Best Tent Camping near Benzonia, MI
Tent camping options near Benzonia, Michigan include primitive sites and established campgrounds within easy driving distance. Notable options include Healy Lake State Forest Campground in Bear Lake which offers rustic sites for tent campers with basic amenities, and the White Pine Backcountry Camp in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located approximately 1.5 miles from the Lake Michigan shore via a sandy trail.
Campers should expect varying levels of amenities depending on location. At Healy Lake, tent sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets and drinking water. The sites are first-come, first-served with fees around $13 per night, payable by cash. White Pine Backcountry Camp offers more primitive conditions with a pit toilet and group cooking area with bear box, but no drinking water. Backcountry permits ($10 per night) are required and must be obtained from the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor's Center before camping.
Tent campers seeking more secluded experiences should consider the Manistee River Trail dispersed camping areas. These sites offer true wilderness camping along a scenic river corridor with no facilities. The eastern side of the river (MRT) has designated sites while the western side (North Country Trail) allows camping anywhere. Sites are well-spaced providing privacy, especially those along bluffs overlooking the water. According to one visitor, "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." Most sites can accommodate larger groups and provide easy access to hiking trails, making this area particularly popular with backpackers looking for multi-day adventures.
