South Branch Trail Camp

South Branch Trail Camp is one of the camps along Michigan’s Shore-to-Shore trail, a horseback riding and hiking trail created 60+ years ago by Michigan Trail Riders Association which travels across the state in Northern Lower Michigan from Lake Huron (Oscoda) to Lake Michigan (Empire) and has northern (to Mackinaw City) and southern (to Cadillac) spurs. Michigan’s trail riders owe a huge debt of gratitude to the pioneers of MTRA and those who have continued to care for, advocate, maintain and improve the trail and its campgrounds all of these years later. The Shore-to-Shore ride is a wonderful and incredibly unique experience, and riders come from across our nation and the world to ride with MTRA across the state of Michigan.

There is a large rustic group equestrian campground with capacity of 65 vehicles bordered by pine and hardwood forest which can be rented for larger parties and is gated off when not rented. There is single site campground just outside group camp which is open throughout the riding season with nice, fairly level sites for horse trailers. The campground is adjacent to the South Branch River and near the Au Sable River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area. From Tawas, you will travel West on M-55 for 14.7 miles. Turn right and travel north on M-65 for 14 miles. Turn left and travel west on Rollway Rd for 3 miles. The site is located on the right.

South Branch has many miles of circle riding around camp and tons of destination riding. It’s one of Michigan’s favorite equestrian campgrounds surrounded with gorgeous terrain and outstanding views of the South Branch and AuSable Rivers. There are many remote, single track trails to enjoy around camp and sandy two tracks, or quiet sandy roads as you venture further. Just a short ride out of camp is a wonderful place to swim with your horse in the AuSable River. Half Moon or Hippie Pond is another destination which is a shallow, sandy pond great for swimming. You can ride to the Bear Store to enjoy some ice cream and say “hi” to a real live BEAR as well as the other critters on site. Another ride is up and around Jose Lake and make a loop back to camp on sandy two tracks. The best way to adventure in the area is to follow others Ramblr tracks and thoroughly enjoy one of Michigan’s most treasured horse camps.

Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.