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.
This sign is the new standard sign to be used on all trails.