The northern Michigan wilderness surrounding Atlanta offers exceptional primitive camping opportunities across state forest and national forest land. The area features dense pine forests, crystal-clear rivers, and abundant wildlife including elk populations. Temperatures range from winter lows below freezing to summer highs in the 70-80°F range, with spring and fall presenting comfortable camping conditions in the 50-70°F range.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground provides direct access to the Au Sable River. "Great, quiet, cozy place to take kids or anyone for that matter. Right on the river and clean, flat lots," notes a visitor to Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp.
Wildlife viewing: Elk herds roam the forest lands near De Cheau Lake. "Beautiful lake, blessed by the Elk bugles nearby," reports a camper, highlighting one of the region's most impressive natural spectacles during fall rutting season.
Hiking trails: Parmalee Bridge offers access points to multiple trail systems. "This was our 2nd campsite on a 3 day kayak camping trip. The site was clean and well maintained. It had a canoe only and a traditional campground area," notes a reviewer at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Ess Lake State Forest Campground offers a unique swimming experience. "The beach is grass with sand once you get in the water. Small warm inland lake," says a visitor to Ess Lake State Forest Campground.
Semi-isolation: Most campgrounds maintain adequate distance between sites. A camper at Ocqueoc Falls notes, "There is adequate space between sites and ample shade, but you can still certainly tell if you have neighbors. Additionally, you can hear road noise from M-68."
Trail system variety: The region features diverse ecosystems within short distances. A Rainbow Bend camper states, "Perfect spot to go down the river and then bike back and get your car or go down the river and get out at the bridge."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most established campgrounds operate from April through October, with some sites available year-round. Winter camping requires additional preparation for subfreezing temperatures.
Vault toilets and water access: Rainbow Bend maintains basic facilities. "There is a clean outhouse and a well with a pump that has fresh cold water," according to a reviewer.
Wildlife awareness: The forest areas around Atlanta contain black bears. A camper at Cathedral Pines Campground advises, "The wildlife will get curious if you leave something out so hang your garbage-this is bear country. Neighboring campers brought coyotes last year because they didn't pack up their food."
Entrance requirements: Most state forest campgrounds require a Michigan Recreation Passport, typically $20 per night at established sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Multiple campgrounds offer shallow river access for children. Rainbow Bend provides "great, quiet, cozy place to take kids" according to a visitor.
Site selection: For the best tent camping near Atlanta, Michigan with children, seek sites away from drop-offs. "The river is shallow by the steps so its great for the kids," notes a Cathedral Pines camper.
Pack extra supplies: Many dispersed sites lack amenities. "In addition we have almost always had the place to ourselves with only a random other camper here and there," says a Rainbow Bend visitor, indicating minimal opportunities to borrow forgotten items.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many forest campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. At Sturgeon Valley Campground, visitors appreciate the big-rig friendly sites with river access, noting "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak."
Limited hookups: Most forest sites lack electrical connections. Even at established campgrounds like Ocqueoc Falls, expect rustic conditions with no hookups for RVs.
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as most sites feature natural terrain. A visitor to Ocqueoc Falls mentioned, "We fit our small travel trailer easily into a fairly level lot. The lack of big rigs makes for a generally laid back and quiet atmosphere - a certain plus."
