River Road Horse Trail Camp
Open for the 2026 season from May 3 through November 30. The site is gated and requires a reservation; call the Huron Shores Ranger Station at (989) 739-0728 to arrange access. No fees.
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 22 at 1:21PM EDT until May 23 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Dangerous swimming conditions due to 4 to 8 foot waves and rip currents. * WHERE...Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Alpena, Alcona, Iosco, Arenac, Southeast Chippewa and Eastern Mackinac Counties, and Mackinac Island/Bois Blanc Island. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water and high waves can sweep people off piers.
About
River Road Horse Trail Camp serves riders on the Shore-to-Shore State Horse Trail, a historic route spanning from Empire on Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. Located adjacent to River Road in Iosco County, this primitive campground provides a stopping point along the 112-mile Huron National Forest segment of the trail, with camps spaced roughly 25 miles apart. The site accommodates up to 65 vehicles and offers picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds. Potable water is available from an on-site well, though operating the pump requires a generator of at least 5000 watts. There are no restrooms, hookups, showers, or other developed amenities. The campground is gated and access requires advance coordination with the Huron Shores Ranger Station. Allowed activities include horseback riding, hiking, and winter snow sports (nonmotorized). Motorized vehicles and motorized over-snow vehicles are prohibited beyond the parking area.
Directions
From Oscoda, travel west on River Road for 11 miles. Turn left (south) on FR 4411 and continue less than 0.5 miles. The site is on the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (989) 739-0728 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS River Road Trail Camp | |
| USFS Horse Riding and Camping |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!