Best Tent Camping near Alanson, MI
Tent campsites near Alanson, Michigan include several rustic options in state forests and designated primitive areas. Stoney Creek Trail Camp in Onaway and Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground in Mancelona offer tent-specific camping with limited amenities. Pigeon River State Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities for backpackers seeking more solitude within undeveloped areas.
Most tent campgrounds maintain basic facilities, including fire rings and picnic tables, but offer minimal other services. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground features 14 first-come, first-served tent sites along the river with vault toilets and hand-pump water access. Walk-in tent sites at Camp Darling and O'Neal Lake campsite in Wilderness State Park require campers to pack in all supplies, as no facilities are available. Sites typically consist of dirt or forest floor with minimal site preparation, especially at backcountry locations. Recreation Passports are required for entry at most state forest campgrounds.
The tent camping experience varies seasonally throughout the region. Sites along the Ocqueoc River provide access to swimming areas and hiking trails, with some tent pads positioned directly along the waterfront. Primitive tent setups in Pigeon River State Forest offer greater seclusion but require more self-sufficiency. Backcountry tent camping at Pinney Bridge includes challenging access with a 700-yard hike from parking and 50-foot elevation change. One camper noted, "Short drive to other attractions in the area, with swimming and hiking in your backyard." Tent campers should consider seasonal timing, as most state forest campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited options available year-round.
