South Branch Trail Camp for the Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail

south branch campground

Hey there, fellow Michigan outdoor enthusiasts and trail lovers! If your perfect getaway involves wide-open spaces, the serene rhythm of hooves on a trail, or the peaceful crunch of leaves underfoot, then South Branch Trail Camp for the Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail in Hale, Michigan, is a destination you simply must experience. Nestled deep within the magnificent Huron-Manistee National Forests, this campground offers a unique blend of quiet seclusion and direct access to one of our state's most iconic long-distance trails. For those of us who call Michigan home and cherish genuine outdoor adventures, particularly with our equine companions or just on foot, South Branch Trail Camp stands out as an exceptional choice.

South Branch Trail Camp isn't just any campground; it's a dedicated hub for those who love to explore Michigan’s vast wilderness on horseback or by foot. While it's primarily known as an equestrian campground, welcoming campers with horses, it also extends a warm invitation to all nature lovers. Imagine spacious, grassy sites where you can truly spread out, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of oak and pine forests. This is a place where the sounds of the city are replaced by the rustle of leaves and the gentle snorts of horses, offering a truly peaceful and restorative experience. The consistent praise from visitors about its quiet atmosphere, the immense size of the sites, and the surprising cleanliness of the facilities all point to a well-managed and cherished outdoor haven. Even during peak times like the 4th of July, it's known for maintaining its quiet charm, making it a rare find for those seeking genuine tranquility.

In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at what makes South Branch Trail Camp such a compelling choice for Michigan locals. We'll delve into its picturesque location and how easily you can access it, detail the extensive services and key features that set it apart, and provide all the essential contact information you’ll need to plan your visit. We'll also highlight why this particular spot is perfectly suited for residents looking to unplug, embrace their love for trails, and immerse themselves in the unadulterated beauty of Michigan's forests and rivers. Get ready to discover your next favorite trailside escape!

South Branch Trail Camp for the Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail is ideally situated on Rollway Rd, Hale, MI 48739, USA. This location places it in Iosco County, deep within the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Michigan’s northeast Lower Peninsula. For us Michiganders, this area is a well-known outdoor playground, offering vast stretches of forest, picturesque rivers, and expansive trail systems.

Accessibility to South Branch Trail Camp is straightforward. If you're traveling from the south, you can take US-23 North to M-65, continue on M-65 North through Hale, and then turn north onto Rollway Road for approximately 3 miles until you reach the campground entrance. From Tawas, you can travel west on M-55 for about 14.7 miles, then turn right onto M-65 North for 14 miles, and finally turn left onto Rollway Road for 3 miles. The site will be on your right. Its position directly on the 240-mile Michigan Shore-to-Shore Horseback Riding and Hiking Trail is its most significant accessibility feature, making it a prime staging point for long-distance rides or hikes across the state. The campground is adjacent to the South Branch River and not far from the famous Au Sable River, offering scenic beauty and additional recreational opportunities. While it feels wonderfully secluded, it's also within a short drive of the magnificent Lake Huron to the east and under an hour from communities like Tawas City, providing a perfect balance of wilderness and convenience. The ample parking capacity (up to 65 vehicles) makes it easy for groups, especially those with horse trailers, to access and settle in, reinforcing its suitability as a true trail camp for Michigan adventurers.

• Spacious Campsites: The campground offers 21 single sites and one large group site. Single sites are generally first-come, first-served, while the group site (accommodating 30-250 people) requires reservations. Sites are noted as "huge and mostly grassy," providing ample space for tents, small campers, and horse setups.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities consist of vault toilets, which are consistently praised by reviewers for being remarkably clean, often "cleaner than most."
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available through a hand pump at single sites. For the group site, an electric water pump is available, though campers need to furnish a 5,000-watt generator to operate it.
• Picket Posts: As an equestrian campground, picket posts are available for horses, a crucial amenity for riders.
• Garbage Bins: A garbage bin is provided for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.
• Day-Use Horse Parking Area: The group site features a dedicated day-use horse parking area, enhancing convenience for equestrians.
• Direct Trail Access: The camp offers direct access to the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Horseback Riding and Hiking Trail, providing immediate entry to hundreds of miles of multi-use trails.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is open seasonally, typically from early May to mid-September, with the group site requiring reservations during this period.

• Peaceful and Secluded Atmosphere: Despite being a trail camp, visitors consistently describe South Branch as very "quiet and peaceful," even on busy holiday weekends. Its secluded location within the national forest ensures a tranquil escape.
• Ideal for Equestrians and Hikers: Its primary highlight is direct access to the 240-mile Michigan Shore-to-Shore Horseback Riding and Hiking Trail. This makes it a perfect base for extended equestrian adventures or long-distance hiking trips.
• Huge, Grassy Sites: Campers appreciate the exceptionally large, grassy sites that offer plenty of room to spread out, ensuring privacy and comfort.
• Clean Facilities: The cleanliness of the vault toilets is a frequently mentioned positive, a testament to the diligent maintenance and care provided.
• Beautiful Trails: The surrounding trails are noted for their beauty, offering diverse terrain through oak and pine forests, perfect for exploration.
• Adjacent to South Branch River: The campground's proximity to the South Branch River, a brown trout stream, offers additional scenic beauty and fishing opportunities. It is also near the Au Sable River.
• Flexible Booking (Single Sites): The first-come, first-served nature of single sites allows for spontaneous trips, catering to Michigan's flexible outdoor culture.
• Spacious Parking: A large parking capacity (up to 65 vehicles) is ideal for those with horse trailers or larger groups.
• Opportunity to Unplug: The rustic nature of the camp, without electric hookups at single sites, encourages campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural environment.
• Close to Lake Huron: The magnificent Lake Huron is only a short drive east, offering opportunities for larger lake recreation.

To plan your visit to South Branch Trail Camp or for inquiries about its services, please use the following contact details:

Address: Rollway Rd, Hale, MI 48739, USA

Phone: (989) 739-0728 (Huron Shores Ranger Station)

Mobile Phone: +1 989-739-0728 (Huron Shores Ranger Station)

For reservations for the group site (required from Mid-May to Mid-September), you can visit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Single sites are first-come, first-served. It's always advisable to contact the Huron Shores Ranger Station for the most current information on fees, operational hours, and any alerts.

For us Michiganders, South Branch Trail Camp for the Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail is an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination, perfectly aligning with our state’s rich outdoor heritage and our desire for authentic, tranquil experiences.

Firstly, its prime location within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, near Hale, makes it conveniently accessible from many parts of the Lower Peninsula. This means less time on the road and more time enjoying the vast wilderness that Michigan proudly offers. The feeling of being "almost empty" and "very quiet and peaceful," even on a bustling holiday like the 4th of July, is a huge draw for locals seeking genuine escape from crowded venues. We appreciate a campground where peace reigns, and the natural sounds of the forest are the only soundtrack.

What truly sets South Branch Trail Camp apart for Michigan locals, especially those with an affinity for horses, is its direct integration with the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail. This isn't just a campground near a trail; it IS a trailhead, providing immediate access to hundreds of miles of riding and hiking opportunities. For equestrian enthusiasts, the availability of picket posts and a dedicated day-use horse parking area is a game-changer, making it incredibly convenient to embark on adventures. Even for non-equestrians, the "beautiful trails" right at our doorstep offer endless possibilities for exploration and connection with nature.

The practical aspects also contribute significantly to its appeal. The "huge and mostly grassy" sites offer ample space and privacy, allowing us to truly relax and spread out, a luxury often rare in more commercial campgrounds. And who doesn't appreciate "clean pot bathrooms"? This attention to cleanliness, even in a rustic setting, is a testament to the care put into maintaining the camp. While we are warned about mosquitoes, that's often a small price to pay for the beauty of a riverside Michigan wilderness. South Branch Trail Camp provides an authentic, high-quality, and serene outdoor experience that celebrates Michigan’s natural beauty and trail culture, making it an ideal "go-to" spot for any local looking to unwind and embark on a memorable adventure.

South Branch Trail Camp for the Shore to Shore Horseback and Hiking Trail

Rollway Rd, Hale, MI 48739, USA