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Best Tent Camping near Buckley, MI

915 Reviews

Northern Michigan tent campers find various primitive options near Buckley within the Manistee National Forest region. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping offers designated tent sites along scenic bluffs, popular among backpackers seeking multi-day adventures. Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides backcountry tent camping with secluded sites away from motorized traffic, while state forest campgrounds like Hopkins Creek and Long Lake offer more established tent camping experiences.

Most tent sites in the area feature rustic amenities with varying access types. Manistee River Trail camping is accessible via hiking trails, with sites positioned along the river bluffs. Sand Lakes Quiet Area requires walk-in access with sites spread across multiple lakes. State forest campgrounds typically provide vault toilets and hand-pump water sources, with fire rings and picnic tables at established sites. Self-registration is common at many locations, with fees ranging from free at dispersed sites to $15-25 per night at state forest campgrounds. The camping season generally runs April through October, with some sites available year-round.

Tent campers particularly value the solitude and natural settings throughout the region. The Manistee River Trail offers tent sites with views of the river from elevated positions. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "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." Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides a quieter experience with ample space between tent sites. One camper shared that Sand Lakes has "spacious campsites far away from everybody" with "great hiking" and "beautiful nature." Timber Creek Campground in Manistee National Forest offers tent sites with exceptional stargazing opportunities. The primitive tent-only nature of many sites means fewer RVs and consequently less generator noise, allowing for a more authentic outdoor experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Buckley, Michigan (49)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Buckley, MI

50 Photos of 49 Buckley Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Buckley, MI

915 Reviews of 49 Buckley Campgrounds

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Sleeping Bear Bliss

    Quiet campground with sites quite close to one another. This campground butts up to the heritage trail, which is 20 miles of hiking, biking, walking, or skiing fun. A short walk will get you to Lake Michigan and it’s sandy beach. Each site has a nice picnic table, a designated tent pad (if it’s a tent site) and a fire ring with a grill top. Firewood is available on site for $5/bundle, vault toilets are also available. No shower facilities. Lots and lots of poison ivy! Stay on the paths!! And tIcks! Stay in trails and out of tall grass or weeds. The tent pad is very compacted ground, definitely need a hammer or decent sized rock to pound in the tent stakes, and also definitely bring a sleeping pad or air mat. Tent sites are only $20/night, but you also need a National Park Pass, which is $20/1 week or $40/ 1 year, so be aware of that! Stayed at site 88, seemed to be a slightly more “roomy” site than others, as there were no neighbors behind us. PLUS thIs Is located very near to thw sleepIng bear dunes and natIonal lake shore!

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Perfect Proximity

    This campground is in this system ( the Dyrt) like 3 times under similar names, and I just want to be sure you all know how great it is! This is a first-come-first-served campground, so get there earlier in the day if you want a site, even on a weekday. There are rustic bathrooms, no flushing, no sink, nothing. No showers available here, either. However, it is so close to Glen Haven, Glen Arbor, Empire, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The location is truly fabulous. You are able to take a short walk down to Lake Michigan from your site. The sites are hard packed ground, dirt, rocks...so bring a mallet or hammer to pound in your tent stakes! I would also advise a sleeping pad or air mat for this same reason. The tent pads are nice and level though, which is awesome. It rained quite a bit over night when I stayed, so I’m thankful for the level ground. There is LOTS of poison ivy on location, so stay on the trails!!! Sites were only $20/night but you also need a National park pass which is $20/week or $40/year, so be mindful of that. This is also an “Active Black Bear Site,” so everything with a scent—clothes, candles, etc., must be stored in your vehicle. No, we did not see any bears while we were there. Everyone was very friendly, and the campground was so much more quiet than anticipated. It was very peaceful and serene. Firewood is available for purchase on site through a wood vending machine basically, so have $5 bills on hand. Stayed at site #88

  • Ash S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    Very peaceful lakeside campground

    No hookups, No problem! Very quiet campground on the Shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets only but they are kept very clean.

  • Hilary S.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Walk-in sites practically on top of each other

    Pros: Designated dish-washing sink, as well as shower/bathroom building for walk-in sites specifically. Short 0.8 mile hike from camp to Lake Michigan. Bear boxes are shared between only two adjacent campsites, and are large. 

    Cons: Walk-in sites have essentially no privacy and are much less secluded than other walk-in sites where I have stayed at other parks. I was at site A003, which abutted adjacent A-loop sites as well as B-loop sites. The other sites were visible, and folks at a neighboring site were playing music late into the night.

  • Gemma G.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    Schecks Place-TRAIL CAMP enjoy privacy, the river, horse trails

    There are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.

    The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).

    The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.

    There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.

    The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.

    There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.

  • Kate K.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    Kinda overcrowded these days

    2-3 mile hike-in backcountry camping on the dunes of Lake Michigan. This is a gorgeous area that has unfortunately gotten a little overpopulated. The over night area used to be a quiet and peaceful place to unplug and unwind, but now it feels more like a party beach. Very crowded and loud. Also, too many inexperienced campers come out carrying too much stuff and leave there garbage and unwanted items all over the dunes rather than practicing “leave no trace”

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2023

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Small Sites h

    DH Bear. Sept 2023 (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 3.75 Price 2023: Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Most sites are not real great.
    Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Fine Road Noise: Bone Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No. Platt River CG has electricity. Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Be careful. Some sites do not allow generators. The more private sites are in the No-generator loop . Bathroom: Yes Showers: No Setting: Forest Weather: Very nice Bugs: Not bad Solar: Most sites do not offer enough sunlight .

  • A
    Sep. 11, 2021

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Great spots, close to beach

    Great campsite with spacious sites not too close to each other. Sites are close to the beach (3-5 min walk). Vault toilets are to be expected. Quiet at night when I was there. Easy access to hiking trails and Glen Arbor. Would stay again! $20 for basic tent site (non-electric).

  • R
    Jul. 24, 2022

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    D H Day Campground

    Enjoyed the D H Day Campground. Really liked the elevated boxes for tent placement and the site was clean. Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash. Make sure you have bug spray. Great proximity to Glen Arbor and Empire. Short drive to the dunes for hiking and cannot over recommend Empire Beach to watch a sunset.

Guide to Buckley

Tent camping near Buckley, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from serene lakes to rustic settings, there's something for every tent camper.

Tent campers should check out Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

  • This location is known for its breathtaking views and ample fishing opportunities, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Visitors appreciate the spacious campsites and the freedom to have campfires, enhancing the overall camping experience.
  • The area allows pets, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Some prices for tent camping range from $13 to $0

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Buckley, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Buckley, MI is Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Buckley, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 49 tent camping locations near Buckley, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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