Best Tent Camping near Brutus, MI
State forest campgrounds surrounding Brutus, Michigan provide several options for tent camping in northern Michigan's wooded landscapes. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground, located 30 miles northeast of Brutus near Millersburg, offers 14 rustic tent campsites along the Ocqueoc River. Pigeon River State Forest, approximately 15 miles southeast of Brutus, provides dispersed tent camping opportunities with walk-in access. Stoney Creek Trail Camp in Onaway features tent-only sites with both drive-in and walk-in options, operating from April through October.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration systems. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets and hand-pump wells for drinking water. Ocqueoc Falls campsites cost approximately $20 per night on the honor system. Campers should note that cell service is limited throughout the area, with Verizon offering occasional coverage at some locations. Michigan Recreation Passports are required for entry to state forest campgrounds. The camping season generally runs April through October, though some areas remain accessible year-round for winter tent camping.
Walk-in tent sites provide greater seclusion than roadside alternatives. At Pinney Bridge, campers must hike approximately 700 yards from the parking area to reach the tent camping area. According to reviews, Ocqueoc Falls offers particularly appealing tent campsites with river access. One camper noted, "We had our own private path to the river behind our tent," highlighting the intimate connection with nature possible at these primitive tent campgrounds. The area's natural features enhance the backcountry tent camping experience, with Ocqueoc Falls providing swimming opportunities during summer months and hiking trails that follow the river. Fall visitors experience fewer crowds and colorful foliage, making it an ideal season for tent-only camping in the region.
