. Group rates apply at this site: $6 per person with a minimum of 10 people. Groups wishing to use this campground should contact Otsego Lake State Park at 989-732-5485 to make reservations. If the group will use multiple campgrounds, please contact the Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727 x. 6006. This campground is maintained with the help of the Michigan Trail Riders Association . View Campground closing and opening dates .
Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.
Summer brings the best riding conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Trails run dry and mellow, and the water pump is fully functional. Weekends draw the most equestrian groups, though the remote location keeps crowds lighter than typical state parks. Spring and fall work for extended rides but expect variable conditions. Winter access is possible but seasonal roads stay unplowed, turning the camp into a true wilderness site.
Summer cited as best riding season; trails dry and pump functional.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Rustic, equestrian group trail camp with vault toilets and water supplied via a submersible pump (pump requires a 5,000-watt generator to operate). The site is gated and maintained with help from the Michigan Trail Riders Association. Managed by Otsego Lake State Park; group reservations handled by phone.
Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.
Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.
Rate Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp
Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.
Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.
Be the first to review this campground
Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.
