DNR announces changes for equestrian group reservations at Elk Hill Equestrian Group Camp

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced that Otsego Lake State Park in Otsego County will oversee the recreational programming taking place within the Pigeon River State Forest.

The new directive will bring about changes in the way equestrian groups make reservations for the Elk Hill Equestrian Group Camp. Beginning on Jan. 3, 2013, riding groups seeking reservations should call Otsego Lake State Park at 989-732-5485, instead of calling the Pigeon River State Forest management headquarters. Reservations will be taken by park staff between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The same group rules and fees that applied in 2012 will continue in 2013. A minimum of five riders will constitute a group. There is an $8 reservation fee per group reservation, along with a daily $6 per-person fee for group camping. Groups are limited to no more than 100 people or 50 “camping units” (what the equestrians camp in; for example, a trailer) in the campground at one time.

When making reservations, callers should have the following information ready:

• Dates requested
• Number of people in the group
• Number of camping units in the group
• Credit card numbers for advance reservations 

For details or questions, contact Otsego Lake State Park supervisor Charlie Maltby, 989-732-5485 or email maltbyc@michigan.gov.