Big Oaks State Forest

The Big Oaks State Forest Equestrian Campground is near Lewiston and Atlanta, MI and features 24 campsites, most have easy access for rigs, with some pull through sites available. It has manure bunkers and vault toilets throughout camp and a solar well for your watering ease. Site 10 has two corrals, the rest have picket poles or trees to picket from. All sites also have a fire ring and picnic table. Most have level pads for your rig with improved footing. It’s well shaded and sits just above Avery Lake. There is a nice hiking trail along the lake where you might even be able to get cell service. No horses are allowed on the trail by the lake.

This area has incredible overlooks, fairy like springs, big climbs and areas good for moving out too. Big Oaks has a little bit of everything and a whole lot of beauty. It’s a special treat when the leaves change color in the fall. To really enjoy riding at Big Oaks, follow the colored flagged trails and use the designated horse trails mainly as connections to single-track riding. The single-tracks are the best way for trail riders to experience the beauty and variety in terrain that this area has to offer. Elk tracks are plentiful in some areas here, you may even catch sight of an elk who make this forest their home.

The best way to experience riding in this area is to upload Ramblr tracks or use the GIS map with overlaid tracks in a map app. Attached is a color-coded map of the trails and the GIS map for use in apps. The named Blue Flagged trail is full of outstanding overlooks, and you can ride to Sage Creek which is a wonderful horse watering and lunch spot halfway through your ride. There are many large rocks ready for your rest and remounting ease. Take a ride across the lake and visit the Little Avery Lake Waterfall, it’s a safe human drinking spot and the owner even has cups hanging on the tree for thirsty travelers, but please do not water horses here. Another favorite track is the Big Oaks Ridge Loop with its amazing views, the Swamp Loop is incredibly gorgeous, and the NE loop has great areas for moving out. You can visit the old boat launch on Avery Lake for another watering spot. There are so many riding options here, download those apps and maps before arriving to camp and get ready for some of the best exploring by horseback.

Thank you so much to Alpena County Horseman’s Club and volunteers who are helping to maintain this beautiful campground and Big Oaks Trail Riders Committee of Michigan Horse Trails Association for their work on the trails.