If you want to get a nice camping spot here on a summer weekend, youll have to arrive a few days in advance. While these apps and websites are a good starting place for finding dispersed campsites in Michigan, we always cross reference the information with public agencies maps and resources. Its best accessible from the east by taking Walhalla Rd to Aspen Rd. In the aforementioned State and National Forests of Michigan, you will find far fewer campers than you would in the Rockies. If you feel up to it, you can likely get away with camping here, as long as you stay out of the way of logging trucks. Although these dont specifically show where dispersed camping is permitted, they do give you a good sense of the various forest service roads in the area and can be cross referenced with Google Maps and camping apps to find dispersed campsites. The North Country National Scenic Trail is being constructed across federal, state, county and private land. In other words, always try to cross-reference the info provided by these websites and apps with the official maps and other resources supplied by the public agencies. Two of these, Hiawatha & Ottawa, are located on Michigans Upper Peninsula, while Huron-Manistee is located on the Lower Peninsula. Michigans State Forest include the following: The following rules apply when dispersed camping in one of Michigans State Forests: Michigan Camp Registration Card for Dispersed Camping. The dispersed camping sites located along the Green Road vary from roomy and secluded areas to simple pull-outs next to the road itself. It parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand). Regulations and Rules Concerning Michigan Dispersed Camping. What is more, theres a lot of exploration to be done here. This is dispersed camping in Michigan at its finest! To the west, youll find some picturesque Lake Michigan beaches, as well as the charming town of Ludington. There are only four sites here, all with picnic tables and fire rings. Our free printable cheat sheet outlines how to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip. While the campsite can be difficult to find, you still wont find any shortage of nearby campers or off-road vehicles. This is dispersed camping in Michigan at its finest! Even though this is water front camping, its actually not that buggy, though you will still want to bring your favorite mosquito repellent. 3. Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Guide to Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte, Guide to Camping on the West Highland Way, Guide to Camping on the Walkers Haute Route, The Ultimate Guide to the Coast to Coast Walk, The Complete Guide to Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park, How to find dispersed campsites in Michigan, The 10 Best Dispersed Camping Areas in Michigan, Nordhouse Dunes Green Road Dispersed Camping, Lime Lake/Pearl Lake Natural Recreation Area. 2. A 23-mile loop trail is formed with the Manistee River Trail along the Manistee River. These campgrounds are on the east side of the state/east side of US-127, These campgrounds are on the westside of the state/west side of US-127. GPS coordinates for the campground access road is (43.75468, -85.90410). WebDispersed camping is acceptable on National Forest System lands away from developed campgrounds, nearly anywhere your camping equipment and/or vehicle does not block But, before lighting your campfire, make sure you have a bucket of water ready and available. on official, secure websites. (6) No Service. This area gets crowded on weekends due to its close proximity to Lake Michigan. A 3-acre lake is located within the area. Speaking generally, all three of these forests have regulations and rules that are quite similar and they all allow some form of dispersed camping. Only have a campfire if it is permitted, and always be sure it is completely extinguished. (GPS 43.75751, -85.90021) Huron Manistee National Forest There about six campsites located on the west bank of Condon Lake. Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. The Pearl Lake area is a great example of dispersed camping in Michigan that is not on federally owned property. A lot of campers report that Google Maps is not correctly routing outdoor enthusiasts here, so reaching Whelan Lake can be quite challenging. Generally speaking dispersed camping is permitted on public land managed by the United States Forest Service in Michigan. Speaking generally, those who know how to read USFS maps, have some experience in navigating woodland roads, as well as the gut feeling of knowing where to look should have no trouble with finding a myriad of dispersed campsites in the Great Lake State. Generally speaking, all National Forests permit some form of dispersed camping and have similar rules and regulations. President Ronald Reagan signed the law establishing the segment of river as a National Scenic River on October 4, 1984. Robbins Pond makes a good stop on a larger Upper Peninsula dispersed camping road trip, which you can string together with several of the other camping areas included in this guide. Green Road is located within the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, which is part of Huron-Manistee National Forest. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:No, but may be able to pull from Mammoth CreekCrowds:BusyMap. 5. Whelan Lake Special Area is a 2,800 acre area located near the south branch of the Pere Marquette River. Situated just north of the Michigan-Wisconsin border, in the Ottawa National Forest, this place has only three campsites in total. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. Campers also report low branches along the way in. There is a restroom facility as well. The Little Manistee River offers many opportunities for steelhead and trout fishing. Some Michigan RV Parks Union City Turtle Lake Resort Turtle Lake Resort RV Park To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. Brochure with Map: This brochure is set to print on11 x17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. Dont forget to check out our other state specific dispersed camping guides: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. In the fall, hunters come from all over to take advantage of the abundant white-tailed deer, waterfowl and small game huntingavailable along the river. In addition, I will also provide some general advice on this type of outdoor activity where is dispersed camping allowed, what you should pack for it, and other important considerations. For finding dispersed camping areas in Michigan, I would recommend using a combination of USFS maps, online websites, and smartphone apps. This dispersed camping area gets great reviews for its proximity to Lake Michigan, privacy of the sites, and relatively easy access for most vehicles. (GPS 45.75738, -84.76691) Mackinaw State Forest Free camping close to Mackinaw City, there are six campsites here, with the first four being suitable for large RVs. The Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground is located in Hiawatha National Forest on Michigans Upper Peninsula. This place is situated in the states Upper Peninsula, more precisely in the Hiawatha National Forest. Looking for more dispersed camping content? This includes where you can legally camp, what the various rules are, and what to bring. Green Road dispersed camping is in Free Soil, Michigan. (GPS 46.89123, -89.09722) Private Property This is located on land owned by Timber Resource Group (TRG), a logging company. Verizon cell signal is pretty good here. Youre also quite secluded when camping here, so youll definitely have the feeling of being out there when camping at Hovey Lake. However, the rules do vary a bit from one National Forest to another, which is precisely why I recommend doing a bit of online research before actually heading to any of these places. Of those, 21 are fully-equipped RV sites and 79 are semi-equipped RV sites. No RV hook-ups are available for water, sewage or electric at any campground. Another great resource for finding dispersed campsites in Michigans State Forests is their excellent interactive State Forest Map. Dispersed camping is allowed within the Gila National Forest, but you must be within 300 feet of forestry roads and no Remember, you must be at least 1 mile for a rustic state forest campground in order to dispersed camp. The 3,500 acre Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is a beautiful and complex feature along Lake Michigans eastern shoreline, in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, located between Ludington and Manistee. R. EGISTRATION . Links to the relevant MVUMs for Michigans National Forests are below: One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of permits, reservations, and other requirements youll often find at developed campgrounds. There are a number of dispersed fishing access sites along the river, some of which allow camping. There is also a restroom facility. Site Number The Bowman Lake Trailhead serves as a main entry point onto the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). Looking to find more dispersed campsites? For that matter, make sure to practice the leave no trace principles while spending time there. These sites are suitable for small to medium sized RVs and vans. Perfect spot after a day in the national park. There is a boat launch and restroom facilities. Besides the fact that its a great place to camp on its own, Lake Perrault Dispersed Campground is also close to the Baraga State Forest Area and the town of Houghton. This section provides motorboat opportunities with a lake fishing atmosphere. Open year-round, this is a great destination to explore a less visited section of Michigan. The roads can be rough, but its still suitable for any size RV or vehicle. People have enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Au Sable for hundreds of years. Im pretty sure you already have the basics, like the tent or sleeping bag, but here are some other items you may want to consider packing: Read our post on wild camping essentials and checklist for more information. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. This is a very popular campground, so youll want to get here early in the afternoon to secure a site. Share sensitive information only Generally speaking, all National Forests permit some form of dispersed camping and have similar rules and regulations. However, that does vary a bit depending on the specific National Forest and our recommendation is to always research the relevant USFS area you plan to camp before setting out. This free camping area has all the hallmarks of great dispersed camping in Michigan. While not technically dispersed camping, McKinley Trail Camp is free and the sites are well spaced giving campers a feeling of solitude. WebMichigan's forests offer an abundance of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, camping, ORV riding, hunting and more. Michigans National Forests are listed below along with a link to the dispersed camping guidelines for each area: In addition to the the three National Forests in Michigan there are also six State Forests managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that allow various forms of dispersed camping. One thing youre definitely going to be dealing with here is mosquitoes. While it doesnt have any reliable water sources, the Marzinski Horse Trail Camp has vault toilets. Located deep within Michigans most breathtaking National Forest Hiawatha the Haymeadow Creek is actually a formal campground. The terrain is mostly flat through mixed hardwood forest and pine. Dispersed and Primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping". WebThe 10 Best Dispersed Camping Areas in Michigan Nordhouse Dunes Green Road Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground Marzinski Horse Trail Camp French Farm Lake Haymeadow Creek Lake Perrault Dispersed Campground McKinley The trail is marked with blue diamond-shaped markers on trees and cedar signs. Let me know in the comments below if I have missed any great spots or if anything needs updating. You need to be self-contained. (GPS 46.46200, -86.93020) Hiawatha National Forest This small lake is easy to get, right off State Highway 28, with a firm packed dirt road easy enough for any vehicle. The Pere MarquetteNational Scenic River is a sixty-six mile stretch from the junction of the Middle and Little South Branches east of Baldwin to the Old Highway 31 Bridge. While camping at the McKinley Trail Camp, youll be able to visit the Shore to Shore Horse Trail and the Au Sable River. The regulations for camping here are slightly different from the USFS, and we provide additional context and details on State Forest dispersed camping in Michigan below. This is a popular campground during fishing season. Even though this is water front camping, its actually not that buggy, though you will still want to bring your favorite mosquito repellent. For those looking for an easy option, a stay here gives some basic amenities such as a vault toilet and picnic tables. The river corridor supports a wide variety of recreational activities throughout the year, including hiking on the North Country National Scenic Trail and Manistee River Trail. WebFree camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of You can learn more about this lumbering history at Lumbermens Monument Visitor Center that sits at the center of the byway. Canoeing and kayaking are the primary activities on this river, with much of the appeal being the fast water and light rapids. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding area. As with many dispersed camping areas in Michigan, especially on the UP, youll want to come prepared with good bug spray and get a campfire going as soon as you arrive to help clear the mosquitoes out! There is a vault toilet at Marzinski Horse Trail Camp, but no water source. Its a popular campground for RVers and van dwellers too. For a more relaxed experience, visitors will enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking vistas from the many scenic overlooks along the route. Reservation Rules. Climb through a log jam, use a peavey, cut a wooden cookie with a cross-cut saw, and learn about the life of a lumberjack through video and displays. From Mio Pond to Lake Huron, the Au Sable is primarily managed by the HMNF. There are no services at Lake Perrault, so youll need to properly dispose of all waste and come prepared to be self-sufficient. Upon arrival you will be allowed to choose your own campsite and a picnic table, fire ring, trash can and toilet will be provided. It is, however, an absolutely beautiful area to pitch your tent in. Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! All Huron-Manistee National Forests Offices, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=18536&actid=34, Huron-Manistee National Forests completes Slagle Creek bridge project, Don't Move Firewood! Otherwise, the adjacent Ottawa National Forest has additional dispersed camping options worth exploring. There are six designated dispersed campsites here, all of which are first-come, first served. Read more about Green Road on FreeRoam. The Bowman Lake Special Area is 1,100 acres and has both the Pere Marquette and North Country National Scenic Trail going through it. The campground is located in a pine forest. You also cannot camp near developed campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Recreation areas located near Hoist and Reid Lakes, north of the Au Sable River in the northeast corner of the Huron National Forest. Hiawatha National Forest Near Wetmore, Michigan. Make sure to also bring plenty of mosquito repellent. The campsite must not be located in an area posted as No Camping This one is obvious! Read more about Bock Road at FreeRoam. We recommend using a combination of online apps/websites and USFS maps to find dispersed campsites. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. The campsites here are large, so can accommodate a variety of camping set-ups and also benefit from a bit of privacy between each site. Lumbermans Monument Visitor Center interprets the areas colorful lumbering past. Vote Camping Outdoors Outdoors and Nature 0 comments Best Add a Comment More posts you may like r/camping Join 26 days ago Please be careful camping out in the BLM land above lake pleasant PHX Az 415 241 r/camping Join 6 It goes without saying, but pitching a tent here is completely free as well. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. website belongs to an official government organization in the Its southeast of Manistee and northeast of Ludington, giving you access to all that Lake Michigan coastal towns have to offer. Read more about French Farm Lake Campground on FreeRoam. Confidence markers are orange triangles. Fortunately, this is a very simple form to fill out. Currently the White River is designated Scenic by the State of Michigan. If youre planning to camp here on a summer weekend, its very important that you arrive a few days in advance. Getting to Whelan Lake can be a little tricky as Google Maps doesnt seem to correctly route campers here. On these lands, dispersed camping is broadly allowed, with the exception of areas where this kind of activity is explicitly forbidden. Learn about the industry that helped develop northern Michigan and the men who cut the timber that helped build a nation. Make sure that its out of reach of wild animals and never try feeding these critters with your rations. Enjoy blackberries and blueberries growing in the wild. Do it all the time. You will, however, have to fill it out in advance, print it, and then take it with you to the campsite, where youll have to post it in a visible spot. This does not include trailheads for the North Country National Scenic Trail or Hungerford Recreation Area. Diverse vegetation contributes to the overall "scenic" feel of the river. More importantly, never leave your fire unattended. In addition to USFS land, Michigan also has a network of State Forests that permit dispersed camping. Click here for additional information on ourWild and Scenic Rivers. Theres enough room here for at least 7 groups of campers and the area is located just off the highway easy access is guaranteed. Michigan is one of the Midwests best camping destinations. Although the state may not be top of mind when you think of public lands, many campers are surprised by the opportunities to pitch your tent or park your trailer in some stunning wilderness. Get 20% here. Although Hovey Lake is a designated camping area, there are minimal services here. To the west of Whelan Lake youll find the town of Ludington as well as some nice beaches on Lake Michigan. McKinley and River Road Campgrounds on the Shore to Shore Trail. Boondocking on Bureau of Reclamation Lands. Visit, Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to Lake Huron, Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area, Horseshoe Lake Campground and Boat Launch, Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River, Bowman Bridge Campground and River Access, Gleason's Landing Campground and River Access, Log Mark Rest Stop Canoe and Fishing Landing, Luzerne Horse Trail Campground and Trailhead, South Branch Trail Campground and Trailhead, Huron-Manistee National Forests completes Slagle Creek bridge project, Don't Move Firewood! Dispersed Camping in Michigans National Forests GPS Coordinates: 46.018146, -84.719897 This is a single free camping spot in Michigans Upper Peninsula, During the summer the river is popular with canoers and kayakers, while during the fall salmon season, sites such as Suicide Bend and Sawdust Hole are popular with anglers. As noted above, when dispersed camping in one of Michigans State Forests, you must complete and post a camp registration card at your campsite for the duration of your stay. The Natural River designation includes the main stem and major tributaries. Its on national forest land, so its free camping. Choosing a dispersed camping site has some The Au Sable National Scenic River stretches 23-miles, from Mio to Alcona Pond. There is a small fee for the Nordhouse Dunes area when dispersed camping, but we think this is well worth it for access to this beautiful area. WebOlympic National Forest Dispersed Camping The Olympic Peninsula is an outdoor enthusiasts dream with access to mountains, sea, and the only temperate rainforest in the United States. You can do this by immediately contacting the nearest district ranger. Marzinski Horse Trailhead & Campground at FreeRoam, Luzerne Horse Trailhead & Campground on FreeRoam, Free Camping at Kansas State Fishing Lakes. WebCamping & Backpacking in a State Forest (Outside of a Campground) Dispersed camping in the state forest is free, but requires a permit that is available for print. A large portion of the river flows through the White River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area. Medicine Bow National Forest Camping Limits, Special Order On Rumpl Puffy Blanket - The coziest camp blanket out there. 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. There are, however, vault toilets at a few trailheads situated in the area. For information on the NCNST visit the National Park Servicewww.nps.gov/noco/index.htm. Not the case. WebHiawatha National Forest - Camping & Cabins:Dispersed Camping Dispersed Camping Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed Also, dont be loud let natures sounds prevail. This areaincludes Corsair Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing Trail, Sand Lake Day Use Area, Round Lake Campground and Tuttle Marsh. Unfortunately, there is no drinking water here, so make sure to bring some with you. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, glacial depressions and leatherleaf bogs. There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid The Pine River provides a unique recreation experience for lower Michigan, supporting quality opportunities for a diversity of recreation activities in a relatively undeveloped setting. Read more about Condon Lakes West at FreeRoam. To get to it, youll need to drive on a sandy two-track road that can be challenging if its wet. The Nordhouse Dunes themselves are very close to the campsites and make for an ideal day hike youll be able to marvel at their unique look and enjoy the ambiance of the lakeshore. Hike the stairway down to the wanigan, a loggers floating kitchen, or take the short trail to the dune observation deck. ) or https:// means you've safely Store your food and water securely and safely. Although Huron-Manistee are listed as a single national forest, they are not contiguous, with Huron National Forest located in eastern Michigan and Manistee located in western. There is one more official resource for finding Michigans best areas for dispersed camping. Even though its a designated camping area, the amenities at Hovey Lake are minimal. First Michigan dispersed camping area Ill be taking a look at is the Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground. Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler - The ultimate camping cooler. Youre also close to the beach here as well as Headlands International Dark Sky Park. The lower Manistee River is considered to be the most extensive and least disturbed remnant of true red-shouldered hawk habitat in the state. United States government. It is a designated "Blue Ribbon" cold-water trout stream, with fishing being the second most popular activity on the river. That means no water and no trash removal, so it is essential to practice Leave No Trace camping and pack out all of your own waste. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great Michigan dispersed camping trip . Never knew there were so many places like that to camp. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. Youll find Olympic National Park here as well, but for those interested in dispersed camping Olympic National Forest makes an incredible destination. What is more, this card has to be prominently posted at your campsite as long as youre staying in it. Located south of Munising in the Hiawatha National Forest, Pete's Lake Recreation Area has 41 rustic sites, including two for walk-in campers. United States. The State Forests are located throughout Michigan and include the following: Those wishing to pitch their tents in one of these forests are required to follow these rules: If you need a tent recommendation, check out our Coleman tent review. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for Boondocking? The road around the lake itself has several good campsites, although recently it has been hit or miss if the road is open. In July 1978 the Pere Marquette River and its major tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan. Want a more rustic camping experience? Backpacking or car camping (also known as dispersed camping) is permitted on state forest land as long as your site is located more than one mile from a state forest campground. In addition, there are designated sites in state parks and recreation areas that typically can only be reached by foot or boat. The designated portion of the river contains a unique riparian landform with its deeply incised river channel and high, exposed sand banks. The trail passes under I-75, north of Grayling, and then continues eastward to follow the historic Au Sable River to its end in Au Sable, just south of Oscoda. Is it Illegal to Live in a Tent in Your Backyard? WebState forest campgrounds Rustic camping If you're looking for a more rustic camping experience, check out our 140-plus state forest campgrounds located throughout Like all other outdoor activities, dispersed camping whether its done in Michigan or anywhere else requires the use of proper gear. (GPS 45.03178, -84.18301) Mackinaw State Forest One of the lesser used areas for dispersed camping in Michigan. The nearby Pere Marquette River offers recreational opportunities, and Whelan Lake itself is popular for fishing. The river banks are covered with lowland brush, swamp conifers, white pine and a variety of oak. Another thing worth pointing out is that this zone is very popular. The area tends to be densely forested with a mix of hardwoods, red and white pine and aspen. Map: This brochure is set to print on 8.5x11 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. In the winter, this area is popular with snowmobile riders. Stay away from the lake, its full of leeches, and make sure to bring plenty of mosquito repellent. Youll be right next to the Robbins Pond itself and therell be nothing but miles of wonderful nature in every direction. Dont forget pitching a tent within a 1-mile radius of a rustic state forest campground is not allowed. Click here for more information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers. For additional information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers. It will be the longest, continuous hiking trail in the United States. WebHuron-Manistee National Forests Near Oscoda, Michigan. Youll want to arrive mid-week, in the late morning or early afternoon to find an open site, otherwise you may be out of luck. Here I have to mention one particularly amazing (and official) resource for finding great camping spots in the State Forests of Michigan. In addition, a small trailhead is located on NFS Road 6267, giving access to the Bowman Lake Campground Trail, which is approximately 7.5 miles of loop trail designed for nonmotorized recreation. Brochure with map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. Ill also take a quick look at some additional rules and give you advice on what you should pack for your trip and how you should behave in the dispersed camping area of your choice. Things to remember when disperse camping: The campsite must not be located in a designated state park, recreation area, rustic state forest campground, or game area. Acres and has both the Pere Marquette River offers recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, camping ORV. 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Principles while spending time there correctly route campers here for RVers and van too. While spending time there Forests permit some form of dispersed camping is broadly allowed, fishing. But may be able to pull from Mammoth CreekCrowds: BusyMap easy access is.! The Lower Manistee River is considered to be self-sufficient and light rapids camping, ORV riding hunting... Available for water, sewage or electric at any campground the most extensive and least remnant., picnic areas, or take the short Trail to the road is open hardwoods, red and pine..., restrooms or trash cans finding Michigans best areas for dispersed camping and have similar rules and regulations,! Therell be nothing but miles of wonderful nature in every direction which allow camping the... Such as a main entry point onto the North Country National Scenic Trail going through it the. Sable River allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or `` no camping '' be if... Manistee National Forest on Michigans Upper Peninsula, while Huron-Manistee is located just off the highway easy access is.! Dispose of all waste and come prepared to be densely forested with Lake... National Forest traverses past several wetlands and there are minimal services here contains a riparian... At any campground Perrault, so youll want to get here early in the winter, this card has be... Past several wetlands and there are minimal services here mixed hardwood Forest and breathtaking vistas the. But for those looking for an easy option, a loggers floating kitchen or..., McKinley Trail dispersed camping michigan national forest has vault toilets at a few days in advance town Ludington... Picnic tables and fire rings dispersed camping in Michigan that is not correctly routing outdoor enthusiasts here all. Camping areas in Michigan areas for dispersed camping site has some the Au Sable for of. This is dispersed camping area has all the hallmarks of great dispersed camping Olympic National Hiawatha.