Dispersed camping options near Baldwin, Michigan provide access to the Manistee National Forest's 540,000 acres of woodland terrain. The area features a mix of sandy soil and hilly landscapes with elevation changes of 100-200 feet, creating distinct camping microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with humidity levels around 70%, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions and fewer crowds at most campgrounds.
What to do
Hike scenic trails: Highbank Lake Campground offers a connector trail to the North Country Trail, perfect for dog walking or running. A reviewer notes, "Nearby NCT connector is great for dogs and walking/running in general. The road back to the campground is dirt and also nice for walking."
Fishing opportunities: Shelley Lake Campground provides lake access and boat launch areas for anglers. "The lake is beautiful but the best swimming is from the two walk in sites, the only other access is by the bridge and boat launch and has gravel for boat trailers," shares one camper.
Disc golf: Newaygo State Park Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course that draws enthusiasts. "There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing," reports a visitor who specifically enjoys this activity.
Sand dune exploration: Cedar Campground at Ludington State Park offers access to impressive dune formations. "Make sure to book a site near the dunes. This place is perfect and books up quickly," advises one regular visitor who appreciates the unique terrain.
What campers like
Secluded water access: Highbank Lake Campground provides a peaceful lake experience away from crowds. "Quiet lake and forest sites... The beach is sandy, lots of frogs and some sites right on the lake. Other wooded sites on a little hill with views of lake," explains a satisfied camper.
Multi-level site designs: Campsites at Highbank Lake feature unique terraced layouts. "The multi-level campsites are interesting and fun. You park above and set up the tent down a few stairs. It's a nice way to use the hilly area," notes a visitor who appreciated this distinctive design feature.
Affordable rustic camping: Shelley Lake offers basic sites at minimal cost. "If you're overlanding and just need a quiet crash the night spot. It's with ok sized sites. But for $10..... how can you not give this 5 stars," writes a budget-conscious traveler.
Spacious rustic sites: Sand Lake Campground provides well-separated camping spots. "Sand Lake is a quiet wooded campground. Most of the sites have a good amount of trees between them, but there is a loop with fewer trees that is ideal for a group/family camp trip," shares a regular visitor.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites offer minimal facilities. At Shelley Lake, "No water access (without filtering devices to use the lake water) and pit toilet (no door, no roof, behind a fence). Some sites have lake views, the best sites seem to be the walk-in sites on the lake."
Road access challenges: Several campgrounds have unmarked or difficult entry points. "The road to the park off 37 is unmarked and easy to miss. With the exception of the two walk-ins, the sites feel like they are right on the road," cautions a Shelley Lake visitor.
Site leveling considerations: Campgrounds in this hilly region often require adjustment. At Ludington East KOA, "Stayed on pull through site, did require some leveling as driver side was considerably lower. Delivered firewood to your site."
Cell service limitations: Many areas have poor connectivity. "No TMobile cell service & limited TV reception," notes a KOA visitor, while another camper mentions "There is little internet access with Verizon service" at Sand Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Sand Lake Campground offers great family infrastructure. A regular visitor shares, "My kids also love this campground. They get to explore by themselves and there is plenty for them to do and keep busy. There is a playground, hiking trails, swimming area, geocaching, fishing, kayaking."
Bike-friendly paths: Newaygo State Park features paved roads suitable for children's bikes. "The drive is paved so we always bring bikes for the kiddos! Another added bonus is the hiking trails," recommends a family camper who visits annually.
Group-friendly sites: Some campgrounds have dedicated areas for family gatherings. At Sand Lake, there's "a loop with fewer trees that is ideal for a group/family camp trip. The lake is clean and quiet for the most part," notes a visitor who frequently uses the site for family vacations.
Security awareness: Maintain vigilance with equipment. "Our neighbor in site 29 had put his generator under the trailer and locked it with a steel cable. It was visible from the road. At some point during the day someone cut the cable and stole the generator," reports a Sand Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Pay attention to pad orientation when booking. At Sand Lake Campground, "There are paved pads for each site although some are sloped. Also, the orientation of the paving for a lot of site is not correct for a travel trailer, i.e. the door to the trailer is not facing the fire pit and picnic table."
Size limitations: Many campgrounds in the Baldwin area restrict larger rigs. At Shelley Lake, "It would probably be difficult to park a large camper in any of these spots," and another visitor cautions about Highbank Lake's "narrow road with few turn-outs- picture a classic, small 2-track trail. I would hesitate to take a larger camper here."
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking upscale camping near Baldwin, Michigan without towing an RV, Whiskey Creek Resort offers cabin accommodations with modern amenities. "New showers in camping area, meeting area at club house, hosts are excellent," reports a satisfied visitor.
