Hungerford Group Camp

For our fellow Michiganders who cherish the great outdoors, especially those with a passion for horseback riding, hiking, or mountain biking, Hungerford Group Camp in Paris, Michigan, offers an exceptional and highly sought-after camping experience. Nestled within the expansive Manistee National Forest, this campground is not just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to over 6,500 acres of stunning public land, featuring a vast network of multi-use trails. It's truly a gem for groups and families looking for a dedicated space to enjoy Michigan's diverse natural landscapes.

Hungerford Group Camp is particularly renowned within the equestrian community, serving as a fantastic base camp for accessing over 50 miles of marked horse trails. However, its appeal extends far beyond riders, with separate, clearly marked trails available for mountain bikers and hikers. The thoughtful design caters to a variety of outdoor activities, ensuring that everyone can find their adventure while respecting different trail uses. This dedicated group camp allows larger gatherings to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the forest together, making it ideal for family reunions, club outings, or simply a larger gathering of friends looking to escape the everyday. The balance of seclusion with convenient access to amenities and extensive trails makes it a prime choice for Michigan locals seeking a memorable group outdoor experience.

Hungerford Group Camp is located at P98F+WP, Paris, MI 49338, USA, within the Huron-Manistee National Forests. This placement in Mecosta County, near the charming community of Paris, provides a relatively accessible yet wonderfully secluded setting for campers. For those driving from various parts of Michigan, the campground can be reached by taking M-20 west from Big Rapids for about 8.5 miles to Cypress Ave, then heading north on Cypress Ave for 0.5 miles. A right turn onto Hungerford Lake Drive for another 0.5 miles, followed by a 2-mile journey north on Forest Road 5134, will lead you directly to the group campsite.

Its location within a National Forest means you're surrounded by protected natural beauty, offering an authentic wilderness feel. Despite this immersion, the campground is strategically located to allow for relatively easy access for large vehicles and horse trailers, which is crucial for its primary users. The proximity to Paris also means that essential supplies or a quick visit to a local eatery are not out of reach, providing a good balance between rustic camping and convenience. This accessibility for larger groups and specialized equipment makes Hungerford Group Camp a practical and highly desirable destination for many Michigan outdoor enthusiasts.

Hungerford Group Camp offers a focused set of services designed specifically for larger groups and equestrian campers, enhancing their stay within the Manistee National Forest. These amenities cater to the unique needs of group and horse-friendly camping.

Services Offered:

• Large Group Campsites: The group campground features a capacity for up to 64 people, with each of the 8 individual sites accommodating 1 horse trailer, 2 vehicles, and 8 people, making it ideal for large gatherings.
• Electrical Hookups: Many sites within the group camp (and potentially some individual sites) are equipped with 30 AMP RV hookups, providing comfort in a rustic setting.
• Water Access: While potable water may require a 5,000-watt generator for group sites, there are shared water spigots across the property for convenience. Water is also available for horses at all campgrounds.
• Toilets: Restroom facilities are available, typically described as rustic toilets or outhouses, aligning with the National Forest camping experience.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite comes with a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for meals and campfires under the stars. Firewood is often available for use.
• Horse Tie-Out Areas and Trailer Parking: Crucial for equestrian campers, the sites are designed to accommodate horse trailers and provide areas for tying out horses.
• Community Fire Pit: A large central fire pit offers a gathering space for stories and s'mores, fostering a communal atmosphere.
• Heated Outdoor Shower: A notable amenity mentioned by visitors is a heated outdoor shower, a welcome comfort after a day on the trails.
• Sanitation: Manure pits are available for equestrian campers, and general trash disposal facilities are present.

Hungerford Group Camp is celebrated for its unique features and highlights, particularly its extensive trail system and dedication to equestrian and non-motorized recreation, making it a standout destination for Michigan outdoor lovers.

Features / Highlights:

• Extensive Multi-Use Trail System: The campground provides direct access to over 50 miles of marked trails within the Hungerford Recreation Area. These trails are specifically designated for horseback riding (blue diamonds with horses), mountain biking (blue diamonds with bike symbols), and hiking, offering diverse opportunities for exploration.
• Secluded and Private Sites: Reviews emphasize the privacy of the sites, with many campers noting they felt "very secluded" and enjoyed a "very quiet" environment, perfect for true nature lovers.
• Horse-Friendly Infrastructure: As an "Equestrian Group Campsite," it features large, flat sites with ample room for horse trailers and portable corrals, along with specific amenities like manure pits and water for horses, making it an ideal choice for horse owners.
• Balance of Rustic & Comfort: Campers appreciate the blend of remote wilderness with essential amenities like electricity and an outdoor heated shower, offering a comfortable experience without sacrificing the natural setting.
• Wildlife Viewing: The heavily wooded acres within the Manistee National Forest offer abundant opportunities to observe local wildlife, including wild turkey families and even black bears (as noted by a reviewer).
• "You Are Here" Maps: To aid navigation on the extensive trail system, "You Are Here" maps are located at every trail junction, ensuring visitors can confidently explore.
• Proximity to Lakes: Although horses are not allowed in or around them, several small lakes like Hungerford Lake, Toogood Lake, and Mud Lake are nearby, offering opportunities for fishing (bass, pike, panfish) and boating with a public boat ramp at Hungerford Lake.
• Stargazing: The remote location with considerable tree cover provides fantastic opportunities for stargazing, with clear views of the night sky.
• Managed by US Forest Service & HTRA: The Hungerford Recreation Area is operated by the Huron-Manistee National Forest, with trails maintained in conjunction with the Hungerford Trail Riders Association (HTRA), indicating dedicated care for the facilities.

For reservations, detailed inquiries, or the most current information regarding Hungerford Group Camp, please use the following contact details. Group site reservations are often required and can be made through the recreation.gov website or by phone.

Contact Information:

Address: P98F+WP, Paris, MI 49338, USA (Note: Official Forest Service address often listed as Forest Road 5134, Big Rapids, MI 49307)

Phone: For campground inquiries, please call the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station and District at (231) 745-4631. This number is typically the most direct contact for operations within this section of the Huron-Manistee National Forests and specifically for Hungerford. For reservations, use the national reservation line at 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov.

In conclusion, Hungerford Group Camp in Paris, Michigan, stands as an unparalleled destination for Michigan locals, particularly those who seek a group-friendly and trail-oriented outdoor experience. Its strategic location within the Manistee National Forest provides immediate access to over 50 miles of diverse trails, making it a prime hub for equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers alike. The thoughtful amenities, including electrical hookups and heated showers, balance the rustic charm of forest camping with essential comforts, ensuring a pleasant stay for all. For larger gatherings, families, or clubs, the spacious and private group sites offer an ideal setting to create lasting memories amidst Michigan's stunning natural beauty. Hungerford Group Camp is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant recreational area that truly embodies the active and communal spirit of Michigan's outdoor culture, making it an exceptionally suitable and beloved choice for locals.

Hungerford Group Camp

P98F+WP, Paris, MI 49338, USA