Headquarters Lake is now on the reservation system. This is great news as it’s a LONG drive for many riders and to know you have a spot when you get there is a great incentive to making the trek there. Thank you so much to Muskallonge State Park for putting in the extra effort it takes to allow reservations.
Headquarters Lake Equestrian Campground and Day Use is located 30 miles north of Newberry via the paved roads of M-123 and County Road 407. There is a large area for riders to park and ride the trails for the day, as well as an ADA mounting ramp for riders to use. The campground has 9 rustic sites, 6 are back in sites that are situated on the shore of Headquarters Lake and 3 are pull-through sites located in the middle of the circular drive. Sites 1 and 2 are buddy sites, with site 1 being able to fit a larger rig and site 2 would be best for a smaller rig. Sites 3-5 can accommodate various lengths. Site 6 has an incline and is suitable for a smaller rig or tents. Recent improvements, leveling of sites and removal of trees, to the campsites and the campground road have been made to increase accessibility to the area. Campers should use their own highlines or temporary corrals to contain their horses. The sites are reservable through https://midnrreservations com or 1-800-447-2757 and walks-ins are still allowed. The campground has manure bunkers, hand pump, trash pickup and pit toilets as well as each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Non-equestrians are still allowed to camp at this time on a first come first serve basis.
Headquarters Lake Equestrian Trail is a 25-mile marked multi-use trail system of mainly sandy two tracks. Sections of the trail are shared with the ORV trail so be aware that ORV traffic is frequent in the area who may not expect to see a horse on the trails. The trail map can be downloaded from the DNR website or use the more inclusive map found in the files section of the MHTD and UPTHA facebook groups. Both maps have geo-location so can be uploaded to mapping apps and will track your location. It is highly recommended for riders to use some sort of tracking or mapping system to be able to enjoy and explore the area to its fullest. Trail riders can explore all the public trails and forest roads in this area so while the equestrian trail is 25 miles, there is much more riding available. The ride to Lake Superior is a big draw and at this time is about an 18-mile round trip. Besides Lake Superior, there are multiple other small, beautiful, sandy inland lakes within riding distance and many of them good to swim in. Ready and Rainy Lakes are popular destinations, Holland and Pretty Lakes are located in State Forest Campgrounds so please be respectful of campers.
Cell service is limited at the campground but Wifi is available at Muskallonge Lake State Park, 5 miles north on CR407. Showers and a sanitation station are also available there for a fee. Foot traffic access to Lake Superior can be found at the State Park as well. No horses are allowed in the State Park. Contact State Park if you have additional questions, ask for Kelly Gribbell (906)-658-3338.
Deer Park Lodge, a small general store, is located 4 miles north on CR407. Also in that area is The Uglyfish Bakery, a quaint little trailer that has wonderful baked goods. Pine Stump and Wolf Inn are the closest restaurants, located south of Headquarters Lake. It is best to fill up on fuel and supplies in Newberry prior to heading to the campground.
Thank you Upper Peninsula Trail Horse Association for your advocacy and volunteer work in this are and for this description of your trails. This new association has formed in 2024 to unite the equestrian trails of the Upper Peninsula, they are accepting memberships now. Please reach out and join them and get out to explore Michigan’s gorgeous U.P.