There are more than 1,000 miles of state-designated trails open to equestrian riders and 20 plus equestrian-friendly campgrounds located in many Michigan state parks and state forests. Riding stables are available in a handful of southeastern state parks, which offer horse rentals.
- DNR - Horseback Riding
- View DNR map of designated equestrian trails and campgrounds
- http://michiganhorsetrails.com Comprehensive guide to all trails and public/private campgrounds.
State parks with equestrian trails and amenities
- Bass River Recreation Area – 3 miles of trails are shared with mountain bikes and hikers
- Brighton Recreation Area – 19 miles of trails, riding rentals, a stable, equestrian camping and a staging area
- Fort Custer Recreation Area – 19.1 miles of trails are shared with hiker
- William Field Memorial Hart Montague Trail State Park – 4 miles of trails from mile marker 16 to 20
- Highland Recreation Area – 14.9 miles of trails, riding rentals, a stable and equestrian camping
- Ionia Recreation Area – 15 miles of trails and equestrian camping
- Kal-Haven Trail State Park – 8 miles of trails shared with bikes and hikers
- Maybury State Park – 11 miles of bridle trails, riding rentals and a stable
- Ortonville Recreation Area – 8.5 miles of trails and equestrian camping
- Pinckney Recreation Area – 13 miles of trails, a staging area and a stable
- Pontiac Lake Recreation Area – 17 miles of trails, equestrian camping, riding rentals and a stable
- Proud Lake Recreation Area – 9.5 miles of equestrian/mountain bike trail
- Rockport Recreation Area – 9.2 miles of trails open to equestrians
- Sleepy Hollow State Park – 12.9 miles of trails
- Van Buren Trail State Park – 13 miles of trails
- Waterloo Recreation Area – 17 miles of trails, riding rentals and equestrian camping
- Yankee Springs Recreation Area –10 miles of trails and equestrian camping
Equestrian-friendly campgrounds:
- 4 Mile Trail Camp
- Big Oaks State Forest Campground
- Black Lake Trail Camp
- Brighton-Equestrian
- Cedar River North State Forest Campground
- Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp
- Garey Lake Trail Camp
- Goose Creek Trail Camp
- Headquarters Lake State Forest Campground
- Highland-Rustic and Equestrian
- Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp
- Ionia Equestrian-Rustic
- Johnsons Crossing Trail Camp
- Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
- Ortonville-Equestrian
- Pontiac-Equestrian
- Rapid River Trail Camp
- Scheck’s Place Trail Camp
- Stoney Creek Trail Camp
- Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp
- Waterloo-Equestrian
- Yankee Springs-Equestrian
Riding stables with rentals
Riding stables that offer rentals are available in a handful of southeastern Michigan state parks. These facilities are privately operated so prices, hours and regulations will vary by location. The stables include:
Riding stables that offer rentals are available in a handful of southeastern Michigan state parks. These facilities are privately operated so prices, hours and regulations will vary by location. The stables include:
- Horse N Around Riding Stable at Waterloo
- Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stables
- Maybury Riding Stable
Volunteer efforts
Many dedicated volunteers help maintain equestrian trails, plan special events and organize clean-up efforts. Michigan state parks are self-supporting and rely on user fees and dedicated volunteers to help protect and preserve these scenic areas. Consider joining the efforts of these important partners:
Please follow all rules! If you have questions about trail etiquette, find your answers here.
Many dedicated volunteers help maintain equestrian trails, plan special events and organize clean-up efforts. Michigan state parks are self-supporting and rely on user fees and dedicated volunteers to help protect and preserve these scenic areas. Consider joining the efforts of these important partners:
- Brighton Trail Riders Association
- Fort Custer Horse Friends Association
- Highland Trail Riders Association
- Maybury Trail Riders Association
- Ortonville Recreation Equestrian Association
- Pinckney Trail Riders Association
- Proud Lake Trail Riders Association
- Shiawassee Trail Riders Association
Please follow all rules! If you have questions about trail etiquette, find your answers here.