Scheck's Place Trail Camp

Welcome to Scheck's Place Trail Camp, a unique and ruggedly beautiful state forest campground located on Brown Bridge Road near Traverse City, Michigan. This isn't your typical amenity-rich RV park; instead, it offers an authentic, rustic camping experience designed to immerse you fully in the natural splendor of Northern Michigan. Scheck's Place Trail Camp is particularly renowned as a haven for equestrian campers, hikers, and ORV enthusiasts, providing unparalleled access to vast trail systems and the tranquil Boardman River. If you're a Michigander seeking a true outdoor adventure, where the focus is on nature and trail exploration, this campground is a perfect fit.

Scheck's Place Trail Camp is characterized by its open, sunny group areas surrounded by tall oaks and pines, creating a serene environment. It's a place where you can truly "take as much space as you need," fostering a sense of freedom and connection with the wilderness. While it provides essential amenities for comfortable rustic camping, its main highlight is its strategic location for accessing a diverse range of recreational activities. Whether you're planning a group outing with horses, a solo hiking trip along the North Country Trail, or an exhilarating ride on your dirt bike, Scheck's Place Trail Camp serves as an excellent basecamp for all your Michigan outdoor pursuits. It's a place where the sounds of nature, the crackle of a campfire, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers define the experience.

Scheck's Place Trail Camp is situated on Brown Bridge Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA. This location places it within a Michigan State Forest, offering a secluded and natural environment. While it provides a deep immersion into the wilderness, it also benefits from its relative proximity to Traverse City, a vibrant Northern Michigan hub. The campground is approximately 12 miles southwest of Williamsburg, accessible via Williamsburg Road, Supply Road, and Brown Bridge Road.

The accessibility of Scheck's Place Trail Camp is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. It serves as a key stop along Michigan's extensive Shore-to-Shore Riding/Hiking Trail, a remarkable 420-mile system stretching across the state from Empire to Oscoda, with additional spur trails. This direct access makes it an ideal spot for long-distance hikers and particularly for equestrian campers who utilize this vast trail network. Furthermore, the campground is adjacent to Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, offering shared access to amenities and recreational opportunities. The nearby North Country Trail also provides excellent hiking options. For those who enjoy motorsports, there are many miles of county roads and designated ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) trails in the surrounding state land, including the 63.4-mile Grand Traverse Motorcycle Trail located just a mile south. ORVs are allowed to be ridden from campsites to access these trails. Additionally, the Boardman River flows nearby, offering opportunities for fishing, paddling, and even tubing. While the immediate area provides a rustic experience, the conveniences of Traverse City, with its diverse dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, are within about an 18-minute drive. This blend of remote natural beauty and access to urban amenities makes Scheck's Place Trail Camp a strategically located hub for exploring the best of Northern Michigan's outdoors.

Services Offered:

• Vault toilets, providing basic restroom facilities for campers.
• Potable water from a hand-pump well, available for drinking and other needs.
• A submersible pump that requires a 5,000-watt generator for operation, offering an additional water source primarily for equestrian needs.
• Picnic tables at sites for convenient outdoor dining and setup.
• Fire rings at each site, ideal for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Designated group areas, especially designed for use by equestrian campers, accommodating large gatherings.
• Easily accessible parking for campers.
• No electric hookups or showers, maintaining a rustic camping environment.
• Sites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, though reservations may be recommended or required during peak season for larger groups (contacting the local forest office or Cadillac Operations Service Center for group reservations is advisable).
• Camping is typically limited to a 15-day maximum stay per site.
• One camping unit and six people are allowed per site for standard use. Group areas can accommodate up to 200 people.

Features / Highlights:

• Ideal for equestrian campers, being a designated group area and a key stop along the 420-mile Shore-to-Shore Riding/Hiking Trail.
• Extensive access to hiking trails, including the Shore-to-Shore Trail and the nearby North Country Trail.
• Excellent opportunities for ORV/ATV riding directly from the campground, with numerous county roads and designated trails in the area, including the Grand Traverse Motorcycle Trail.
• Proximity to the Boardman River, offering superb opportunities for paddling (canoeing, kayaking), fishing (a designated "Blue Ribbon trout stream"), and bird watching.
• Offers a unique rope swing in the Boardman River, a popular spot for campers.
• A quiet and secluded atmosphere, surrounded by tall oaks and pines, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
• "Take as much space as you need" approach in the trail camp section, allowing for greater privacy and flexibility for campers, especially those with horses.
• Maintained in partnership with the Michigan Trail Riders Association, ensuring well-kept trails.
• Suitable for a wide range of camping types, from tents to small trailers, particularly accommodating for those without full hookup needs.
• Accessible from the Boardman River for canoe camping, allowing for paddle-in access.
• Opportunities for hunting on accessible state land, with regulations for safety around occupied dwellings.

Contact Information:

Address: Brown Bridge Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA

General Information Phone: (231) 922-5270 (Michigan DNR - Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park Management Unit)

For large group reservations (over 6 people or multiple campgrounds on Shore-to-Shore Trail), contact the Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727, ext. 6006.

Scheck's Place Trail Camp is an outstanding option for locals in Michigan, particularly those in the Lower Peninsula, who are passionate about outdoor recreation and seek a genuine, rustic camping experience. For Michiganders who own horses, ATVs, dirt bikes, or simply love to hike and paddle, this campground serves as a highly convenient and well-situated base camp. Its direct access to the expansive Shore-to-Shore Trail system and numerous ORV routes means that locals can minimize travel time with their gear and maximize their time enjoying the vast natural playgrounds of their home state.

The unique appeal of Scheck's Place lies in its ability to cater to specific outdoor pursuits while still providing a serene environment. The opportunity to ride horses directly from your campsite onto a 420-mile trail system is a dream for Michigan's equestrian community. Similarly, ORV enthusiasts will appreciate the easy access to miles of designated trails, fostering a sense of adventure right at their doorstep. For those who prefer water-based activities, the Boardman River is a significant highlight, offering excellent fishing, paddling, and even a refreshing tube float for a hot summer day. This blend of accessible land and water recreation caters perfectly to the diverse interests of Michigan's outdoor-loving population.

Furthermore, while Scheck's Place Trail Camp offers a rustic experience with vault toilets and hand-pump water, it provides enough comfort for an authentic immersion in nature without being overly primitive. The "take as much space as you need" approach to campsites is a rare luxury that allows for true privacy and flexibility, which many Michiganders will value. Its close proximity to Traverse City means that locals can enjoy the solitude of the forest during the day and easily venture into the city for dining, shopping, or entertainment in the evening, creating a perfect balance for a local getaway. For Michigan residents who embrace the state's wild beauty and crave direct access to a multitude of recreational opportunities, Scheck's Place Trail Camp is an ideal destination for creating unforgettable outdoor memories.

Scheck's Place Trail Camp

Brown Bridge Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA