How much does camping cost at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp?

Camping fees at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp range from $6/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp before I book?

Yes! Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp?

Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp is open Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads 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 Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp?

Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp?

Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp?

Popular activities at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp

4 reviews

Featured in:Group Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,079 ft

Price

$6/night

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

1,079 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR Set up a cancellation alert

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

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Michigan

Provider

(989) 732-5485

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 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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Campground Map

Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp

45.0447, -84.4077

Nearby places

Gaylord — approximately 14 miles west

Best Time to Camp at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp

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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer cited as best riding season; trails dry and pump functional.

Planning Tips

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

About Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp

Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp sits deep in Pigeon River Country State Forest, built for equestrian groups riding Michigan's Shore-to-Shore Trail. The rustic camp accommodates up to 100 riders and horses with tent and small trailer sites, vault toilets, and a submersible water pump. Reservations run through Otsego Lake State Park at 989-732-5485. Nightly fee is $6.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a wooded stretch of Pigeon River Country at 1,079 feet elevation, with a canopy of tall trees and minimal development. It's a quiet, remote setting where trail access matters more than scenery. Riders use this as a basecamp for the Shore-to-Shore network, which threads through northern Lower Peninsula forest. The area feels authentically backcountry. No lawns, no polish, just trees and trails.

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

Scenic ViewsWooded, forested surroundings within Pigeon River Country State Forest; secluded trail-camp setting.

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Amenities available

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.

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExpect 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.

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.

Weather at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp

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

0.0

4 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 4 reviews

What Campers Love

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

Based on 4 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 4 reviews

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Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground

Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground sits between Town Corner Lake and the Black River in Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest, about 18 miles west of Vanderbilt. The 12-site campground operates first-come, first-served and offers hand-pump well water and vault toilets. Reviewers consistently rate it highly for seclusion and lake access, though the remote location and basic facilities aren't for everyone.