Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground

For Michiganders who dream of hitting the trails with their horses or simply seek a peaceful, family-friendly camping experience surrounded by nature, Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground in Grass Lake, MI, offers an ideal retreat. Nestled in the heart of the expansive Waterloo Recreation Area, this campground provides a unique blend of horse-centric amenities and comfortable camping options, making it a standout destination for both avid equestrians and families looking to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s a place where the atmosphere is "super laid back," as one delighted visitor noted, promising a truly relaxing getaway.

Farmlane Campground stands out for its direct and easy access to the extensive trail system of the Waterloo Recreation Area. This feature is a significant draw for horse owners, who can ride directly from their campsite onto miles of scenic paths. But it’s not just for those with horses; the campground also offers amenities that cater to general campers, ensuring everyone can find their slice of Michigan paradise. From electric hookups for RVs to rustic sites for a more traditional feel, Farmlane is designed to accommodate various camping styles while maintaining a private and secluded ambiance.

With a history spanning over 20 years, Farmlane Campground has cultivated a reputation for being a welcoming and well-maintained establishment. The owners, Donny and Debi, are known for their friendly and reasonable approach, dedicated to ensuring every guest has a great stay. Whether you're planning a weekend of horseback riding, a week-long family vacation filled with hiking and fishing, or simply a quiet escape surrounded by nature, Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories in beautiful Grass Lake, Michigan.

Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground is conveniently located at 8020 Clear Lake Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240, USA. This prime address places it squarely within the vast and picturesque Waterloo Recreation Area, one of Michigan's largest state parks. Its position offers excellent accessibility for Michiganders from various parts of the state. For those traveling on I-94, the campground is easily found approximately 3.8 miles north of Exit 153 on Clear Lake Road, with the entrance on the right (east side) of the road, just a quarter-mile south of Loveland Road.

This strategic location ensures that Farmlane is a manageable drive from major metropolitan areas such as Ann Arbor (around 22 minutes), Jackson (around 21 minutes), and even Lansing (around 46 minutes). This means less time spent on the road and more time enjoying your camping adventure. The clear directions and proximity to a major interstate make it simple to navigate, even for those pulling horse trailers or larger RVs.

A key aspect of its accessibility for equestrians is its direct connection to the horse trails. As mentioned in reviews and confirmed by the campground, it's located "a half mile north of the trailhead of the 25+ mile riding trail located on Loveland Road," with "direct trail access, by a connecting trail." This immediate access is invaluable for horse owners, allowing them to ride out onto the extensive network of trails within the Waterloo Recreation Area without having to trailer their horses to a separate trailhead. This combination of easy road access and direct trail access makes Farmlane an exceptionally convenient choice for both family campers and equestrian enthusiasts in Michigan.

Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities specifically designed to cater to both equestrian and general family campers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay:

• Electric Campsites: The campground provides sites with electric hookups for campers and RVs, offering the convenience of power for various needs. (Rates around $35/night for electric/water sites).
• Rustic Campsites: For those preferring a more traditional, off-grid camping experience, rustic sites are also available, which typically include water and picket sites. (Rates around $22/night for rustic/water/picket sites).
• Potable Water: Accessible potable water is available for drinking and general use throughout the campground, with water hookups at electric sites and central hydrants for rustic sites.
• Non-Potable Water/Wash Stations: Crucially for equestrians, non-potable water and wash stations are available directly next to individual metal gate pens, allowing for quick washing of horses without needing separate tie-out areas.
• Horse Pens/Picket Sites: A standout service for equestrians, the campground offers individual metal gate pens for horses, providing a secure and comfortable enclosure. Picket sites are also available for tethering. (Additional cost of $7.5/night/horse for pens).
• Manure Area and Wheelbarrow: A designated manure disposal area with a wheelbarrow is provided, ensuring proper waste management and keeping the campground clean.
• Public Restrooms: Clean public restrooms are available for all campers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Campfire Sites/Fire Rings: Individual campfire sites with fire rings are provided at each campsite for enjoyable evenings around a blaze.
• Outdoor Arena: An outdoor arena is available on-site, offering a space for riding, training, or equestrian events.
• Sanitary Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVs.
• Pond for Fishing & Swimming: The campground features a pond for catch-and-release fishing and swimming (note: no lifeguard on duty).

The campground emphasizes a well-maintained environment, ensuring these services are clean and functional for all guests.

Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground is celebrated for its distinctive features and highlights that cater exceptionally well to both equestrian and general camping enthusiasts in Michigan:

• Direct Trail Access for Horses: A premier highlight is the immediate, direct access to over 20 miles of scenic horse trails within the Waterloo Recreation Area. This allows riders to seamlessly transition from their campsite to the vast network of bridle paths without having to trailer their horses. As a reviewer noted, "Easy access to the trails."
• Equestrian-Specific Amenities: Beyond just trail access, the thoughtful inclusion of individual metal gate pens, water hookups right next to pens for washing horses, and a dedicated manure area with a wheelbarrow demonstrates the campground's deep understanding of and commitment to horse owners' needs.
• Shaded Campsites: The presence of "maple trees throughout site, 10 years old, great shade" provides natural cooling and a pleasant ambiance, enhancing the camping experience, especially during warmer Michigan days.
• Private and Secluded Atmosphere: Despite offering various amenities, the campground maintains a "very private and secluded" feel, contributing to a truly "laid back" and quiet environment, as praised by visitors. This offers a peaceful escape from daily life.
• Family-Friendly Environment: While specializing in equestrian facilities, Farmlane is explicitly a "Family Campground" offering activities like swimming and fishing in the pond, making it suitable for all members of the family, even those without horses.
• Outdoor Arena: The on-site outdoor arena provides a valuable space for equestrians to exercise their horses or engage in various equestrian activities without leaving the campground.
• Proximity to Waterloo Recreation Area: Being within Michigan's largest state park means campers have access to even more extensive recreational opportunities, including additional hiking and biking trails, numerous lakes for fishing and paddling, and abundant wildlife viewing.
• Friendly and Reasonable Owners: Customers consistently highlight the "friendly and reasonable" owner, Donny, contributing to a welcoming and positive experience for all guests.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviews often mention the campground being "well maintained," ensuring a clean and pleasant environment for campers.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground, you can reach out directly using the following contact details:

• Address: 8020 Clear Lake Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240, USA
• Phone: (734) 260-9009
• Mobile Phone: +1 734-260-9009 (This appears to be the same number for general calls).
• Email: farmlanecampground@gmail.com or farmlanecampground@yahoo.com (It's advisable to try both if one doesn't yield a response, but the Gmail address is often more current).

The campground's website (waterloofarmlanecampground.com) is also a valuable resource for updated information on pricing, availability, and specific rules. It's always recommended to contact them directly, especially for serious reservations or inquiries about specific site types and horse accommodations.

For Michigan residents, Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground in Grass Lake represents an outstanding choice for an outdoor getaway, particularly for those who cherish both their families and their horses. Its location within the vast Waterloo Recreation Area means it's incredibly accessible from major metropolitan areas across Southeast Michigan, allowing for quick, convenient trips that maximize your leisure time and minimize travel hassle. This ease of access makes it ideal for weekend escapes or even longer family vacations without requiring extensive journeys.

The campground's unique blend of family-friendly amenities and specialized equestrian facilities truly sets it apart for locals. Horse owners can delight in the direct trail access to over 20 miles of scenic bridle paths, along with dedicated pens, water hookups for horses, and manure disposal areas – all designed to make traveling with horses as seamless and enjoyable as possible. This level of accommodation for equestrians is a significant draw for Michigan's vibrant horse community.

Beyond the equestrian focus, the campground's general features, such as electric sites, clean restrooms, shaded pitches under mature maple trees, and a pond for swimming and fishing, cater to all campers seeking a comfortable and engaging experience. The "super laid back" and "very private and secluded" atmosphere, as praised by visitors, ensures a truly relaxing environment where families can unwind, reconnect with nature, and create cherished memories. The friendly and reasonable management further enhances the positive experience, making guests feel welcome and valued.

In essence, Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground offers a perfect balance of rustic charm and essential comforts, providing a specialized yet inclusive camping experience right in the heart of Michigan. It's a testament to the diverse outdoor recreational opportunities available within our state, making it an ideal choice for any local looking for an enriching and convenient outdoor adventure.

Farmlane Equestrian & Family Campground

8020 Clear Lake Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240, USA