Marzinski Horse Campground

Overview

The Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground were developed for the horse enthusiasts, who enjoy riding through a forested quiet trail system. The Marzinski Horse Camp serves as the primary access location for the 18 miles of horse trail.

Recreation

The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only. They are designed for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead. Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system clean. “Pack it in, pack it out.” Horse riders are asked not to access the Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when crossing adjacent county and forest roads.

Facilities

This campground has a day use area and 19 pull through sites with ample room for horses on each site. Hitching posts/poles are available at some sites. All sites include a picnic table and fire ring. The campground has one toilet building and one well for drinking water.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a white pine stand and offers quiet and privacy between camp sites. The Marzinski Horse Trail passes through mostly mixed pine with some hardwood vegetation types. Topography is mostly flat forested land with some small openings.

Nearby Attractions

Sand Lake Recreation Area

Udell Rollways Day Use and Disc Golf Course

Pine Lake Campground

Camp site features

Across 19 camp sites:

Pets allowed: all 19 sites
Largest party: 8 people

Directions

From Wellston - Travel east on M-55 for 8 miles. Turn left and travel south on Marzinski Rd. to the site.

Reviews

23 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Laura H

Loop:Marzinski

Site:

Reviewed 15 days ago

There were no corrals in 4,5,or 6. I had read that there were, but the picket poles were great. I was surprised at the non horse campers using the space. I could see thus being an issue during peak riding season. But I was more surprised that they did not expect to see horses there. The trails were a bit over grown with a lot of the blue markers on fallen trees. The trails were beautiful, but you had to pay close attention so as not to ride off of them into the unknown. The campground had no water available. This was a problem as we were camping with horses and people who need water. We ended up leaving after only one night. The campground was clean and well maintained.

Kiefer C

Loop:Marzinski

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Stayed here for a couple of nights to golf close by. Extremely easy to get in and out. I had previously read online it was free but saw a fee when I arrived. Not a problem and there was great service for me to take care of it quick. Very well taken care of.

Jessica H

Loop:Marzinski

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

I reserved site 6 but there was an RV with a loud generator next door so we moved to site 11 which was fantastic. Spacious, shady, flat and had an amazing adjustable grill top on the fire ring. I will note there was a lot of variability in the pre-existing campfire set ups. The Forest Service comes through to check reservations each morning and they were okay with / understanding about us moving sites due to the noise, which was nice. The vault toilet is about as good as those things get, and the water pump does work after some pumping. The campground was maybe 20% full this mid-July weekend, sadly, no horses were around. Overall a lovely, quiet, clean campground---I would recommend!

Amy N

Loop:Marzinski

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

The campground is really quiet and I love the pine forest ground and setting. It is not far to travel to Tippy Dam, the Manistee river, the hatchery or Lake Michigan. The outhouse is generally clean but there is only 1 in the campground closest to the group site and the entrance. Some sites have fire rings with grates attached for grilling. This particular visit, I found the site to have trash that didn't burn in the fire pit, I found trash on the ground and a rope tied between trees. I did pick up to leave it better than I found it. I did find the online reservation system very simple and easy to use, however I was visited by a ranger on my checkout day to say I didn't have a reservation. She asked if I was another person or stayed longer than intended. It took me pulling up my online receipt with check in and out dates for her to say her system just updated and she saw me there. I am confused by that because it was 11am the day prior when I should have showed up. She also didn't apologize and I am positive she could see and hear how nervous I was because I always try to do the right things. If you stay, be prepared with receipts of reservations.

Branden M

Loop:Marzinski

Site:

Reviewed 10 months ago

Nice sites with pull through parking. It is cool to hear the horses all day.

Jennie R

Loop:Marzinski

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

I've been camping here every year for years. Love it.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.