Johnson'S Crossing Trail Camp

2 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Johnson'S Crossing Trail Camp

$6.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group rate: $6 per person with a minimum of 10 people.

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

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

Some mention

reservation

"Very limited user feedback available. Google reviews are positive (5-star entries) with users praising the area but noting difficulty finding information on how to camp there."

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Fees & Passes at Johnson'S Crossing Trail Camp

$6/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.

Best Time to Camp at Johnson'S Crossing Trail Camp

While Johnson's Crossing welcomes visitors year-round, winter adventurers should know that seasonal roads remain unplowed and the campground takes on a true wilderness character when snow blankets the forest. Spring through fall offer ideal conditions for extended trail rides, with each season painting the Pigeon River Country in different hues—from spring wildflowers to autumn's spectacular color display.

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; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.

About Johnson'S Crossing Trail Camp

Tucked away in Michigan's legendary Pigeon River Country, Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp welcomes equestrian groups seeking an authentic backcountry experience along the famed Shore-to-Shore Trail. This gated, rustic retreat accommodates up to 100 riders and their horses with tent and small trailer camping, vault toilets, and fresh water from a submersible pump—everything you need for a memorable trail riding adventure, nothing you don't.

Rustic, equestrian-focused group trail camp intended primarily for groups of riders; accommodates tents and small trailers (group capacity 100).

Historical SignificanceThis campground is maintained with the help of the Michigan Trail Riders Association and is intended to support equestrian trail use in the region.

Weather and SeasonsWhile Johnson's Crossing welcomes visitors year-round, winter adventurers should know that seasonal roads remain unplowed and the campground takes on a true wilderness character when snow blankets the forest. Spring through fall offer ideal conditions for extended trail rides, with each season painting the Pigeon River Country in different hues—from spring wildflowers to autumn's spectacular color display.

Natural Features and SceneryDeep in the heart of Pigeon River Country State Forest, this campground immerses you in Michigan's wild backcountry where towering trees create a natural canopy overhead and the sounds of civilization fade away. The forested setting serves as your basecamp for exploring the Shore-to-Shore Trail and an extensive network of riding trails that wind through some of the state's most pristine wilderness. This is camping designed by horsemen, for horsemen—where the focus is on the trails ahead and the camaraderie around the campfire, not manicured lawns and RV hookups.

Geological RegionPigeon River Country State Forest (Otsego County, northern Lower Peninsula)

Campsite details

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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; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.

Reservation PlatformsReservations by phone through Otsego Lake State Park (989-732-5485). MIDNRReservations.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

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Designed for equestrian use on the Shore-to-Shore Trail, this rustic group campground provides direct access to horseback-riding trails through Pigeon River Country. The site is intended for group trail camping and is open year-round though seasonal roads and the campground are not plowed.

Hiking

Located on the Shore-to-Shore Trail system (open to hiking and horseback riding) with direct trail access from the campground.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsExpect horse traffic and horse trailers due to equestrian focus. The water system requires a 5000-watt generator to operate the submersible pump (no on-demand electricity). Nearby state lands are open to hunting; firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling. Seasonal access may be limited because roads are not plowed.

Weather at Johnson'S Crossing Trail Camp

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 88%

Wind: 9.7 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

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Good to know

Common complaintsFew reviews; the primary complaint in available user comments is difficulty finding information about camping procedures and reservations.

Campground Map

Johnson'S Crossing Trail Camp

Driving directionsLocated 14 miles east of Gaylord via M-32 East, Wilkinson Road, Marquardt Road, Sparr Road and Johnson Crossing Grade.

Accessible from M-32 east, then local roads (Wilkinson Road, Marquardt/Marquart Road, Sparr Road and Johnson Crossing Grade).

Nearby places

Gaylord — approximately 14 miles west

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Johnson'S Crossing Trail Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Very limited user feedback available. Google reviews are positive (5-star entries) with users praising the area but noting difficulty finding information on how to camp there.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, wooded, equestrian-focused setting with direct trail access; generally favorable star ratings in sparse reviews.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This is a group/equestrian trail camp — groups should call Otsego Lake State Park at 989-732-5485 to make reservations. Bring your own power (a 5,000-watt generator is required to run the water pump)...

Based on 2 reviews