Dispersed camping near Copemish, Michigan offers access to over 540,000 acres of Manistee National Forest with multiple free camping options. Located at approximately 900 feet elevation, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-70s and winter temperatures dropping into the 20s. Several forest roads around Copemish connect to primitive camping areas where campers can stay up to 14 consecutive days.
What to do
Hiking on North Country Trail: From Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping, access the scenic 23-mile loop combining the North Country Trail and Manistee River Trail. "I've hiked and kayaked this trail on a few occasions and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan. You have the option to do the loop, they allow dispersed camping, and there is plenty to see and do. Waterfalls, river bends, wildlife, this trail has it all," shares Colin E.
Fishing at backwater lakes: The area has multiple fishing spots, particularly at Government Landing Campground which sits on Tippy Dam backwaters. "Nice spot by the river. Free during the off season and reserving during the summertime just costs the reservation fee from recreation.gov," notes Truly W. The pond was "warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable," according to Kevin D.
Swimming at forest lakes: Several small lakes throughout the forest offer swimming opportunities. At Sand Lakes Quiet Area, one visitor noted: "From the trail head/parking it's about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer good separation between campers. At Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF, "The sites were easy to find and surrounded by forest. I could see other campers from my site, but they weren't close," reports John C. Another camper noted, "Plenty of space between sites and from the main road."
Multiple lake access points: Sawkaw Lake offers waterfront camping with "Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail," according to one visitor. Another camper described it as "Beautiful spot overlooking the lake. Sites are large and a bit closer than I like, but on a Tuesday, not a person around."
Off-season solitude: Many dispersed areas become significantly less crowded during fall and early spring. "You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters," says Kevin D. about Government Landing. Another camper noted, "Super close to manistee beach, came in on the weekend mid September, almost all the camp spots were taken. Forest was super eerie but beautiful."
What you should know
Road conditions vary substantially: Many forest roads require higher-clearance vehicles. At Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road, "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," reports Bobbi Jo K. Another camper advised, "Road access was fair as well but better suited for smaller rigs due to tight roads and numerous curves."
Permit requirements differ by location: Some areas require camping permits while others don't. One camper at Sawkaw Lake observed, "There are signs on the sites saying permit required, but no info for that purpose. No one else had them so I stayed. May be ramping up to making it a paid site."
Seasonal closures affect access: While most dispersed camping areas remain open year-round, facilities may be reduced during winter. "Was planning on staying at Highbank Campground but it was closed. Thankfully had the Dyrt App to see this spot," shared one camper about finding Sawkaw Lake as an alternative.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites with toilet access: While most dispersed camping lacks facilities, some areas do have vault toilets. Sand Lakes Quiet Area has "breathtaking" scenery with basic facilities: "You park in this small lot with a yellow gate that is in-front of the trail and then walk down for about 10 min until you see a smaller trail to left follow that down and you will see the campsites!"
Watch for hunting seasons: Several areas permit hunting, requiring extra caution with children. One camper at Lime Lake noted: "We stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season." Similarly, at Green Road near Nordhouse Dunes: "We went in mid september only stayed in this spot for a night... it is definitely around hunting land so wear bright colors if going during season."
Check for wildlife hazards: Ticks and poison ivy are common in warmer months. A camper mentioned, "Think it's just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike." Another visitor warned, "Be aware of poison ivy" when describing their camping spot.
Tips from RVers
Smaller trailers only: Most free camping areas have limited space for RVs. "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!" shares Bobbi Jo K. about Green Road dispersed camping.
Turning radius challenges: Government Landing received this practical warning: "At site #33 which is technically not governments landing, but felt it was good information. Camping with a 20ft trailer, It was very beautiful and peaceful stay. 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."
Cell service is spotty but available: Multiple sites report some connectivity. One camper at Green Road noted, "Verizon service was fair," while others mentioned getting texts and calls through with various carriers in different areas of the forest.
