Top Free Dispersed Camping near Arcadia, MI

Looking for the best Arcadia dispersed camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Arcadia. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Arcadia, MI (7)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Arcadia

31 Reviews of 7 Arcadia Campgrounds


  • d
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    May. 26, 2024

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Awesome fishing and great camp sites

    Me and my dad went camping here rode our motorcycles into the parking area and had a nice little hike to the camp ground! Very nice camp sites once we got set up we went down to fish and the lake is beautiful clear water and a lot of fish!!

  • Rachael T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Beautiful but difficult to find!

    We struggled to find this place and knew with the reviews it was possible. We ended up googling it on Google maps because the location on here was off and that got us closer. You park in this small lot with a yellow gate that is in-front of the trail and then walk down for about 10 min until you see a smaller trail to left follow that down and you will see the campsites!

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
    Mar. 26, 2023

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Amazing area

    Amazing fishing and spacious campsites fire away from everybody. Fires were allowed ample firewood available for processing multiple lakes great hiking. 

    Literally , some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count. Well gave up counting. Like every other cast.

    Beautiful nature area I loved hiking in and hiking around the various lakes seeing what the area had to offer. One of the best times I’ve ever had camping. Great company also helps. 

  • Corey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Oct. 24, 2022

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    For Forest Dwellers and Lake Lovers

    This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem. Forest service roads will take you deep into the forests if your vehicle can handle it. 4WD is recommended if you want to go deep. There are plenty of great spots though for big rigs or for those without 4WD. 15-30 minute drive to Lake Michigan. Local convenience store is only a few miles down the road. Try this place out. You won’t regret it.

  • Alyson M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 9, 2022

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Great Campsites!

    Did a 1 night backpacking trip on the MRT/NCT loop and we loved the spot we had. All spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night. Spots for a fire and very peaceful! We actually had a spot on the NCT side, the spots along the MRT side were much more spacious and were on the water!

  • Alyson M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    My Go-To Camping spot

    I’ve camped here many times, in summer, fall, and spring. The campsites are large and spread out so you get a bit of privacy. It can get busy on weekends since many people know about this spot. It is a short drive to the beach and nordhouse dunes which is known for hammock camping on the beach so you have options. The last 2 times I’ve went there was lots of trash at the campsites, which is very upsetting. Please follow “Leave No Trace” ethics so we can keep enjoying this space.

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Dec. 9, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Nice boondocking spot with access to Lake Michigan!

    Spent a few nights here enjoying Manistee National Forest and Lake Michigan. During our stay we relocated from our original site to a bigger site further down the road heading south. Sites ranged from spacious to road-side turnouts with a wide range between. Verizon service was fair. Road access was fair as well but better suited for smaller rigs due to tight roads and numerous curves. Will definitely stay again next time we visit Michigan!

  • Troy L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 11, 2021

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Good for a 2-day camp.

    Great river trail with a decent amount of campsites. We arrived late Friday and most spots were taken. I’d imagine most spots are scoped out earlier in the evening. A lot of people camping/running/hiking. The east side of the river is more hilly but has an abundance of water spots to fill up. The west side of the river doesn’t have any water spots until about the last mile north at a small bridge. Plenty of firewood to salvage on both sides, albeit some of it was wet. We went in late May and it got down to freezing temps the first night. Hammock was not the best option but always made for a good story to tell your friends. Second night was good. We stayed atop the crest of a hill on the west side down a path. There are designated camp sites with markers but we didn’t opt for making it a point to find one. Any place off the beaten path will do. You will see some spots that people have camped.

  • evi L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Sep. 3, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Dispersed campsites

    Beautiful area with a lot of dispersed campsites, accessible by pretty much any vehicle, although the road is a bit sandy, so maybe take precautions after rain. Large sites, some with more privacy than others, and plenty of ideal hammocking trees. Also, there's a few more sites if you take the road (right side on main rd) across the street from the entrance into this area. I had no problem finding firewood around the area, but there's a general store less than 10 minutes away that sells firewood and basic necessities, cash only during my visit on 03SEP2021 (beer, schnacks, etc.) No toilets or glamping amenities.

  • Cameron
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Awesome spaced out large sites

    Easy access, and the sites are about 50 to 200ft from each other! I love the pine tree+fern forrest. Super sandy area, but it’s nice to walk around barefoot. Haven’t seen any thorn bushes while collecting firewood. There’s no toilets or water so bring a few gallons and be prepared to poop in a hole.

  • Darwin N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    NF dispersed camping

    First time boondocking in a national forest. Had a big sight all to myself. Spent some time cleaning up from the previous individual who didn't understand the phrase "Leave No Trace".  Other than that I had a great time.

  • Kimberly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    First time dispersed camping

    This was our first time trying out dispersed camping and this location was perfect! We loved being a short drive away from Lake Michigan and plenty of hiking trails. It is in a beautiful wooded area and there were hardly an mosquitos where we were. My only complaint is that the previous visitors at our campsite left trash everywhere and had clearly had fires in at least 4 different areas. The campsite was covered in ash because of it. It’s disappointing to see that some people really just don’t care about taking care of public land.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    May. 22, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Nice Spot...Easy Access

    Sites are nice and easy to access... no issues with the road coming in... the dispersed camping is free but if you drive and park in the lots for the dunes/beach access it requires a pass or 5$ a day fee

  • Bobbi Jo K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    A Hidden Gem

    This was our first time boondocking in this area. It was beautiful, especially in the fall. Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips, thankfully we found a spot right away before we got in far. Had a 19 foot trailer with high clearance (only trailer brave enough to camp here!). Very peaceful off the grid camping. Even had cell service!

  • Courtney K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    Beautiful & free rustic camping spots!

    All up and down green Rd. there’s a ton of quiet pull offs, some with fire pits some without. We don’t have 4wd and it was fine (we went in October). And if it’s not what you’re looking for there’s also a more traditional campsite, $27 per night right up the road with facilities. The free spots were perfect for us tho!

  • Shelagh R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful sites and pleasant hiking

    Although this is listed as "dispersed" camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites. Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups. The sites along the bluffs tended to be farther from a water source, but never too far. No matter where you end up setting up camp, you're in for a beautiful and gentle hike.

  • Deanna A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    We love it here!

    We vowed to return in a month and driving there now for a long Labor Day weekend. Quiet, though our site was adjacent to a trailhead. The forest is stunning and mesmerizing! 5 min hike to dunes/beach. Never want to camp at a campground again.

  • Shelly B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    MI Backpacking at its Finest!

    Too much to say about this!

    Start at Red Bridge Access, and you can do a 23 mile loop covering miles on the North Country Trail (west side) and the Manistee River Trail (on the east side).

    Note; NCT side allows camping anywhere. MRT has specific spots.

    My review describes some of the MRT spots.

  • Josh D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 22, 2020

    Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    Great trail

    Great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite. Think it’s just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike.

    Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!



Guide to Arcadia

Camping near Arcadia, MI, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something to offer.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. One reviewer mentioned, "Amazing rangers with tons of info!" This campground is a great starting point for hiking adventures.
  • Fishing: The Betsie River Campsite is popular for fishing. A visitor shared, "This tiny little family-owned campground is one of our favorites... There are many places to put into the river."
  • Beach Access: At Lake Michigan Recreation Area, you can enjoy stunning sunsets and sandy beaches. One camper said, "The dunes were amazing! A short walk from the camping loops, the dunes open to the amazing shore of Lake Michigan."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park, fill up quickly. A reviewer advised, "You could definitely see and hear your neighbors. There are a few spots that are more private, but you’ll likely have to book in advance."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Orchard Beach State Park Campground, may not have beach access anymore. One camper pointed out, "You must travel 4 miles away to Douglas park to use a beach."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A visitor at Lake Michigan Recreation Area mentioned, "Mice and mosquitoes can be a nuisance in the campsite even if you’re careful about crumbs."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. The Indigo Bluffs RV Park is close to beaches and trails. One family shared, "We had a lovely, shaded, level, spacious site."
  • Plan for Bathrooms: Some campgrounds, like Betsie River Campsite, have clean facilities but may require a bit of a walk. A camper noted, "The bathroom is a pretty distant walk so prepare for that."
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some sites can be close together, having games or activities can help keep kids entertained. A visitor at Platte River Campground mentioned, "There was still plenty of room to space out."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cedar Campground mentioned, "There are some large rigs."
  • Electric Hookups: If you need power, look for campgrounds with electric hookups like Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park. One camper said, "The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily."
  • Dump Stations: Some campgrounds, like D.H. Day Group Campground, have dump stations available. A visitor noted, "Dump Station: Yes."

Camping around Arcadia, MI, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Arcadia, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Arcadia, MI is Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road with a 4.9-star rating from 16 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Arcadia, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Arcadia, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.