Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

1 review

Quick Facts

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$15 per night for 1–6 people. Scraped notes also list group rates: $6 per person per night if camping with a horse or $15 per night for a group of 6...

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

(231) 436-5381

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

1 Google reviews

"Very few published reviews; the main comment notes a long drive on rough roads to reach the campground."

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Fees & Passes at Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

$15/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 Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Walsh Road welcomes visitors year-round, offering distinctly different experiences as northern Michigan's dramatic seasons unfold. Summer brings warm days perfect for trail riding, while fall transforms the forest into a tapestry of color. Winter adventurers should come prepared: the seasonal access roads aren't maintained for snow, so you'll need a capable vehicle and cold-weather gear to reach this frost-covered wonderland. Each season rewards those willing to venture into this remote corner of Michigan's backcountry.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

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 access roads are not plowed in winter.

About Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Escape to Walsh Road Equestrian, a hidden gem nestled in towering jack pines where the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail passes right through camp. This rustic, no-frills campground welcomes self-sufficient equestrians and adventurers seeking solitude far from the crowds—just you, your horse, and miles of pristine Michigan forest.

Rustic state forest equestrian campground that accommodates tents and trailers. First-come, first-served; group campsite rates and a maximum capacity are listed.

Weather and SeasonsWalsh Road welcomes visitors year-round, offering distinctly different experiences as northern Michigan's dramatic seasons unfold. Summer brings warm days perfect for trail riding, while fall transforms the forest into a tapestry of color. Winter adventurers should come prepared: the seasonal access roads aren't maintained for snow, so you'll need a capable vehicle and cold-weather gear to reach this frost-covered wonderland. Each season rewards those willing to venture into this remote corner of Michigan's backcountry.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking beneath a canopy of fragrant jack pines, their needles filtering the morning sun into soft, dappled light. The campground's secluded forest setting creates a peaceful sanctuary where the only sounds are birdsong and wind through the trees. Step directly from your site onto the renowned Shore-to-Shore Trail, your gateway to exploring thousands of acres of undeveloped state forest—whether you're saddling up for a day ride or lacing your boots for a backcountry hike, endless trails await just beyond your tent.

Geological RegionJack pine forest in northern Lower Michigan (Grayling area); sandy, relatively flat state forest terrain

Campsite details

Total Campsites2 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal access roads 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

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Equestrian-focused campground adjacent to the Shore-to-Shore Trail; supports horseback riding, hiking and provides access to surrounding state forest (including areas open to hunting). Winter camping is allowed though seasonal roads are not plowed.

Hiking

Located adjacent to the 420-mile Shore-to-Shore Trail, offering immediate hiking access.

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsRemote location with limited or no cell service reported; access via rough, unplowed seasonal roads. Surrounding state forest is open to hunting in season. Water from the submersible pump requires a 5000-watt generator to operate (plan water accordingly).

Weather at Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 86%

Wind: 8.9 mph

Overcast

Weather History

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Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsRemote access and rough/long access road.

Campground Map

Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Driving directionsLocated about 21.4 miles northwest of Mio via M-33 North, West Miller Road and Walsh Road. Also described as about 24 miles east of Grayling via North Down River Road and Walsh Road. Access involves rough, unpaved seasonal roads.

Accessible from M-33 via West Miller Road and Walsh Road (or from Grayling via North Down River Road and Walsh Road). Roads are rough and seasonal and are not plowed in winter.

Nearby places

Mio — ~21.4 miles

Grayling — ~24 miles