Bitely, MI is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bitely. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Bitely and user-submitted reviews.
"It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail.
Loved it!"
"Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite."
"No outhouse yet but town is near. This is just down the road from Leverentz SpR."
"Coordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped."
"There looks like there are trails off of the parking lot. No signs that say no overnight parking. I'm in a van and this worked great for me. Quiet area and right off the lake."
"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". "
"This is our #1 boondocking area in Michigan (so far). This place is a hidden gem."
"This was a very difficult site to turn around in with a trailer, would not advise anyone to bring a trailer down unless they are very confident."
"Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond."
"Green road off of West Forest trail road south of Manistee Michigan. A wilderness area boundaries the campsite to the west, a short hike to the Nordhouse sand dunes."
"Tons of free dispersed camping sites on both roads. Plenty of space between sites and from the main road."
"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."
"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."
GuideFirst 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.
TravelerCoordinates took me to a parking area that was blocked off and marked private property. I parked a ways down from this spot and just hiked in and camped. Very good area for those interested in back country camping and primitive camping, lots of forest to explore. There are also quite a few drive in sites as well for car camping. There was running water in a creek south of Sand Road.
GuideThis 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.
TravelerThis 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!
GuideThis 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.
LegendI’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.
RangerSpent 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!
TravelerThis is such a beautiful site, we stayed here a few days two years ago. Green road off of West Forest trail road south of Manistee Michigan. A wilderness area boundaries the campsite to the west, a short hike to the Nordhouse sand dunes. Many sites were available to us, we chose to utilize our favorite site.
GuideGreat 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!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bitely, Michigan, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Sawkaw Lake dispersed camping areas?
Dispersed camping at Sawkaw Lake offers a true primitive camping experience with minimal amenities. Unlike developed campgrounds, there are no picnic tables, fire rings, potable water sources, or toilet facilities. Campers should plan to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste following Leave No Trace principles. Similar to other dispersed areas like Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping, the main amenity is the natural setting itself - access to the lake for fishing and recreation, surrounding forest for hiking, and peaceful seclusion.
Where is Sawkaw Lake campground located near Bitely?
Sawkaw Lake is located in the Manistee National Forest near Bitely, Michigan. It's situated in the western part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, approximately 5-10 miles from the small town of Bitely. The lake and surrounding dispersed camping areas are accessible via forest service roads that branch off from main routes in the area. While somewhat secluded, the location offers good access to the natural beauty of the Manistee National Forest region.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bitely, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bitely, MI is Sawkaw Lake with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bitely, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Bitely, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
