Marzinski Horse Campground
4.6515 reviewsMarzinski Horse Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Per the official source, Marzinski Horse Campground offers free camping, without any recreation use fee for individual equestrian sites. Reservation fees may apply, depending on the booking method, with fees ranging from $3 to $9, in-person or online. Additional charges apply for reservations, cancellations, or modifications.
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Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Marzinski Horse Campground beckons equestrian enthusiasts to discover a peaceful retreat where riders and their horses can truly connect with nature. This thoughtfully designed campground features 19 spacious pull-through sites, each equipped with convenient hitching posts, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Direct access to the scenic Marzinski Horse Trail means adventure begins right from your campsite. While embracing a rustic charm with vault toilets and fresh well water, this secluded haven offers everything needed for a memorable backcountry experience. The surrounding forest creates a natural buffer between sites, ensuring privacy and tranquility that both horses and riders will appreciate.
The Marzinski Horse Campground is focused on equestrian and primitive camping. It is recommended for visitors with horses or those seeking a rustic, quiet camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsFrom the fresh awakening of April through the crisp days of December, Marzinski Horse Campground welcomes visitors to experience Michigan's diverse seasonal beauty. Spring brings wildflowers and renewed forest life, while summer offers warm days perfect for long trail rides. Autumn transforms the surrounding hardwoods into a spectacular display of colors, and early winter provides a peaceful, frost-kissed landscape. The temperate Michigan climate ensures comfortable camping conditions throughout the operating season, with each month offering its own unique charm and riding experiences.
ElevationThe campground rests comfortably within the gently rolling landscape of Michigan's forest country, where the terrain provides ideal conditions for both camping and horseback riding adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering white pines create a majestic canopy overhead, their evergreen boughs whispering stories of the forest while providing natural privacy between campsites. This pristine stand of pines mingles with native hardwoods, creating a diverse ecosystem that changes with the seasons. The mostly level terrain makes for comfortable camping and easy navigation, while small meadow openings offer glimpses of sky and opportunities to spot local wildlife. The famous Marzinski Horse Trail winds through this enchanting landscape, inviting riders to explore miles of scenic forest paths where dappled sunlight filters through the trees and the only sounds are hoofbeats and birdsong.
Geological RegionMarzinski Horse Campground sits within the remarkable Huron-Manistee National Forest, a region shaped by ancient glaciers that left behind the gently undulating terrain perfect for trail riding. The forest floor, carpeted with pine needles and fallen leaves, tells the story of Michigan's natural heritage. This area showcases the classic northern Michigan landscape where towering white pines dominate the skyline, interspersed with maple, oak, and other hardwoods that have thrived here for generations. The relatively flat topography, punctuated by small natural clearings, creates an ideal setting for equestrian camping and reflects the unique geological history of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source material. The campground is described as rustic and may not be fully accessible.
Sites SizeSites are pull-through and spacious, catering to equestrian needs. Some user reviews highlight their suitability for large vehicles or trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as private, with large distances between them due to the forested setting. However, some users note visibility between sites.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with hitching posts are ideal for horse riders. Sites 004 and 006 are particularly praised for privacy and maintenance quality. Choosing campsites far from day-use areas can enhance tranquility.
Best CampsitesCampsites 004 and 006 are highly recommended by users for privacy and cleanliness, with campsite 006 featuring clean water wells and pit toilets.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allows up to 7 nights consecutively or 14 nights total within 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact details about guest limits per site are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 19 pull-through sites spread across a forested area. Sites are adequately spaced to provide privacy, though some visibility between sites is noted in user reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 to December 1 annually, with reservations starting from June 21.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, via app, contact center, or in-person booking systems.
Walk-in AvailabilityOfficial sources do not specify details regarding first-come-first-served availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be cancelled any time before check-in, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of reservation fees. Late cancellations also incur an additional penalty, such as loss of the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations are allowed with fees in certain scenarios.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Marzinski Horse Campground serves as a gateway to an 18-mile trail system primarily designed for horseback riding but also accessible to hikers. The trails are well-marked, thanks to efforts by the Forest Service and volunteers. The trail system traverses mixed pine and hardwood forests and includes some road crossings.
Hiking
The 18-mile trail system accommodates non-motorized use, including hiking. Trails are marked with oak-routed signs and posts. Hikers are advised to bring a compass as some loops intersect roads.Wildlife viewing
The forested setting allows for bird watching and wildlife observation. One reviewer noted hearing a barred owl during their stay.Winter Activities
The trails are not maintained for horse use in the winter, and no specific winter activities are described.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are noted.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted without the need for wood permits on National Forest lands.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews highlight the presence of mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks in the area. Roads and trails may cross or run parallel to gravel roads and county roads, which could pose minor navigation challenges.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 - December 1
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling services are explicitly mentioned. The campground adheres to a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy to maintain cleanliness.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is not near any major water features, and horse riders are specifically requested not to access the Little Manistee River to prevent erosion.
Common complaintsMosquitoes and biting flies are frequently mentioned as nuisances. Some users also note visibility between campsites despite being spread out, which may impact privacy.
Campground Map
Driving directionsTravel east on M-55 for 8 miles. Turn left and travel south on Marzinski Rd. to the site.
The campground is accessible by paved roads via M-55 and Marzinski Rd. Official sources do not mention challenging terrain or seasonal closures affecting accessibility.Nearby places
Manistee (approximately 15 miles, travel time not specified)
Camper Reviews
4.7
15 reviews
Marzinski Horse Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is widely praised for its quiet, peaceful setting and suitability for horse riders. Visitors appreciated the clean, well-maintained facilities and the spacious, private campsites. The trail system was highlighted as a significant draw.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the clean pit toilets, the functioning hand-pump well with cold water, and the peaceful environment. Many highlighted the spacious campsites and the well-maintained trails.
Based on 15 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some reviews mentioned the presence of mosquitoes and biting flies. A few noted the visibility between campsites despite the forested setting.
Based on 15 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring a compass, as some trails intersect roads. Firewood is available for purchase down the road, and visitors should prepare for mosquitoes and biting insects.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer, visitors contend with insects like mosquitoes and biting flies but enjoy fireflies and the serene atmosphere. Winter camping is not supported as trails are not maintained for horse use...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This place, maintained by the forest service, is a free place to camp for up to two weeks.' - Chrystina Sedore
2. 'Sites are clean and level, with a large fire ring and picnic table.' - Catherine...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 006: Clean water well and a clean pit toilet. Bugs were minimal during early July 2023.
Campsite 004: Evenly spaced sites with ample privacy.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific comments on accessibility are provided in user reviews.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned in the source material.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025