Tent camping near Benzonia, Michigan offers secluded sites within Michigan's Manistee National Forest region. Located in Benzie County with elevations ranging from 600-800 feet, campers can expect mild summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during the day and cooler 55-60°F nights. Fall camping brings spectacular foliage colors but requires warmer sleeping bags as temperatures can drop below 40°F.
What to do
Fishing access points: Insta-Launch Campground & Marina provides excellent fishing opportunities along the river. "Its quiet here a nice cleaning station lots of 🐟," notes Ellen in her review, making it ideal for anglers seeking smaller catches.
Mini-waterfall exploration: The trails near Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping offer unique natural features. Josh D. recommends to "check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!" The area combines hiking and water features, allowing campers to cool off during summer months.
Island exploration: The ferry ride to South Manitou Island Group opens up unique hiking opportunities. As Annette B. describes, "You can hike to see the wreck of the Corazon, the cedar forest or the old homestead farms. We ate sweet plums that were ripe from one of the old trees on one of the farms."
What campers like
Lakeside privacy: Campers at Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites appreciate the seclusion. Roger V. mentions the site has "great spots near lakeside" and you'll find it "quiet, hardly saw anyone." Sites require a short walk-in from the parking area.
Clear fishing waters: Bass fishing enthusiasts find exceptional opportunities in the region's lakes. "Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count," reports Dan K. about Sand Lakes. The clear waters make fish spotting easier for both experienced and novice anglers.
Affordable camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value at several campgrounds. Emily M. notes of Insta-Launch Campground, "because it is privately owned, it was very reasonably priced. It was significantly cheaper than the state parks." Some sites run $13-15 per night, payable by cash at certain locations.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most backcountry sites in the region operate on first-come, first-served basis, but certain areas like Weather Station Campground require planning. Kristy C. advises, "The ferry is unable to reach the island in dangerous weather conditions," so extra food and flexible scheduling are essential.
Water access challenges: Many sites require filtering water from nearby lakes or rivers. Jason H. explains his solution at Weather Station: "We used a carabiner to secure a line to a tree in the camp and tossed the other end down to give us a hand in climbing back up to the site as well as dragging our bag of containers back up."
Insect protection: Bug spray is essential, especially during late spring and summer months. Troy L. notes about Manistee River Trail, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly sites: Crystal Forest Campground offers amenities that families appreciate. "Sue, the host, is lovely and accommodating. She made us feel very comfortable and checked on us often. Full hook up at each site, and pit toilets if needed," according to VB S.
Wildlife education opportunities: The small wildlife provides learning opportunities for children. Many sites have chipmunks that children can observe, though food storage is important. Several reviewers mention bringing bear canisters or hanging food, not just for bears but for what Kristy C. calls "microbears (aka chipmunks)!"
Beginner backpacking trips: South Manitou Island makes an excellent first backpacking experience for older children. "We ran into a group of young girls from a nearby summer camp who were experiencing their first 'backpacking' adventure. They were adorable and having a ton of fun," notes one visitor about White Pine Backcountry Camp.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Benzonia requires tent sites rather than developed RV facilities. John N. notes about Healy Lake State Forest Campground, "The campground itself was large with plenty of sites to choose from, first come first serve. I think it was something like $13. Bring cash!"
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should note seasonal operation dates. Insta-Launch Campground operates from "Apr 1 - Nov 15" according to their listing, making it one of the longer-season options for campers needing hookups in the region.
Road condition alerts: Access roads to some of the more remote sites can be challenging. Steve A. warns about Healy Lake, "Would not recommend wasting your time going through the washboard roads to get to it." Always check road conditions before bringing larger vehicles to remote sites.
