Discover the best ranch campgrounds near Roscommon, Michigan with horseback riding

Sitting central in Northern Michigan, Roscommon is a small village wrapped in epic forestry and pristine lakes. Campsites, glampsites, cabin rentals, and RV hookups make this area a camper’s dream all year-round. Houghton Lake and Roscommon State Forest Area are highlights for campers staying in town, though a quick drive in any direction leads to the shorelines of two Great Lakes—Lake Huron, east, and Lake Michigan, west. Southwest of Roscommon, the massive Huron-Manistee National Forest spans nearly one-million acres to the northern lower peninsula of Michigan, while Wilderness State Park is home to Lake Michigan shorelines and 10,000 acres of hiking trails and meadows. Head northeast to P.H. Hoeft State Park on the shores of Lake Huron for a waterfront adventure and on-site camping options steps away from the lakes.

Where to go

P.H. Hoeft State Park

Drive northeast to Lake Huron and stay at P.H. Hoeft State Park. Covering almost 300 acres of land, the park is home to sandy shores and unique trails. The Huron Sunrise Trail is connected to the park by a paved, non-motorized road along the beach to Rogers City. It ends in the world’s largest open-pit limestone mine with unforgettable views along the way. Choose from over 100 on-site campsites (some with electrical hookups), mini-cabin rentals, or lakefront lodging for a cozy stay at any time of year.

Wilderness State Park

Wander along 20 miles of trails near Lake Michigan and Sturgeon Bay shorelines at Wilderness State Park. Pet-friendly beaches are available for day use. The park also provides dark skies and a mixture of dense forests, open meadows, and wetlands. Find campsites, rustic cabin rentals, bunkhouses, and walk-in primitive campsites throughout the park with a small number of 50-amp service campsites available, as well. Designated as a dark sky preserve, Wilderness State Park asks campers to go lights out at dark for stargazing.

Huron-Manistee National Forest

East of Roscommon, Huron-Manistee National Forests’ vast land brings forestry to life between the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. From hiking and horseback riding to sand dunes and wildflower sanctuaries, Huron-Manistee has it all. Dispersed and primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the forest unless marked—setting up within 200 feet of water is also not allowed. Developed campgrounds in specific areas of the forest offer tent campsites, group camping, horse campsites, and OHV areas; however, there are no RV hookups anywhere in the forest. Permits are required for campsites but not for dispersed camping.

When to go

Despite the chilling temperatures of Northern Michigan winters, camping is available year-round with proper planning and equipment. Considered a humid continental climate, Roscommon experiences warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Due to the surrounding Great Lakes, summer temperatures don’t get higher than 66°F, but the humidity attracts mosquitoes to the area. Temperatures drop below freezing from late fall to early spring. Winter campers should prepare for cold-weather camping and snow.