Elk Hill Equestrian River Trail Campground

This peaceful, wooded equestrian campground is located along a bluff overlooking the majestic Pigeon River. It is shaded by hardwoods within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. There are 11 sites, six of which will accommodate a 40-ft vehicle. Sites 4 and 11 are "buddy" sites, allowing two camping units on one of the sites, when both are rented. Only one camping unit is allowed on all other sites. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table and picket posts. Campground amenities include an accessible mounting block and manure bunkers. The campground is located 14 miles east of Vanderbilt via East Sturgeon Valley Road, Witness Tree Road and Twin Lakes Road. All 11 sites can be reserved through the Central Reservation System (on-line or by phone). Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Elk Hill Equestrian River Campground is intended to be used by those camping with horses. Options for those camping with horses are limited in the Pigeon River Country, so equestrians rely heavily upon this campground. If you are not camping with horses, please consider staying in another state forest campground.

This state forest campground is a stop along the Shore-to-Shore Trail, a 420-mile trail system open to hiking and horseback riding, that stretches east-west from Empire to Oscoda with two additional northern and southern spur trails. The Michigan Trail Riders Association assists with maintenance of the trail.

Ride on designated trails only

The DNR, PRC Equestrian Council and the PRC Advisory Council are working together to provide increased equestrian access within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The goal is to provide safe trail riding that protects the environment while enhancing trail experiences. Illegal riding sets those efforts back. Please take the time to plan your rides using only trails open to equestrian use. Maps outlining those trails are available from the PRC Headquarters and posted in the campground. Pigeon River Country Equestrian Trail Maps are available at the campground or from the PRC Headquarters on Twin Lakes Road.

This campground is maintained with the help of Michigan Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of America.

Unlike the first-come, first-served policy of most state forest campgrounds, sites at this location can be conveniently reserved online at MIDNRReservations.com or by calling 1-800-447-2757.

11 equestrian campsites, $20 a night. Open all year; the road may not be plowed in winter. Campsites can be reserved on MiDNRReservations.com. Vault toilets and a hand-pump well for drinking water; no electricity or hookups. One camping unit and six people per site, 15 nights at most. Managed from Otsego Lake State Park (989-732-5485).