River Road Trail Horse Camp

Hello, fellow Michiganders and outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for an authentic, rugged, and expansive camping experience deeply connected to Michigan's incredible trail systems, then River Road Trail Horse Camp in Oscoda Township is a destination you need to know. More than just a campground, this spot is primarily designed for equestrian campers and hikers exploring the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail, a 420-mile system stretching across our beautiful state. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. While it embraces a rustic approach to amenities, it provides an unparalleled sense of space and direct access to stunning woodlands and trails. This overview is tailored for you, our local Michigan users, to highlight everything that makes River Road Trail Horse Camp a standout choice for those seeking a true wilderness adventure, whether on horseback or on foot.

River Road Trail Horse Camp is nestled in Oscoda Township, MI 48750, USA, within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests. This location is a prime spot for anyone looking to truly get away and connect with Michigan's wild side. To reach the campground from Oscoda, you'll travel west on River Road for about 11 miles, then turn left and head south on Forest Road 4411 for less than half a mile; the site will be on your left. Alternatively, from I-75 North, you can exit onto US-23 North, travel through Standish towards Tawas, turn west (left) onto M-65 North, then right onto River Road for approximately 7 miles, before turning south (right) on USFS Rd 4411. While some access gates may be closed seasonally (e.g., in October), indicating a more rugged experience, the primary access routes are well-known and lead you into the heart of a beautiful, woodsy environment. Its integration with the Shore-to-Shore Trail means unparalleled access for equestrian riders and hikers, positioning it as a fantastic base for exploring vast stretches of Michigan's diverse terrain.

River Road Trail Horse Camp offers a set of services that cater to its rustic nature and its primary users – equestrian campers and hikers. It's important to note that this is a state forest campground, meaning the amenities are more basic, focusing on natural immersion rather than luxury.

• Spacious Group Camping Area: The campground features a large open group camping area, capable of accommodating up to 200 individuals or 50 vehicles, making it ideal for larger groups or gatherings of trail riders.
• Tent and Trailer Accommodation: The facility is designed to accommodate both tents and trailers, providing flexibility for various camping setups.
• Vault Toilets: Rustic vault toilets (also known as pit potties) are available. While basic, efforts are made to keep them as clean as possible for user comfort.
• Potable Water (Hand Pump/Generator Dependent): Drinking water is available from a hand-pump well. Notably, some sources indicate a submersible water pump that requires a 5,000-watt generator for operation, meaning campers should come prepared with their own power source if they intend to use this feature.
• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are scattered throughout the site, providing convenient surfaces for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Rings: Each site typically includes a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy campfires responsibly.
• One-Way Route Driveway: The camp features a one-way route driveway, designed to manage internal traffic efficiently and ensure smooth movement within the large camping area.
• Year-Round Operation (with seasonal considerations): The campground is open all year. However, it's important to note that during winter, the campground and seasonal roads are not plowed, requiring suitable vehicles and preparedness for snow camping.

River Road Trail Horse Camp boasts several key features and highlights that make it a truly unique and appealing destination for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast in Michigan.

• Direct Access to Shore-to-Shore Trail: This is arguably the most significant highlight. The campground serves as a primary access point for the Shore-to-Shore Trail, a 420-mile trail system open to hiking and horseback riding, offering endless opportunities for exploration.
• Equestrian Focus: Specifically designed for horse campers, it provides ample space for trailers and horses, making it an ideal hub for Michigan's vibrant equestrian community. While corrals and hitching rails are not typically provided directly at sites, the overall infrastructure supports horse camping.
• Rustic, Woodsy Experience: The campground offers a genuinely "beautiful woodsy experience," providing a deep immersion into nature with its setting amongst oaks and jack pines within the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
• Abundant Space: Reviewers note "a LOT of space inside the camp," indicating generous site sizes and a less crowded feel, even for large groups.
• Trail Maintenance (Blue Flags for Obstructions): The presence of "blue flags well placed to get around any obstruction" on trails (like fallen trees) suggests a level of dedication to trail maintenance and user experience, even in a rustic setting.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites (No Reservations for single sites): Most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing for spontaneous trips (though group sites may require reservations).
• Hunting Access: The campground provides access to state land open to hunting, appealing to sportsmen and women.
• Paddling Access to Manistee River: A small staircase provides carry-in access for paddle sports on the Manistee River, making it attractive for canoeists and kayakers.
• Winter Camping Opportunities: The year-round operation allows for unique winter camping, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing experiences, though without plowed roads.

For inquiries regarding River Road Trail Horse Camp, especially for group site reservations or general information, you can contact the managing authority:

Address: Oscoda Township, MI 48750, USA (This general address refers to the township where it's located. For more specific inquiries, contacting the managing office is best.)

Phone: (989) 739-0728 (Huron Shores Ranger Station - USDA Forest Service, which operates this area)

Mobile Phone: +1 989-739-0728 (Same as above)

For us Michiganders, River Road Trail Horse Camp offers a compelling and highly suitable option for those truly seeking an immersive outdoor adventure, especially if you're an equestrian enthusiast or a dedicated hiker. It's suitable for locals for several key reasons, beginning with its direct integration into the iconic Shore-to-Shore Trail system, providing unparalleled access to hundreds of miles of riding and hiking opportunities right here in our state. The sheer "LOT of space inside the camp" ensures a less crowded, more peaceful experience, allowing for true relaxation amidst the "beautiful woodsy experience" of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. While it is a rustic campground, the presence of vault toilets and potable water (with generator requirement for the submersible pump) provides essential basic amenities. Its year-round accessibility, even in winter (for those prepared for unplowed roads), extends the adventure season, offering unique opportunities for cold-weather camping and exploration. For Michigan residents who value vast open spaces, direct access to significant trail systems, and a genuine, no-frills connection with nature, River Road Trail Horse Camp is an outstanding choice that truly embodies the adventurous spirit of our state. It's a place to escape, explore, and enjoy the wild beauty of Michigan.

River Road Trail Horse Camp

Oscoda Township, MI 48750, USA