Waterloo Equestrian-Rustic

4 reviews

Approx. 8400 Loveland Road, Chelsea, Michigan

Quick Facts

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Get Directions

Waterloo Equestrian-Rustic

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee per site

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

(734) 475-8307

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadespacioussites

"Reviews describe the equestrian campground as very primitive but pleasant: shady, grassy sites with direct trail access and basic facilities. Overall reviewers praise the trails and setting but note the campground is rustic with limited amenities."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Waterloo Equestrian-Rustic

$20/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.

Best Time to Camp at Waterloo Equestrian-Rustic

Plan ahead for seasonal mosquitoes, which can be quite active during peak summer months. Bringing insect repellent for both you and your horse will help ensure a more comfortable camping experience, especially during dawn and dusk hours when these insects are most prevalent.

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

About Waterloo Equestrian-Rustic

Nestled along Loveland Road in Chelsea, Michigan, Waterloo Equestrian-Rustic Campground offers 25 spacious grassy sites designed specifically for campers traveling with their horses. Each site comes equipped with a firepit, picnic table, and picket posts, while vault toilets and solar-powered well water serve the campground—with hot showers just a short ride away at Sugarloaf Lake Campground for a small fee. Best of all, you'll have direct access to 21 miles of scenic equestrian trails right from camp, plus a convenient day-use staging area complete with mounting block and pavilion.

Equestrian, rustic campground (basic facilities) with grassy sites for campers with horses.

Historical SignificanceThe equestrian campground is maintained with the help of the Waterloo Horsemen's Association; their website and Facebook page are listed for event and volunteer information.

Weather and SeasonsPlan ahead for seasonal mosquitoes, which can be quite active during peak summer months. Bringing insect repellent for both you and your horse will help ensure a more comfortable camping experience, especially during dawn and dusk hours when these insects are most prevalent.

Natural Features and SceneryYour camping experience unfolds within a beautiful hardwood forest, part of the expansive Waterloo Recreation Area's diverse landscape of rolling glacial hills, pristine lakes, and thriving wetlands. As you explore the trail system with your horse, you'll wind through shaded forest corridors that open occasionally to reveal stunning lake views and meadow clearings—classic Michigan terrain that showcases the region's natural beauty at every turn.

Geological RegionRolling glacial hills with mixed hardwood forest, wetlands, and numerous lakes (Waterloo Recreation Area)

Campsite details

Total Campsites25 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Primarily an equestrian campground with direct access to approximately 21 miles of Waterloo's Equestrian Trails. Day‑use staging area provides a mounting block and a pavilion for gatherings and picnics; trails from camp are used for riding and multi‑day equestrian outings.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsReported issues in sources include heavy seasonal mosquitoes and bold raccoons/chipmunks that may raid trash; manure pits and dumpsters are present in rustic equestrian areas. Some sites may require leveling apparatus (per visitor review).

Weather at Waterloo Equestrian-Rustic

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 84%

Wind: 11.2 mph

Overcast

Weather History

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Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsPrimitive facilities (vault/pit toilets only), no electrical hookups, and many sites are uneven — reviewers advise bringing leveling equipment. Basic nature of the camp means limited on‑site services.

Campground Map

Approx. 8400 Loveland Road, Chelsea, Michigan

Nearby supplies

Chelsea, Michigan (nearest town for supplies and dining)

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Waterloo Equestrian-Rustic has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews describe the equestrian campground as very primitive but pleasant: shady, grassy sites with direct trail access and basic facilities. Overall reviewers praise the trails and setting but note the campground is rustic with limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Direct access to extensive equestrian trails; 25 spacious, grassy sites with shade; each site includes a firepit, picnic table and picket posts; mounting block and pavilion at the day‑use staging...

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a leveling apparatus if needed, bring provisions for primitive camping, and plan to use showers off‑site (Sugarloaf Lake Campground) if desired. Expect grassy sites where you can park anywhere...

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very primitive. But nice grounds. Plenty of shade."; "Great trails to take the horses on."; "Each site has at least 2 picket posts for your high line. No electric. Water is available via a solar...

Based on 4 reviews